BY DOMINICK YEZZO, CHAIR

The VINJUS Committee, like all VVA’s national committees, is in transition. The committee is in service to veterans incarcerated, advocates for the formation of Veteran Treatment Courts, and helps veterans released from jail and returning to their communities. We vow never to leave any veteran behind.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain injury are the silent burdens of war that may cause unreasonable behavior in men and women who served honorably but came home with heads full of the horror of war. The VINJUS Committee is not soft on crime; however, we are sworn to never leave anyone behind. The problem before us is how to transform into another organization that will carry our work forward.

What will we become in the future? How will VVA’s Incarcerated chapters redesign? To survive as a great veterans organization VVA must change. We will know more about the changes following the 2025 VVA Convention in New Orleans. I believe we will become a more efficient version of what we are today.

Meanwhile, the committee advises all Incarcerated Chapters to hold chapter meetings to inform the membership of the coming changes at VVA National and at the same time to be direct in communicating we are not going away.

BY SANDIE WILSON, CHAIR

The committee strives to make life better for sprayed and betrayed veterans, as well as their children and offspring. The task seems to last forever. We continue to rely on other committees, VVA staff and individual members to achieve success.

This committee focuses on communication, education, and motivation. It may not look like we have gained a lot, but as a whole the organization has achieved a great deal.

President Obama signed the Military Children’s Toxic Exposure Research Act eight years ago. The VA refused to enforce that law. On the advice of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees, the Molly Loomis legislation was introduced to replace the Research Act by eliminating VA oversight. It was our hope that legislation would be voted on in 2024.

Because we now have a newly elected Congress and White House, our major recurring job is to educate those involved in the decision-making process. The importance of this hits home when you are talking with congressional staff. A young staffer said, “My grandfather was in Vietnam. I do not know a lot about Vietnam.”

The special advisors for the Air Force Ranch Hand study now have an MOA with the other stakeholders after seven years of work, The data from this research is now in California. The specimens are slowly being transported by land under intensive monitoring.

Our committee is negotiating the future and updating “Have You Ever Served?” This effort targets veterans who were told at the end of active duty that they were not entitled to benefits or do not believe their service resulted in being a veteran. Some VSOs have a history of enrolling women veterans in their auxiliary organizations. Our committee feels this effort to educate veterans on the rights they deserve could be of great help.

Our subcommittee on VA disability application for veteran children and grandchildren has concluded its work. The VA form for Spina Bifida has been modified to include all inherited diseases believed to be related to the veteran parent’s toxic exposure. The VA’s Denver office is preserving those applications and needs more to determine if more action is needed for specific illnesses. If your local benefits representative will not file the claim, it can be done by VVA’s Veterans Service Officers.

The best way to get Agent Orange toxic exposure information in your area is by attending a seminar. Our website contains instructions on how to set one up. We have the resources and the experts willing to come. To be scheduled, call me at 734-216-4862.

A process has been developed by which the Agent Orange Committee determines what work, and which motions, we will pursue. First, a member or a service representative identifies a need or problem that may be affecting veterans. After we determine the effects of this issue, we educate our members and determine a course of action. We then work with government affairs to advocate for our course of action or recommendations in Congress, who then will direct the VA. When a solution eventually develops from this process, we educate our members and pass the baton to our benefits department, who then assist veterans in obtaining relief.

BY DOTTIE BARICKMAN, CHAIR

The January 2025 Board meeting took place at the new hotel location in Alexandria, Virginia, and we made it through the weekend successfully. There were lively conversations, including what will be decided at the 2025 National Convention about VVA’s future. I have stated before, and will state again, that this Convention and subsequent Conventions are of the utmost importance for VVA.

The Finance Committee provided a report to the Board on the Saturday morning after the Board meeting. The report included four motions: the approval of the VVA Audit Policy; the VVA FY 2026 Proposed Budget; the VVA Supplemental Budget 1 (Membership Revenue Sharing); and the VVA Supplemental Budget 2 (Capital Expenditure). All motions passed. Final copies of the approved proposed budget will be emailed to the Board.

The Finance Committee will hold three subcommittee reviews: monthly reviews of the Budget to Actual reports; quarterly reviews of the VVA investment accounts; and an annual review of the VVA Annual Audit report. We are also tasked with reviewing the Finance Committee’s policies and motions.

Regarding the annual review of the audit, the corporation signed a one-year agreement with Alta, a new audit firm. We hope that they provide a gold standard experience for us so that VVA, in turn, can provide clear, timely, and transparent reports.

Mission Statement: My highest priority and commitment is to ensure that the veterans who served for us will be served by us.

Thank you for your support. If you have comments, questions, or concerns, please contact me at drbarickman@hotmail.com; dottieb@vva.org; or 712-314-1808 (cell/text).

BY KATE O'HARE-PALMER, CHAIR

March is Women’s History Month. It is a time when I always remind women to join or create a program in their communities that includes histories of women’s military service.

On January 30, two VA leaders were abruptly dismissed. Lourdes Tiglao, the director of the VA Center for Women Veterans, and James Albino, the executive director of the VA’s Center for Minority Veterans, were relieved of their duties without explanation. Tiglao, an Air Force veteran, had served as the department’s primary advisor on women veterans’ issues since 2021.

The Center’s webpage is a vital source of information for all women veterans’ issues. The VA Women’s Advisory Committee is instrumental in reviewing and providing recommendations for VA healthcare for women veterans. Sandy Miller, a member of the committee, keeps the VVA Women Veterans committee updated on important changes.

There is concern about changes that could affect the future of this program. Contact the VA to reinforce the importance of this program.

Albino, who served in the Navy, has been the primary internal advocate for minority veterans for four years. We hope that replacements for these two important offices will be appointed soon.

The VA is experiencing severe staffing shortages, particularly for nurses, physicians, and psychologists. The VA Inspector General has identified nurse and medical officer shortages since 2014. The VA has announced exemptions to the new federal hiring freeze to continue filling essential positions.

However, The VA also announced plans to cut 10,000 support and supervisory staff jobs. This could have an impact on medical care, telehealth access, and benefits wait times. Our voices need to be heard to keep these services. Your local VA patient advisory committee needs to hear about your care and any problems you have with the system. This is not a time to be quiet.

White Ribbon USA and the National Association of Social Workers are working with the VA to promote White Ribbon VA under the Stand Up to Stop Harassment Now Campaign. The two nonprofits and the VA share the goal of taking an active stand on ending sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence. You can find resources for these issues at https://www.whiteribbonusa.org/whiteribbon-va-pledge and https://www.protectourdefenders.com/invisiblewar

Our committee is reviewing our resolutions and we will have the updates by the end of March. These resolutions will be voted upon by the delegates at the National Convention in New Orleans. New proposed resolutions must be submitted by March 31.

VVA strongly supports the Veterans Community Healthcare Nursing Care Facilities Act Fostering Healthy Aging and Mentorship, which addresses the shortage of long-term care beds for veterans. The wait time for placement can be up to a year.

We get more and more calls from members about these placement difficulties. Communication with chapters and state councils keeps us in the loop on the next level of care for veterans.

BY STEVEN WILLIAMS, CHAIR

I want to thank the members of the committee as well as all our advisers. The course we chartered was to build a website that would include all veteran-friendly corporations as well as educational institutions, and state licensing agencies.

At our last meeting, we discussed the future of the committee, including whether or not we should continue its work after VVA is dissolved, and, if so, who would take on the committee’s responsibilities.

We discussed the possibility of passing the torch to AVVA or to another organization. We then evaluated the cost factors to build the web site and its future maintenance. We found it would cost more than $20,000 to build the site and several thousand dollars more to maintain it. We also noted that most states have similar websites.

The committee began as the Employment, Training, and Business Opportunity Committee to help Vietnam War veterans find employment, training, and business opportunities. But Vietnam veterans aged past the needs of that committee, and we changed its name and mission to help all veterans and their families.

As we transition to the end of our active journey, we continue to try to leave no veteran behind. But because of the costs, the availability of other resources, and the history of the committee, we recommend the closure of its projects, and the dissolution of the Economic Opportunities Committee. That recommendation will come before the delegates at the National Convention in August in the form of a proposed Constitutional Amendment.

As chair of the committee, I would like to thank our members and let them know that I am proud of their efforts. I am sure they will serve on other VVA committees and continue to help the organization as we move toward dissolution.

BY JOHN H. RILING, III, CHAIR

In accordance with Public Affairs Resolution P-7, the Veterans Benefits Committee submits the following report on its ongoing work and progress in advancing Convention resolutions.

The committee is actively reviewing Resolutions in preparation for the 2025 National Convention. This comprehensive review aims to ensure that all resolutions remain relevant, actionable, and aligned with the evolving needs of Vietnam War veterans.

A key focus of the committee’s work has been the transition to VetsVOA (Veterans’ Voice of America), a process that involves the phased transfer of VVA state Veterans Benefits programs and National staff personnel. To oversee this initiative, the newly established VB Legacy Subcommittee will develop a phased transition plan. This plan will outline key milestones and be presented for consideration at the October 2025 Veterans Benefits Committee meeting.

Additionally, the VB Committee continues to monitor and support state-level transitions to VetsVOA, with several states—including Illinois, Texas, California, and Arizona—currently engaged in the process. The committee remains dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the highest standards of service for veterans.

As we move forward, the Veterans Benefits Committee remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for and protecting the benefits of Vietnam War veterans. We appreciate the continued support of the VVA leadership and membership in these critical efforts.

The Veterans Benefits Committee: John H. Riling III, Chair; Ned Foote, Vice Chair; Gary Estermyer, Secretary. Members: Mike Dolan, Richard Arthur, John Weiss, Dick Southern, Bill Beecher, Gerald Corrigan, Gumersindo Gomez, Larry Goggins, Joe Jennings, Marc McCabe, Greg Paulline, and Pete Peterson.

Legacy Subcommittee Members: Gary Estermyer, Mike Dolan, Larry Googins, Greg Paulline, and Vern Peterson. Special Advisors: Jeannie Ebert, Steve Schultze, Rob Lichy, and Tom Jones.

By DENNIS HOWLAND, CHAIR

I received more than a dozen emails from members about my column in the January/February issue on recognizing all Vietnam War veterans. I appreciate your input and your opinions.

For those who asked, I am a Vietnam War Marine, having served in 1966-1977. My intentions were not to set new rules, change any membership policy, or force anyone to change their attitudes about the use of the term “Vietnam-Era veteran.” But it is a term that has bothered me for many years. I have always thought it was used to draw a division between those of us who served with boots on the ground and those who served somewhere other than in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

It divides the veterans’ community during a time that we need support from all men and women serving in uniform. I would see veterans appear insulted or embarrassed because they might not have been in-country during the Vietnam War. The fact that they weren’t should never have diluted their service to our nation.

The motion to refrain from using the term carries no requirement from anyone. Policy and rules are set by the leadership of VVA and done so with input of members. However, I will again explain why I detest the term.

Our organization is Vietnam Veterans of America, not Vietnam Veterans of America/Vietnam-Era Veterans. Our organization offers membership to anyone who served on active duty in the Republic of Vietnam from November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. VVA doesn’t turn down veterans of our generation who wish to belong to the best VSO in existence today.

We know that some 2.7 million served in-country and an additional six million served in support of the war elsewhere. Those servicemembers shipped the tools necessary for combat such as weapons, aircraft, and ships, not to mention C-rations and food that kept us going to help us fight the enemy.

Had they not, we could have lost more men and women and could have suffered defeat when the fighting was at its worst. Many handled toxic chemicals. Many men and women were in areas that launched the thousands of aircraft that delivered support. Does that make them lesser Vietnam War veterans?

May 7, 1975, was used by President Gerald Ford to declare the end to the “Vietnam Era.”

The Presidential proclamation, issued two years after the withdrawal of American combat forces from Vietnam and one week after the communist takeover of South Vietnam, was a formality that terminated such benefits as burial allowances and death pensions for individuals enlisting in the armed services after May 7.

No distinction was made between the dedicated groups of men and women serving during the war. It was simply a term that defined a timeline that dealt with ending wartime veterans’ benefits for new recruits.

So, my thoughts are that if we use the term first used by President Ford and its original meaning perhaps all of us who served during the war, boots on the ground or not, are Vietnam-Era veterans.

Resolution P-1 Community Service: Vietnam Veterans of America encourages chapters to take the initiative to make a better community for everyone and serve as a focal point to promote the relationship between Vietnam War veterans and their communities. To accomplish this mission, VVA should publish useful materials at the national, state, and local levels, including resolutions. The Public Affairs Committee emphasizes through its magazine column the importance of using VVA resource materials in community activities. VVA encourages coordinating with other veterans organizations to better serve all veterans. We encourage chapters to share their ideas and programs with the rest of the organization.

P-2 Children’s Welfare: VVA calls upon Vietnam War veterans and their families, through financial and personal contributions, to act responsibly to insure protection and development of infants and children in the United States and throughout the world. The committee continues to encourage participation in organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs, adult counseling in scouting programs, and working to help families understand new legislation regarding descendants of Vietnam War veterans. We recommend participating in the VVA Eagle Scout and JROTC medals programs and endorse the POW/MIA Committee’s Warriors bracelet program.

P-3 Chapter Involvement with Educational Institutions on Teaching the Vietnam War: VVA encourages the balanced, comprehensive teaching of the Vietnam War at all educational levels. Chapters are encouraged to establish ties with local schools and colleges for the purpose of making qualified individuals available to help teach the Vietnam War.

P-4 Regulation of Certain Activities at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial: VVA recommends that the National Park Service prohibit the use of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and adjacent areas for press conferences, politically motivated actions, and all conduct not in keeping with its purpose as a place of healing, remembrance, and acknowledgment of the costs of the Vietnam War. Furthermore, VVA urges the National Park Service to continue its vigilance concerning vendors and solicitors in the immediate vicinity of the memorial and ensure an atmosphere of reverence and respect for those honored there.

P-5 Endorsement for Participation in Local Environmental Efforts: VVA encourages chapters and state councils to network with other groups and participate in efforts to minimize the adverse effects of toxic and nuclear waste dumping, collect hazardous home waste, general recycling efforts, and home site energy efficiency.

P-7 Requirement to Report Progress on All Currently Approved Convention Resolutions, at Least Annually: The Public Affairs Committee continues to support the requirements of this resolution.

P-8 The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: VVA calls upon its members and associates to support and maintain their commitment to conserve the legacy, respect, and honor that The Wall has come to mean to Vietnam War veterans and their families.

P-12 Public Awareness for Veterans Benefits Campaign: The PA Committee will do whatever is necessary to include at least $20,000 in the annual budget to advertise to the membership and to publicize the availability of veterans benefits and how to claim them.

P-13 Gold Star Mothers National Monument: VVA applauds Gold Star Mothers and supports the development and construction of an American Gold Star Mothers National Monument in Washington, D.C. Chapters and state councils are encouraged to reach out to Gold Star Mothers and help with fundraising for the monument.

The Public Affairs Committee: Dennis Howland, Chair. Members: Dave Simmons, Charles Stapleton, Chuck Renevier, Ernie Boisvert, Allan Perkal, Richard Arthur, Justin Latini, Roland Mayhew, Tom Brown, Dan Stenvold, Grant Coates. AVVA Advisors: Kelly Fredericksons and Betty Pike. Staff Support: Marc Leepson, Sean Venables, and Mokie Porter. Awards Committee, Chair: Dan Stenvold. Members: Grant Coates and Charlie Hobbs.

By GRANT COATES, CHAIR

As of February 10, the number of Americans missing and unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War was 1,573. The countries are Vietnam (1,235); Laos (283); Cambodia (48); and the People’s Republic of China territorial waters (7). These numbers fluctuate due to investigations resulting in changed locations of loss.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced January 21 that U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donald W. Downing of Columbus, Wisconsin, who was killed during the Vietnam War, was accounted for on December 20, 2024.

On Sept. 5, 1967, Downing was piloting an F-4C Phantom II on a nighttime armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. Another aircraft witnessed a large, bright fireball in the air, and Downing’s aircraft did not respond to radio calls. Subsequent electronic and visual searches did not find any evidence of a crash site. On April 28, 1978, the Air Force reported Capt. Downing as Killed in Action.

After years of investigation into the incident, a recovery team with Joint Field Activity 24-3VN recovered life support equipment, possible material evidence, aircraft wreckage, unexploded ordnance, and possible osseous material in Quang Binh Province in May and June 2024. To identify Downing’s remains, DPAA scientists used anthropological analysis and material and circumstantial evidence. Additionally, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA and autosomal DNA analysis to confirm that the remains belonged to Lt. Col. Downing.

In accordance with VVA Convention Resolution P-7, the following is the annual report of the POW/MIA Committee:

Resolution PM-3 Declassification Of Information And Diligent Effort: The POW/MIA Committee continues to monitor the actions of the National Declassification Center.

PM-4 Americans Missing In Laos And Cambodia: Efforts continue to bring about better relations between Laos and Cambodia to further recovery missions in the respective countries.

PM-7 Possibility Of Live POW/MIA, And Facilitating The Return Of Those Who Remain In Southeast Asia: VVA has formally acknowledged the possibility of live Americans being left in Southeast Asia at the end of the Vietnam War, and elsewhere worldwide, as a result of later military operations and war. Until all known missing in action from the Vietnam War are accounted for and returned, no change to the resolution is foreseen.

PM-8 Fullest Possible Accounting Of POW/MIAs In Vietnam: The Committee continues to receive timely information from the Defense Prisoner of War-Missing in Action Accounting Agency and other organizations regarding accountability of the missing in action from the Vietnam War.

PM-11 Honoring All Returned POWs, And Giving Recognition Of American Civilians Held As POW/Interned During WWII: VVA urges all chapters and state councils to seek opportunities to honor local former POWs and their families. VVA desires that Congress enact legislation to formally recognize the sacrifices of these individuals. VVA commends the extraordinary service rendered by public servants, military personnel, and citizens who have devoted their lives, vocations, time, and personal resources to resolving the issue of prisoners and missing from the Vietnam War and other conflicts.

PM-13 Public Awareness And Education On The POW/MIA Flag: Vietnam Veterans of America encourages and supports compliance of U.S. Public Law 116-67, known as The National POW/MIA Flag Act enacted on November 7, 2019. VVA recognizes that any official function where the national colors are displayed should include the POW/MIA flag; the POW/MIA flag shall be posted or flown to the immediate left of the national colors. All other flags used in the display shall be flown to the left of the POW/MIA flag following published guidelines for positioning protocol.

PM-14 Forever POW/MIA Stamp: As of mid-February, no congressional member has introduced legislation regarding the Perpetual POW/MIA Stamp Act.

VI-1 The Veterans Initiative, A National VVA Effort On Vietnam’s Missing In Action: In an effort to receive more information regarding Vietnamese missing in action from the Vietnam War, the Veterans Initiative Program uses an informational request advertisement titled, “WERE YOU THERE,” in The Veteran magazine. Several eyewitness reports have been submitted to the committee for investigation.

VI-2 Scope Of The Veterans Initiative: VVA reaffirms the primary mission of the Veterans Initiative is to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all unrepatriated POW/MIAs in Vietnam and supports expanding the mission to include Southeast Asia.

VVA’s Veterans Initiative Program needs your help. Objects taken from the battlefields of Vietnam are more than souvenirs or war trophies. Maps, stories, after-action reports, pictures, and military items may have a story that could result in finding the location of missing war dead.

Contact the Veterans Initiative at:
Veterans Initiative Program
Vietnam Veterans of America
8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100
Silver Spring, MD 20910
vi@vva.org

The POW/-MIA Committee: Grant T. Coates, Chair. Members: Terry Courville, Leslie DeLong, P.J. Dermer, Patti Dumin, Dennis Howland, Chuck Renevier, Phil Pesano, and Ted Wilkinson. Special Advisors: VVA Staff Liaison/Advisor to VI Program Mokie Pratt-Porter, AVVA Liaison: Kaye Gardner, Special Advisor: Gary Jones.

By DICK SOUTHERN, CHAIR

As of the end of January, VVA had 92,505 members and the plan is to reach 93,000 by the end of the year.

We’re gaining about 200 new members monthly and losing about 90. The average number of chapter members is now 126, and we are looking to start new chapters.

There are some 6.6 million Vietnam War veterans living in America and abroad who served on active duty from Nov 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975. That statistic underscores the importance of outreach and recruitment efforts to tap into the large demographic of veterans who can benefit from joining VVA. Many prospective members are waiting for you to invite them to join as Life members.

The Membership Affairs Committee is here to support your recruitment efforts. As a membership organization, we have a profound impact on veterans’ lives, by working to get legislation passed to ensure benefits for military service.

Resolution M-2: Communication Between VVA Organizational Levels: Realizing that communication is the key, this resolution assures that communication is done up and down the line within certain time limits to keep an open dialogue at all levels of the organization. We support continuing this resolution.

M-3 Korean War Veterans Membership: This resolution started the discussion about having our Korean allies from the Vietnam War join VVA as members. However, this resolution is impossible to accomplish. We suggest that it be removed at the 2025 Convention.

We continue to grow, with 45 State Councils and 543 chapters. Life membership in VVA is a bargain and the best price to join any veterans service organization anywhere in the world. Keep up your recruiting efforts.

If you have any questions or need help in membership matters, please email me at dick.southern@gmail.com

The Membership Affairs Committee: Dick Southern, Chair; Richard Lindbeck, Secretary. Members: Ted Wilkinson, Sam Brick, John Weiss, John Riling, Dave Humphrey, Bob Pace, John Margowski, Bill Beecher, Wayne Reynolds, John McGinty, Charlie Montgomery, Charlie Hobbs, Carlton Rhodes, Perry Melvin, Tony Gigli, and Greg Bethard. AVVA Advisor: Terry Rangel. Staff Support: Nicole Kennedy, Priscilla Wiley, and Brenae Jones. Special Advisor: Bill Meeks.

By TOM HALL, PH.D., CHAIR

This column looks at the PTSD/SA Committee’s resolutions we will focus on in 2025.

PTSD and substance abuse have haunted too many veterans for too long. Vietnam Veterans of America and the PTSD/SA Committee stand firm: No veteran should be left behind.

PTSD doesn’t go away on its own. If it is not treated, it can destroy lives, leading to addiction, job loss, broken families, homelessness, incarceration, and even suicide. Too many of our brothers and sisters have taken their own lives, and too many still struggle in silence.

We will continue to bring these critical issues to Congress and the VA. The committee will work to restart programs for long-term PTSD, ensuring that the Vet Center Improvement Act is fully enforced.

We will advocate for continued research into new and promising treatments for PTSD and substance use disorder. Furthermore, the committee will pursue resolutions that ensure veterans have a fair chance at upgrading discharges when PTSD played a role in their separation.

The VA has a duty to do better. There are not enough mental health professionals to meet the current demand, and hiring more is often laborious due to bureaucratic processes. We will call for faster hiring, better pay for counselors, and more training to ensure veterans get top-notch care.

We also will advocate for better suicide prevention outreach and accurate reporting on veteran suicides, as research has indicated many cases are misreported, misdiagnosed, or hidden due to stigma.

Vet Centers were created to help veterans adjust to civilian life and they must have enough staff to do that job. No veteran should be rushed through treatment because of case overloads. We will be strongly advocating for family counseling, in addition to counseling of veterans. The VA must provide quality support for spouses and children to help families heal together.

National Guard and Reserve troops often fall through the cracks. They serve just like active-duty troops, but many don’t know about the benefits they’ve earned. We are determined to push for resolutions that ensure better outreach and funding, so all veterans know the help they are entitled to and how to get it. The VA must also step up for women veterans and offer inpatient and outpatient care for combat and sexual trauma.

We do not know what changes the new administration will make to the VA, nor what impact those changes will have on veterans’ healthcare, benefits, and memorial services. We need VVA members to let us know if the changes are having an impact on your ability to get benefits and the quality of your care.

We will continue to focus on the ten VVA Resolutions related to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and substance use disorder. These include: Support for Readjustment Counseling Service Programs; Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Abuse; PTSD Counseling for Family Members’ Substance Abuse Treatment; PTSD and Mental Health Resources; PTSD Compensation Claims; Access to VA Mental Health Services; and PTSD among America‘s military women veterans.

VVA will keep holding the VA, Congress, and local leaders accountable. We will continue fighting until all veterans get the care they’ve earned. This committee will continue to advocate for improved services—for us, for our families, and for the generations of veterans to come.

By Allan Perkal, CO-CHAIR

As required by Public Affairs Resolution P-7, the Veterans Health Care Committee submits the following report on its progress in advancing Convention resolutions.

At this time, the Healthcare Committee has no active Convention resolutions to implement. While our committee remains committed to addressing the healthcare concerns of Vietnam War veterans, there are currently no outstanding resolutions requiring action.

We will continue to monitor developments in veterans’ healthcare policy and remain engaged in discussions on issues that have an impact on the well-being of our members.

Our committee stands ready to support future resolutions and to advocate for policies that enhance healthcare access and services for Vietnam War veterans.

We appreciate the ongoing support of VVA leadership and our fellow members in ensuring that veterans receive the healthcare they have earned.

The Veterans Health Care Committee: Chuck Byers, Co-Chair; Allan Perkal, Co-Chair. Members: Sandie Wilson, Mike Dolan, Roland Mayhew, Chuck Renevier, Linda Schwartz, Tom Hall, Ken Harbert, Marsha Four, and Kate O’Hare-Palmer.

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