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Myths of The Vietnam War - A Must See Video - I hate using that line, but it is... In place of the December Pressident's Message I asked Jon Luker for permission to post his comments on the VVA Michigan State Council Metting he recently attended. I thought it would get more attention than burying in somewhere in our site. Please see below. - Vance
Chapter Secretary's Message - Jon Luker Next Steps for VVA National VVA National President Tom Burke spoke at the 7 December 2025 Michigan State Council Meeting about the future of VVA National. To put his comments into context, we should remember that back in 2018 two Working Groups were formed. Working Group 1 was to report on what it would take to dissolve VVA National. Working Group 2 was to report on what it would take to make sure that some organization picks up where we leave off (i.e. to find, recruit, train and equip our replacements). Both reports were presented to membership at the 2019 convention. Delegates voted against a constitutional amendment presented by Working Group 1 that would dissolve the national organization. Delegates voted for a resolution presented by Working Group 2 requiring the Board of Directors to present members at the 2021 convention with a plan to change our name and/or find or create a new organization. One of Tom’s first comments was that during his travels to various VVA functions, the majority sentiment still is that VVA members are not ready to throw in the towel until we know how our work will continue. Tom is committed to helping us develop a viable plan. His first step was to ask the board to approve using the 2026 Leadership Conference to educate delegates about VVA’s future, with the three main sessions being:
You may remember that a “Legacy Society Task Force” was set up a while back that had two different functions. The first function was to take action to preserve VVA’s legacy. Another way to look at it would be to say that whether VVA goes on or dissolves, it is necessary that the world never forgets the Vietnam War, nor what VVA did to help the nation heal from the wounds of that and future wars. The second function was to prepare a plan that would ensure that the work of VVA is not just remembered but is carried on into the future. Tom made it clear at the MSC meeting that the Legacy Task Force is relieved of this second duty so that it can focus on the first one. But that raises the question, “If the Legacy Society Task Force is not going to make a plan, who will?” Tom’s answer is that we will. The delegate votes at the 2025 convention are not being interpreted to mean the delegates want VVA to just go away. Rather, it’s an indication that we need a better plan and we need delegates to understand that plan before the plan is offered to delegates for a vote in 2027. Tom’s wants to make sure we have a chance to participate as the planning process goes along. A draft plan will be presented at the Leadership Conference. Tom also mentioned several things he will do to help communicate with members during the year to answer questions we may have and to hear ideas we may have about the future. Tom said we owe it to our employees to come up with a rational transition plan. He said it is more important that we do that work so we keep our promise to ourselves and future veterans. One step he already took was to ask members to suggest names for the new/reformed/merged organization. Around 600 did so. Although future generations might not support it, about half of those suggestions were “Vietnam Veterans of America.” Tom said that if VVA merges with other groups with compatible objectives and good track records, the combined unit will be stronger. The groups that were involved in the staff plan outlined before (Misson POW/MIA, Sons and Daughters In Touch, AVVA and VVOA) are still in consideration and will be involved in ongoing discussions, but other mergers are being considered as well. The point is that if you are one of the people that thinks the VVA mission should continue after VVA members are no longer able to perform it, your job is to stay informed and to offer your opinions and support for the development of the best plan. The next meeting of the Board of Directors is set for 30 – 31 January 2026. The plan will be on the agenda. Is there anything you want the board to know? Do you have any questions for the board? If so, please email them to us at Charles S Kettles VVA Chapter 310. |
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