VVA Chapter 227's History

On 24 July 1985, approximately 15 people met in the Fort Myer NCO Club in Arlington, Virginia to form a local Chapter of the only congressionally charted Vietnam-veteran service organization in the United States. We were incorporated as a non-profit organization in the Commonwealth of Virginia in January, 1986.

Publications: We publish a monthly newsletter of items of interest to our members to include a schedule of our activities. Through our network with the Virginia State Council, our Chapter is featured quarterly in their monthly newspaper, the Virginia Vietnam Veteran. Our national organization publishes a monthly newspaper, the VVA Veteran.

Celebrations: Our annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations include members, family and friends coming together for a day a fellowship. We start the day with a brunch and build a commemorative wreath. We then meet at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and join other veterans groups in paying homage. In the late afternoon, we rendezvous at a members home for a potluck dinner.

Social Events: We hold an annual picnic in either June or July, an annual awards banquet in June, and a Holiday Party in December. Other social events occur throughout the year, as well.

Community Outreach: Chapter 227 is involved in multiple community oriented programs :

We provide scholarships to needy children of Northern Virginia:
Chapter 227 has been actively involved in Northern Virginia scholarships for needy students since it's establishment in 1985. To address the goal of our Chapter to assist veteran families and provide community service, the Chapter is involved with fundraising activities for scholarship purposes. This scholarship program has been expanded in recent years, to provide funds for area schools English teaching classes during the summer months. The English teaching classes provide an opportunity for students to improve their English and become better students.                           

We provide presentations at area schools and universities on the Vietnam War and its aftermath:
Chapter 227 members provide personal and historical presentations of the Vietnam War to the Washington D.C. area school systems. These presentations are given to students ranging from middle school level through university. As Vietnam veterans we wish to ensure an accurate and balanced understanding of the Vietnam War. For further information about this program or to schedule a presentation, please contact us.