Recognizing Leadership and Protecting Our Voice

BY BILL PATON, CHAIR, and James McCormick, Executive Director of Government Affairs

This spring has been a powerful reminder of VVA’s history and our continued responsibility to those who serve.

In March, Vietnam Veterans of America joined thousands on the National Mall to commemorate the National Vietnam War Veterans Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It was a moment of reflection, recognition, and resolve.

President Tom Burke delivered remarks grounded in VVA’s founding principle: “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” He reminded us that while Vietnam War veterans did not always receive the welcome they deserved, we made a promise that future generations would. That promise continues to guide everything we do today.

That same spirit of action carried forward in our recent advocacy efforts.

In Washington, we presented Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) with VVA’s Legislator of the Year Award. Sen. Fetterman has demonstrated a willingness to put veterans ahead of politics, showing both integrity and compassion. During our meeting, we discussed full funding for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and solutions to veteran homelessness. His commitment to engage on these issues reflects the kind of leadership veterans need and deserve.

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At the state level, we were proud to recognize Texas as one of VVA’s Top Three Veteran-Friendly States. Texas has earned this recognition through real results: property-tax relief for disabled veterans, streamlined licensing for military spouses, and strong employment and apprenticeship programs that connect veterans to meaningful careers. These policies demonstrate how states can lead in delivering tangible support to those who served.

These moments—at The Wall, in the halls of Congress, and across the states—highlight a central truth: Honoring veterans is important, but delivering results is what matters most.

That brings us to an important conversation: the distinction between operating as a 501(c)(19) veterans service organization and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Both structures have value. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, such as the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA), is effective for fundraising, allowing for tax-deductible donations, expanding philanthropic support, and strengthening programs that directly help veterans and their families. But fundraising alone does not secure veteran benefits.

VVA is a 501(c)(19). As such, we retain the full ability to advocate directly and without limitation at the federal and state levels. That is how we influence legislation, protect earned benefits, and push for solutions on issues such as DPAA funding, toxic exposure, health care access, suicide prevention, and housing.

If we weaken that capability, we weaken our impact and decrease the support we provide veterans.

In short, from honoring Vietnam War veterans at The Wall to working with leaders in Washington and statehouses across the country, VVA’s strength has always been its voice and its willingness to use it.

We must protect that voice, so we can continue to deliver not just recognition, but results.

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