Veteran Nonprofit of the Year
Wall of Honor Location Categories
Bars and Restaurant: 47
Hotels and Casino: 6
Financial Institutions: 12
Fraternal and Veteran Associations: 22
Schools: 12
Long-term Care: 4
Retail and Miscellaneous: 29
Nonprofit organizations are oftentimes overlooked in the community due to a lack of promotional funds and advertising, amongst other reasons. To help spread awareness of these efforts being made, we feature a local nonprofit in each issue that we believe deserves a spotlight shined on the great work that they’ve done and continue to do within the community.
The Wall of Honor is a locally-based nonprofit organization that’s on a mission to honor those who serve, including veterans, first responders, and active military personnel. With more than 130 displays located across North Dakota and 2,500+ heroes honored, the team behind the Wall of Honor continues to grow and make an impact across our state. We connected with Tammy Ibach, Executive Director of Wall of Honor, to learn more about the organization’s origins, its commendable impact, how readers like you can get involved, and much more.
Most nonprofit organizations stem from a cause for positive change, with Wall of Honor being no exception. According to Ibach, the Wall of Honor began when a Vietnam veteran had the vision to honor men and women who served the United States and defended our nation’s freedoms.
“He distinctly remembers the day he arrived home and his commanding officer told him to change from his military fatigues to street clothes because it was likely people would spit on him when he landed. This hatred didn’t kill his spirit; it fueled his desire to do something to honor the veterans who didn’t receive the respect they deserved. At the time, these young men and women joined the military by draft or individual enlistment. They were patriotic to our country and our communities. For some of these men, the Wall of Honor is the first time they have publicly received thanks for serving their country. It is our mission to honor these local heroes,” Ibach said.
The Wall of Honor was formally launched on July 1, 2020, through a digital display at the Bismarck Amvets. Since then, the organization’s love for patriotism, the United States, and honoring those who served has only spread further over time, continuing to make an impact across North Dakota.
The aforementioned impact that the Wall of Honor makes is visual, meaning that each honoree has a picture of them with information regarding their military career. Furthermore, the Wall of Honor is also updated nearly daily.
Today, the Wall of Honor spans far and wide across North Dakota, with 132 locations displayed across the state, at the time of writing. The organization is continuing to grow, both in terms of displays to honor those who have served our country, as well as the team behind the cause. The majority of the team, including Ibach, represent the mission as volunteers.
While the organization has made an immense impact on the state of North Dakota and its residents who have served in the last three years, its mission is far from over. According to Ibach, their goal is to bring the Wall of Honor to every county in North Dakota. “If you think the veterans in your community deserve to be honored, contact us, and we will set up a meeting.”
Locations in 39 of 53 Countries
Burleigh County is home to 30 locations, the most of any county. Ward County comes in second with 12 locations and Cass County comes in third with 10. In total, the organization occupies an estimated 74% of counties in North Dakota.
"Wall of Honor was founded in 2020. From our headquarters in Bismarck, we curate content for displays in every corner of North Dakota. From Crosby to Hankinson, to Bowman, to Cavalier, there is a Wall of Honor honoring local heroes."
Q& A with Tammy Ibach
Executive Director of Wall of Honor
Q: How has the Wall of Honor’s journey been since the beginning for those involved?
A: For those of us who volunteer and those who work for the Wall of Honor, the sentiment is the same, “It is one of the most rewarding projects and career options we have ever volunteered for or worked for.” The stories we hear are often tear-jerking and joyous at the same time.
Q: Can you explain the services that you offer today and how they contribute to/support the mission?
A: We offer two main services:
- Honorees: We honor veterans, active military, and first responders on digital displays in our trademark format. People submit themselves and loved ones to be honored on our digital displays, through our website the wallofhonor.org. Their photo and service information are included on their slide to honor their sacrifices in a very personal way.
- Wall of Honor Displays: We install Wall of Honor displays in all types of establishments from high schools to airports. They stand as a permanent installation reminding the community that their friends and neighbors have courageously served our country. Anyone can request a Wall of Honor to be installed in their community and show their appreciation for local veterans and first responders.
Additional services include canvas prints of honoree slides (available on our website) and tabling events (we will come to your convention, event, etc.)
The Wall of Honor’s Common Misconceptions
1. Submitting an honoree does not require an accompanying donation.
“Some veterans are hesitant to submit an honoree because they think our suggested donation is mandatory, however, we believe every hero deserves to be honored, regardless of their budget.”
2. No, a feature does not have to be deceased.
“We accept submissions from living veterans, active military personnel, and first responders too! Our only condition is that they have North Dakota ties.”
"Our displays impact not only the heroes shown on it but also the community of viewers. Many have reported having to fight back tears watching our displays, and it cultivates a sense of appreciation for those who serve and a better perspective on the freedom that we have today."
Q: What services will a donor’s money go to when contributing to the mission?
A: Donations are used to fund additional Wall of Honor locations and to support our mission—to honor the men and women who have fought for our freedom and those who protect our communities.
Q: What are all of the ways that readers can support the nonprofit?
A: If a reader wants to support our mission, they can donate, host a Wall of Honor display in their business, or simply participate in our mission by submitting an honoree to be featured on the Wall of Honor. Donations enable us to keep up with the expenses and keep the cost of submitting an honoree to an optional donation so that anyone can submit an honoree regardless of budget.
Donations are accepted online and through the mail. If a reader is interested in hosting a Wall of Honor display in their place of business or other public space, they are encouraged to email us at [email protected].
People can also support us by following us on Facebook and by leaving us a positive Google review, which helps more veterans find our services online.
Q: What other locally founded nonprofits in the Bis-Man area come to mind when recommending a spotlight shined on other positive causes?
A: 31:8 Project
31:8 Project’s mission is to equip and challenge society to proactively address issues regarding human trafficking. They educate, advocate, and raise awareness. This is accomplished through the following three program areas: Education, Survivor Mentorship, and Bravery Backpacks.
Western ND Honor Flight
Western North Dakota Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. We transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans—World War II and Korean War survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.
Did You Know?
On average, a Wall of Honor playlist features 350 honorees and is 51 minutes in length. Each playlist is unique, with personalized content. New honorees are added at least twice a week, with the Wall of Honor receiving an average of 12 new honorees weekly.
thewallofhonor.org
701.400.9482
[email protected]
Facebook | /WallofHonor
Instagram | @ndwallofhonor
LinkedIn | /company/the-wall-of-honor/
1142 W Turnpike Ave Ste 5
Bismarck, ND 58501