The Birth of Four Points Project

My husband, Wilfred C. “Dink” McCleod, was a Vietnam Veteran. He served in the 377th Security police at Tan Son Nhut AFB, 1968-69. During his tour, he was exposed to toxic Agent Orange, and as a result, he suffered many devastating illnesses and also lived with the debilitating effects of PTSD. Our tumultuous journey through his many hospitalizations and declining health were exacerbated by the inability to find resources, in-home help, and support when we needed them most. As his health declined, our need for assistance grew, and finding additional aid was almost impossible. Although the VA offered a limited number of services, it wasn’t enough to offset the tremendous burden of care.

The overwhelming responsibility of 24-hour caregiving made it difficult to seek additional assistance. If it wasn’t for the handful of chance conversations and casual mentions about non-profit organizations for veterans and caregivers, I would not have known of the resources available to us. My husband passed before we could avail ourselves to the support that would have made a world of difference in the quality of his care toward the end of his life, and the respite I desperately needed as his caregiver.

It is with that thought in mind, fueled by the compassion of watching others in the same position, that the idea of the Four Points Project was born. The effort is in hopes that other Vietnam Veterans and their caregivers will have a means to find the necessary resources that may be helpful. We will provide a comprehensive library of organizations providing services and support to cover the extensive demands evident in veteran and caregiver needs.

Four major organizations were instrumental in walking us through the pain of illness, his inevitable decline, and untimely passing. Additionally, these organizations continued to assist me in working through my grief, the hope of healing, and finding a way to honor my husband’s legacy. These organizations are noted for their gold standard approach, proven track record, and effectiveness.

The Vietnam Veterans Association was instrumental in helping us learn about the impact of Agent Orange, presumptive disabilities, and about PTSD care. Through the VVA, Dink found he was not alone in his struggles.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation recognizes and supports the needs of family caregivers. This organization gifted me with much needed respite hours providing me with a physical, mental, and emotional break from the demands of care giving.

When my husband passed, I found a way to honor his life and service through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, where he was inducted in 2022 into the In Memory program. This program honors and recognizes Vietnam Veterans who served and later died as a result of their service.

The fourth organization is the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). TAPS offers support and programs to help military families heal after their military/veteran loved one passes. TAPS has been instrumental in helping me find a path to healing and purpose.

These programs and organizations built a shield of love and support around us and around me that ultimately provided an avenue for care and healing. It is with profound gratitude for their vision that I hope to draw attention to their respective missions. It is with deep love and affection that I dedicate these efforts to my husband for not only his service and sacrifice to this great country, but also for the honor and privilege it was for me to walk this journey with him.