I know we are all shocked and saddened to learn that Annie has left this world too soon.  She leaves us with our memories of her warmth, kindness and enduring legacy of what she gave to our country as a nurse and veteran advocate.   I just can't believe I won't see her this Veteran's Day.

Annie was one of the most loved and dedicated women veterans of the Vietnam era.   She died unexpectedly of a cerebral hemorrhage on September 2nd  while attending the Wolfhound, 25th Infantry, Reunion in Lexington, Kentucky.    I cannot think of a better place for Ann to leave this world than in the midst of the men and women she loved and who loved her so dearly.  Ann was on duty at the 12th Evac Hospital in Cu Chi,  when she received word that her fiancé, Gary Jones, 25th Infantry Division,  was killed.  She lost Gary, but gained a huge family of hundreds of brother veterans who admired and loved her.    In l968, after finishing her first tour of duty in Vietnam, Ann and I were roommates at Ft. Lee, Virginia -- until I left for Vietnam. Annie was beautiful, inside and out.  We became fast and close friends.   I called Ann in the early 80's to ask her if she would help with the Vietnam Women's Memorial effort.   Annie said, "No, I don't do Vietnam."   She wanted no part of it.   Soon we started talking about things, and the woman who wouldn't speak of Vietnam became one of the most vocal proponents for her sister and brother vets.   She leaves a trail of friendships from the many hospitals she served in during two tours in Vietnam, stateside, and the hundreds, if not thousands of people she touched.  

Most recently, Annie has served as the Treasurer, and member of the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation.

Peace to Annie, peace to us.
Diane Carlson Evans

                    In Memory of Annie.............Your love radiates within us until we join you.

Diane Carlson Evans
(406) 457-8440 (office)
President and Founder
Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, Inc.
1735 Connecticut Avenue NW
3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20009
www.vietnamwomensmemorial.org

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From: Diane Carlson Evans

             Ann Cunningham Memorial Service

The date, time and location for Ann's memorial service has been confirmed:

Saturday, October 6, 2007
4:00 - 5:30 P.M.

First Baptist Church
735 Park Street
Charlottesville, Virginia.

Followed by a celebration dinner.  Place TBA

In lieu of flowers the family asks that remembrances be sent to:
 Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, Inc.
 1735 Connecticut Ave. NW, 3rd Floor
  Washington, D.C. 20009
                        or
Almost Home Pet Adoption Center
 29 Stagebridge Rd., Lovingston VA 22949

Memories and tributes can be sent to:  Opal S. Cunningham
  P.O. Box 42784,    Cincinnati, Ohio  45242-0784.

For those planning to attend the Annie Cunningham memorial service,  a block of 20 rooms at the Best Western Cavalier Inn at  105 N Emmet Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903-1728 has been reserved.  The Inn is on  the University of Virginia campus and is 1.8 miles from the First  Baptist Church. The telephone number at the inn is  (434) 296-8111; when you call, tell them you are with the Ann Cunningham group.  Do NOT use an 800 number; it will put you into a  booking system that will not recognize the group reservation. You can  pay individually. The cost of the Cavalier is comparable to other similar hotels in the area.  If  20 rooms are filled the cost will be $119 + 11% tax =  $132.09.    Contact Charlottesville hotel guides for other available lodging.

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If you know of a woman Vietnam veteran who has passed in the last 5 years, please notify the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation via this email address. On Nov 11th 2008, during the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial, we will read the names of all those who have passed away during and since the Vietnam War.

Cindy Gurney
Executive Director
Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, Inc
1735 Connecticut Ave. NW 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20009

866-822-8963