Interview with Dana Chwan on Santa Fe's KSBF
Dana was the honored guest on June 6th, 2017 on "Calling All Veterans" on KSBF 101.5 in Santa Fe. Visit this link to hear the podcast of her interview with Chuck Zobac on his weekly radio show, focusing on veteran's issues. |
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Recently, Dana was the 'teacher' at a Methodist Church Sunday school class in Santa Fe and urged the attendees to become active by contacting their Washington Senators and Representatives about their opinions and input for various current and upcoming vote choices.
Dana attended a program in Salida, Colorado on July 4th that re-dedicated a WWII memorial that was uncovered and restored. Her daughter, Michele C. Wayland was instrumental in the process that repainted 703 names of Chaffee County residents that served in World War II..She's pictured here with Dan Johnson, local WWII survivor and Elks Lodge historian who almost single-handedly raised over $28,000 for the restoration project.
Dana was interviewed by Nancy Wiegman on North State Public Radio of California earlier this year. The radio interview had a timely release on May 27th, just as people everywhere prepared for a three-day weekend and kick-off to summer.
Listen www.mynspr.org time 58:57 (north state public radio - Chico, Calif)
Listen www.mynspr.org time 58:57 (north state public radio - Chico, Calif)
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In December of 2015, a "Colorado Christmas Miracle" occurred when a chance meeting at lunch with a friend turned into a connection with retired airforce pilot instructor, Earl Bjurstrom. The amazing story was picked up by the local papers in Chaffee County, Colorado (The Mountain Mail) as well as the 'hometown' paper in Tampa, Florida (Tampa Bay Online) . |
Dana with Jerry Martinez in July
Dana was the July (2015) speaker at Santa Fe's VVA 996 chapter. She presented facts about the Vietnam War, those who served, America's role there and the POW/MIA issue. One well-received quote was from President Lyndon B Johnson who boasted: '...they can't even bomb an outhouse over there without my permission.' This illustrates the restrictions that were placed on our leaders in Southeast Asia and how this was the first "armchair war" directed from the White House and Pentagon. She thanked veterans for their service to country and urged them to continue being of service in the community.
Dana donated a copy of her book to the chapter which could be sold to add funds to their treasury.
Dana donated a copy of her book to the chapter which could be sold to add funds to their treasury.
Dana attended a book-signing event on October 11th at CCA Theater, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe NM in conjunction with the local showing of the movie "Last Days in Vietnam". This documentary movie was produced and directed by Rory Kennedy, the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy. A portion of Dana's book sales on that day were donated to Veterans For Peace.
Dana with Joe Galloway
Dana spoke at a POW/MIA candlelight vigil the evening before Memorial Day 2014 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico. She was there with many others to honor and remember the sacrifice of our servicemen and women, both past and present. A special guest at the event was author, Joe Galloway.
Joe Galloway was a featured speaker at the Monday program. Joe was a UPI photographer in-country in Vietnam, and wrote the book, "We Were Soldiers Once.... and Young," which was made into a movie starring Mel Gibson. The book told the story of one of the most horrific battles of the war in the Ia Drang Valley in 1965, which Joe photographed. Even though he was a civilian, he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic efforts to save wounded Americans in the battle.
"I thank you for your interest and for whatever reason you decided to read this book, I hope that you find some benefit and way to add a measure of kindness and compassion to others and our world"
Dana Chwan
Dana at "the Wall" with Woody.
Dana Chwan's story is detailed in Chapter One of "The Reluctant Sorority". She was born in Quitman, Georgia and graduated from the University of Tampa. Her list of jobs, skills and talents is long and varied. From high school English teacher, realtor and property manager, to unique women's apparel retailer and life-long student of spirituality, she has brought a sense of creativity and passion to every endeavor. An outspoken advocate for war veterans and the POW/MIA issue, Dana enjoys 'spreading the word' through public speaking and now, writing. She continues to be energetic and active in a number of civic, not-for-profit, social and veterans' organizations, splitting her time between her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and visits to Salida and Buena Vista, Colorado.