Here is the text included in the current AWON Brochure:
OUR PURPOSE:
To Support American Orphans of WWII
To Honor the Memory of Our Fathers
WE PROVIDE:
Registry of Orphans & Families of War Dead
Biannual Conferences
Regional Gatherings
Statistics Development
Publications
The Star Newsletter
On-line Network Communication
Guidance to Locating Records
AWON Website
Website Memorials to Our Fathers
OUR GOALS:
To Expand the Registry
To Record War Orphans' Experiences
To Record Our Fathers' Stories
To Study Effects of War on Children
In Their Memory
ANN BENNETT MIX established AWON in 1991 to provide support to American
WWII orphans who want to know others who have shared their experiences &
are searching for information about their fathers. Mix's father, Sydney
Worthington Bennett, was killed in action in Italy on April 19, 1945.
He is buried in the American Cemetery in Florence, Italy.
In terms of human life, World War II was the costliest war ever fought
by Americans on foreign soil. At war's end, 16 million had served;
405,399 had died and 78,773 were missing in action.
Approximately 183,000 children were left fatherless & designated as "war
orphans."
The graves of American WWII dead and memorials to the missing are found
in American military cemeteries and monuments located in the United
States & in countries throughout the world. Most war orphans have not
been able to travel to those far-away graves or memorials which has
contributed to a feeling that their fathers never really died & a
fantasy that they would someday return.
If you are the son or daughter of an American soldier who was lost in
WWII, please join us.
Visit the AWON website
www.awon.org
As Americans celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII in 1995,
war orphans reached middle age. The time has come to acknowledge the
far-reaching impact the loss of our fathers has had on our lives. The
sacrifice did not end for us in 1945 as we have lived with unanswered
questions & unresolved grief. Now we are asking, "What were the
circumstances of my father's death? What kind of man was he?"
AWON members have found their lives and relationships to their fathers
transformed by doing research following guidelines we provide for
locating records and resources. Additionally, many have applied for
benefits they previously had not known were available.
VOICES OF AWON MEMBERS:
"It's almost a year since I learned the very
first facts about my dad through AWON. The memorial headstone that I requested
for him has been installed at Arlington National Cemetery & now I can plan the
service in his memory that I have been waiting for all my life. I cannot believe
this day has really come".
"I was 53 years old when I found AWON, met others
like me & realized that I wasn't the only one. I've finally allowed myself to cry for him . . .
I've learned to love my father who died before I was born."
"Last night I spoke to two men who were crew on a
bombing mission with my dad shortly before his death. What a memorable 4th of July this
has been for me!"
MEMBERSHIP IN AWON:
An Organization By & For Sons & Daughters of American WWII Casualties
My Father died in WWII.
Please send a Registration/Application form.
(You may also apply at www.awon.org)
Name_______________________________
Address_____________________________
____________________________________
Zip_________________________________
Phone_______________________________
Email_______________________________
Father's Name:
____________________________________
DONATIONS TO AWON:
The American WWII Orphans Network is a nonprofit, nonpolitical
organization. We are totally dependent on contributions from our
members & friends. Your financial support will help someone in a quest
to know about their father who died in WWII.
I'd like to support AWON with a donation.
All gifts qualify for tax credit or deduction to the extent provided by law.
Name______________________________
Address_____________________________
____________________________________
Zip_________________________________
Phone______________________________
Email_______________________________
In memory of
____________________________________
____________________________________
Your donation is greatly appreciated.
Please make checks payable to AWON
Clip & send to:
AWON
5745 Lee Road
Indianapolis, IN 46216
FOUNDER:
Ann Bennett Mix
5745 Lee Road
Indianapolis, IN 46216
Phone: 540-310-0750
Email: awon@aol.com
FIRST FOUNDERS:
Ann Moloney Black
Frank Burtnett
Clatie R. Cunningham III
Nicholas D. Etcheverry
Clint Frederick
Susan Johnson Hadler
John George Linne
Walter Paul Linne
Lorin D. McCleary III
A. Eric Rosen
Mary L. Swaggerty Slowey
Samuel V. Tannenbaum
Jeffrey Luckey Ward
Many thanks to Patricia Gaffney-Ansel for compiling and maintaining this information. On behalf
of AWON, we dedicate this page to the memory of:
2 LT George Philip Gaffney, Jr., KIA 11 March, 1944
