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From The National Office

By Barry Romo

We are having the membership cards reprinted after these many years. They look good and are waiting for you to re-up! Yes, they will be in color and no collection will be complete without them.

This issue of The Veteran was printed with an emergency call to steadfast VVAW members, who responded generously. We of course get no grant money, have no outside financial backers and rely on internal support from members, family and friends. We could use your help in getting the paper to those in prison, on the streets and unemployed, who, of course, get it free. So re-up and send a donation, 'cause we're broke.

Standdown '98 will take place on June 26 and 27 in Chicago. VVAW plays a vital role in this outreach to homeless veterans by taking charge of the kitchen and supply room and coordinating all of the meals. To help out, contact Bill Branson at (773) 929-2641.

"Regret To Inform" is a feature-length documentary about widows of the Vietnam war. It's nearly completed, but in need of photographs of Vietnam vets before the war - preferably in uniform - with their wives, kids, sweethearts, and families. If you want to contribute a photo, contact Sari Gilman (415-553-2436 or sgilman@sirius.com).

We have to offer special congratulations to:

John Zutz, for leading the Milwaukee VVAW in raising five thousand dollars for reconciliation with My Lai by organizing the "Blessing of the Bock" beer fest which, incidentally, was a great time.

Bill Branson, for leading the Chicago and Midwest VVAW in homeless vets work. VA workers held a Vietnamese dinner for them, and of course Bill didn't show up.

Dave Cline in New Jersey, for refusing to allow the Jersey City memorial to fade away, all the while fighting extreme health problems.

Maude DeVictor, on the 20th anniversary of the breakthrough documentary by Bill Curtis that exposed Agent Orange. VVAW was the first veterans' group to bring up Agent Orange but Maude paid all the bills with her work, her personal life and her health. A hero and example to us all.

And, last but not least, almost Catholic-like thanks to the Champaign-Urbana staff for this paper, the website and uncounted, unpaid (this is the only organization where the staff pays to do work) but appreciated work. Thanks Jeff, Lisa, Lisa, Claudia, and Joe!

Joe Miller & Barry Romo from the NO sell VVAW goods at the Conference on the Elimination of Racist Mascots.