Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) was founded in 1978. VVA has a national membership of over 60,000 members in over 700 Chapters throughout the United States. VVA is a congressionally charted and state licensed non-profit national service organization for Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans. Chapter 227 was formed July 24, 1985, when approximately 15 people met in the Fort Myer NCO Club in Arlington. We were incorporated as a non-profit organization in the Commonwealth of Virginia in January, 1986.

VVA'S Founding Principle:
"Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another."

Goals:
VVA's goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.

Some of our activities include:

• Hold regular monthly membership meetings, with an interesting speaker, on the third Thursday of each month, except July, August and December (annual holiday party and collection of toys and warm clothing for needy families).
• Host the annual national DMZ to Delta Dance for veterans and their families and friends visiting the Washington, DC area for Veterans Day, and local social events for our members and friends to enjoy and promote the camaraderie of others who understand the Vietnam experience.
• Providing bus tokens and meal coupons for veterans visitng the local Veterans Center and emergency relief to veterans, including homeless Vietnam Veterans, support for residents of the Armed Forces Soldiers Home in Washington, and other community projects.
• Send delegates to the VVA national convention and meetings of the Virginia State Council.
• Lay a wreath and remember those who perished in the service of their country at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day.
• Publish The Journey, a free newsletter for members and supporters.
• Award the Vince Kaspar Prizes for Excellence in the Arts to talented high school seniors of juniors who live in or go to school in the geographical area served by our chapter.
• Our Speakers’ Panel enables our members to share their Tour of Duty with students from elementary school to university and the general public.
• Chapter representatives and AVVA members provide public information and recruit new members at community events such as the Fairfax Fair and Viva Vienna.
• AVVA members support the Lamb Center, a daytime homeless shelter, with travel toiletries, cash donations, and snacks