[SeaSoldier]

Several weeks ago, visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington noted that 24 of the 68 halogen footlights that illuminate the Wall were not functioning. So the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the nonprofit organization that in 1982 built the Wall, has been forced to hire an electrical contractor to repair and refurbish the lighting system.

As the work got under way Friday, May 10, memorial founder Jan Scruggs was standing at the Wall when a gentleman, accompanied by his wife and the couple's grandchildren, strolled past. He was Michael Shanahan, chairman and CEO of Engineered Support Systems, Inc., of St. Louis. Mo.

Observing the activity, Shanahan approached Scruggs and asked about the repair. After Scruggs had finished explaining, Shanahan inquired how much the work would cost. Scruggs responded "about $5,000," at which point Shanahan ran to his car and began writing a check.

Alan Greilsamer, director of communications for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, also was on hand and was able to snap a photograph of the astounded Scruggs receiving the generous check from Shanahan, who had shortly before emerged from a meeting with President Bush at the White House.