About Chapter 227

How It Began

In 1985, a small group of Vietnam veterans gathered at the Fort Myer NCO Club in Arlington, Virginia, to establish a local chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America.

They shared more than military service. They shared a determination that the experiences of Vietnam veterans would lead to something lasting — a commitment to fellowship, advocacy, remembrance and service to fellow veterans.

The new organization became the Dean K. Phillips Memorial Chapter, honoring a fellow Vietnam veteran whose life embodied that commitment to continued service.

A Legacy That Continues

Chapter 227 was created by Vietnam veterans, but the commitment they established reaches far beyond one generation.

Through veteran assistance, advocacy, fellowship, remembrance, community service and partnerships with other veteran-serving organizations, Chapter 227 continues to put the experience of veterans to work for veterans and families who need help.

The methods may evolve. The commitment does not.

A Community of Veterans

Chapter 227 is also a community. Our membership brings together men and women who served during the Vietnam era in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, united by shared experience and a continuing commitment to veterans.

Women were a smaller part of the Vietnam-era force, but their service was no less important. Some served in Vietnam itself, including nurses and other medical personnel caring for the wounded under extraordinarily difficult conditions. Others served in military assignments throughout the United States and around the world at a time when opportunities for women in uniform were much more restricted than they are today.

Their service also holds an important place in the history of Vietnam Veterans of America. Mary L. Stout, an Army nurse who served in Vietnam, was elected National President of VVA in 1987, becoming the first woman to lead a national veterans service organization. Chapter 227 is proud to count women Vietnam-era veterans among its members and honors their service alongside that of all who served.

Members come together regularly for Chapter meetings, fellowship, veteran-service activities and opportunities to remain connected with fellow veterans and the broader Northern Virginia veteran community.

That community also includes the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA). AVVA is a national, independent nonprofit veterans-support organization whose members include veterans of all eras, family members, friends and others who share a commitment to veterans and their families.

AVVA members affiliated with Chapter 227 work alongside Chapter members, supporting veterans and their families, Chapter activities, community service and fellowship. Together, VVA and AVVA broaden the community of people able to carry forward the principle that has guided Vietnam veterans for decades:

“Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.”

Chapter 227 and AVVA Leadership

Chapter 227 is led by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, working alongside the Chapter’s AVVA representative. Together, they support Chapter activities, veterans and their families, fellowship, remembrance and continued service to the veteran community.

Governance & Documents

The chapter’s by-laws and communications policies — for members, board candidates, or anyone interested in understanding how the chapter is governed and operates.

By-laws

The chapter’s by-laws were last ratified on 15 October 2020, signed by Jay Kalner as President. Earlier ratifications were signed by John P. Clark in May 1986 and Louis M. James in December 1993.

Annual meeting

Held in April. Officers and directors are elected at the annual meeting every two years.

Board of directors

No fewer than 3 and no more than 20, including the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Terms run two years, with no limit on the number of terms.

Board meetings

At least four a year, and between one day and one month before the annual chapter meeting.

Quorum

Membership quorum is 5% of members, decisions by simple majority of those present. Board quorum is two-thirds of the whole board, rounded up.

Notice periods

30 to 50 days for the annual meeting, at least 10 days for special meetings, at least 5 days for board meetings.

Attendance

A director absent from three consecutive board meetings without the board’s consent is considered resigned, as is a member not in good standing on dues.

Presidential vacancy

Filled by the Vice President for the unexpired term.

Executive committee

The four officers plus two additional directors selected by the board.

Nominating committee

Three members elected at the annual meeting, quorum of two, slate delivered one month before the annual meeting.

Fidelity bond

Check-signing officers must obtain one unless excused by the National Board.

AVVA representation

The elected AVVA representative sits on the board as a non-voting special advisor, entitled to be heard on all matters.

Procedure

Governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, latest revision.

Amendments

Require two-thirds of the chapter board present, then ratification at the next general membership meeting by two-thirds of those present.

Download the full By-laws PDF

Chapter Communications Policy

The chapter communicates with members, AVVA members and selected guests through three channels, each with its own rules.

• The Journey

  The chapter newsletter, published monthly except July and August — ten issues a year. The editor decides content, consulting the President as necessary. The newsletter is not a channel for members to express opinions on an issue.

• The Minuteman Alert

  Email announcements to members.

• Membership Meetings

  Chapter meetings provide members and AVVA members an opportunity to receive Chapter information, hear announcements, discuss Chapter business and raise matters for consideration.