July 2026
Mission Impact
Welcome! We hope you had a wonderful Independence Day.
As our nation continues its semiquincentennial journey following this year’s Independence Day observance, this issue of The Flame of Liberty Times continues our reflection on the civic ideals, military history, and service that have shaped our country. Throughout America’s 250th anniversary, we remain committed to sharing stories that honor the past while inspiring continued service in our communities today.
This issue also marks an important milestone for the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation as we continue our leadership transition. You’ll find a farewell message from Major General Kent Hillhouse, along with an introduction to our incoming President, Charles Richards, as we celebrate both a legacy of service and a vision for the future.
You’ll also discover the story of how one veteran’s simple question unexpectedly led to the rediscovery of a forgotten Los Gatos Independence Day tradition, reminding us that preserving history often begins with a conversation and a willingness to serve.
As always, you’ll find updates on our Yellow Ribbon Initiative donation efforts, along with opportunities to connect with the Foundation through upcoming local events and ways to get involved in the months ahead.
Thank you for joining us as we honor those who came before us while supporting those who serve today. With gratitude for the generations who helped shape our nation, we remain your humble servants of witness and are grateful for your continued support of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation.
A quick guide to this edition:
Our color-coded section guide continues this month to help you quickly find the stories, events, and opportunities that matter most to you.
In This Edition
🟥 Mission Moments
- Leadership Transition Update
- Article: How VMSF witnessed the rediscovery of a forgotten tradition at the Los Gatos 4th of July Celebration
- Improving Communications to Connect Our Community
- 🟦 Upcoming Local Events and Patriotic ObservancesSunday July 26: Sarataga Classic & Cool Car Show
- Friday September 11: 9/11 Remembrance Program
- Saturday–Sunday, September 26–27 Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival
🟨 Yellow Ribbon Field Reports
- Supply Drops & VA Wish List Initiatives
🟪 Get Involved – Support the Mission
- Donations and Volunteer Opportunities
⬜ Reference & Reflections
- Did You Know
- 250 Years of America’s Stories Continues
- Photo Gallery: Moments of Service & Building Connections
Mission Moment: Leadership Transition
Honoring the Past. Carrying the Flame of Liberty Forward.
The Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation is honored to recognize an important leadership transition as we celebrate the service of outgoing President Major General Kent Hillhouse and welcome incoming President, Charles Richards.
During his tenure as President, Major General Hillhouse secured Town of Los Gatos approval and oversaw the creation of The Flame of Liberty Memorial, honoring America’s active service members, veterans, first responders, their families, and two hometown 9/11 heroes – Mark Bingham and Todd Beamer, passengers aboard United Flight 93. The heroic actions of Bingham and Beamer represent a powerful example of civilian courage and sacrifice during the events of September 11, 2001. The memorial carries forward their legacy by providing a place of honor, respect, gratitude, and healing for all those who have served. Through his steadfast commitment to honoring military service, supporting veterans and their families, and strengthening community partnerships, General Hillhouse helped advance the Foundation’s mission.
As we express our gratitude for the leadership and service of Major General Hillhouse, we also look forward to the next chapter of the Foundation under the leadership of President Richards, whose experience, commitment, and vision will build upon the strong framework established by those who have served before him.
While leadership changes, the mission of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation remains constant: honoring those who have served, supporting our veteran community, and bringing people together through remembrance, education, outreach, and service.
We invite you to read messages from both leaders as they share their reflections, appreciation, and hopes for the future of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation.
On behalf of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation, we extend sincere gratitude to Major General Kent Hillhouse for his years of leadership, service, and dedication to our mission. We wish him all the best in the chapters ahead.
Introducing Our President, Charles M. “Chaud” Richards
From joining Netzel Grigsby Associates in 1992, through to his 2026 retirement, Chaud, pronounced “Chod”, advised a diverse group of nonprofit organizations including arts and cultural institutions, museums, hospitals, educational, environmental, youth and social service organizations. His expertise includes leading successful multi-million-dollar capital campaigns, long-range strategic planning, executive searches, fundraising assessments, board governance and leadership initiatives, annual giving campaigns, and major gift programs. More than 25 of those years were dedicated to clients in Silicon Valley and across the Greater Bay Area Region.
The Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation is not new to Chaud as he led the feasibility study and capital campaign for the Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation’s Flame of Liberty Memorial in Los Gatos, California, from 2016-19. He has continued to provide pro bono counsel to the Foundation up to the current time.
Prior to joining Netzel Grigsby Associates, Chaud attained more than a decade of successful nonprofit management and development experience. During a 13-year career with the YMCA, he served in numerous positions including program director, branch executive, and president/CEO.
Chaud served as a rifleman in the 11th Armored Cavalry, Regiment, 2nd Squadron, on a tour in Vietnam from 1971/72, after completing Basic and Advance Infantry training at Ft. Ord, California. Chaud graduated from Utah State University and completed graduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He and his wife of 54 years, Ardis, live in Pleasant Hill, California. They have three children and four grandchildren.
Chaud currently serves on an advisory board in the George W. Romney Institute of Public Management in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University, and as a board member of the YMCA of the East Bay in Oakland California.
A Letter from President, Charles M. “Chaud” Richards
To Our VMSF Community,
I am honored to step into the role of President of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation and grateful for the confidence expressed in my leadership and experience. The Foundation has built the beautiful Flame of Liberty Memorial in the town of Los Gatos and has established a strong track record honoring military service, supporting veterans and their families, and preserving the stories and values that connect our community.
Our outgoing President – Major General Kent Hillhouse, U.S. Army (Ret.) has devoted his leadership and keen focus over the past 12 years in a manner so that the organization is on excellent footing for continued success. As Kent transitions to the Foundation’s Advisory Board as President Emeritus, all members of the Veterans Foundation will continue to benefit from his guidance and good counsel.
The role of volunteers in the origin of and continued support of the Foundation – as board and committee members, donors, and community partners – is key to our past and future success. The strength of this organization has always come from the people who believe in its mission and willingly contribute their time, treasure, and talents to serve others.
Looking ahead, we will continue caring for the Flame of Liberty Memorial, supporting existing veteran-focused outreach efforts, strengthening donor support, and identifying new and focused opportunities to engage veterans and supporters across generations.As our nation marked the beginning of its 250th anniversary this past Independence Day, we continue to be reminded that the freedoms we enjoy today have been safeguarded by generations of Americans who answered the call to serve. That spirit of service remains at the heart of our mission.
I look forward to working alongside all of you as we continue this important work together. Thank you for your support, your commitment, and your belief in what we can accomplish as a community.
Respectfully,
Charles Richards
President
Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation
Mission Moment: VMSF at the Los Gatos Independence Day Celebration
More Than a Bell: A Story of Veterans, History, Community, and Rediscovery
On Saturday, July 4, communities across the country celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Town of Los Gatos was no exception, hosting a wonderful Independence Day celebration at Oak Meadow Park for families and the community to enjoy.
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed performances by the San Jose Wind Symphony, a children’s parade of decorated bicycles, rides on the carousel and Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad train, and a variety of patriotic activities.
Mayor Rob Moore and Vice Mayor Maria Ristow recognized both the 250th birthday of the United States and the 175th anniversary of California’s statehood as communities across America celebrated together.
Additional civic ceremonies included the raising of the flag by Boy Scout Troop 2 of Los Gatos and an opportunity for the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation to publicly introduce our leadership transition from outgoing President, Major General Kent Hillhouse, U.S. Army (Ret.), to incoming President Charles “Chaud” Richards. Community members also had the opportunity to meet Foundation volunteers throughout the day.
Aside from meeting visitors at our booth, the public also witnessed something much bigger than a ceremonial bell ringing – the culmination of a story that began weeks earlier when Army veteran Jeff Des Jarlais reached out to Kent Hillhouse with what seemed like a simple question:
“Would it be appropriate to wear my Dress Blues while participating in ringing the Los Gatos Liberty Bell during the Town’s Fourth of July ceremony?”
Jeff explained that he had been selected by the Town of Los Gatos to ring the Liberty Bell, and wanted guidance on proper military uniform protocol for a civic ceremony. When Kent answered his question, it became clear that the simple exchange was only one chapter in a much larger story.
A Veteran’s Curiosity Leads to a Forgotten Piece of History
Jeff served as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army after commissioning through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning in 2004. He was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006–2007 and completed his military service at the end of 2007.
After moving to Los Gatos in 2008 with his wife, Kelsey Stillinger – a Los Gatos native and graduate of Los Gatos High School – Jeff developed an interest in local history. While reading newspaper archives about Oak Meadow Park, he repeatedly came across references to the “Los Gatos Liberty Bell,” permanently installed at the park. Yet despite visiting the park many times, he had never actually noticed the bell. His curiosity turned into a search.
Jeff first spoke with Parks & Public Works Director Nicolle Burnham at an Arbor Day Celebration earlier in 2026 to ask what had happened to the bell. When no one seemed certain of its whereabouts, he dug deeper into decades of newspaper archives. Eventually his research uncovered references showing that around 1971, the bell had been placed in storage at the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad when it wasn’t being used during Fourth of July celebrations.
Jeff emailed copies of the historic newspaper articles to Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad General Manager, Will Whitney. Will confirmed they had a bell that seemed to match the photographs. Even more surprising, none of the staff knew its history. According to Will, the bell had simply been “living comfortably in the carousel building for as long as I can remember.” The comment captured how this piece of Los Gatos history had remained quietly preserved in plain sight, waiting to be rediscovered.
Jeff later described reconnecting the pieces of history as “exciting and fun” for everyone involved.
The History Behind the Bell
Along the way, Jeff also discovered that the ringing of the Los Gatos’ Liberty Bell was part of a nationwide tradition. In 1963, following a Congressional Resolution and a proclamation by President John F. Kennedy, communities across America were encouraged to participate in a National Bell Ringing ceremony each Independence Day by ringing bells at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (11:00 a.m. Pacific), commemorating the ringing of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia at the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
That same year, Los Gatos residents raised funds through the Times-Observer newspaper and the Los Gatos Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) to purchase the town’s own Liberty Bell.
Beginning on July 4, 1963, a specially selected member of the community was given the honor of ringing the bell. Over the years, that honor was bestowed on everyone from Scout troops to civic leaders. The tradition grew in prominence during the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976 before gradually fading from public memory. Newspaper references became less frequent during the 1980s, with what Jeff felt was a final mention in 1990, when the Liberty Bell joined the Los Gatos Antique Fire Bell in Town Plaza (instead of its “permanent” home of Oak Meadow Park).
After that, both the bell and its annual ringing tradition quietly disappeared from the community’s memory, until one veteran started asking questions.
Ringing History Back to Life
This Fourth of July, Jeff Des Jarlais – joined by his eight-year-old daughter – rang the Los Gatos Liberty Bell 13 times in honor of the original thirteen colonies. Also in attendance were his wife Kelsey, two daughters, and Kelsey’s parents. According to The Los Gatan, Jeff received this honor because of the work he had done to rediscover the nearly 300-pound bell and bring its history to light.
The Takeaway
While we had the opportunity to meet Jeff in person for the first time during the celebration commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States, our connection began much earlier – with a veteran simply asking another veteran for guidance.
Jeff reached out.
Kent responded.
A relationship began.
This story reminds us that history does not survive by accident—it survives because someone cares enough to ask questions.
Sometimes supporting veterans begins with helping navigate military traditions.
Sometimes it means making a connection.
Sometimes those conversations preserve history.
That is the heart of what Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation is all about.
This is a story of how curiosity, military service, local history, and community unexpectedly came together on the Fourth of July.
History lives because people preserve it.
Sometimes that starts with asking one question.
And sometimes… it begins by ringing a bell.
Learn More!
For additional coverage of the July 4 celebration at Oak Meadow Park, read The Los Gatan article.
For readers interested in following Jeff Des Jarlais’ research tracing the history of the Los Gatos Liberty Bell—including historic newspaper clippings dating back to 1963—visit his webpage dedicated to the history of the bell.
Learn more about the National Bell Festival, Inc., the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the nationwide bell-ringing tradition.
Mission Moment: Connecting Our Community
Improving Communication is Part of our Mission
Over the past six months, you’ve likely noticed a few changes to The Flame of Liberty Times.
Firstly, moving from a quarterly to a monthly publication has allowed us to share Foundation news, volunteer opportunities, historical features, and ways to get involved more frequently with our community.
Along the way, we have also refined the newsletter’s structure to make it easier for readers, volunteers, donors, veterans, and community partners to find the information that matters most.
Thank you for growing with us as we continue to strengthen this connection between our readers and the veteran community we proudly serve.
Upcoming Local Events
Events in our surrounding area that you can attend.
đźš— 15th Annual Saratoga Classic & Cool Car Show
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Historic Saratoga Village
Celebrate a week of classic cars, community, and summer tradition at the 15th Annual Saratoga Classic & Cool Car Show, culminating with Sunday’s showcase in Historic Saratoga Village. Follow the event link for details and registration updates—and while you’re there, stop by the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation booth to meet members of our team.
🇺🇸 September 11 Remembrance Program – Save the Date
Friday, September 11
Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn
110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos
Join the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation as we honor the survivors, victims, and heroes of September 11, 2001. On the 25th anniversary of this tragic day, our community will gather in reflection and remembrance to pay tribute to those we lost and recognize the enduring spirit of service that emerged in its wake.
Event details will be announced on our website and through our social media channels as soon as they become available.
🎨🍷 Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival
Saturday–Sunday, September 26–27 | 10:00 AM–6:30 PM
Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn
110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos
Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos, the annual Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival (also known as the Los Gatos Fiesta) is one of the community’s signature fundraising events, with proceeds supporting youth programs throughout Silicon Valley. While enjoying the art, music, and local vendors, be sure to visit the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation booth and connect with members of our volunteer team.
Learn more about the festival and ways to sip, shop, & sway to the music.
Upcoming Patriotic Observances
The following dates mark important moments in our nation’s history and traditions of service. We invite readers to explore, reflect, and observe in ways that are meaningful to them.
August
- August 4: Coast Guard Birthday (1790)
- August 7: Purple Heart Day
- August 29: Marine Forces Reserve: (1916)
September
- First Monday in September: Labor Day
- September 11: Patriot Day
- September 17: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
- September 18: Air Force Birthday (1947)
- September 18: Air National Guard Birthday (1947)
- Third Friday in September: POW/MIA Recognition Day
- Last Sunday in September: Gold Star Mother’s/Family’s Day
Yellow Ribbon Field Reports
Highlighting Veteran Impact and Community Support
Supply Drops & VA Wish List Initiatives
The Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation proudly supports veterans served by the VA Palo Alto Health Care System by providing resources and support through our Yellow Ribbon Initiatives.
During the month of July, our Yellow Ribbon Team delivered Supply Drops and fulfilled VA Wish List requests to the VA Health Care System for items that are desperately needed and are not provisioned from Veterans Administration resources.
If you are interested in helping support Supply Drops and fulfill VA Wish List requests for veterans and their families, please consider making a donation. Your support helps us continue providing meaningful resources that complement the care and services available to those who have served our country.
Helping Meet Veteran Needs, One Delivery at a Time
Supporting the Defenders Lodge
On July 2, Foundation volunteer Mary Lancaster coordinated another generous donation from San Jose FedEx, resulting in two SUV loads of donated items.
The household and wellness supplies were delivered to the Defenders Lodge in Palo Alto delivered by Mary and Foundation volunteer and Board Member, Wayne Heimsoth.
These contributions help provide needed resources and support for veterans receiving care through the VA system.
Music Therapy Support at the VA Monterey Clinic
On July 7, Foundation volunteer and Board Member, Wayne Heimsoth delivered a Remo Mondo 25×14 djembe drum to the Mental Health Clinic Music Therapy program at the Monterey Division to support music therapy programming.
The instrument will be used for active music-making and related therapeutic experiences designed to support veterans’ mental and physical well-being by encouraging connection, coordination, and emotional expression.
Reducing Isolation Through Community Connection
On July 10, Foundation volunteers Wayne Heimsoth and Bonnie Clark delivered a Pizza My Heart gift cards to the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Coordinator at the VA in Palo Alto.
Gift cards like these are just one way to provide support as a part of the many community activities available to veterans as part of efforts to reduce isolation and encourage connection.
Our Yellow Ribbon activities show that our service is not only memorials and ceremonies; it is drums supporting music therapy, gift cards helping reduce isolation, and practical support reaching veterans where they are.
Together, these Supply Drops and VA Wish List contributions represent two complementary dimensions of the Yellow Ribbon program: broad operational support and hands-on donations that directly benefit veterans receiving care. Every contribution creates meaningful impact.
Please see the Get Involved section below to learn how individuals, businesses, community groups, and local organizations can participate.
Get Involved – Support the Mission
Independence Day has officially passed, but the observances and celebrations of our nations’ 250th continue.
We would like to ask for your continued support of our America 250 initiatives and help expand our outreach as we move through this season of national reflection. Your support ensures the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation can continue sharing inspiring stories of service, sacrifice, and civic engagement with future generations and improve the lives of America’s veterans and their families.
Make a donation, dedicate a paver, or join the Wall of Gratitude using the options below.
Make a Donation Donate a Paver in Honor Join the Circle of Supporters On the Wall of Gratitude
Volunteer Recruitment:
Your experience has value!
We are seeking volunteers and community members who would like to participate in the growing work of supporting veterans and their families. There are many ways to contribute – whether through assisting at events, supporting community outreach, sharing professional experience in mentorship and knowledge-sharing, or helping expand program initiatives and capacity.
Your time, talents, and treasures are an important part of our mission.
If you are interested in supporting programs that serve veterans and their families, we encourage you to learn more about how you can get involved.
Explore volunteer opportunities
VMSF volunteer Tyler Brunner, owner and photographer @ seenPhotographs.com documents the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation’s leadership transition and participation in the Los Gatos 4th of July celebration. In the words of President Richards, “Everywhere I went, you were already there, snapping away.”
📢 Spread the Word! 📢Sharing this newsletter with others helps extend our reach to veterans and families who may benefit from support, while helping us connect with individuals who want to support our mission.
If someone shared this newsletter with you, we are glad you are here!
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Newsletter Archive
Looking for a previous issue? Browse The Flame of Liberty Times Archive to learn more about our mission, community impact, and the veterans we serve.
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Stay Connected!
Our newsletter is just one way to stay connected with the Foundation.
Follow us on our social media links below for event photos, volunteer highlights, mission updates, and for the most up-to-date information and events and stories between editions.
Reference & Reflections
We celebrate July 4th as the day the Second Continental Congress adopted the final wording of the Declaration of Independence. But the delegates didn’t actually begin signing the Declaration until a month later on August 2, 1776!
Mission Moment: 250 Years of America’s Stories Continues
As communities across the nation reflected on Independence Day and the meaning of America’s semiquincentennial, the celebration of our 250th anniversary continues. This milestone is more than a single day on the calendar—it is an opportunity throughout the year to explore the people, ideas, and moments that have shaped the ongoing story of our nation.
In our June edition, we introduced award-winning historian and author Heather Cox Richardson’s 250 for 250 initiative, a project created to highlight 250 stories from 250 years of American history. Working with a team of researchers, educators, and narrators, Richardson’s series explores themes including democracy, innovation, civil rights, community, conservation, education, and creativity.
The series looks beyond traditional history lessons focused only on presidents, battles, and major political figures, bringing attention to the everyday citizens, communities, and ideas that helped shape the country we know today.
Since launching, the project has continued to share short reflections on the individuals and events that have contributed to America’s journey. By the time this edition of The Flame of Liberty Times was in the process of being written, the series has released more than 100 stories in over eight weeks – that averages to nearly 12 one-minute stories a week, and being over 30% completed with their series run!
If you have not yet explored the series, there is still plenty of time. America’s 250th anniversary does not begin and end with July 4th—the observance continues throughout the year, offering many opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage with the many voices and perspectives that make up our shared history.
Readers interested in following along can find the videos through Heather Cox Richardson’s newsletter and social media channels linked below, or by searching #WeAreAmerica250.
Substack | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky | Threads
Photo Gallery: Moments of Service & Building Connections
VMSF Visions of the 4th
Please enjoy these photos of the Independence Day celebration at Oak Meadow Park along with some more personal photos from our volunteer members as they celebrated the holiday with family, friends, and community.
Photo Credits:
- Tyler Brunner
- Matt Buxton
- Allie Conklin
- Kent Hillhouse
- Rebecca Olsen
Essential Information for Veterans and Their Family Members
Navigating services and benefits can sometimes feel overwhelming. The following links help connect veterans, caregivers, and family members with important VA resources, support information, and helpful tools.
Learn more and access official resources here:
- 👉 VA.gov main webpage – Start here for eligibility and connection resources
- 👉 VA.gov main benefits hub – Explore healthcare, disability, education, and more
- 👉 National Archives DD214 request – Official portal to request military service records
Visit our Website & Stay Informed
For more information on the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation or to make a donation please contact us:
Website: https://honoravet.org/
Email: [email protected]
Phone:1-833-466-6728
(1-833-HonorAVet)
Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation | 481 North Santa Cruz, #250 | Los Gatos, CA 95030 US
