Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance

GEORGIA VIETNAM VETERANS ALLIANCE, INC.

During the middle 1980's a number of Vietnam vets banded together and formed a chapter of Vietnam Veterans in the Atlanta area. By 1988, the Chapter was working with other Vietnam veteran groups around the state and a state organization was formed.

Eventually, the state organization grew to 5 chapters and by 1989 we had a sound organization, both financially and membership. We joined the Vietnam Veterans of America and were represented on its National Board.

There were chapters in Atlanta (2), Jonesboro, Gwinnett, Savannah, Macon (2), and Valdosta. During 1991, and for the following year afterwards, there was a growing desire in the state to focus on local and community affairs. Not get embroiled in national politics. Georgia wanted to return to taking care of veterans locally where we could be effectively involved in community service.

As a consequence, Georgia voted in the summer of 1992 to leave VVA and formed the Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance, Inc. to work for the betterment of veterans locally. This allowed Georgia Vietnam Veterans to direct our limited resources towards scholarships, a homeless shelter, emergency aid for veterans, leadership conferences, PTSD seminars, and generally assisting veterans in Georgia.

Each of the chapters is free to pursue its own fund raising and to assist in community outreach. For example, the Gulf War veterans have been very involved in trying to resolve what caused the Gulf War illness, including working with the news media and with other groups nationwide. The Marietta chapter has been very involved in community service.

The Alliance operates its own fund raising business. IThis provides a place of employment for veterans and helps to build self confidence for those needing a boost in their outlook.

Each employee comes to us with different needs. For many, it is the first step on the road to regain their self-esteem and to re-enter the mainstream of the work force. The location of the business is such that those without transportation can reach it using MARTA. The size of GVVA's business office allows for a meeting place for vets needing someone to talk to and to hold meetings for the Alliance.

Because of our desire to be more involved in the community the Alliance has many members who also work actively on the Georgia Veterans Day Parade Association. The Parade Association hold its meetings at the Alliance Headquarters.

The Alliance Headquarters serves as a repository for memorabilia, pictures, and books about the Vietnam War. We are gradually adding to this collection. In addition, the headquarters houses all of the official documents of the Alliance, flags and other items of importance.

As far as we know, we are the only Veterans Group in the nation that has brought a Gulf War group in as a Chapter. This has been a wonderful experience for our veterans and for the Gulf War vets. They have full membership and serve on the board of the Alliance, yet they retain their own identity. We have also begun discussions with a group of Korean veterans with the thought that they would have a chapter and also retain their identity. Over the past year we are seeing an increasing number of Iraq vets, including National Guard. They need help in navigating the VA and at times a job or financial assistance.

By having a location and a full time staff member at our business location we have had the time to help those needing jobs, needing assistance with their claims, and provided a referral service to those who need help with the system. In addition, we are able to respond to emergencies of veterans and provide immediate assistance.

Of particular note is that we have developed a networking system for vets which is bringing vets of all wars together. Among our leaders and board members are attorneys, business owners, city officials, salesmen, doctors, and carpenters. It is a place where all vets are unconditionally welcome and all can find friends and help to better themselves.