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Unity Through Struggle: National Vietnam Veterans Network

By VVAW

A National Vietnam Vets Network was formed during Dewey Canyon IV. Uniting the member groups are two principles: Decent Benefits for all vets regardless of discharge, and No More Vietnams. The network will coordinate the activities of the member groups, provide a way to exchange information and publish an internal newsletter.

The network does not plan to have individuals as members since there are already plenty of good Vietnam vet groups; there is no reason to form another one. Only groups will be able to join; individuals who express an interest will be directed to one of the member groups in their area.

There are no "national directors," national presidents," "founders for life" or any other such self-agrandizing nonsense. Groups involved have their own elected leaders and that's good enough.

The network will exchange experiences, drawing on both good and bad experiences around the country; we'll also exchange organizing skills and bring political pressure through coordination. While national demonstrations such as Dewey Canyon IV have a vital role to play in winning what vets need, we also have to have the ability to work in state capitals and with state legislatures.

VVAW will take the responsibility for centralizing information and getting out the newsletter. Some of the vets groups who initially joined are: Agent Orange Victims of New Jersey; VVAW, Veterans for Peace, Vietnam Veterans Awareness Works of Limo, Ohio; Vietnam Veterans of America of Fairbanks, Alaska; Veterans of the Vietnam War of Salt Lake City; and Vietnam Veterans and Family Outreach Group of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. For more information, write to the VVAW National Office, P.O. box 25592, Chicago,IL 60625, or call Barry Romo at (312) 989-4684.