“Never again will one generation of veterans forget another.” This is the motto of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).

The VVA has done much at the local, state and national level in being there for veterans, not just of the Vietnam War, but of subsequent wars.

The VVA was founded in 1978. Jake Roberts, past president of VVA Chapter 812 gave me the most recent copy of the Vietnam Veteran, the magazine of the VVA. An article by the current national president, Jack McManus, states that the VVA should begin operations to close chapters and for the national organization to fold in six years.

This is to say that while there are 610,000 Vietnam veterans left, with a membership of 85,000, the Vietnam Veterans of America expect to close in 2028 or 2029.

With a life membership of only $50, this young airman who while he may be 27 years old, has been around these Vietnam Veterans all his life, cannot fathom why more veterans have not paid to have their voice heard regarding Veterans rights and local community help for life and only have to pay a small amount once to do it.

Lets be honest, paying $50 for life membership in VVA is less than what most people are paying to fill their car up one time nowadays.

Chapter 812 in Elkins continues to do a lot for the community. Jake Roberts and Roger Ware are accredited Veteran Service Officer through the VVA, helping countless veterans receive VA disability claims.

The chapter gives out Thanksgiving baskets every year to those in need; they also donate money to Boys State hosted by The American Legion to ensure the future of America, our youth, understands our flag and our government.

Editor, there are more than 89 Vietnam Veterans left in this county and this area; 89 is how many members Chapter 812 has. American Legion Post 29 has over 170 Vietnam Veterans in their ranks. That means in The American Legion Post in Elkins alone, there are over 80 Vietnam Veterans that have not joined the VVA.

For $50 life membership, that is one great deal. There are no other veteran service organizations where their life membership is this low.

“Never again will one generation of veterans forget another.” Vietnam Veterans, do not forget yourselves. Be there for each other.

VVA is going to be a last man organization, wouldn’t it mean more to have the last surviving Vietnam Veteran be a life member of the VVA?

If someone is interested, they should see Jake Roberts at Peter Pan Cleaners in Elkins.

Donald Lambert

Past Commander

American Legion Post 29, Elkins