Advancing VVA and Strengthening Our Future

BY Dottie Barickman, TREASURER

For many years, the phrase “united we stand, divided we fall” has served as a guiding principle in my leadership approach. It reflects the importance of collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement. As I approach the completion of my first year as Treasurer, I have become even more convinced that while maintaining the status quo may feel comfortable, it rarely advances an organization or strengthens its future.

As the Vietnam War veteran population continues to age, VVA cannot afford to become stagnant in its thinking, planning, or relationships. Progress requires us to remain engaged, adaptable, and committed to supporting each other. One of the most encouraging observations during my tenure has been hearing VVA’s leaders acknowledge that success depends on collaboration, trust, and the collective efforts of colleagues working toward a common goal.

Transparency and accountability remain foundational principles of VVA’s financial governance. Timely reporting, regular financial reviews, and open communication among leadership, the accounting staff, and the Finance Committee help ensure informed decision-making and responsible stewardship.

From the outset, my goal has been to provide timely and accurate financial information at each regularly scheduled Board meeting. Several reports that were previously reviewed on a quarterly basis are now provided monthly to the officers and reviewed with the Director of Finance.

Every regularly scheduled VVA Board meeting includes reports from the Director of Fundraising and Development, the Treasurer, and the Finance Committee. These reports provide critical information about current revenue, future revenue projections, budget performance, and the overall financial health of the organization. I encourage every attendee to listen carefully to these reports and consider their broader implications.

Rather than focusing solely on how financial decisions may affect individual programs or interests, we must ask ourselves more important questions: How do these decisions affect the longevity of VVA? How do they support our mission? And how do they position VVA for future success?

The public has placed its trust in us through its generous support. We have a responsibility to honor that trust by ensuring that organizational resources are managed prudently, strategically, and in a manner that always puts the mission first. Every financial decision should reflect a collective commitment to responsible stewardship and long-term sustainability.

The Fiscal Year 2027 budget remains under review by the Finance Committee and its subcommittee. The proposed budget remains balanced, but it is being monitored closely. Financial accountability measures are implemented whenever necessary to ensure responsible management of resources and continued alignment with organizational priorities.

Heading into Fiscal Year 2028, our investment portfolio remains healthy and continues to provide an important foundation for the organization’s financial stability. However, maintaining a healthy investment fund requires more than preserving existing assets.

As we begin planning for FY2028, we will focus on increasing contributions to the investment fund and setting aside funds for future investment rather than relying solely on current balances. While the portfolio remains strong, it has been about three years since significant new funds have been added to it. Strengthening this investment base will help ensure VVA’s financial resilience well into the future.

VVA’s financial position is stable, but stability should never lead to complacency. Continued vigilance, thoughtful planning, and disciplined stewardship are essential. Together, we share the responsibility of ensuring that VVA remains financially sound and mission-focused for future generations.

Thank you for your support, and if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, feel free to contact me at dbarickman@vva.org, dottieb@vva.org, or 712-314-1808 (cell/text).

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