Foundation

The 1st Infantry Division Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of the Society. It was established in 1966 during the Vietnam War as the mechanism through which funds were collected, both by Big Red One soldiers in Vietnam and by 1st Infantry Division veterans at home, to establish scholarships for children of Big Red One soldiers killed in that war. It is organized as a Non-Profit Organization and chartered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is non-profit, tax-exempt organization pursuant to Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and to which your contributions are tax-deductible.

” My heart aches for my three young sons. Eric, the oldest who is four, one day will be told why his father did not return to us. He left and wanted to return so badly. They too will cry and their hearts will ache.”

The above paragraph is taken from a letter written by Mrs. Rudolph A. Nunez to the 1st Infantry Commanding General, MG William E. DePuy, after learning that her husband, Sergeant Rudolph Nunez had been killed on June 13, 1966 while serving with the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol of the Big Red One in Vietnam. General DePuy sent the letter to all officers and men of the Division asking how they felt about establishing a fund to assist with the educational costs for children of soldiers who fought and died with the Big Red One. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Collections were immediately begun in Vietnam. At the same time, General DePuy challenged the Society of the First Infantry Division to establish the fund and begin collections among Big Red One veterans and friends of the Division at home.

Thus the 1st Infantry Division Foundation was born!