Proposal: Veterans History Project Hub
Submitted by:
Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
in partnership with
Warrior Heritage Foundation and The National Organization of Asian American Veterans
To: Ms. Monica Mohindra, Director
Library of Congress
Veterans History Project
Date: August 25, 2026
Executive Summary
The Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA), the Warrior Heritage Foundation (WHF), and The National Organization of Asian American Veterans (NOAAV) respectfully propose a formal partnership with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project to establish a permanent recording studio and outreach hub at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in downtown Los Angeles.
Bob Hope Patriotic Hall offers a historically significant, veteran-centered venue in the heart of one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. Combined with DMVA’s extensive outreach infrastructure (including a 45-staff outreach team), WHF’s operational stewardship of the facility, and NOAAV’s national network and commitment to preserving the stories of Asian American veterans, this partnership would create a high-impact platform to recruit and record veterans’ stories for the Veterans History Project program while strengthening public awareness of the Library of Congress.
Background and Partners
Bob Hope Patriotic Hall
Located at 1816 S. Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles, Bob Hope Patriotic Hall is a historic 10-story landmark dedicated to serving veterans since 1926. It is home to the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and multiple veteran service organizations. The building includes ceremonial spaces, meeting rooms, the Purple Heart Inn, and other areas well-suited for dignified recording and public engagement.
Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
DMVA serves as the primary local government partner for veterans, servicemembers, families, and survivors in Los Angeles County. With one of the largest veteran populations in the nation (approximately 198,000–210,000 veterans and more than 400,000 veteran-connected households), DMVA maintains deep relationships with veterans service organizations, county agencies, and community partners. The Department regularly conducts large-scale outreach, claims assistance, and public awareness campaigns. DMVA has the most comprehensive outreach footprint than any other county veteran service office in the country.
Warrior Heritage Foundation
WHF is the nonprofit partner responsible for the day-to-day management and public programming of Bob Hope Patriotic Hall under a public-private partnership model with Los Angeles County. WHF brings operational capacity, event coordination expertise, and a mission focused on preserving military heritage and supporting veterans.
The National Organization of Asian American Veterans (NOAAV)
NOAAV is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recognizing and exhibiting, through public education, the historic contributions of Asian Americans who served in the United States Armed Forces. NOAAV brings a national network, a strong commitment to preserving underrepresented veteran stories, and an established presence connected to Bob Hope Patriotic Hall and the Los Angeles veteran community. NOAAV’s support strengthens the proposal’s ability to reach and record the legacies of Asian American veterans alongside the broader veteran population.
Opportunity: Veterans History Project Hub
The Veterans History Project Hub (VHPH) would offer a powerful way for veterans to record and preserve their personal stories, service experiences, and legacies in a digital format that can be preserved by the Library of Congress and shared with families and the public. Establishing a permanent, professionally equipped recording studio at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall would create a trusted, accessible location where veterans can participate in a respectful and supportive environment. DMVA would leverage our communication and outreach resources to drive public awareness of the VHPH.
Los Angeles County’s scale, diversity, and concentration of veterans—including significant numbers of combat veterans, Purple Heart recipients, aging World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam-era veterans, and a substantial Asian American veteran community—make it an ideal location to generate high-volume, high-quality participation in the program.
Value Proposition
Historic veteran-centric venue
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One of the largest veteran populations in the U.S.
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DMVA’s established outreach network
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NOAAV national network & focus on Asian American veterans
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Central downtown location with public transit access
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Proven public-private partnership model (DMVA + WHF + NOAAV)
Benefit to the Veterans History Project
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Dignified, trusted setting that encourages participation
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Substantial pool of potential participants
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Ability to promote the program through existing channels, events, and partner organizations
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Expanded reach into underrepresented communities and high-quality story collection
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Convenience for veterans across the region
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Operational stability, shared accountability, and broadened community trust
Proposed Partnership Structure
A. Recording Studio
Veterans History Project (VHP) would provide professional-grade audio/video recording equipment suitable for a permanent studio (cameras, microphones, lighting, computers, software, and basic acoustic treatment). DMVA and WHF would provide the dedicated physical space within Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure a respectful, veteran-friendly recording environment. NOAAV would support outreach and participation, particularly among Asian American veterans.
B. Marketing and Outreach
VHP, DMVA, WHF, and NOAAV would jointly develop and execute a marketing plan to promote the VHPH. DMVA would leverage its countywide networks, veterans service organization relationships, social media, newsletters, and public events. WHF would support on-site promotion and special events at the Hall. NOAAV would activate its national and local networks to encourage participation by Asian American veterans and amplify the program’s reach. VHP would contribute national messaging, branding, and digital amplification.
C. Limited Overhead Support
DMVA would request VHP provide modest financial support to offset a portion of the building-related overhead costs (utilities, maintenance, and staffing coordination) directly attributable to operation of the VHPH studio and associated outreach activities.
Anticipated Outcomes
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Increased veteran participation in the VHP from one of the nation’s largest and most diverse veteran communities.
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Stronger representation of Asian American veterans’ stories and legacies within the VHP.
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A sustainable, high-visibility recording location that reinforces the connection between local veterans and VHP and Library of Congress.
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Strengthened collaboration among VHP, local government, and nonprofit partners in preserving veterans’ legacies.
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Enhanced public awareness of the importance of documenting veterans’ stories for future generations.
Next Steps
We respectfully request a meeting with relevant leadership to discuss this proposal in greater detail, refine operational and funding parameters, and develop a formal memorandum of understanding.
The Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, the Warrior Heritage Foundation, and The National Organization of Asian American Veterans are prepared to move quickly to establish the studio and begin outreach upon agreement.
Thank you for your consideration of this partnership opportunity. We look forward to working together to honor the service and preserve the legacies of our veterans.
Respectfully submitted,
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James Zenner
Director
Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
County of Los Angeles
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Justin Garza
Executive Director
Warrior Heritage Foundation
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Peter M. Chow
Founder and Chairman
The National Organization of Asian American Veterans (NOAAV)