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Chapter 751 PO Box 2483 Lawton, Oklahoma Phone: (580) 699-5096 Fax: (580) 351-1544 Email: vva751@fidnet.com |
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REASONS TO JOIN VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA 1. Vietnam Veterans of America is the largest national service organization devoted exclusively to you as a Vietnam-era veteran. 2. VVA’s successful Agent Orange lawsuit in 1989 forced the Department of Veterans affairs (DVA) to rewrite the rules on compensation for exposure to the herbicide. 3. As the only Congressionally charted Vietnam veterans organization, VVA has equal standing with traditional veterans groups. 4. VVA led the fight to enact 1988’s Judicial Review legislation giving you, as a veteran, the same right of court review enjoyed by every other American. 5. With almost 450 chapters in 48 states and Puerto Rico, VVA is America’s fastest growing Vietnam Veterans organization. 6. Because they’ve promoted a positive image of Vietnam vets, VVA’s leaders are sought out by the media at all levels as a voice for our generation of veterans. 7. Nearly 300 DVA-approved VVA Service Representatives provide advocacy for veterans in 35 states. 8. You’ll find true friendship and a caring attitude in every VVA Chapter. 9. VVA’s working to maintain the Vet Center program as a resource for you and your family. 10. The Veteran. VVA’s award winning monthly publication. 11. VVA is the only Vietnam veterans organization to meet with the Secretary of the DVA to discuss policies affecting veterans medical care. 12. Many of VVA’s initiatives are included in the current Agent Orange legislation being considered by Congress. 13. It’s the only chartered vets group addressing the problems of homeless vets. 14. VVA’s working for a full accounting of the Americans who didn’t return from Southeast Asia. 15. You can help the next generation know what Vietnam was like by taking part in your Chapters speakers bureau and education projects. 16. VVA’s networking with state employment agencies has provided economic stability and assistance to many vets. 17. Many Chapter members volunteer to serve their fellow vets at VA Medical Centers. 18. VVA’s the only vets organization to offer each Chapter the opportunity to have a trained Chapter Service Coordinator. 19. Leadership in the construction of state and local Vietnam veterans memorials. 20. In VVA, you’ll help to encourage and promote improvement in the lives of Vietnam vets and their families. 21. 33 coordinating State Councils that guide and lead their local membership. 22. VVA’s Viet Vet Survival Guide detailing benefit programs and other types of assistance to you. 23. We’re fighting to make the New GI Bill a permanent readjustment benefit. 24. VVA’s the only Vietnam vets organization regularly invited to testify before Congress. 25. With 33 incarcerated Chapters, VVA has taken the lead in addressing issues impacting on incarcerated vets. 26. Local Chapter activities promote family togetherness and involvement. 27. Many Chapters provide assistance to local refugee communities. 28. Monthly Chapter meetings put you in touch with other vets and keeps you up-to-date on veterans affairs. 29. VVA’s the only vets group actively recruiting multicultural and women veteran members. 30. VVA’s trained almost 200 Service Representatives at its DVA approved training school. 31. Our Committee on PTSD and Substance Abuse is working with state agencies and the DVA to develop innovative treatment approaches for Vietnam vets. 32. VVA-sponsored employment and counseling referral services. 33. Many VVA members have helped research veterans’ emerging needs and challenges and then helped develop programs to meet those needs. 34. The only veterans organization to send a delegate to Southeast Asia specifically to discuss POW/MIAs with officials of the Vietnam and Kampuchen governments as well as U.S. military staff of the Joint Casualty Resolution Center. 35. No matter what your background is; with VVA you’ll join vets who come from a wide spectrum of income levels, political beliefs, religion and ethnic groups. 36. You can get involved in a variety of Chapter sponsored activities like sports, marches or social events. 37. VVA is working to continue the VA Home Loan program and opposes enacting user fees. 38. VVA provides you with a place where you can turn around and offer others a helping hand. 39. A track record of legislative success that’s the result of preparation and hard work, taking risk, working closely with Capitol Hill and the Administration, and knowing when to stand firm and when to compromise. 40. VVA officers and staff provide direct input to the Secretary of the DVA and his staff on a variety of veterans health care issues. 41. Self-Help Guides on PTSD, Agent Orange, Discharge Upgrading and VA Claims. 42. VVA’s 512 page Service Representatives Manual is acclaimed as the most comprehensive of its kind. 43. VVA directly supports humanitarian projects such as Wheel Across America and Operation Smile. 44. The only Vietnam veterans organization regularly invited to appear before a special joint session of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs to present our legislative agenda. 45. Members who carry VVA’s message to the public in a professional, well thought out, authoritative way. 46. The only Vietnam vets on the DVA’s Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Advisory Committee. 47. VVA members and staff are providing input into the proposed rules pertaining to compensation for Agent Orange related illnesses. 48. Chapters that provide hands on assistance to vets and their families as well as service to their communities. 49. VVA Legal Services together with the newly created National Veterans Legal Services Project are working to develop procedures that will make judicial review work to the benefit of the greatest number of veterans. 50. You’ll find in VVA the sense of belonging that may have eluded you since you came home from Vietnam. SO, HOW ABOUT IT. IF YOU CAN FIND ONE GOOD REASON TO JOIN VVA OUT OF THIS LIST OF 50 GREAT REASONS, WON’T YOU TAKE A MINUTE TO FILL OUT THE APPLICATION....... |