National Commander
Michael Milne
Michael Milne
760 Jumper Road
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-8033
717-825-7215 - OFFICE 717-825-8223
Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. 1980- present
When a, group of Vietnam, veterans met in 1978 to talk about their common
experiences, it became apparent that they shared more than just the fact
that they were veterans.
They all seemed to suffering from their war- time experiences - whether
through unusual health problems, unusual mental problems, difficult
dealings with the - Veterans Administration, disrespectful attitudes from
those who had served during other eras, as well as the difficulty of
fitting in with a society which had not yet come to understand the
uniqueness of being , "Vietnam veterans".
This small group decided that an organization with a focus on the problems
of Vietnam veterans would serve to fill a much-needed gap in society, so
the task of forming an organization began.
In 1980, at the age of 35, I became 100% disabled. This was, in itself
very difficult to deal with, and the fact that there were other veterans
out there experiencing some of the same difficulties, gave me the focus
for my time and energies - my employer as well as the VA said I could no
longer perform any worthwhile functions. Since everyone else in the small
group was still fortunate to be employed, I was the only one with the time
available to get this operation started.
From the incorporation of what was expected to become just a local
organization, to the now international organization that the Veterans of
the Vietnam War, Inc. was to become, I have been involved with veterans
and
our issues.
Experience has been the best teacher to get accomplished what was needed,
and it makes it possible to feel a great sense of accomplishment when I
can help a veteran, the spouse of a deceased veteran, a child of a veteran
or an incarcerated veteran get what they have earned. I have served as the
Executive Director of the Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. from its
beginning days and will continue in the position as long as the National
Board of Directors feels that I am making a viable contribution to the
issues and needs of veterans and their families or until my disabilities
prevent me from continuing.
The expertise I have developed through experience in the areas of Agent
Orange, POW/MIAs, PTSD, and incarcerated veterans has made it possible to
lead a small beginning organization to the position it holds. I am
privileged to be associated with the Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc.
whose motto is - "Service Without Reward - Dedication to Brotherhood."
PUBLICATIONS
MICHAEL MILNE, EDITOR
THE VETERAN LEADER
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE
VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM WAR, INC.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
NATIONAL COMMANDER,
BOARD MEMBER,
VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM WAR, INC.
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"An
organization succeeds, not because it is long-established, but
because there are people in it who live it, sleep it, dream
it, and build future plans for it."
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