Virginia Child Identification Program

VACHIP

1st Annual VACHIP event

August 23, 2008

Occoquan Lodge No. 310

l0am to 5pm

Brothers,

Masonry has long held a commitment to children and families.  A parent's worst nightmare is the disappearance of a child.  In today's society with over one million children being reported missing each year, the problem cannot be ignored.  The Virginia Child Identification Program (VACHIP) is designed to give families a measure of protection against this ever increasing problem. 

The program consists of four major components: 1) a brief videotaped interview, 2) fingerprinting, 3) a dental impression and/or 4) cheek swab.  The videotape is a recovery tool that provides far more individual characteristics and mannerisms that any still photograph could possibly accomplish.  The dental bite impression (Tooth prints) provides an impression of the biting surface of teeth that, like fingerprints, are unique to each individual.  The cheek swab, when properly stored will furnish positive DNA identification for many years.  Collectively, they provide a most powerful identification and recovery tool. 

The VACHIP also provides Masons with the opportunity to bring the principles of our craft before the community.  By increasing awareness of what Masonry means and what Masons do, we promote the public image of our Fraternity.  In this way, we strengthen our ability to grow and provide even more good to our communities and to those whom we so dearly love, our families.  Through this example, it is our aim to enhance the desire of others to make our communities better places in which to live. 

The Occoquan Lodge No. 310 1st Annual VACHIP event will be held on August 23, 2008 from l0am to 5pm at the Occoquan Lodge.  There will be much to do in preparation for, and during, this awesome community service.  Any and all help will be much appreciated and go to providing a better environment for children.  I'll soon be getting some information on when we can hold training on the equipment used for this program and would appreciate it if we had several volunteers.  As soon as I find out what day Worshipful Brother Jeff Smith (Grand Lodge of VA Committee on Child ID Chairman) can come up here I'll inform everyone on the current status and requirements.  In addition to equipment operators, we'll need some folks to help out in several other capacities as well, so, the more the merrier!  Let me know if you can help out in any way.

 Fraternally,

 Brett Holbrook

Please click here to contact me or contact Occoquan Lodge No. 310 for more information. This web page will be updated as information is received.