Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc.

Michael Milne

(Photo unavailable)

National Commander

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.

John Nevelino

National Vice Commander
National Board Member

Richard M. Schlude

(Photo Unavailable)

Born & raised in WIlkes-Barre, PA

Graduate of Hanover High School
Kings College, WIlkes-Barre, PA

Served in the US Army 1967-1970
Served in the First Signal Brigade, Vietnam 1969-1969

Life Member of American Legion
Life Member of VFW
Life Member of VVnW

National Treasurer VVnW 1981-1996; 1998- present

Self-employed- Richard M Schlude EA (enrolled agent) Tax and Accounting Services

Married to the former Dawn C. Jones 
2 children - Richard Schlude
                       Kimberly Morales

Michael Ackerfeld

 
National Master Sgt.-At-Arms
Veteran Service Officer (VSO)

Michael Ackerfeld

Sergeant, US Army 1969 - 1975
Vietnam, 1969-1970
198th L.I.B. 23rd Infantry Division
"The Americal Division"
LZ Bayonet

National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal W/Four Bronze Stars
Vietnam Campaign Medal W/160 Device
The Army Commendation Medal
The Army Good Conduct Medal
The Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
THe Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm Leaf
The New York State Conspicuous Cross
Two Army Overseas Bars

Nancy Verespy
National Executive Director

(Photo unavailable)

Michael T. Breighner

National Board Member
POW/MIA Issues

Earl Corell

National Board Member

I am Married, my wifes name is Sonja.

High School - Western Hills - 1968
BA - University of Cincinnati - 1979

Department Manager  Riemeler Lumber Co. 1974 -1984

Deputy Sheriff - Hamilton County Sheriff Department 1984 - present

• 1980 formed first V.V.A. Chapter in the State of Ohio.
• V.V.A. Chapter President 1982-1984
• 1981 conceived the idea for Cincinnati, Ohio Vietnam Memorial dedicated in April 1984
• 1986 Post Commander Ohio Post # 3 Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc.
• 1987 to present National Board Member Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc.

John L. Matukewicz

(photo unavailable)

Graduated Schuylkill Haven High School 1965

Enlisted in United States Navy 1965

Served with Naval Support Activity Danang Vietnam - June 1967 to June 1968

Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy - June 1968

Life Member VVnW Post 29 Pottsville, Pennsylvania

Volunteer and National Board Member since 1985

National Commander VVnW 1991 to 1994

Appointed to the board VVnW 1996

Member of American Legion Robert E. Baker Post  Schuylkill Haven, PA.

John Spadea

National Board Member

I was born in Italy 1945

At the age of twelve, I came to America.

Drafted into the U.S. Army 1965

Served in Vietnam with Charlie Co. 2/28 "Big Red One" 1966 - 1967
Received a Bronze Star, and a letter of Commendation from my company commander.

Became a member of Post PA-61, which I helped to start 1989

Commander of Post PA-61 1990 - 1995, 1998 - 1999

Vice Commander of Post PA-61 1996-1997

Currently running for Poast PA-61 Commander in the upcoming election.

Life member of the DAV and the VFW
Serving my second term as judge advocate with the VFW.
Member of the 28th Infantry Association.