Teresa Vetter, President
Teresa grew up in Mankato and now works for Alliant Techsystems in Hopkins. “We need to think long and hard before we send our 18- and 19-year-olds off to fight wars halfway around the world,” she says. “It was not one of my brothers who was sent to Vietnam and didn’t come back. But next time it could be me.”
Gary Lindsay, Vice President
Gary served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1964 with the Special Security Detachment. He returned twice more between 1965 and 1971 to work as a civilian. Today he is a computer software consultant. About the memorial, he says, “Those who were not proud of the war may at least say that they are proud of the warriors, and the warriors whose names are on the Memorial would be able to say that they are proud of the people they died for.”
Gary Holthaus, Secretary
Gary served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968 and returned home with a Purple Heart. He has worked for the Osseo School District for 13 years. “Being a ‘Nam vet,” he says, “I felt it was time that we, as Minnesotans, recognized our own. It is time to heal and time to realize we are finally home. I did it for love.”
Tom Asp, Treasurer
Tom served in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam, from 1970 to 1971. He currently works for the State of Minnesota. “The Vietnam Ware was not just the serviceman’s nightmare, it was everyone’s. For each name on this Memorial, there is a family left behind – friends, neighbors, and school chums. Minnesotans needed a restful spot to gather and reflect on this past sacrifice, a place to go and embrace our feelings, and a healing destination. It was my duty to help.”
Sally Adams
Mother of three boys and a grandmother of 12, Sally got involved with the Memorial because her son is a Vietnam vet. “He came home alive,” she says, “but something inside him had died.”
“Welcome home, Vets! And thank you! 1,120 names on the Memorial is the price Minnesotans paid for their freedom! God bless you!”
Gary Wisbar
A highway technician with Washington County since 1972, Gary served as a Huey crew chief with the 116th Assault Helicopter Company (Hornets) at Cu Chi from 1967 to 1968. He resides in Stillwater with his wife, Mary, and their four children. “The Memorial was a means to pay a long-overdue debt,” he says, “a debt of honor and respect. We buried our dead, but we never even said thank you. Well, now it’s time.”
Carol Holthaus
Carol has worked for the Prudential Insurance Company for nine years. “I come from a military family. My father and three uncles served in WWll and a cousin served in Korea. My brother and husband both served in Vietnam. I have dedicated the last five years of my life to building this Memorial because my life and my family’s life have been greatly affected by the Vietnam War.”
Joanna Koski
Joanna has been volunteering time at the Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial since 1988. She is currently Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Board for Little Six, Inc. “If I could help one person be at peace by being a part of this Memorial project,” she says, “then I would feel that I’d accomplished much.”
Mary Wisbar
As a volunteer Mary answered phone calls, helped with fundraising events, and gathered up memorabilia that vets, family members, and friends left behind at the wall. “As I would collect the memorabilia, a feeling of sadness over the loss of so many lives, as well as the impact the war had on the families of those on the wall, touched me deeply. It was very gratifying to be a part of the effort to see the memorial built for the Veterans and their families.” Mary is married to Vietnam Veteran and a fellow board member, Gary Wisbar.
Rich Laffin
Rich Laffin is a licensed architect who has been practicing since 1983. Winning the MVVM competition and seeing its construction has almost certainly been the highlight of his career. He has been an MVVM board member for many years.
Nancy Larson
Nancy was eighteen when her 20 year old brother Verle was killed in Vietnam. She began healing twenty years later by attending memorial meetings, connecting with others, and volunteering. By sharing her loss with other family members and Vietnam Veterans, Nancy found compassion and support for her woundedness. Nancy’s involvement with the memorial, especially the dedication ceremony, is the highlight of her life.