Chapter 201, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

P.O. Box 26203, San Jose, CA 95159 • Email: chapter201@vva201.org

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Inc., the only Congressionally Chartered National Veterans Organization devoted exclusively to Vietnam and Vietnam Generation Veterans, was founded in 1978 and received its Congressional Charter in 1986. It remains the only organization devoted exclusively to improving the lives of those who served in uniform during this nation’s longest and most divisive war.

The VVA provides leadership and education opportunities, as well as support and assistance in securing benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It plays an active role in Government relations advocacy at the Federal and state levels to improve benefits and services available to our nation’s veterans. The VVA supports veterans memorials and observances, participates in education and drug-prevention projects, and promotes youth and family activities to build strong communities.

VVA Chapter 201 in San Jose, California was formed in 1984 and received its National Charter in July 1988. The Chapter is a 501(c)19 Non-Profit organization (EIN: 77-0083035) that has established itself as a leader in the veteran community, with a variety of activities that emphasize and support the goals and objectives of Service, Brotherhood, Pride, and Knowledge.

The Chapter provides advocacy to improve benefits and services available to our nation’s veterans including:

Support of proposed favorable Federal, state, or local legislation, or rules and regulations, which may affect the social, economic, educational or physical welfare of veterans.
Develop local proposals to improve the quality of life of the veterans especially in the areas of employment, education, training, and health.
Assist disabled veterans and veterans in distress including, but not limited to, the Vietnam and Vietnam Generation Veterans, and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased Veterans.
Provide scholarships to students.

VVA Chapter 201 is named memorially after Ensign Darwin Joel Thomas. Darwin Thomas was born on the 28th of April 1943 in Santa Clara, California. He flew off the carrier USS Oriskany and was shot down over North Vietnam on the 14th of October 1966. Originally listed as Missing In Action, he is now listed as “killed, body not recovered.”

For information on current monthly meetings, email VVA Chapter 201 at: chapter201@vva201.org.

Anyone is welcome to attend!