Manager named by Foundation

Zoppe

Franchesca Zoppe has been named executive manager of the David Westphall Veterans Foundation.

The Foundation is the support organization of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Chapel at Angel Fire.

As executive manager, Zoppe will supervise the Memorial Gift Shop and its employees and work closely with the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

She also will coordinate with the state Department of Veterans Services, which owns and operates the Memorial and Chapel.

During Navy service

Zoppe previously was CEO, salesperson, and buyer for CFT Decor & Gifts in Taos.

She retired from a successful career of 35 years in high technology, working with companies such as Cisco, EMC, and Dell Technologies, as vice president, product management, program manager, quality assurance manager, and security director.

Zoppe also currently serves as financial director of Friends of the Angel Fire Dog Park.

She is a Navy veteran and holds a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and an MBA.

Directors report on Memorial

ROSWELL — Bob Wooley and Jack Swickard gave an overview of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Roswell Rotary Club members.

Wooley and Swickard are longtime members of the David Westphall Veterans Foundation.

In their talk to the Rotary club, they presented a history of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire, from its beginning as a memorial to Marine Lt. David Westphall, who died in combat during the Vietnam War.

Wooley also spoke about the renovation — which he spearheaded — of the UH-1H Huey, a centerpiece of the Memorial at Angel Fire.

Swickard flew the Huey in combat during the Vietnam War when it was assigned to the 118th Assault Helicopter Company at Bien Hoa, RVN.

Westphall elected director emeritus

Walter Westphall has been elected director emeritus of the David Westphall Veterans Foundation by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Westphall co-founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire, along with his parents, Dr. Victor Westphall and Mrs. Jeanne Westphall.

The Memorial was founded in July 1968 following the death of his brother, Marine 1st Lt. Victor David Westphall, who was killed in action in South Vietnam on May 22, 1968.

Walter was a board member of the Westphall Foundation and its previous incarnations from the beginning.

The Foundation donated the Memorial to the State of New Mexico in November 2005. It is operated by the state Department of Veterans Services. 

Walter served on active duty in the Air Force for 9 years. As an enlisted man, he served as a weapons release systems mechanic on F-105 and F-4 aircraft. Walter was commissioned in the Air Force through the Airman Education and Commissioning Program.

He became an Air Force pilot in October 1969 and was assigned to duty as a KC-135 pilot. His assignments included TDYs to Southeast Asia in the fall of 1970 and the fall of 1972, which involved air refueling of B-52s, RC-135s, F-l05s, and F-4s.

Following military service, he worked as a financial institution examiner and retired from federal government service in 1993.

Walter has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Denver. Walter and his wife, Dorothy, have a daughter, Kimberly, and a son, David.  

“There have been a lot of painful experiences given the difficulties in creating and perpetuating the Memorial, but the years since ownership by the State of New Mexico, starting in 2005, have brought a lot of relief, even joy,” Walter said.

“My parents died over 20 years ago and did not live to see the project free from financial stress and administrative turmoil.

“That is sad, but I also realize that on a daily basis, they were able to witness how their efforts were appreciated by veterans and the public alike,” Walter said. “I was blessed to be a part of a project that ensured Vietnam veterans, including my brother, are honored rather than forgotten.”

Lt. Walter Westphall stands beside a T-38 jet trainer at Craig Air Force Base, Ala., in May 1969.

Ken Nava elected to board

Retired Maj. Gen. Kenneth A. Nava has been elected to the David Westphall Veterans Foundation Board of Directors. 

Nava served as New Mexico adjutant general from 2017 until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2021. He succeeds Richard “Dick” Dickerson on the Westphall Board.

Ken Nava

Nava was commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery officer upon graduation from the New Mexico National Guard Academy in Roswell in August 1992. He served in various Guard positions throughout the state.

He and his wife, Dawn, have been married for 34 years. The couple has three children and seven grandchildren.

His cousin, Marine Cpl. Francis X. Nava was the first person from Santa Fe killed during the Vietnam War, on Sept. 10, 1966.

“My uncle, Staff Sgt. Frank Arrey Jr., was killed 11 days later on Sep 21, 1966,” Nava said.

Nava served as a battalion commander in Iraq. He recalled that “Vietnam veterans were the first to greet my soldiers and me when we returned from their one-year combat tour in 2010.

“It is an understatement to say that our Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families have a special place in my heart,” he said. “I am honored to have been selected to serve on this Board, and I look forward to whatever I can contribute.”

Fox re-elected to Westphall board

Retired Brig. Gen. Jack R. Fox has been re-elected to the David Westphall Foundation Board of Directors.

He has served on the Board for six years and is vice president of the Foundation, which supports the New Mexico Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Jack Fox

Fox served as cabinet secretary of the state Department of Veterans Services from January 2015 to December 2018.

Before that, he served in the Army, Army Reserve, and New Mexico National Guard for 30 years. His service has included commanding an infantry company, an airborne company, an air defense battery, and an air defense battalion.

Fox also served as commandant of cadets at New Mexico Military Institute and president of St. John’s Military School.

He was deputy adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard from 2007-2010 and served as the Guard’s chief of staff.

Fox and his wife, Marvine, have been married for 58 years.