The Cold War Museum Year End Report

The Cold War Museum Year End Wish List and 2010 List of Accomplishments - Thank You for Your Support. Dear Friends and Supporters of The Cold War Museum®, I can't believe it has been a year since we signed our lease with Vint Hill Economic Development Authority (www.vinthill.com) for use of 4000 sq ft of storage and exhibit space 40 miles from Washington, DC. Now that the county building permits have been secured, Vint Hill EDA is working diligently on the building remodel. Our museum design firm, Studio Ammons, (www.studioammons.com) is in the process of providing a $70,000 in-kind donation of architectural and design services for our interior exhibits and displays (www.coldwar.org/museum/physical_location2.asp). However, we need to continue with our fundraising efforts in order to cover costs associated with our new home. Below is our year end "Wish List" followed by our 2010 list of accomplishments. We are constantly asked where our funding comes from and whether we have an endowment to support our activities. One reporter even asked if we had an "Angel." We have been very fortunate to have had generous support from a variety of sources in the past. However, until we have an endowment fund in place, our resources have to be constantly replenished. So in case you have not exhausted your charitable giving for the year, now is the time we truly need your financial support. I would like to invite you to join me in making a year end tax deductible donation to help support The Cold War Museum®. Donations, no matter the amount, can be sent directly to The Cold War Museum®, P.O. Box 861526, Vint Hill, VA 20187, or online at www.coldwar.org/museum/contributions.asp through "GuideStar," "Just Give," or "Paypal." Remember, since the museum is a 501(C)(3) charity, all donations are tax deductible. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me through www.coldwar.org. Thank you and Happy New Year. All the best, Francis Gary Powers, Jr. Founder The Cold War Museum Update 2010 YEAR END DONATIONS WISH LIST $1500 will provide graphics and text panels for one of our displays and will list the donor who made it possible. We have ten to twelve displays that need to be designed, created, and installed such as the End of WWII, Origins of the Cold War, Domino Theory-Hot Wars of the Cold War, Espionage and Intelligence Gathering, M.A.D. and Civil Defense, Space Race, Missile Gap and Bomber Gap, Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis, Propaganda, The Berlin Wall, and the Collapse of the Soviet Union-End of the Cold War. $2500 will provide a conference room table for the research library and a point-of-sale system for the gift shop. $2500 will provide gift shop shelving and two computer stations in our research library. $5000 will allow us to install a state of the art oral history collection area within the research library. $10,000 will allow upgrading to museum quality lighting and the purchase of a photocopier for the research library. $35,000 will enable us to do everything listed above. $50,000 will enable us to retrofit our storage facility with shelving, lighting, and other archival items necessary to properly care for and store our collection. $100,000 will enable us to retrofit our storage facility and hire a curator. $250,000 will enable us to add state of the art kiosks, interactive learning centers, and upgrade our exhibits that will help bring the artifacts and display boards to life so that students will truly have an unique educational experience to remember. While I understand that $50K to $250K is a lot to ask for in this context and that most people would like to see a list of what their contribution would provide before making this type of donation, I am still optimistic that I will find an Angel. I need to ask or else I will never know what would have happened. The museum is so close to opening and yet there is so much to be done to prepare. Your financial assistance, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated. 2010 ACCOMPLISHMENTS MUSEUM DESIGN AND BUILDING REMODEL -Secured $135,000 from Vint Hill Economic Development Authority and $50,000 from Fauquier County Industrial Development Authority to offset the costs associated with the museum building remodel. -Received $70,000 in-kind donation of architectural and design services for our interior exhibits and displays from museum design firm, Studio Ammons. -Received a $75,000 donation of Helzberg Diamonds display cases that can be used in our new facility. -Received a Joint House Resolution (HJ 189) from the Commonwealth of Virginia for our efforts to locate the museum in Fauquier County presented by Clerk of the House of Delegates, Bruce Jamerson, and Delegate Scott Lingamfelter. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH -Conducted a Cold War Museum Podcast interview with David Eisenhower on his new book, "Coming Home to Glory," about President Eisenhower that is now available to be listened to online http://coldwarpodcast.com. -Conducted a Teacher's Institute with the Virginia War Memorial and provided resource material to over 30 Virginia teachers from around the state for use in their classrooms. -Conducted Spy Tours for history teachers from Prince William County Public Schools, Daughters of the American Revolution (The DAR) National Convention, the Community College Humanities Association 2010 Southern Division Conference, and related groups. -Continued to work with the Diefenbunker Museum in Ottawa, Canada; the Atomic Bunker Museum in Harnekop, Germany; and the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC to display some of our artifacts until the Vint Hill site is ready. -Displayed our mobile exhibit on the U-2 Incident at The Virginia Historical Society (www.vahistorical.org) in Richmond, VA and the EAA Museum (www.eaa.org) in Oshkosh, WI. -Traveled to Moscow to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U-2 Incident. Gave lectures at the Central Armed Forces Museum, the US Embassy, and press interviews to an assortment of European and Russian media outlets. -Attended the annual EAA AirAdventure in Oshkosh, WI, the largest air show in the world. The Midwest Chapter had an exhibit booth set up in hanger B, the mobile U-2 Incident Exhibit was set up at the EAA Museum, and I gave numerous lectures, gallery walks, and joint presentations during the event at EAA. WEBSITE DESIGN AND COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT -Updated our website (www.coldwar.org) and created a space for advertisers. If you would like to advertise on our website, please let me know. The website update was made possible by a grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (www.virginia.org) and was done by C. Liston Communication (www.clisotn.com). The museum website averages over 800 unique visitors per day which equates to over 300,000 individuals, primarily students, visiting the webpage per year and learning about the international aspects of Cold War history. -Transferred our $2 million collection from four separate storage facilities and consolidated into one building. Completed collection inventory of our rare and unique Cold War artifacts thanks to a three month practicum by a Public History/Museum Studies graduate student, Kelsey Blair, from the University of West Florida. -Loaned items from our collection to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Library for use in a Cold War exhibition. TRADEMARK -Received an Affidavit of Incontestability from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for our trademark, The Cold War Museum®, and prevented the cancellation of our trademark by a disgruntled competitor.	Make your tax-deductible contribution online » UNSUBSCRIBE Use this link to unsubscribe to this newsletter » SUBSCRIBE Was this year end update forwarded to you? Use the link below to start receiving your own copy of The Cold War Times® Subscribe
MISSION: The Cold War Museum is dedicated to education, preservation, and research on the global ideological and political confrontations between East and West from the end of World War II to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.  This email was sent to sean.eagan@gmail.com from The Cold War Museum. For more information about the Museum, visit www.coldwar.org.

Mullen Salutes Servicemembers at Army-Navy Game

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2010 - Attending this year's Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia today, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the contributions of U.S. military members serving around the globe.

Just before the kickoff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen described the annual Army-Navy game as "a field of strife" that features players from "two great institutions" -– the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

This year's Army-Navy football game is the 111th since the first of the contests was played in 1890.

The chairman saluted the Army and Navy football players, noting that their gridiron exploits serve as an inspiration for U.S. troops worldwide.

The "spectacular young men on the field," Mullen said, "represent young men and women that are the best we have in the country."

Mullen also was asked about his overseas travels to meet and talk with servicemembers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Troop morale is "really terrific," the chairman said, adding that progress is being made in both countries, particularly in Afghanistan.

"I couldn't be prouder of this great military," he said.

Mullen graduated from the Naval Academy in 1968, and noted today that his first date with his wife, Deborah, was at the December 1967 Army-Navy game.

The admiral was asked if it was distressing for him to appear to be impartial about the outcome of today's game, given his position as the senior military leader of all the services.

"Impartiality is difficult, even though I'm a 'joint' guy," Mullen said.

Donors and Volunteers Honor Veterans at VA National Cemeteries

Thousands of Wreaths Decorate Veterans' Graves


Donors and Volunteers Honor Veterans at VA National Cemeteries


WASHINGTON  (Dec. 11, 2010) - Thousands of red-bowed wreaths will
decorate Veterans' graves and memorials across the country on Saturday,
Dec. 11, when volunteers place them at 131 Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) national cemeteries, state Veterans cemeteries, and at
Arlington National Cemetery and memorial sites.

"This is one of the most beautiful events repeated across the country as
thousands of volunteers honor our Nation's heroes," said Secretary of
Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "It is inspiring to see the
volunteers show their respect and gratitude for the Veterans who served
our Nation."

Last year approximately 161,000 wreaths and more than 100,000 volunteers
participated in activities. This marks the fifth year of the nationwide
event.

Most of the wreaths are donated by individuals, groups and businesses
that purchase them through the Wreaths Across America (WAA) program,
created and run by the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine,
which is donating at least seven wreaths to every VA national cemetery -
representing the branches of the military services.  Civil Air Patrol
units are arranging brief ceremonies at many locations.

The company began donating leftover wreaths to Arlington National
Cemetery in 1992 and in 2006 began the WAA program, supplying some
wreaths to all VA national cemeteries and many state Veterans
cemeteries.  The WAA Web site has been used by hundreds of people to
"sponsor" wreath placement.  Other people have purchased wreaths locally
and place them at gravesites themselves.

The ceremonies and wreaths at VA national cemeteries have increased
every year and each family organizes its own wreath laying program.

This year, the Houston National Cemetery expects the largest number of
donated wreaths - 28,000 - and the largest crowd of volunteers to place
them - approximately 13,000 people.  No large organizations are
involved; all donations have come from small businesses, a women's
memorial group, local Boy Scout troops, school children and many family
members of those interred at the cemetery.

The Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, Calif., expects
approximately 1,500 people, including local elected officials, to place
approximately 6,000 wreaths. More than half of them were purchased from
the WAA Web site by 15 organizations.  Another group, Friends of the
National Cemetery, raised funds to purchase wreaths locally to ensure
100 percent coverage of graves.

For Hampton National Cemetery in Virginia, a church has been the main
donor of artificial wreaths for five years, and 6,000 wreaths will be
provided this year. Local military installations have also promised to
contribute wreaths.  Military youth groups and veterans group members
will unload them from trucks and place them at the headstones.

For more information about Wreaths Across America, visit its Web site,
http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/.

Mullen Underscores U.S. Commitment, Praises South Korean Restraint

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=61992

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 8, 2010 - Following what he called "a very full day of meaningful discussions" today with South Korean leaders, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff condemned North Korea's acts of aggression and praised South Korea for demonstrating restraint to keep it from escalating.

Mullen and General Han Min-goo, chairman of the South Korean military, also announced following their consultative meeting that they had agreed to strengthen their joint efforts to deter further provocations and war.

The leaders condemned North Korea's Nov. 23 "deliberate and illegal armed attack" on Yeonpyeong island.

Mullen noted that the attack, which killed two marines and two civilians, brings to 50 the number of South Koreans killed this year at North Korean hands. Forty-six South Korean sailors were killed March 26 when a North Korean torpedo sunk the South Korean frigate Cheonan.

"Rather than meet belligerence in kind, you chose to meet it with restraint and readiness," Mullen told Han. "The poise you have demonstrated befits the true strength of your position and the character of your people."

Mullen emphasized, however, that North Korea "should not mistake this restraint for lack of resolve" or a sign of South Korea's "willingness to accept continue attacks to go unchallenged."

Han said North Korea's provocations have become increasingly bold and he foresees a situation that could require "an alliance-level response." He said he and Mullen discussed plans that would provide "an instantaneous and very firm response" to a possible future attack.

Joint exercises last week off the peninsula's west coast improved interoperability between the U.S. and South Korean militaries, Mullen said, while also sending North Korea "a strong signal of our intent to deter future acts of aggression."

Mullen, responding to a reporter's question, said South Korea, as a sovereign nation, "has every right to protect its people and to respond as it sees fit to effectively carry out that responsibility."

"They also have the right to choose the method with which they respond," he said.

However, Mullen emphasized that the true goal of the U.S.-South Korean alliance is to provide a deterrence that would make such retaliation unnecessary.

The chairman praised Han for his leadership during "difficult times" in building the capabilities required to provide that deterrent effect.

"Your readiness to defend your territory and your citizens is unmistakable, and my country's commitment to helping you do that is unquestioned," he said.

Mullen recognized that the United States has stood at South Korea's side for the last six decades and told the South Koreans that President Barack Obama had sent assurances that "we will be at your side for many more."

Today's talks with Han, National Security Advisor Chun Yung-woo, Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Shin Kak-soo took "a long-term view" of the alliance to ensure near-term actions are guided by the Strategic Alliance 2015 framework enacted in October, Mullen said. The talks also centered on "ensuring our plans, training and exercises are focused on full-spectrum operations to deter, and if necessary, defeat, a rapidly evolving threat," he said.

"That is why I am here today, quite frankly, to address those challenges together, to explore new ways we can overcome them, together, and to reaffirm America's resolve to ensuring together with South Korea our mutual security objectives on the peninsula and in the region," he said.

Mullen said he looks forward to working with Army Gen. Walter "Skip" Sharp, the top U.S. military officer in South Korea, as he works with his South Korean counterparts to develop specific plans and exercises supporting these goals.
 

Biographies:
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

Message From DAV

Dear Sean,

Listen to... "I'll Be Home for Christmas" Even as troops long for home during the holidays, remember our heroes as you listen to this holiday classic. And care for those who come home wounded with your holiday gift of $25, $50 or even $100 now!

When Bing Crosby recorded "I'll Be Home for Christmas" in the midst of World War II, it captured America's heart.

Then as now, people felt the need to send love to the heroes who fought and bled for our country.

Years have passed since the troops in the photo trimmed their unit's tree in wartime Europe.

Many of their buddies will be away from home again this Christmas, suffering their last illnesses in VA hospitals and nursing homes.

And, as today's wars enter their 10th year, hearts are breaking once again. Right now, a new generation is listening to "I'll be Home for Christmas" in places like Afghanistan, Iraq and Korea.

We must all think of the young veteran whose wounds make it impossible to cut down a Christmas tree or hang lights on their homes.

Bing Crosby soothed homesick hearts with "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Some say he did more for military morale than anyone of his era.

You'll continue his efforts as you care for those who paid a price in blood and health to give you the incredible gift of freedom.

As Christmas draws near, will you reach out to our Disabled American Veterans now with your holiday gift of $25 ... $50 ... $100 or more?

Remembering Heroes Over the Holidays!

Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant
Disabled American Veterans

P.S. You still have time to ask your friends and family to donate to DAV in lieu of a gift this year.  Send a DAV eCard today and ask them to Pay It Forward!

Mullen to Visit Seoul to Consult, Reassure Allies

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=61963 By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will fly to South Korea tonight for high-level consultations with defense officials there, the chairman's spokesman, Navy Capt. John Kirby, said today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen will consult with South Korean defense leaders and demonstrate the strength of the U.S.-South Korean alliance. The chairman will participate in meetings in Seoul, the nation's capitol, Wednesday. Mullen's visit is the result of "an interagency decision made late last week," Kirby said. The visit comes as tensions remain high on the peninsula following the North Korean artillery strike on Yeongpyeong island last month. The attack killed four South Koreans -- two civilians and two Marines. The discussions will focus on the alliance and new ways to cooperate and improve interoperability, Kirby said. Army Gen. Walter L. "Skip" Sharp, who leads United Nations Command in South Korea, is to participate. Mullen is to meet with new South Korean National Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and Army Gen. Han Min-koo, the chairman of the South Korean military. He also is to meet with other members of the South Korean national security team. The visit is intended to reassure South Korea "that we continue to stand by them in defense of their territory," Kirby said. "This [visit] is not meant as a message to anybody. But, that said, we've made it very clear internationally ... that we are there to stay, we are committed to that alliance, and nobody ... should mistake our resolve." Kirby said this is not an emergency consultation. "If it was an emergency meeting I suspect he would have been on a plane a lot sooner than tonight," he said. "Obviously the situation remains tense on the peninsula, but I don't believe anybody thinks we're in an emergency situation. In fact, things are at a relatively stable level, given the unprovoked artillery attack ... and South Korea's restraint."

Biographies: Navy Adm. Mike Mullen Related Articles: Mullen: North Korea's Unpredictability Endangers Region