Moving Forward  

BY JACK McMANUS

As we welcome the New Year, I hope this finds you and your loved ones in good health and high spirits. We hit the ground running in 2025. The productive Board meetings in early January set a strong foundation for the work ahead, and many of the updates I’m sharing here flow directly from those discussions.

VVA has taken a monumental step forward in safeguarding the health and legacy of Vietnam War veterans with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that has been executed to ensure the long-term management, storage, and research accessibility of data and biospecimens from the Air Force Health Study and the Warren Collection. These Operation Ranch Hand assets represent decades of dedication, sacrifice, and groundbreaking research. The invaluable collections now have a permanent home in the VA Science and Health Initiative to Combat Infectious and Emerging Life-Threatening Diseases program. The complete MOA is available at https://vva.org

In response to a motion approved by the Board, we conducted a survey on mandatory national service—military or civilian—and whether VVA should support such an initiative. More than 8,500 VVA members participated. A significant majority—60 percent—expressed strong support for the proposal; 9 percent were strongly opposed. Though the support is not overwhelming, it is clear that many members view this as a worthwhile cause. We’ll continue to assess potential actions and discuss them at future Conventions. Look for a detailed vote breakdown in the March/April issue.

After years of determined effort, the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center will be renamed in honor of past VVA President Thomas H. Corey. This momentous recognition is a testament to his tireless advocacy for veterans and his enduring legacy. The dedication ceremony will take place this spring. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the VVA working group for their relentless commitment to this cause.

April marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. VVA will commemorate this milestone with a wreath presentation ceremony at The Wall in Washington, D.C., on April 24. Fifty-two wreaths will be laid, symbolizing every state, Puerto Rico, and Guam. A reception will follow at the National Press Club. I encourage everyone who can attend to join us for this solemn occasion.

Finally, I want to share an important development in the Powers v. McDonough case concerning the West Los Angeles VA campus. The lawsuit highlights the VA’s failure to uphold obligations under a 2015 settlement agreement. VVA is leading an Amicus Brief in support of the plaintiffs in a critical appeal to the 9th Circuit Court. As the only VSO named in the original 2011 lawsuit, we have unique standing and a responsibility to advocate for veterans’ rights. This effort demonstrates the strength and unity of the veterans community in holding institutions accountable.

Our shared journey is one of commitment, progress, and remembrance. Whether preserving research for future generations, advocating for national service, or honoring our fellow veterans, the heart of our mission remains steadfast. Together, we will continue to lead and serve as a voice for Vietnam War veterans everywhere. Thank you for your unwavering support.

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