Stepping In and Carrying On

BY JOHN H. RILING III

Since stepping into this new role, I’ve kept a full schedule: on the road; on Zoom; and at the keyboard every day working with the Veterans Benefits program and answering members’ emails. Tom Burke’s pace is even more relentless, and I’ll continue to join him wherever my involvement can help.

My work as VP began in early September with staff briefings in Silver Spring, followed by a Zoom check-in with staff. I was honored to be guest speaker at Michigan Chapter 528’s 35th anniversary banquet on September 13. I was a charter member when that chapter formed.

I attended the Kokomo Vietnam Veterans Reunion in mid-September in Indiana, where Tom Burke was also present. Later that month I went to the Michigan State Council meeting and then joined a morning VVA staff Zoom meeting, before driving to Lansing for a meeting with the Michigan VSO Coalition.

October opened with the Texas State Council meeting and a bus tour of Fort Bliss. We must have looked like quite a sight; younger troops kept pointing, wondering what a bunch of old men and women did to end up on that bus.

The Texas SC meeting banquet that evening and post-meal auction were fantastic, and my wife and I were grateful for the Texas hospitality.

Next up was the Buckeye State Council meeting in Grove City, Ohio, with Region 5 Director Gary Estermyer and Tom Burke. I also attended Chapter 528’s membership meeting on October 13 and spoke about VVA’s future. The response was positive and constructive.

The National Board sessions in Arlington, Virginia, ran from October 19–26, with Board and committee meetings during the first three days. We also held a Board of Directors and Conference of State Council Presidents training seminar. Our staff did outstanding work. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting it was the best training they’d ever attended. It clearly explained how the VVA staff operates and what they do for the membership.

The Board meeting that followed was my first as Vice President. On Friday, I presented Terri Rangel with the VVA Achievement Medal. On Saturday, I received, on behalf of Robert Rangel, his Achievement Medal.

My message to the Board and to the members of this great organization is simple: We are not going to bury VVA. The membership has sent the Board a clear message—VVA cannot go away. And we will do whatever it takes to carry that message forward. There’s an old saying: Lead, follow, or get out of the way. If you believe in moving forward at the chapter and state levels, make your voice heard.

Remember when we came home and later VVA was formed to fight for all of us? Our Founding Principle says it best: “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” For that alone, we shall continue on. VVA forever.

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