TBD = We Aren't Going Anywhere

BY TOM BURKE

The Convention is now history, and if you were unable to attend, you missed an insightful event in which much was said and accomplished. On Friday, the all-important national elections took place, resulting in a new Treasurer. We extend our deepest gratitude to Linda Schwartz for the contributions she made to VVA during her tenure as Treasurer. We wish her well. We welcome back Wayne Reynolds as Treasurer.

I won’t delve into details about the Convention, as you will find a comprehensive report on p. 16. However, one significant matter discussed was the proposed end date for VVA. To make a long story short, the date was changed to “to be determined.” We are not going anywhere for now, but we must remain cognizant of our future and plan accordingly.

There are many veterans’ commemorations approaching, so please consider coming to D.C. to participate. If you cannot make it to anything else, plan on Veterans Day. Ceremonies at The Wall, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery will take place during the Veterans Day weekend.

A subject of interest may be the request for our support in establishing the 3,365-mile National Medal of Honor Highway. On August 12, the final state highway was dedicated in Boston. With that ceremony, the coast-to-coast highway now exists in twelve states, with the final step being congressional legislation officially designating it as the National Medal of Honor Highway.

Senators Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Representative Brian Higgins (D-New York) introduced the legislation, H.R. 3149 and S. 1478, in Congress. The national highway would honor each state’s current and future Medal of Honor recipients.

Since the Civil War, 3,517 servicemen and one woman have received the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor for heroism on the battlefield. Of the 65 surviving recipients, 45 are Vietnam War veterans. VVA President Jack McManus has written a letter of support for this project.

AVVA held its Convention concurrently with VVA’s in Orlando and elected new officers, with Sharon Hobbs re-elected as President. AVVA dues have been reduced, and VVA members can now join AVVA for $50. Membership applications should be sent to P.O. Box 29049, Baltimore, MD 21297.

Finally, AVVA’s paper safe program is still in force, and since 2013, 85,000 copies have been printed. This program offers a document that can help your family understand and carry out your last wishes. It’s not the only document you will need, but it serves as a helpful reference and is a good piece to have on hand.

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