Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War
From the Chairman
ifty years ago, Operation Homecoming brought the joyful return of 591 American POWs from Vietnam. President Nixon devotes almost ten pages in his memoirs to their homecoming. His description of the White House dinner held in their honor concludes with “...I felt that this was one of the greatest nights in my life.”
As the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, I know what a difficult challenge it can be to negotiate with friend and foe alike when our fellow citizens are detained abroad. The stakes are high in every one of these situations but the negotiations that freed our POWs from Vietnam literally involved war and peace.
In May the Nixon Foundation re-created that historic White House dinner, still the largest in history, at the Nixon Presidential Library. I borrowed some words from President Kennedy that evening to describe it as the most extraordinary collection of human honor, courage, patriotism and heroism that’s ever been gathered anywhere — at least since the White House in 1973.
This was one of many educational programs that the Nixon Foundation hosted in 2023 to commemorate the end of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. You can learn more in this issue of Legacy & Vision
As we honor the sacrifices of these brave Americans and their families 50 years ago, we realize that it is important to teach their stories to the next generation of Americans. Their stories should be part of the basic framework of our shared American civics and history. Because American civics is not taught widely in our nation’s schools, we need to take action. I invite you to learn more about how you can help do this by supporting the American Civics Campaign at nixonfoundation.org/civics.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert C. O’Brien, Chairman
Charlie Zhang, Treasurer
Everett Alvarez, Jr.
Lisa Argyros
James Byron
John H. Carley
Christopher Nixon Cox
Tricia Nixon Cox
Steven L. Craig
Monica Crowley
Julie Nixon Eisenhower
Melanie Eisenhower
Callista Gingrich
Hugh Hewitt
Lawrence M. Higby
Ming Hsieh
Blake Kernen
Bobbie Greene Kilberg
William Kilberg
Marlene Malek
James Mazzo
Maureen Drown Nunn
John Rakolta, Jr.
Geoff Shepard
J. Peter Simon
Daniele Struppa
David Tukey
DIRECTORS EMERITUS
George L. Argyros
James H. Cavanaugh
Barbara Hackman Franklin
Gavin S. Herbert, Sr.
Tod R. Hullin
Kenneth L. Khachigian
Henry A. Kissinger
Richard (Sandy) Quinn
Ronald H. Walker
Pete Wilson
ROBERT C. O’BRIEN, CHAIRMANJames Byron, President & CEO
Carrie Anderson, Editor
Joe Lopez, Executive Editor
Reflecting on the Paris Peace Accords
T
The program featured two panels and a keynote address by Mark Moyar, William P. Harris Chair of Military History at Hillsdale College.
Vietnam Veterans Monument Dedicated at One of the Nation’s Largest Vietnam War Veterans Day Celebrations
The Nixon Library was the site of the second largest celebration of Vietnam War Veterans Day in the country, only surpassed by the gathering at the National Vietnam War Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on the 50th anniversary of the last combat troops leaving Vietnam on March 29, 1973.
Over 175 Vietnam War Veterans and their families filled the Nixon Library’s East Room to dedicate a new monument in their honor. The Vietnam Veterans Monument depicts a Marine running through the jungles of Vietnam in 1971-72 and represents all who served in the war. Artist Ron Pekar’s design process included several meetings with the Monument Design Committee; to ensure accuracy, Pekar even donned all the gear of a combat Marine of the era.
The Honorable Robert Wilkie, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, delivered keynote remarks at the Monument’s dedication, stating:
“When President Nixon entered the White House there were 600,000 Americans in South Vietnam. One of them was a young Major on his second tour from New Orleans. It was my father. In those times America was in retreat and facing the greatest internal conflict since the Civil War. When Richard Nixon left office my father was at home because one man deeply believed in building a generation of peace. So it is fitting and proper that this magnificent monument is on the grounds of President Nixon’s birthplace.”
Vietnam War Veterans in attendance were presented the Nation’s Official Vietnam Veteran lapel pin by Secretary Wilkie.
Facts about the Vietnam Veterans Monument:
Time Represented: 1971-1972
Equipment: three canteens, backpack, flack jacket, standard trousers, rolled-up long-sleeve shirt, bandoleer with ammunition
pouches, mud-covered jungle boots, hand grenades with holders, overthe-shoulder gun belt (suspenders), towel around his neck, two-layered Marine helmet with bug juice, pockets full of other supplies
Rifle: M16 A1 with birdcage tip
Height: 6’2, Weight: 500 lbs
Artist: Ron Pekar, whose well-known pieces include “Traveler” at USC, “The Handoff” at the Rose Bowl and a statue of Dick Kun at Snow Summit in Big Bear.
Design Committee: Jack Brennan, Ed Brundage, Tony Cordero, Dale Dye, Joe Lopez, Phil Millard, William Mimiaga, Chris Nordyke, Frank Orzio
POWs Celebrate 50 Years of Freedom
From May 23 through 25, the Nixon Library was the site of the nation’s official 50th anniversary celebration of the homecoming of America’s POWs from Vietnam.
Nearly 150 former POWs and their families arrived in Yorba Linda in a patriotic parade of classic cars, with escorts from the California Highway Patrol, Orange County Sheriff ’s Department and the Orange County Fire Authority. More than 1,000 Southern California neighbors —including hundreds of students— greeted them along the route.
Trumpeters from OC Music & Dance heralded the POWs’ arrival at the Nixon Library, with melodies from the Marine Corps Band and a U.S. Air Force flyover of F-35 jets. Colonel Jack Brennan, decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and former Marine Military Aide to President Nixon, welcomed everyone on behalf of the Nixon Foundation. The POWs and their families were then the first guests to tour CAPTURED: Shot Down in Vietnam, a new special exhibit now on display.
On May 24, the POWs and their guests gathered for a recreation of the White House homecoming celebration dinner 50 years to the day of that historic evening — still the largest dinner in White House history.
Video clips from the 1973 celebration were played throughout the evening while the former POWs and their guests dined on a menu that mirrored that of the original White House dinner.
Former POWs Everett Alvarez and Thomas Hanton welcomed those in the East Room and paid tribute to America’s MIAs. The program included remarks from Dr. Henry Kissinger, Senator Tom Carper, Ross Perot, Jr. and Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien.
Special guests included Tricia Nixon Cox, the eldest daughter of President and Mrs. Nixon, and Edward Cox, both of whom attended the 1973 White House dinner; Melanie Eisenhower, the youngest granddaughter of President and Mrs. Nixon; Governor and Mrs. Pete Wilson; Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to the United States; Medal of Honor recipient Bob Patterson; and Benjamin Watson, Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division.
Just as in 1973, the dinner ended with everyone singing “God Bless America.”
The reunion concluded on May 25 with Resilience, Fortitude and Faith, a special program in which four decorated, former POWs reflected on their harrowing experiences of survival and shared perspectives on the past 50 years of freedom. The audience included leaders in the Southern California Vietnamese-American community as well as many Vietnam veterans.
With grateful thanks to those who made this Vietnam POW Homecoming 50th Anniversary Reunion possible
Airpower Foundation
American Airlines
Gary Sinise Foundation
In-N-Out Burger
Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. in honor of Ross Perot, Sr.
Ling and Charlie Zhang
Air Warrior Courage Foundation
Mr. Sandy Alderson
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Boeing Company
Boston Red Sox
Benny Yi-Bing Chu
James Vincent Crouch
Ms. Sharon Driscoll
Ron and Alexis Fowler
General Atomics Aerospace Systems
Greyhound Lines
La Jolla MJ Management, LLC
La Playa, LLC
Liberty Military Housing
Lockheed Martin Company
The Drs. Jack and Jennifer London
Charitable Fund
Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Dodgers
Major League Baseball
Mariposa Butterfly Festival
Navy Federal Credit Union
Newport News Shipbuilding –
Huntington Ingalls Industries
Northrop Grumman Corporation
OC Music & Dance
Pratt & Whitney
Robert Irvine Foundation
San Diego Padres
Signature Flight Services
Ms. Brenda Stewart
Sudberry Properties
Transportation Charter Services
USS Midway Museum
United States Automobile Association
United States Marine Corps
Honor Guard
Vanguard Marketing Corporation
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Worcester Red Sox
NEW PODCAST INTERWEAVES HISTORIC AUDIO
AND ORIGINAL INTERVIEWS TO SHARE STORIES OF POWS LIKE NEVER BEFORE
CAPTURED: Shot Down in Vietnam is a serialized documentary podcast covering the Vietnam Prisoner of War crisis like never before, from the dramatic moment of being shot down to the emotional homecomings and reunions.
The podcast features recordings from Presidents Richard Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson and new interviews with 85-year-old Everett Alvarez Jr., the first American shot down in Vietnam, 91-yearold Eugene “Red” McDaniel, POW/MIA family members, authors, and historians.
The voices featured in the podcast:
Listeners are immersed into the action with scene-setting original music compositions, diving into the heartbreak and redemption of this little-known piece of American history.
CAPTURED: Shot Down in Vietnam is produced in honor of Ross Perot, Sr., by the Richard Nixon Foundation and Foundwave Productions with additional support from In-N-Out Burger.
Richard Nixon Foundation Elects Six New Board Members
Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Richard Nixon Foundation announced the election and subsequent appointment of six new members to the Board of Directors, saying, “It’s my pleasure to welcome these new members of the 2023 Class to the Board, to support the advancement of the principles and policy goals to which President Nixon dedicated his career. Each one of these six new directors brings something unique: from experienced diplomatic wherewithal to Millennial leadership; from personal history with President Nixon to storied successes (and lessons) from private enterprise, all come with passion and commitment to this organization that will ensure the Richard Nixon Foundation’s continued impact upon future generations.”
The New Board Members are:
Ambassador Callista Gingrich, President of the Gingrich Foundation. Ambassador Gingrich served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See from 2017 to 2021. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ellis the Elephant American history book series for children and co-author of Rediscovering God in America. She was created Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pope Pius IX by Pope Francis in 2020.
Blake Kernen, Deputy Press Secretary in the US Senate. Ms. Kernen is an expert in social media and digital marketing strategies tailored to Millennial audiences, and a bestselling author. She was Director of Corporate Strategy and Student Outreach at First Generation Investors, an educational nonprofit that works with high school students in underserved communities.
Marlene Malek, Vice Chair and co-founder of Friends of Cancer Research, a nonprofit think tank and patient advocacy organization. Mrs. Malek served on the Steering Committees of the 2021 and 2022 Nixon National Cancer Conferences. She serves on the National Cancer Advisory
Board and as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Marymount University. Her late husband, The Honorable Fred Malek, served as a Director of the Richard Nixon Foundation from 2011 to 2019 and chaired the Richard Nixon Centennial Legacy Campaign.
James Mazzo, Executive Chairman Neurotech and Advisor for Zeiss, Bain, Avellino, and CVC Private Equity. Mr. Mazzo is one of the ophthalmic industry’s best known and most respected business leaders. He serves on the governing boards of several ophthalmic societies, Board Chairman AdvaMed, Executive Committee Member Medical Device Manufacturers Association, Board Member University of California at Irvine Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Chapman University and NASA’s Mission to Mars Committee. He was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2023.
Ambassador John Rakolta, Jr., Chairman of Walbridge, a privately held construction company founded in Detroit in 1916. Ambassador Rakolta served as United States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 2019 to 2021, and was additionally Commissioner General of Expo Dubai 2020. For his role in establishing the Abraham Peace Accords, he was awarded the National Security Medal by President Donald Trump in 2020. From 1996 to 2019, he served as Romania’s Honorary Consul General to the United States.
David Tukey, a New York-based healthcare investor with ExodusPoint Capital Management, specializing in global biopharmaceutical companies. Dr. Tukey was a neuroscientist at NYU, and spent over nine years at Point72 and affiliates. He serves as a member of the boards of the Sustained Dialogue Institute and New Jersey Scholars Program, a mentor for the Princeton Entrepreneurship Council, and was Deputy Regional Campaign Manager for John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign.
Two U.S. Ambassadors, civic leaders, philanthropists join presidential foundation leadership
arking the 50th anniversary year of President Nixon’s historic 1972 trips to China and the Soviet Union, the Richard Nixon Foundation launched the inaugural Grand Strategy Summit last November in Washington, D.C.
National security experts and strategists gathered to formulate an American foreign policy strategy in America’s national interest.
Panelists covered the United States’ relationship with China as a major power in the 21st century, weighed the impact and next steps of ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, and looked to the future of Western influence in the Middle East.
The Richard Nixon Foundation’s GRAND STRATEGY SUMMIT is dedicated to establishing a consistent approach to a strong, national foreign policy, and developing a long-term strategic direction for American statecraft — what President Nixon called “the long view.”
Now in its second year in Washington, DC, Summit participants will discuss and consider elements that comprise a 21st century American Grand Strategy —including alliances, trade policy and geoeconomics, and energy and environmental policies— to shape the foreign policy outlook for the United States in the years ahead.
For more information and to register go to: grandstrategysummit.com
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Nixon presidency, Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Richard Nixon Foundation, announced the American Civics Campaign. The Campaign is to ensure that the Nixon Library remains an active center for study, debate and analysis of America’s role in the world, and that the Nixon Foundation advances the principles for which President Nixon stood throughout his life and career.
$26.1 million has been pledged toward a $40 million American Civics Campaign goal.
The government of Qatar pledged a $20 million gift to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Qatar, which was undertaken by the Nixon administration in 1972.
The government of Qatar’s gift will enable the Richard Nixon Foundation to build a new hall at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum designed to house large-scale, rotating and traveling educational exhibitions and programs.
Ambassador O’Brien announced two additional lead gifts:
Barbara and Alex Bowie are longtime residents of Newport Beach, California. They generously pledged $3 million toward the construction of the American Civics Center’s Transportation Pavilion. Alex Bowie was a partner at Bowie Arneson Wiles & Giannone and practiced law with Herbert W. Kalmbach, President Nixon’s longtime personal attorney. Alex played a pivotal role for more than 30 years in drawing civil maps and establishing water and land use rights in order to incorporate cities throughout Orange County.
Ling and Charlie Zhang are among the most generous philanthropists in Southern California. They generously pledged $2 million toward the construction of the American Civics Center’s Transportation Pavilion. Ling and Charlie founded Pick Up Stix, the renowned fast-casual Asian-fusion restaurant chain, and are the driving force behind OC Music & Dance, Orange County’s first and only nonprofit community music and arts school. Charlie serves as Treasurer of the Richard Nixon Foundation.
The American Civics Campaign will enable:
• Construction of a hall for special exhibitions, ensuring that the Nixon Library becomes a destination for visitors from all around the world, to see treasured, educational, marquee exhibitions.
• Construction of a pavilion to permanently house the Marine One helicopter that flew Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford, as well as “The Beast” presidential limousine.
• Construction of hands-on, civics education center, using simulations to teach history and apply the principles of the U.S. Constitution to events today, championing — and preserving — the American system of government.
• Research and scholarship of the Nixon presidency to guide America’s future.
To learn more about the American Civics Campaign, contact Kiara Ramos at kiara@nixonfoundation.org or 714-364-1176.
The Case for Reclaiming America’s History and Civics
According to: Wall Street Journal
May 2023
Eighth-Graders History, Civics Test Scores Hit Record Low
According to: Jack Miller Center’s Parent Survey
November 2022
According to: Annenberg Public Policy Center’s Civics Knowledge Survey 2022
According to: Wall Street Journal March 2023
America Pulls Back From Values That Once Defined It
13% 89% 47% 23%
of Eighth-Graders met proficiency standards for U.S. history in 2022 according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress of the U.S. Department of Education
of parents deem it “very important” that “ your student have a basic understanding of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the responsibilities of citizenship before they graduate from high school
(Less than half) of U.S. adults could name all three branches of government. 1 in 4 respondents could not name ANY
(less than 1 in 4) of U.S. adults under age 30 said that patriotism was very important to them
We are seeing more evidence that maybe it wasn’t such a great idea to reduce the number of classes in America that teach civics, democracy and history.
NIXON NATIONAL ENERGY CONFERENCE
Nixon National Energy Conference advocates balanced approach to future of American Energy
pril 18, 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of President Nixon’s second message to Congress on energy, which amounted to America’s first comprehensive energy strategy. On April 18 and 19, the Richard Nixon Foundation hosted the Nixon National Energy Conference at the Nixon Presidential Library, a two-day gathering of senior public policy officials, traditional and clean energy industry leaders and environmental stewards for an up-close dive into the rapidly changing energy field.
The Nixon National Energy Conference was presented by The William E. Simon Foundation, recognizing the legacy of President Nixon’s Secretary of Treasury William E. Simon, who served in the Nixon administration as America’s second “Energy Czar” and was later Founding Chairman of the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace.
‘‘This kind of informed, thoughtful, free-wheeling and respectful discussion of an important and timely issue is exactly the kind of event that Richard Nixon and Bill Simon would have loved and that they wanted this Library to encourage and inspire.”
– Nixon Foundation Board Member J. Peter Simon
‘‘As we gather here at the Nixon Library and think of an administration so associated with a strong American foreign policy —you all know that energy is much more than a domestic issue— it is a foreign policy issue as well because a vibrant energy policy powers American strength and independence on the world stage.”
– Vice President Mike PenceThe conference opened with a video presentation highlighting President Nixon’s attempts to address energy security and prepare for issues in the 1970s. The President introduced a strategy to proactively address potential energy crises.
The conference discussions included:
The Nixon Plan: Lessons from Five Decades Ago took a behind-the-scenes look at the consequential and relevant but largely unknown history of President Nixon’s contribution to energy policy.
Panelists:
Jay Hakes, Presidential and Energy Historian, author of Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s
John Schaefer, Staff Assistant to the President, Energy Policy Office (1973)
Moderator Frank Gannon, Former Special Assistant to President Nixon
America’s 21st Century Energy Policy explored the importance of developing a comprehensive energy plan that meets the multi-faceted challenges of today ranging from geopolitical implications to domestic infrastructure, permitting, clean energy technology and economic challenges/opportunities.
Panelists:
Bob Martin, Former New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection
James Coleman, Professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law and Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute
Moderator Elbridge Colby, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development
Energy as Grand Strategy: A Nixonian Approach addressed the complex domestic and foreign challenges of energy policy while applying the lens of long-term,
Former Vice President Mike Pence delivered closing remarks focused on the importance of a robust energy policy.
Watch Vice President Pence’s remarks here:
actionable and realistic planning. Panelists discussed what a national strategy for energy looks like in 2023 and what opportunities can come from a forward-looking vision.
Panelists:
Kimberly Reed, Former Chairman, President and CEO, Export-Import Bank of the United States
William Flynn Martin, Special Assistant to President
Ronald Reagan and Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy
Victoria Coates, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy (2020)
Moderator Luke Nichter, Professor of History and James H. Cavanaugh Endowed Chair in Presidential Studies at Chapman University
Fueling the Future: Traditional Energy vs. Clean Technology addressed energy transition from a balanced and sustainable perspective. Panelists discussed the role of the public and private sectors in the great power competition, the need to balance national security with environmental stewardship, and opportunities for the U.S. to lead the way through technology, research and development.
Panelists:
Dan Brouillette, President of Sempra Infrastructure and 15th United States Secretary of Energy
Kay Bailey Hutchison, 22nd U.S. Ambassador to NATO, former U.S. Senator from Texas
Todd Moss, Executive Director of the Energy for Growth Hub
Moderator Danielle Butcher Franz, Executive Vice President & COO of the American Conservation Coalition
Watch April 19 Panels Here:
Opposite Clockwise from top left: Dan Brouillette, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Danielle Butcher Franz discussed the move to clean energy. Kimberly Reed, William Flynn Martin, Victoria Coates and Luke Nichter discussed energy and foreign policy. Vice President Mike Pence delivered keynote remarks. William Simon, Jr. addresses the crowd on opening night following a panel with Jay Hakes, John Schaefer and Frank Gannon.Nixon National Cancer Conference Examines Cancer Research Breakthroughs
n December 7 and 8, 2022, noted clinicians, researchers, journalists, NCI-designated cancer center directors, patients, patient advocates, ethicists, medical professionals and public health officials gathered for the second annual Nixon National Cancer Conference.
The conference emphasized a patient-centric and problem-centric approach to cancer care, focusing on the areas where cancer research is leading to breakthroughs across the medical spectrum.
The NNCC opened with a dinner sponsored by City of Hope Orange County and a video highlighting President Nixon’s advocacy of – and signature on – the National Cancer Act of 1971.
Other special guests at the Conference included Melanie Eisenhower, the youngest granddaughter of President and Mrs. Nixon and a child life specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Dr. Daniele Struppa, President of Chapman University; and Charlie Zhang, Nixon Foundation Treasurer.
Nixon Foundation President & CEO Jim Byron announced that the Richard Nixon Foundation has established the Andrew von Eschenbach Award, a new annual award that will be given to an individual whose work has contributed to advances in research and treatment that has relieved suffering and prolonged and saved lives. The first recipient will be selected for the 2024 conference. Nixon Foundation Board Member Marlene Malek joined Dr. von Eschenbach on-stage for the announcement, which included a gift to Dr. von Eschenbach of an American flag that flew over President Nixon’s Birthplace.
The
conference featured the following programs:
Mathematics, Physics and Cancer explored how converging disciplines are being applied to lead to a better understanding of the development and spread of cancer, optimizing current treatments and leading to new breakthroughs.
Panelists included:
Mauro Ferrari, University of Washington
Robert A. Gatenby, Center of Excellence for Evolutionary Therapy, University of Florida
Edward S. Kim, City of Hope Orange County and City of Hope National Medical Center
Patrick Soon-Shiong, NantWorks
Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy explored cancer research breakthroughs in neurophysiology and neuropsychology. Panelists explained the great results in blood cancer treatments and discussed how to apply these advancements to other types of cancer. Keeping the conversation focused on the patient, panelists also discussed accessibility, community education and engagement.
Panelists included:
Stefan Ciurea, UCI Health
Stephan A. Grupp, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Linda H. Malkas, City of Hope National Medical Center
Donald L. Trump, Inova Schar Cancer Institute
Robert Winn, VCU Massey Cancer Center
Immunology and Inflammation explored how to use our own immune systems to fight cancer. From a patient-centric point of view, the panelists discussed: 1) What are the problems? 2) What are the opportunities? and 3) What do we do about it?
Panelists included:
Anna D. Barker, Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine at USC
Carlos Becerra, Hoag Family Cancer Institute
Carolyn Britten, Amgen
Thomas F. Gajewski, University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
A luncheon presented by the Hoag Family Cancer Institute featured a keynote address from Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D., former Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and FDA Commissioner. He remarked how the National Cancer Act lives on because of the vision of Richard Nixon. Cancer and Nutrition highlighted the interplay between diet and cancer cells and explored new trends in patient care that treat food as medicine. The panelists were consulted on the lunch menu for the conference and created a menu custom-tailored with healthy ingredients.
Panelists included:
David Heber, Center for Human Nutrition at UCLA
Richard T. Lee, City of Hope Orange County
William W. Li, The Angiogenesis Foundation
Susan T. Mayne, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA
Dariush Mozaffarian, Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
Tech in Medicine explored how medicine and technology can come together to create cutting edge innovations to bring us closer to more cures for cancer and other diseases. Panelists debated both the opportunities and challenges of using technology in patient care including artificial intelligence, access to personal data and early detection methods.
Panelists included:
David Agus, Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine at USC
William Cance, GRAIL
Lily Peng, Verily/Google
Peter Pisters, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
With thanks to the 2022 Nixon National Cancer Conference supporters:
Presenting Sponsor
City of Hope Orange County
Premier Sponsors
Hoag Family Cancer Institute
Stanbridge University
UCI Health
Additional Funding
Provided by
Providence Mission Hospital
Providence St. Joseph Hospital: The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Providence St. Jude Medical Center
2022 Conference Leadership Steering Committee
Melanie Eisenhower, M.S., C.C.L.S.
Marlene Malek, R.N.
Claire Pomeroy, M.D.
Ellen Sigal, Ph.D.
Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D.
Honorary Congressional Host Committee
Hon. Don Bacon
Hon. Nanette Diaz Barragan
Hon. Stephanie Bice
Hon. Earl L “Buddy” Carter
Hon. Dianne Feinstein
Hon. Brian Fitzpatrick
Hon. Richard Hudson
Hon. Young Kim
Hon. Barry Moore
Hon. Guy Reschenthaler
Hon. Mike Rounds
Hon. Thom Tillis
Hon. Joe Wilson
CIVICS IN ACTION CIVICS IN CIVICSACTION IN
Walter Russell Mead
October 26
Professor, columnist, and foreign policy grand strategist Walter Russell Mead spoke about his book, The Arc of a Covenant, a bold look at how the American-Israeli relationship affects contemporary politics and American life.
Veterans Day
November 11
This annual salute to those who served featured an air show followed by a spectacular presentation of patriotism by the famed Huntington Beach Concert Band.
Hometown Heroes
December 4
More than 40 Gold Star families from Southern California were presented personally inscribed ornaments honoring their family members who lost their lives in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam.
COLD WAR SPEAKER SERIES
President Nixon’s 110th Birthday
January 9
Captain Jessica O’Brien, commanding officer at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, presented and laid a wreath on behalf of President Biden at President Nixon’s memorial site.
Spycraft Behind the Iron Curtain
November 29
Gary Powers Jr., son of U-2 Pilot Francis Gary Powers, Marc Voss, Executive Director of the Regimes Museum and Todd Anton, author and Regimes museum board member, discussed how U.S. Intelligence services operated covertly during the Cold War.
TopGun Founder Dan Pedersen
January 12
Captain Dan “Yank” Pedersen talked about his bestselling memoir, TopGun: An American Story, a firsthand account of the creation of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School.
Douglas Brinkley
January 10
Bestselling author and presidential historian Douglas Brinkley discussed his latest book, Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening.
CIVICS IN ACTION CIVICS IN ACTIONCIVICS IN ACTION
Lunar New Year Celebration
January 23
An evening of cultural performances from dancers and musicians gave a tradition-filled welcome to this festive holiday.
Secretary Mike Pompeo
February 7
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed his bestselling memoir, Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love, with Nixon Foundation Board Member Hugh Hewitt.
Governor Asa Hutchinson
March 22
Asa Hutchinson, the most recent Governor of Arkansas and presidential candidate spoke on the current state of geopolitics focusing on America’s relationship with China, the threat of drug cartels and lessons learned from the Cold War.
Mark Moyar
March 23
Mark Moyar, William P. Harris Chair in Military History at Hillsdale College, talked about his latest book, Triumph Regained: Vietnam War 1965-1968 and how it reexamines conventional wisdom of the war using a treasure trove of new sources.
Dr. William Li
May 2
The renowned doctor and nutritionist spoke about his new book, Eat to Beat Your Diet.
Carl Anthony
May 3
The presidential historian talked about his latest biography, Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy.
Presidents Day
February 20
Visitors met some of America’s favorite Presidents including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ulysses S. Grant — and his horse, Cincinnati!
Highway Dedication and Volunteer Fair honor Pat Nixon on 111th Birthday
n March 16, the Nixon Foundation hosted its annual Pat Nixon Day of Service. The festivities included the dedication of First Lady Pat Nixon Memorial Highway in front of a statute of the former First Lady at Pat Nixon Park in her hometown of Cerritos, California. The highway was made possible through a bipartisan resolution in which the California State Senate and Assembly unanimously renamed a 2.5 mile stretch of the 91 Freeway.
At the Nixon Library, nonprofit organizations assembled and shared ways for people of all ages to get involved and give back. These organizations
represented many causes Pat Nixon championed throughout her life, including the Girl Scouts, the American Red Cross and Guide Dogs of America. The program also included a wreath laying ceremony at the First Lady’s memorial site, birthday cake and a historical portrayal of First Lady Pat Nixon by Nixon Foundation Board Member and award-winning TV host Maureen Drown Nunn.
The event was made possible by the generous support of The Crean Foundation.
Above left: Nixon Foundation President & CEO, Jim Byron, Nixon Foundation Board Member Maureen Drown Nunn and Cerritos Major Chuong Vo officially dedicated the First Lady Pat Nixon Memorial Highway. Above top right: First Lady Pat Nixon actively participating in one of the many causes she championed— the training of guide dogs. Above bottom right: Guide Dogs of America at the volunteer fair on Pat Nixon Day of Service sharing with the community how to get involved.Co-charied by Secretary Mike Pompeo and Ambassador Robert C.
Teacher Professional Development Programs Begin this Summer at Nixon Library
The Richard Nixon Foundation announced a partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute, a New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to K-12 history education, to host a series of educational seminars for America’s teachers, and develop curriculum about American civics.
Forty K–12 teachers will participate in a weeklong professional development event at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum this summer. Participants will engage in an in-depth study of American leadership on the world stage throughout the 20th century.
The seminar will be directed by Jeffrey A. Engel, the founding director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University and the author or editor of thirteen books on American foreign policy.
Membership Matters
In March 2023, Members of the President’s Council gathered with President and CEO Jim Byron at the annual President’s Breakfast, a briefing on the state of the Nixon Foundation. These annual contributors got a sneak peek into future plans—including an advance preview of the American Civics Campaign and expansion plans.
Learn how you get insider access to all the goings-on by contacting Reina Magana at reina@nixonfoundation.org or 714-364-1108.
Give your employees the presidential treatment.
Host a corporate retreat at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Located in the heart of Orange County, the Nixon Library boasts recently-reimagined presidential museum galleries covering the entirety of 20th century America, picturesque rose gardens and the only full-size reproduction of the White House East Room.
The splendor of the experience is truly unmatched: dine under stunning crystal chandeliers in the 4,800 square foot White House East Room; treat your colleagues to a dynamic team-building session in a replica of the White House President’s Cabinet Room; or take photos behind the famous desk in a replica of the President’s Oval Office.
To book contact Laura Curtis 714-364-1182 or laura@nixonfoundation.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
AUGUST
22
50th Anniversary of the Drug Enforcement Administrtation
The Nixon Foundation will look back on the establishment of the DEA by the Nixon administration in 1973.
SEPTEMBER
5 Book Talk
7 PM
Hear Paul Carter discuss his newly released biography Richard Nixon: California’s Native Son.
11 Remembering 9/11 Commemoration
11 AM
Join this annual commemoration ceremony to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
OCTOBER
18-19 Grand Strategy Summit
Washington, DC
Sign up to attend the Nixon Foundation’s annual foreign policy conference that charts a path forward for America on the world stage.
NOVEMBER
11 Veterans Day
11 AM
Come one, come all for a spectacular presentation of patriotism by the Huntington Beach Concert Band. Veterans will receive free admission all day.
DECEMBER
3 Hometown Heroes
Join the families of Southern California’s fallen military heroes. Gold Star families will be given personal Christmas ornaments honoring their family members who lost their lives in Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam.
JANUARY
17-18 Nixon National Cancer Conference
Hear the latest in cancer research and learn how the National Cancer Act continues to have an impact.
CHECK NIXONFOUNDATION.ORG FOR THE LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS ON UPCOMING EVENTS
Barbara Hackman Franklin Inducted into the Government Hall of Fame
n April 20, 2023 Director Emerita Barbara Hackman Franklin was inducted into the Government Executive Hall of Fame, in an “Evening of Honors” celebrated at the Washington National Cathedral. Along with her class of inductees, she was recognized for her historic achievements in service to the federal government and the American people.
Secretary Franklin has served in five presidential administrations; notably, under President Richard Nixon in 1971, she led the first White House effort to recruit women for high-level government jobs.This effort resulted in nearly quadrupling the number of women in policy-making positions, and the effects rippled out into American society, creating new opportunities for women for generations to come.
William E. Simon Foundation Sunsets After 56 Years
The Board of Directors of the William E. Simon Foundation announced the sunsetting of its grant program, in accordance with the expressed wishes of its benefactor, the late William E. Simon, former Secretary of the Treasury and Founding Chairman of the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace. In 56 years, the Foundation contributed a remarkable $300 million to charitable causes supporting faith, family and freedom, benefitting an estimated 10 million people.
The Nixon Foundation is grateful to the Simon Foundation for its extraordinary support over many decades, particularly to build the Nixon Library in 1990 and completely renovate the presidential museum in 2016. Nixon Foundation President and CEO Jim Byron represented the Nixon Foundation at the Simon Foundation’s Sunset Celebration in New York City on June 15, 2023.
Charlie Zhang Receives Honorary Doctorate from Cal State Fullerton
n May 24, Nixon Foundation Board Treasurer Charlie Zhang received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his contributions to the university as well as his commitment to education and the arts in Orange County and beyond.
Cal State Fullerton President Fram Virjee thanked Charlie for his involvement at CSUF, stating “Though he was never able to complete his educational journey, Charlie was able to become a remarkably successful entrepreneur and make sure others have the opportunity to gain higher education and have all the tools needed for success.”
John Barr, Director Emeritus of the Richard Nixon Foundation, passed away in February at the age of 93.
A native of Southern California and graduate of Whittier College, Barr was a successful businessman in commercial real estate and horse breeding and racing who believed in giving back to the community. He joined the Board of Directors of the Richard Nixon Foundation in 1990 and served as Treasurer until 2021.
Jerry Harrington, a pillar in the philanthropic community of Orange County, passed away early this year at the age of 90. Jerry was a longtime friend and supporter of the Nixon Foundation and a regular attendee of Nixon Library events. His legacy of community involvement will long be remembered.
Judith Johnson, member of the Nixon Alumni Association, passed away in May at the age of 79. Judy worked in the White House during the Nixon administration as a secretary to Dr. Kissinger (1970-71) then worked as an assistant in the Nixon press office (1971-74). From 1975-76, she conducted research for President Nixon’s memoirs. She continued to work in public service in Orange County, until she returned to her hometown of Elmwood, Wisconsin in 2018.
Ann McLaughlin Korologos
Ann McLaughlin Korologos, former Secretary of Labor during the Reagan administration, passed away in January at the age of 81. She is survived by her husband, Tom Korologos, a former U.S. ambassador to Belgium who served in congressional relations for the Nixon administration.
Korologos directed the press office for President Nixon’s 1972 reelection campaign and served in the Nixon administration as director of public affairs at the Environmental Protection Agency. She was formerly married to political commentator and Nixon supporter, John McLaughlin.
A trailblazer for women in both the private and public sectors, Korologos was the second woman to hold the position of Secretary of Labor. She also was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to head the President’s Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism in 1989.
Frank Shakespeare
Ambassador Frank Shakespeare, a key member of Richard Nixon’s 1968 presidential campaign team and communications adviser in the White House, passed away on December 14 at the age of 97.
In 1968, while on leave as a CBS executive, Mr. Shakespeare worked on Richard Nixon’s 1968 presidential campaign, developing a media strategy at the dawn of the television age, and advising the candidate on how to handle media appearances at hundreds of campaign stops.
Mr. Shakespeare went on to serve as Director in the United States Information Agency in the Nixon administration until 1973 and was later appointed by President Ronald Reagan as chairman of the Board for International Broadcasting, overseeing Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty. He later served with distinction as the United States Ambassador to Portugal and, later, to the Vatican.