[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   25TH ANNIVERSARY OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA'S FIRST CHAPTER, 
                            RUTLAND, VERMONT

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President. I rise before you in recognition 
of the 25th anniversary of the very first chapter of Vietnam Veterans 
of America, which was founded and nurtured in my home town of Rutland, 
VT.
  A quarter-century ago, Vietnam veterans, their families and loved 
ones were suffering the slings and arrows of anti-Vietnam war sentiment 
that gripped our Nation. Scant recognition was given to the personal 
and professional sacrifices of these valiant American young men and 
women during their service to our country. Officially there was a great 
deal of denial of the unwarranted price, both physical and emotional, 
that had been paid by these veterans. It would be decades before post-
traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, would be a recognized condition. Many 
years would also pass before the Federal Government would admit that 
use of Agent Orange had left a terrible legacy of extreme suffering for 
our veterans and their families.
  The founders of the Vietnam Veterans of America recognized an honor-
bound duty as an organization to speak directly to these grave needs. 
The outpouring of enthusiasm from the veterans themselves demonstrated 
to all Americans the depth of these convictions.
  In 1979, during a trip to Vermont, Vietnam Veterans of America 
founder Bobby Mueller met the late Don Bodette. Don supported the 
notion of an organization of and for Vietnam-era veterans, but felt 
that it would only be truly successful if they mobilized locally and 
established chapters. The power of Don's logic and commitment persuaded 
Bobby Mueller to adopt this model. On April 13, 1980, Vietnam Veterans 
of America Chapter One was established in Rutland, VT. Taking up the 
challenge, Don was joined by Jake Jacobsen, Albert and Mary Trombley, 
Mike Dodge, Dennis Ross, Clark Howland and Mark Truhan, to name a few.
  Over the years, Vietnam Veterans of America has won huge victories in 
the fight for fair treatment for Vietnam veterans, and has helped 
ensure that no other class of veteran will ever get that same 
treatment. The Vietnam Veterans of America's legacy includes 
recognition of the effects of Agent Orange and other chemical agents of 
war, the growing body of science around PTSD diagnosis, and aggressive 
programs to aid the veteran in the struggle to reintegrate after 
hostilities. All subsequent veterans benefit from the expertise that 
has been developed by the staff of the Vietnam Veterans of America and 
their continuing effectiveness in pushing for better funding for VA 
health care, higher quality service delivery and respect in the 
community.
  In closing, I would like to add my thanks for the tremendous work 
done by the Vietnam Veterans of America national and local 
organizations. As a Vietnam-era veteran myself, we all owe a tremendous 
debt of gratitude to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter One's 
visionary founders and the steadfast members who have followed their 
lead. Thank you for your outstanding service to your fellow veterans 
and our country. Happy 25th birthday, Chapter One. May you have many 
more.

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