TRAVIS C. ZIMMERMAN MEMORIAL FUND

Pvt. 1 st class Travis C. Zimmerman, of New Berlinville, PA, died in Baghdad , Iraq on April 22, 2006, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his observation post. Travis was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. He was 19 years old.

In memory of Travis Zimmerman, a fund to purchase a BEAR FEVER Military Bear that would be a tribute to all who have served in the military – past, present and future – was established by Travis' neighbor, 17-year-old Scarlett Kulp.  The Boyertown community's response was so strong that Richard A. Zuber formally established the Travis C. Zimmerman Memorial Fund at Berks County Community Foundation.

The Travis C. Zimmerman Memorial Fund will be used to purchase and install a permanent memorial honoring all men and women from the Boyertown area who died in service of their country.  Remaining funds will be used to establish a permanent endowment fund of the same name.  Although the exact parameters of the fund are still being established, it is anticipated that grants from the fund will be used to maintain the Bear Fever bear and the memorial as well as maintain a “G.I. Bill for Boyertown” – which will provide assistance to Boyertown area servicemen and –women when they return from the service.”

“Donations are fully tax-deductible, and may be made to the “Travis Zimmerman Memorial Fund,” and sent to Berks County Community Foundation, 23 S. Reading Ave. , Boyertown , PA 19512 .  For more information, contact Thomas J. Moore, Director of Philanthropic Services, at 610-369-3631 or tomm@bccf.org .”

“ Berks County Community Foundation develops, manages and distributes funds, including memorial funds, for charitable purposes in the community.  The official registration and financial information of Berks County Community Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania , 1-800-732-0999.  Registration does not imply endorsement .”