Young Men's Service League helps restore Fort Willard Park

On November 3, 2018, over 60 Mom’s and Son’s of the Young Men’s Service League Vienna-Oakton Chapter (YMSLVO) supported Fairfax County Park Authority for YMSLVO’s 2018 Ultimate Gift Project. The members spent the day contributing to the restoration of Fort Willard, a 1.5 acre site built in 1862 by the Union Army and one of 63 forts built during the Civil War in the Washington, DC area. YMSLVO members contributed to the restoration of Fort Willard by restoring a stone path, carefully cleaning stone and brickwork, and clearing the park of invasive vegetation growth.

YMSLVO was launched in 2014 by a group of Mom’s and Son’s who desired to work together to improve their community. Inspiration for the Ultimate Gift Project came from a novel of the same name by Jim Stovall and is intended to “kick start” the giving season. The Ultimate Gift Project brings together all 4 classes of the YMSLVO chapter for a day of impactful giving to the community.

In addition to participating in restoration activities, the YMSLVO members spent a portion of the day learning from Fairfax County Park Authority experts about the significance of Fort Willard and its importance as a Union Army Installation during the Civil War.

According to Mary Jo Hoeksema, YMSLVO Ultimate Gift Committee, “The Ultimate Gift Project exemplifies YMSLVO’s commitment to improve northern Virginia and service to others. We’re honored that we could work closely with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Belle Haven Home Owner’s Association to ensure that Fort Willard continues to be preserved and enjoyed for years to come.

Young Men’s Service League Vienna-Oakton is a non-profit organization that provides members and their sons the opportunity to volunteer in our community, improve leadership skills, and develop new life skills.YMSLVO currently serves over 23 philanthropies in the northern Virginia area. Current membership is comprised of 109 Mom’s and 126 Son’s in grades 9-12, representing 15 different high schools in the local area. YMSL is in its 4th year of impact and has contributed over 6,000 hours of service to the community.