HOLMDEL, NJ - In commemoration of Women's History Month, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation will host a panel discussion entitled, "Women and the Vietnam Experience: Personal Testimonies by Women Whose Lives Were Touched by Vietnam," on Saturday, March 16, at 1:00 p.m.. The program will be held at the Vietnam Era Educational Center in Holmdel. 

This presentation features oral-history testimonies from women with different perspectives on how the Vietnam War impacted their lives. Invited participants include Dr. Lucylee Chiles of New York City, who served with the Department of Army Civilian, Army Special Services, Crafts, in the Republic of Vietnam, 1969-1971; Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Evans of Denville, NJ, who is the daughter of NJ resident Master Sergeant Charles E. "Snake" Hosking, Jr., posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor; and Colonel Mary Jo Rice, US Army (Retired), who served with the Army Nurse Corps in Vietnam, 1969-1970.

These oral histories will demonstrate the diversity of women's experiences and perspectives during the Era, while also highlighting the similarities. Moderator for this panel discussion and also providing her own story and insight, will be Ann Kelsey, of Whippany. Kelsey is the Associate Director of the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center at the County College of Morris in Randolph. During the Vietnam War years of 1969 to 1971, Kelsey served as a librarian in Vietnam with Army Special Services.

Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to the event to (732) 335-0033. A donation of $5.00 per person is suggested. The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116. The Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Regular admission is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Regular adult admission is $4.00; student and senior citizen admission is $2.00; and children under 10 are admitted free.