Hoang Van Thu Junior High School

Ea M'lay commune, M'Drak district, Dak Lak province

Major Donors: John & Gail Craven

Completed: August 2008

Students: 284

The D.O.V.E. Fund's first Junior High School project was inspired by Trustee John Craven and his wife Gail during his March 2007 return trip to Vietnam with the D.O.V.E. Fund. John placed a memorial plaque on his former military camp site in M'Drak in memory of his three friends, George C. Davenport Jr. (Thomasville, NC), Wayne R. Elkins Sr. (Wells, ME) and William F. McLaughlin (Roslindale, MA) who died on October 4, 1969; all members of A Company, 2nd Platoon, 70th Combat Engineer Battalion.

What began as his personal healing quest of placing the memorial plaque, evolved into a school project of love, respect and hope as the deceased men and their families were honored during the dedication ceremonies April 29, 2009. The Hoang Van Thu Junior High School provides a 'Legacy of Hope' for each student educated at this school; ensuring the untimely death of three vibrant, young soldiers was not in vain.

Their legacy will indeed carry on.