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Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America
Bylaws And Byways

BY MARY MILLER, PRESIDENT
AVVA has been working on the Biennial Meeting that will be held in Greenville, S.C., in July. If you have bylaw changes, I hope you have submitted them. They will be discussed at the Meeting. Bylaws may only be changed at a Biennial Meeting with all the State Representatives and State Presidents voting on the changes. So make sure you have registered as a State Representative or State President, because you must be registered to vote.

Greenville is a beautiful city. I hope you are able to take advantage of it while you are there. It has a Vietnam Veterans Memorial that the local VVA chapter had a lot to do with. I was told there is a waterfall in the city as well as a bridge and a park. It has a general store with lots of items. I will remind you that when walking to one of the many stores or restaurants, be aware that the street may be a lot steeper coming uphill than going down. If you want to find out more, go to www.greatergreenville.com

Our Project Friendship consists of two programs this year. The Wounded Warrior Project helps returning troops who have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. The local project is Safeharbor, which helps women and children. Our Luncheon keynote speaker will be Retired Navy Captain Tom Hovland, Safeharbor’s interim director. See our website for things that can be donated. Money is always gratefully accepted. Last year we were able to help with over $3,000 to Mini O’Bierne, plus many items that they needed.

Unfortunately, we still have not been able to resolve the difficulties with the Chapel of Four Chaplains. This program is worthy of our respect, and we wish them well.

Mickey Emery, Rhode Island’s VVA State Council vice president, has donated a set of cue sticks worth between $1,200 and $1,500. Raffle tickets will be available after April and are five dollars each. Nancy Nix, AVVA Region 3 director, will have pictures for anyone interested. Nancy has several other activities planned, so come and join the fun.

Unfortunately, prices keep going up on all things. That includes our registration and luncheon fees: $45 for registration and $30 for the luncheon. If you want to attend any of VVA’s seminars, you must register for them separately.

If you know people who are deserving of recognition for community service work, nominate them for the Fellowship Award.
AVVA/VVA: Together always.