History
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families.
By the late 1970s, existing veterans’ groups had largely ignored the unique concerns of Vietnam veterans, leaving a gap in the nation’s legislative and public agenda. In January 1978, a small group of Vietnam veteran activists came to Washington, D.C., seeking allies to support an advocacy organization focused solely on Vietnam veterans. Originally called the Council of Vietnam Veterans, the organization began its work with $46,506 in assets at the end of its first year.
Council members believed that focusing national attention on the needs of Vietnam veterans would spur action, but early appeals to Congress, supported by editorials in major newspapers, failed to produce legislative victories. It became clear that moral arguments alone were insufficient — political strength, built through membership, was essential. By 1979, the Council had transformed into Vietnam Veterans of America, a membership-based service organization devoted to Vietnam veterans.
Early growth was slow due to limited funding, but a turning point came with the return of American hostages from Iran in 1981, which prompted national reflection on veterans’ recognition. Public attention and the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982 helped strengthen membership and support.
In 1983, VVA founded Vietnam Veterans of America Legal Services (VVALS) to assist veterans seeking benefits, operating as advocates rather than facilitators. VVALS produced landmark resources, including the Viet Vet Survival Guide (1985), and later evolved into the current VVA Service Representative program.
Through the 1980s, VVA expanded its size, influence, and reputation, culminating in a congressional charter in 1986. Today, VVA has over 85,000 members and more than 650 chapters across the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Philippines. State councils coordinate local chapters, ensuring national victories are implemented locally.
VVA emphasizes empowerment and community action, supporting programs for homeless shelters, substance-abuse education, youth sports, mentoring, and disaster relief.
Governed by a national board of directors and elected officers, VVA promotes the educational, economic, health, cultural, and emotional readjustment of Vietnam-era veterans to civilian life. Its legislative efforts, combining lobbying, constituent mobilization, and media engagement, have led to landmark achievements, including the Vet Center system, job training and placement programs, laws aiding veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and judicial review of VA decisions.
VVA also raises public awareness through publications like the weekly electronic VVA Veteran® newspaper and self-help guides on issues such as Agent Orange and PTSD, available to members and the public.
