Vietnam Veterans of America

Vietnam Veterans of America. It is a congressionally chartered non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the needs and rights of American military veterans who served during the Vietnam War era. Founded in the late 1970s, it emerged from the need to address the unique physical, psychological, and societal challenges faced by this generation of servicemembers. The organization works tirelessly on issues ranging from healthcare and benefits to public education and the legacy of the conflict.

History and founding

The organization was formally incorporated in 1978 by a group of veterans including Robert O. Muller, a former United States Marine Corps officer paralyzed in combat, along with John Terzano and William C. Triplett. Its creation was a direct response to the inadequate support from existing institutions like The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which many younger veterans felt were unresponsive. The push for recognition gained significant momentum following the national turmoil of the Vietnam War and the difficult homecoming experienced by many, highlighted by events like the Vietnam Veterans Against the War protests. A pivotal moment was the 1981 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which galvanized the community and underscored the need for a dedicated advocacy voice. Congressional charter was granted in 1986, solidifying its role as a key representative for this veteran cohort.

Mission and advocacy

The core mission is to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. A primary focus has been relentless advocacy for veterans suffering from conditions linked to Agent Orange exposure, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Type 2 diabetes, leading to expanded coverage by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The organization also champions mental health care, particularly for post-traumatic stress disorder, and has been instrumental in pushing for recognition of the challenges faced by Vietnam War POW/MIA families. It actively lobbies the United States Congress on legislation affecting benefits, healthcare, and employment, while also working to correct public misconceptions about the war and those who served through educational outreach.

Programs and services

It operates numerous direct service programs to assist veterans and their communities. These include a Veterans Service Program that helps individuals navigate claims with the VA for benefits and compensation. The organization runs outreach initiatives for homeless veterans and those involved with the criminal justice system, often in partnership with local agencies. It supports research on the long-term health effects of the war through grants and collaborations with institutions like the National Academy of Sciences. Additional programs address issues specific to women veterans and provide scholarships for the children of veterans. The group also publishes a nationally distributed magazine, *The VVA Veteran*, which covers issues pertinent to the community.

Organizational structure

The organization is structured with a national headquarters located in Silver Spring, Maryland, overseeing a federation of state councils and local chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Governance is provided by a National Board of Directors, which includes the National President, currently Jack McManus, and other elected officers. Policy is set at a biennial National Convention, where delegates from chapters vote on resolutions and elect national leadership. This chapter-based model allows for grassroots activism and localized support, enabling members to address issues specific to their regions while contributing to a unified national agenda.

Impact and recognition

The impact on veterans' policy and American society has been profound. Its advocacy was crucial to the passage of the Agent Orange Act of 1991, a landmark law that compelled the VA to presume service-connection for certain diseases. The organization played a key role in establishing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and continues to be a steward of the memorial's legacy. It has also pushed for greater recognition of the contributions of allied veterans from nations like South Korea and Australia. The group's efforts have elevated national discourse on the costs of war and the enduring obligation to those who serve, influencing later generations of veterans' groups such as Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Category:Veterans' organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1978