Special
Notice: If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help RIGHT
NOW, call this toll-free number 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran.
All calls are confidential. National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-4AID-VET or 1-877-424-3838
VVA Press Release
Vietnam Veterans of America Praises President, Salutes Secretary Shinseki
For Move to Make PTSD Claims More Just
(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) thanks President Obama and salutes Secretary of Veterans Affairs Shinseki for the regulatory move to make the claims process less onerous for certain veterans who have legitimate claims for service connection for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but who have difficulty obtaining documentary evidence.
“This will make it possible for some veterans who have been unjustly denied, because they could not document the details of the stressors that caused them to have chronic acute PTSD, to finally succeed in getting justice and their claim approved,” said John Rowan, VVA national president.
It is with deepest regrets that we announce the loss of Jim Grissom, President, Veterans Support Foundation. Jim suffered a heart attack and passed away on Monday July 19, 2010, at his home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. VVA and VSF join Jim’s wife, Nancy, is sharing the loss of a true veterans’ advocate and a good friend.
Jim was raised in Southern California. He volunteered for service in the Army and was sent to Vietnam in October 1971. He was an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division, 1/327th, and subsequently with the 1st Cavalry Division, 2/5th. He completed his two-year tour with the Big Red One in Ft. Riley, Kansas.
In 1996, Jim joined Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 686, in Moses Lake, WA. In 1997, he became active at the state level, serving as Membership Chair. In 1998, Jim was elected Washington State Council Vice President. In 1999 he served as the Washington State Council President, and in 2000, was re-elected to the same position. In 2001, he was elected as VVA’s Region 8 Director. In 2003, Jim was elected as the National Secretary, Vietnam Veterans of America.
In 2003, Jim was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Veterans Support Foundation (then known as Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund). He was reappointed to the VSF Board in 2005, and in 2010, was elected president of the Veterans Support Foundation.
Jim dedicated his life to helping veterans. His contributions and genuine outgoing manner and warmth of character will be missed by everyone who knew him.
At this time, final arrangements are pending. Any messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Nancy at macgrizz@me.com
John A. Miterko, President, Veterans Support Foundation
John Rowan, President, Vietnam Veterans of America
VVA Testimony
Examining the Progress of suicide prevention Outreach to Efforts at the Va
july 14, 2010
The subject of suicide is extremely difficult to talk about and is a topic that most of us would prefer to avoid. Although statistics on suicide deaths are not as accurate as we would like because so many are not reported, as veterans of the Vietnam War and those who care for them, many of us have known someone who has committed suicide and others who have attempted it. But as uncomfortable as this subject may be to discuss, VVA believes it to be a very real public health concern that needs solutions now.
Suicide is most often the result of unrecognized and untreated mental health injuries. Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are three of the most common mental health injuries and conditions that can lead to suicide. The three conditions in particular are medical conditions that can be life-threatening.
In 1978, Mr. Feldman and Robert Muller, a veteran who had been paralyzed in Vietnam, co-founded the organization that became Vietnam Veterans of America, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to Vietnam veterans and their families.
A psychology graduate student at Purdue University is looking for Vietnam, Persian Gulf and OIF/OEF veterans to participate in a doctoral study, which will examine veterans’ help-seeking attitudes related to PTSD and suicide that will be used to develop model interventions for decreasing stigma. If you are interested in participating, please contact Azi Ghaffari at aghaffar@purdue.edu
NOTE: this study’s I.R.B. documentation has been filed and reviewed by VVA’s I.R.B. research officer and judged to be in compliance with all applicable human subjects research guidelines.
Commemorative Video & Books
If you were at the 25th Anniversary Parade of the “Wall” then chances are you are in this Video.
If you weren’t, then here is your chance to see History.
Yes, it’s been two years in the making, we have video from several video crews and many still photos, almost every group that marched, every band that participated and many of the people that made the 25th Anniversary parade possible are in this Video.
The Video is over 2 hours long, featuring the Pre-Parade Breakfast, the Parade Opening speeches and ceremonies, The Parade, The Concert, and the After Parade “Thank You for Serving” Dinner. Bonus section of 100’s of still photos is included.
Our United States Veterans were there when we needed them the most. Now they need your support. Please donate your car to the Vietnam Veterans of America. You get a tax deduction and your car donation will be helping those who have given us so much, our veterans. Vietnam Veterans of America is chartered by Congress and has been supporting our dedicated Veterans and their families for over 30 years.
The donation process is simple, fast and secure, and your car donation will help us to provide critical support services for our defenders of freedom in their time of need. Call toll free today at 1-800-Help-Vets or use our easy online donation form to schedule your free towing and join the thousands of other satisfied car donors who have already helped our veterans.
"Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another."
Click on the cover image to read the VVA Self-Help Guide to Service-Connected Disability Compensation for Exposure to Agent Orange
VVA Victim of Email Hoaxes
An email hoax, “States From One State,” has been circulating the Internet for more than a year. Unfortunately, someone has taken his/her personal initiative to attach the Vietnam Veterans of America logo to this flyer after it had been in circulation. The content of this email has nothing to do with Vietnam Veterans of America. We regret this egregious misuse of our logo and appreciate your efforts in setting the record straight.
