Dear Fellow Alumni, Volunteers, Classmates and Friends of  Dr. Wilmer Heceta:

In our efforts "to give something back" to our Alma Mater (UERMMMC, College of Medicine) with financial assistance, our Alumni Foundation USA, Inc. would also like to recognize the outstanding and dedicated service provided by one of our distinguished alumni of our medical school, Wilmer G. Heceta, M.D.

Dr. Heceta belongs to the pioneer class of 1961. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Wilmer is now a retired general and thoracic surgeon in West Virginia. Wilmer, with his classmate and wife, Estherbelle, spent 12 important years of his life expounding worthy causes of the Medical Center (as well as its needs) as Chairman and Trustee of the Foundation. I, personally, consider him an "unsung hero" because he was undeterred by 'minor distractions' such as apathy of some alumni and continued to appeal for donations and assistance to our Alma Mater. He was an untiring volunteer donating, not only his time but, his money as well. As Trustee and Chairman of the Foundation, he was not reimbursed for his per diem and travel expenses to meetings.

Dr. Heceta created and introduced the "333 Fund" of the Foundation years ago. His concept was that any individual or entity may provide or donate $333 every year for 3 years to complete a $1,000 donation. Some of his classmates and friends, of course, provided the lump sum donation of $1,000 and continued to contribute in the following years. The "333 Fund" is an endowment; so, the investment-proceeds or the earned-interests are used to pay some of the multiple projects of the Medical Center such as student scholarships and financial aids and faculty development and enhancement programs.

The Foundation is cognizant of Dr. Wilmer G. Heceta's dedication and love for our Alma Mater. To honor him, the Board of Trustees of Alumni Foundation USA, Inc. voted to name the "333 Fund" the "Dr. Wilmer G. Heceta 333 Endowment Fund". Let us continue to recognize his dedication by contributing to this particular fund. We should not only donate $333 for 3 years but, continue on for many years to come.

The Foundation greatly appreciates your tax-deductible donation to "Dr. Wilmer G. Heceta 333 Endowment Fund" payable to UERMMMC Alumni Foundation USA, Inc. Donate now.

You can help our Medical Center maintain her mission of providing excellence in medical education and clinical training through your grateful hearts and generous contributions.

Together, we can accomplish so much more!

God Bless!

Gratefully yours,

F. J. 'Ned' Valen, M.D., FACC, FCCP
Chairman, Fund Raising Committee of AFUSA
Trustee, UERMMMC Alumni Foundation, USA, Inc.