For Immediate Release
February 20, 2010		 Contact: Lisa Gough
(202) 393-0090, ext. 109

 


VVMF PRESIDENT JAN SCRUGGS REMEMBERS ALEXANDER HAIG
Friend, Patriot, Vietnam Veteran

Former Secretary of State Gen. Alexander Haig, USA (Ret.), died today at age 85. A career Army officer who achieved the rank of four-star general, he served in Korea and Vietnam before entering the political arena. In Vietnam, Haig was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. A lieutenant colonel who was promoted to colonel during his tour of duty, he was a brigade commander for the 1st Infantry Division (U.S.) in Vietnam.

Haig was a supporter of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) and an inspiration for many of VVMF’s programs. A member of VVMF’s Corporate Council, Haig advocated the organization increasing its involvement in education. As a result, VVMF produced a teacher’s curriculum guide, a field trip guide and activated a network of educators around the country to distribute resources about Vietnam lesson planning in the schools. Haig spoke movingly at The Wall on Memorial Day 1999.

VVMF Founder and President Jan Scruggs remembers Haig:

“There were many reasons to respect Alexander Haig, but this story sticks in my mind: We were discussing his career and his decision to leave private industry—where he was making millions of dollars—to join the administration of President Reagan. Most people would have bowed to self-interest and stayed in the job that paid the most money. But Haig had nobler reasons. He said he was happy to have a chance to serve his country again, and that was more important than money.

"Alexander Haig was a serious man and a real patriot. His influence at VVMF is still being felt, and his passionate belief that we should become involved in education will benefit thousands of schoolchildren for years to come. He is a friend who will be missed by all of us.”

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