"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
Nelson Mandela

The First Recipient!
Thanh Dat is the oldest child of the Cong Family, whose home in Ho Chi Minh City was recently rebuilt by the 2 Sides Project. Dat’s father is a Vietnam War Veteran. His disabilities keep him from full time work. Mrs. Cong is a homemaker and sews on the side. Despite their limited means, the Congs want the most for their three children. They were very proud that Dat was accepted into the University of Industry and Trade in Ho Chi Minh City. But his tuition costs are a major strain for this family. 

We visited the Congs in January 2024, and Dat told us his focus is on electrical and electronic engineering. He hopes “to become a good microchip design engineer so that everyone knows my name!”  

We were impressed with Dat’s drive and determination and wanted to help. 

Founding Supporters

Mike, Dina and Lisa Walling: Jeff’s younger brother Mike, Mike’s wife Dina and Jeff’s wife Lisa all worked with Jeff and the U.S. Government for decades to locate their missing father’s crash site. It was finally found, and their father’s remains were identified, in 2011. That cleared the way for the Walling Family to bring their father home to his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. Mike and Dina visited Vietnam for the first time in 2024. With Lisa’s support, and in Jeff’s name, they knew they could help the Vietnamese to extend the peace and healing for years to come. 

Deb Eller and Doug Godfrey: This sister/brother pair’s Vietnam journey started in 1965 when their father, Air Force Fighter Pilot Captain Johnny Howard Godfrey, left for his one year mission. He was shot down on January 11,1966 and is still listed as missing in action. Doug met Jeff Walling at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and was struck by the similarities in their stories. He marshaled his sister and the Walling families to join in on the 2024 2 Sides Project trip. They had “an experience of a lifetime, for a lifetime,” and left wanting to support the Vietnamese any way they could. 

Give to the fund!
Whether you knew Jeff personally, or are inspired by his life and purpose, your support of the Jeff Walling Scholarship/Memorial Fund are welcomed! Additional scholarship candidates are regularly evaluated as new semesters begin. Head over to the donate page to get started, and make a note in the “additional information” section that you’re supporting the Jeff Walling Fund. Thank you!