BY JUSTIN LATINI

As we close out 2024, Region 1 remains committed to ensuring that VVA’s legacy will continue. Chapters are holding local ceremonies and celebrating milestones, with many commemorating their 25-, 30- and 35-year anniversaries.

Chapters continue to add new members and AVVA members have been added, including many veterans who served after the Vietnam War. They have joined to support our organization and our commitment to ensure that they will be included in the future benefits that we fight for. Our chapters are fundraising for local charities, scholarships, veteran homes, and other programs in their communities.

Turning to 2025, chapters throughout the region will be celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day in March. In Region 1, Chapter 207 will host a program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War at the replica of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Fall River, Massachusetts, on April 30. Together, we keep alive the memories of those who will never be forgotten.

On June 14, Region 1 will hold our Conference in Rutland, Vermont. Chapter 1 will host the event. The chapter motto, “First In, Last Out,” has been a driving force in discussions about VVA’s dissolution. The chapter is proud to be celebrating its 45 years of participation in VVA and will be recognized at the Region 1 Conference.

BY TED WILKINSON

When VVA members served during the Vietnam War, more than 50 years ago, the year 2025 felt like a distant point on the horizon. And yet, here we are. It’s incredible how quickly the time has passed; what once seemed unimaginable is now part of our shared history.

In Region 2, many of our chapters will commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2025, in their own meaningful ways. Whether through a formal ceremony, a festive gathering, or a quiet moment of reflection, we’ll come together to honor the memories and experiences that unite us.

As we step into this new year, I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season. Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and fulfilling 2025.

BY JOHN H. RILING, III

On Veterans Day, I traveled to Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, for their ceremonies. One of the many volunteers was the treasurer of VVA’s Michigan State Council, Floyd Carmichael. He served more than 5,500 hours as a member of the Honor Guard, had a history of service on the Fort Custer National Cemetery Advisory Committee, and spent time in the cemetery office as a volunteer.

Accompanying me was Michigan State Council Sergeant-at-Arms Terry Ivey, Chapter 259 member Russ Hayward, and former MSC 1st Vice President Ken Rogge. I have been to several of these ceremonies and, as has been the case in the past, this one felt less formal and more like a family affair in the way the speakers and guests are set up and presented.

On December 7, the Michigan State Council had its quarterly meeting and Holiday party. We were hosted by Detroit Chapter 9 in the Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit. The extra food for the occasion was donated to Michigan Veterans Foundation, a transitional homeless veterans shelter.

I also attended the Buckeye State Council Board of Directors December meeting and banquet in Columbus, Ohio, with my wife Debby. VVA Vice President Tom Burke and his wife Robyn were in attendance, and it served as a homecoming for them.

On a somber note, we lost Floyd Carmichael on New Years Eve. He was what most men should try to be. An Air Force veteran, he served in Vietnam and loyally for VVA’s Michigan State Council.

RIP to Floyd Carmichael, our brother.

BY FRANCISCO F. IVARRA

This report is brief mainly due to the holidays and preparation for the January VVA Board of Directors meeting.

As always, the leadership and membership in Region 8 continue to do well at all levels. Our membership numbers continue to increase. Our VSO programs are strong, and we will soon have an additional office in Walla Walla, Washington. Our Alaska VSO program will continue to do extensive outreach to smaller villages, which have veterans in need of their services.

Idaho VVA is now part of the Idaho Veterans Network. This partnership will help Idaho VVA bring in considerable funding to help veterans and their families in crisis.

Oregon chapters held Thanksgiving and Christmas veterans and community dinners last year. And Oregon VVA is working with the United Veterans’ Group of Oregon and making presentations on the Vietnam War to local high schools.

All states in Region 8 are planning their SC meetings for April and May, and I plan to visit every one of them.

Region 8 extends a healthy and fruitful New Year to all our VVA brothers and sisters, especially as we work to complete our journey and honor our Founding Principle: “Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another.”

BY DICK SOUTHERN

With a membership of 11,000+ in Region 9, it is a challenge to stay in touch with state councils, chapters, and members, but I make every effort to do so. Visiting state councils is an enriching experience as I help them be successful in their VVA experience. Recently, I visited the SCs in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Each had chapters reporting they were working in their communities with charity donations.

I am writing to express my gratitude for your efforts in 2024. Your dedication and hard work have led to the formation of two new chapters in Region 9, one in Colorado and one in California. We will continue to see more such successes in 2025.

As we look forward to VVA’s 2025 National Convention, we all must play our part. Please give increased attention to submitting Finance and Election reports on time. Your state council and chapter delegates will not be seated at the Convention if these reports are not submitted on time.

As your director, I am unwavering in my commitment to advocate for Region 9 veterans, their families, and caregivers. I will continue to do so as I attend state council and chapter meetings and National Board of Directors meetings and events.

I pray that you all stay well and check on your buddies. Get back to attending meetings and renew efforts to recruit new members. I wish everyone a happy New Year.

I also want to reassure you that I am here for you. I am available by email, at dick.southern@gmail.com Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

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