VVA CHAPTER 303- COL. JACK VAN LOAN in Columbia, SC, had the honor of having Frankie Valle as the guest speaker at the May 19th, 2026 Membership Meeting. SDIT (https://sdit.org/) is featured on the Chapter Website page under Resources.
Frankie is the son of SFC Francisco Luis Valle, who was KIA on March 12, 1969, in Thua Thien Province, Vietnam. SFC Valle is forever remembered on the Vietnam Memorial Wall Panel 44E, line 31.
Frankie was 4 years old when his father was KILLED. Remembering and honoring his father has been an ongoing effort since. Through SDIT( https://sdit.org/ ) (Sons and Daughters in Touch), Frankie has been passionate about seeking memories of his father from family members. And through the ongoing effort to contact his father’s military units.
Frankie, along with America’s Gold Star Sons and daughters from the Vietnam War, continues to honor their fathers and all who gave their lives in the most challenging of circumstances.
Recently, the Gary Sinise Foundation has joined hands with SDIT, building bridges across generations of military families.
- Run for the Wall Integration: In May 2026, SDIT members actively supported and joined riders traveling across the U.S. toward the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to advocate for the recovery of missing service members.
- National Memorial Day Events: The group routinely coordinates and participates in major commemorative ceremonies, including wreath-laying traditions at the National Mall in Washington, D.C..
- Father’s Day at The Wall: SDIT continues its tradition of hosting national Father’s Day events at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, allowing members to trace their fathers’ names together.
