[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3178-S3179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 1: TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE 
                                 NATION

 Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the Vietnam 
Veterans of America for 20 years of service to veterans and their 
communities. In particular, I want to recognize the first chapter of 
the VVA, which was founded in Rutland, Vermont.
  If we remember back to the late 1970s, our nation was dealing with 
the aftermath of a war in which more than 58,000 Americans lost their 
lives and 2.8 million veterans had served. Many of those veterans were 
struggling with physical, emotional, and social problems directly 
related to their service in Vietnam.
  Those problems were worsened by the attitude of many Americans who 
could not separate their opposition to the war from their treatment of 
our soldiers who had fought it. It was in that spirit that a group of 
Vietnam veterans from Vermont approached a resourceful young veteran 
named Bobby Muller. I am proud to say that Bobby Muller has become a 
close friend of mine and in fact was in Vermont with me just last week. 
The Vermonters, led by Donny Beaudette and Jake Jacobsen, founded the 
first chapter of what is now the Vietnam Veterans of America. I 
remember it well. They were soon joined by other Vermonters like Clark 
Howland, Mike Dodge, John Bergeron, and others. Together, Chapter One 
made it their mission to be there for Vermont Vietnam veterans and 
indeed all veterans.
  In the twenty years since then, Chapter One has accomplished that 
mission, and in the process they have improved the whole Rutland 
community. They have not only offered assistance to fellow veterans, 
they have saved the lives of countless troubled veterans who had no 
where else to turn. Chapter One is responsible for the Dodge 
Development Center, a veterans center and shelter for homeless veterans 
which I have

[[Page S3179]]

been proud to support. Members participate in the annual Rutland 
Loyalty Day Parade, Memorial Day and Veterans Day and annual POW/MIA 
Day ceremonies. Chapter One has also initiated an ``Honor the Vet 
Program'' with area businesses. Under this program, local businesses 
agree to provide a discount to any veteran with a veteran organization 
membership card.
  In short, Mr. President, VVA Chapter One honors Vermont, just as its 
veterans honored us with their service in Vietnam. There are now four 
chapters carrying on the VVA tradition in Vermont. Besides Chapter One 
in Rutland, there is now chapter Chapter 601 in Bennington, Chapter 723 
in Chester and Chapter 753 in St. Albans.
  I thank them for all they have done and I wish them the best on this 
landmark occasion.

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