Dennis McBroom
D.O.V.E. Fund member

I entered the Army as a draftee and trained in the Armor School at Ft Knox. New Years Eve l967 found me in a barracks at Ft.Lewis, WA, departing for Vietnam at first light, New Years day, 1968. As a replacement for the 1st Field Force/Artillery, I was part of a forward observation team stationed in the Central Highlands/ II corp area of Vietnam just in time for the 1968 Tet offensive. My in-country travels included the scenery of Kontum, Dak To, Pleiku, Polei Kan, An Khe and as far South as Phan Thiet.

I have found much closure in my involvement with the D.O.V.E. Fund. In 2005, I was part of a group that identified the remains and secured the return of my high school classmate Sgt. Michael Batt, MIA since 1969. Then in 2007, through donations of friends, family, and community members in his hometown of Defiance, Ohio, the D.O.V.E. Fund helped build an elementary school in Quang Tri province where Michael served. Today, on the front of the school is a large plaque bearing the name of my friend, Michael Batt..

I encourage those who have a connection with Vietnam, particularly veterans, to learn more about the D.O.V.E. Fund. We are providing hope and opportunity to so many grateful people in a country that truly need and appreciate our help.