A publication of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. ®
An organization chartered by the U.S. Congress
February 2001/March 2001
Region 3 Report
2000: A Very Good Year
By Charlie Montgomery
I would like to wish you a wonderful and prosperous 2001. If it turns out to be as good as 2000, we’ll be in great shape.
Last year was a busy but exciting year for our region. New members and new chapters were added throughout Region 3. We are the third largest region in Vietnam Veterans of America. We have chartered three new chapters: Chapter 851 in Kentucky, Chapter 306 (which might become 860) in West Virginia, and Chapter 868 in Kentucky. This past year was a very successful one for membership recruitment, and I owe much thanks to our state council presidents and members for doing an excellent job getting others to make a commitment to this great organization. Without you, there would be no Vietnam Veterans of America.
Also in 2000, we were the first to kick off the hepatitis C program with Miss America, Heather French, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Ford UAW union hall. Chapter 454 hosted the event.
On Father’s Day, Baltimore Chapter 451 provided lunch for Sons and Daughters in Touch, which had their Father’s Day ceremony at The Wall. Northern Virginia Chapter 227 helped SDIT with a hospitality suite and provided information about the local area. The ceremony was impressive and will be remembered for many years to come.
Vietnam Veterans of America was honored to host the Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Chapter 451 of Baltimore led off the ceremony as the official honor guard, and they looked very sharp. Two members from Chapter 48 of Virginia Beach--Jim Blount and Doug Perkins--led the Procession of Flags.
From north to south and east to west, many region chapters and state councils were involved in bringing The Wall that Heals to their communities. This project involves a lot of hard work. Souls were healed and many friends were brought together by this Wall. We shall not forget our fallen brothers and sisters and those who have not been accounted for. Thanks to all for your dedication and efforts.
Let us also not forget the work we do throughout our region in the VA hospitals. We all deserve a pat on the back. Our veterans love us when we come visit. Whether it’s playing bingo, hosting a Christmas party, having a summer picnic, or just saying "Hello," they appreciate our visits. As our motto says, "Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another."
I could go on about how much Region 3 has accomplished this past year. We have a great region, and we should be proud of our achievements. Thank you for all you do. Have a good 2001 and I look forward to seeing you in Chattanooga in June and Greensboro in August.
E-mail us at TheVeteran@vva.org