President’s Corner Welcome Home Brothers and Sisters, I know this is a busy time of the year for all. Not only do we have our Chapter functions but we have our family to take time for. Of course we have to spoil the grand kids and hopefully don’t have to put any toys together. We must not over indulge with the sweets and good food that is always in abundance at this time of the year. Hopefully your Chapter is reaching out to the veterans and their families who may need a helping hand. We need to find the home bound veteran who would appreciate just the camaraderie of his fellow Brothers and Sisters. Don’t forget the veterans who are hospitalized who would appreciate a visit. Also look after their family while they are hospitalized. Of course, we don’t want to forget the homeless, even if they don’t want shelter, a goodwill package would be helpful. We should be doing whatever we can for the Troops. “Support Our Troops” in Wesley Chapel sends a care package to every troop serving in harm’s way during the Holidays. FSC has been supporting this wonderful program and recommend all Chapters to help them out as well. Their postage bill is over $32,000 a month. There is no administrative cost since the staff is all volunteers. Their phone # 813-991-4256 and website http://ourtroopsonline.com/ Let’s show our communities what we are about, helping our fellow Brothers and Sisters and their families during this Holiday Season. “Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another.” “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year” Ben L. Humphries, President Vietnam Veterans of America Florida State Council “Together Then, Together Now” December 18, 2013 All American's can help the United States economy by using their consumer purchasing power to BUY AMERICAN. It has been estimated that if every American increased their purchase of goods made in the USA by only 5%, a million American jobs would be created. The VVA Florida State Council is encouraging all members to take the time to read product labels and understand where the everyday products you use are made. We have provided a set of links to websites and videos that will you find more information on American made products. click on the logo above. If you do not think you can make a difference, check out this STARSHIP STORY.
| Photos From VVA FSC Meeting November 2nd. Special Events and Projects
FLORIDA IS HOT!  Ben Humphries, President, VVA Florida State Council, is proud to announce that two additional chapters, VVA 1085 in Ocala and VVA 1086 in Okeechobee, have been awarded Chapter numbers by VVA National. Congratulations to both Chapters. But that is only part of the story. Up in Nassau County, FL, a new chapter formation meeting on October 24th, resulted in 29 members for a new chapter in the most Northeastern County of the State. They will have a little paperwork to do, but will be able to get their Chapter soon. In Gainesville, Fl, Home of the Gators, they are also close to finishing up their Chapter requirements. And in Delray-Boca, they are likely to have their Chapter up and running in the next week or so. Before these chapters, there were approximately 3,200 members of Vietnam Veterans of America in Florida. Florida is one of the fastest growing states in terms of Chapters and members in all of Vietnam Veterans of America. If every member made a commitment to bring in only one new member in the coming year, we could double our membership. But numbers are not what is important. What is important is to introduce Vietnam Veterans to the benefits of a VVA membership, and to increase the numbers of Vietnam Veterans that can help us in our community outreach programs. Veterans helping Veterans.
| Donations  We’re helping the veterans who are coming home wounded or disabled get the medical care they need. We’re also assisting Gulf War, Afghan War, and Iraq War veterans with benefits counseling and other essential services to help them rebuild their lives after wartime service.And we’re making sure that VA healthcare and other benefits aren’t the victims of short-sighted budget cuts that forget the service of our new veterans, and neglect the sacrifices they continue to make even after they come home.We hope you will continue to support all veterans by sending a gift to VVA FSC today. Many thanks for all you do. For More information on how you can help, CLICK HERE'Together then, Together Now"Our state president, Ben Humphries, signs his emails with the above saying. Recently, Ben's saying took on special meaning as two Florida VVA Chapters came together to help homeless veterans. It started with Mike O'Dell, the President of VVA Chapter 787 being able to get a major donation of furniture which he made available to needy veterans. Up in Jacksonville, Chapter 1046, which has been very much involved in helping the Five Star Veterans Center, along with other veterans groups, saw a great opportunity to help Five Star. VVA 1046 and Jacksonville Semper Fidelis Society made a commitment to fund getting some of the furniture. After numerous phone calls to determine the logistics that included a truck, workers, timing and more, Tony D'Aleo, President of VVA 1046 and Ray Breault, 1st Vice President of VVA 1046 working with Glayron Faries, Treasurer of VVA 787, finally put it together. On Tuesday, October 15th, Mike Ellis, Chef at Five Star, drove four of the residents to Tampa and loaded the truck. The bottom line is that Five Star will be able to furnish 15 rooms to help house 15 Homeless Veterans. This is a great example of chapters working together, but also of older Vietnam Veterans and younger Iraq and Afghanistan veterans all working together to get the mission accomplished. VVA is truly about "Together then, together now" 
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HomeWELCOME HOME Welcome to the Home Page for the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. Florida State Council. On this page you will find current information of what is happening with the Florida State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America and our Florida VVA Chapters.. You will find information on this website about who we are and what we have dedicated ourselves to. Our goal is to serve our country, ALL veterans and the communities we live in. |
