Our Mission
Our mission is to be a positive influence and liaison in the community for all Veterans of the U.S. armed forces — past, present, and future — and to advocate for the respect and dignity of all Veterans and their families.
We provide peer referral and community educational services, including a speakers bureau, ceremony support, and scholarships.
Founded in 1978, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is the only national Vietnam Veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era Veterans and their families. VVA is organized as a not-for-profit corporation and is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
— VVA’s founding principle
Our Goals
- Promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam Veterans
- Create a new identity for this generation of Veterans
- Change public perception of Vietnam Veterans
Special Programs
- Government relations advocacy on the full range of Veterans issues
- National Task Force for Homeless Veterans
- Health care for Veterans, including disabled Veterans
- Issues pertaining to women and minority Veterans
- National scholarship fund
- Assistance to Veterans seeking benefits and services from the government
Funding
Vietnam Veterans of America relies totally on private contributions for its revenue. VVA does not receive any funding from federal, state, or local government.
Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA)
AVVA is an adjunct organization of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., incorporated in January 1999. Membership is open to anyone who is not a Vietnam-era military veteran — all supporters are welcome, including era Veterans as non-voting supportive members.
AVVA’s mission is to advance the work of VVA through cooperative projects and programs, improve communication with members and the public, and continue legislative efforts to ensure the rights of and benefits for all Veterans and their families.
Projects AVVA has implemented
- The Paper Safe
- The Flag Brochure — teaching our next generation
- Homeless Grant Program
- AVVA/VVA Project Friendship — assisting families nationwide