Who We Are

WHO ARE WE?

WE ARE YOU!

The VVnW was formed in Pennsylvania in May, 1980 by a small group of veterans to provide information
and services not easily obtained elsewhere.

The goal was to serve Veterans of not only the Vietnam Era, but anyone who served in the Armed Forces
of the U.S. at any time; in the Armed Forces of Allied countries during the Vietnam era; civilians who
served in Vietnam in support of the U.S. forces; and concerned citizens in support of all veterans.

The VVnW is a growing organization with posts throughout the United States and in foreign countries. In
areas without a local post, our National Members-at-Large represent the VVnW in the veteran community.

On a local level, members of our posts are active in their communities through local veteran projects, our
national projects such as the War on Drugs and many serve on local veterans boards.

The VVNW was formed by a group of Vietnam Veterans to serve the special purpose of bringing the
Vietnam vet into the VETERAN community.

Vietnam hurt many. It was our nations' longest war and never received the full support of the American
people.

When it was over - when America's soldiers returned from Vietnam, they found that in most cases they
were not welcomed or appreciated. They became the scapegoats for America's frustrations about the war.

As a result, many veterans withdrew from society - the mainstream - wounds never healed.

Many Vietnam veterans beat the odds and made it - but some did not! Perhaps for the sake of survival
many vets became exiles in their own land.

This is why the Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. was formed - to draw out our brothers and sisters who
are still caught up in that conflict.

Of course, there were other reasons to form this organization. While some problems experienced by
veterans are common to ALL veterans, some are not. A problem like "Agent Orange" is unique to the
Vietnam veteran and it has taken the Vietnam veteran HIMSELF to get others interested in and to make
others aware of his unusual problems.

The VVNW believes that ALL veterans must stand together for their rights and benefits. We also feel
that the problems of a particular war are best understood by the men and women who fought it. Once
they have discovered the problem, then it is the duty of ALL, as veterans... as Americans ... to band
together in seeking a solution.

Regular membership in VVNW is composed of honorably discharged veterans from any time period and
all Allied Forces. Associate membership is open to all. The VVNW is active in Veterans Health Initiatives,
public awareness of the POW/MIA issue, Agent Orange, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and
public education onthe Vietnam War.

The VVNW maintains FIND-A-VET, a computerized locator service; publishes quarterly the Veteran
Leader newsletter, and is deeply involved in creating shelters for homeless veterans and their families
through the United Veterans Beacon House Project.

The VVNW has involvement with incarcerated veterans who have unique problems and needs; and the
War on Drugs project which provides recognition to individuals and community-based organizations
who are actively working on the resolution of this "war".

The VVNW maintains 1-800 VIETNAM a phone hotline through which an individual can be referred to
available services such as the Vet Center Program or just be able to talk to a "live" human being when
they are experiencing the difficulties of every day living.

"An organization succeeds, not because it is long-established, but because there are people in it who live
it, sleep it, dream it, and build future plans for it."