Leading up to the reunion, we attempted several times to link up with benefits representatives from the VA-Hospital in Reno, but we were unsuccessful in being able to make those arrangements.  As we began our reunion, we saw that a Regional meeting of the VVA was being conducted in the room next door.  Knowing that VVA has a number of VSOs (Veterans Services Officers) who counsel veterans about their veterans’ benefits, we approached a few of their members and asked them to see if they had a VSO who would be willing to walk over to our room and talk briefly about current benefits issues for veterans.  We didn’t get just a VSO, John Rowan, the President of VVA, walked in a spent around 30-45 minutes of his time talking about various issues facing veterans and fielding questions.  We can’t thank him enough for the courtesy he showed our group in taking the time to share information and answer a number of questions from our members.  We wish John luck in his bid for re-election at the National Convention to be held in Reno in August.

Under John’s watch at the VVA, they’ve created the Veterans Health Council and its new website: http://veteranshealth.org.  Check out their site to learn more about Vietnam War service-related illnesses or to locate a veterans service officer to help you in filing for benefits.