MERCER CO.(PA) VIETNAM ERA VETERANS ASSOC.INC.
OUR HISTORY AND PURPOSE
We were formed out of necessity in 1980, when many Vietnam Era Veterans didn't think their needs and concerns were being addressed by the Government and other, established, Veterans organizations. We looked for focus on Agent Orange, PTSD, education, employment, health and family issues as well as Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. We were formed on this premise as well as those issues addressed by the other veterans structures. We were incorporated, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the "Non-Profit Corporation Law of 1972". The date was 6 June 1983.
As of 13 November 1993 We also became a member of the NATIONAL VIETNAM & GULF WAR VETERANS COALITION. Through this coalition, with 96 other organizations, we are able to feel the pulse of Washington, D.C. and Veterans Affairs. This is important as it is a link to legislation and politics essential to Veterans in general.
We feel a need to care for the Vietnam Era Veteran of our county. We not only offer personal service but also a referal service involving our county resources. We maintain a working relationship with other Veterans Organizations. Many of our members are also members as well as officers in these other organizations. Even though we are county based, we are able to address VA inquiries as well as being politically active on Veterans issues at the national, state, county, and local levels.
We are involved in issues that affect ALL Veterans. During the Gulf War, we worked closely with the local Family Support Groups. We also implimented a " care package" program to send needed items to our troops that were deployed to Panama and Southwest Asia. We are now involved with the Men and Women that are part of this present conflict. We back our military men and women that are scattered all over our globe. We will assist ALL veterans and if we don't have the answers, we will refer them to those that do.
Our organization is structured very simply and it has worked well for the past 29 years. We have three elected officers with appointees and standing committees of volunteers as needed. Elections are held once every three years and to be eligible for these offices, you have to attend at least three meetings or designated functions in each of the three years. This requirement lists the member as "active".
To become a member, you need a copy of your DD-214. The dates of service, in the active military, have to be between 01 Nov. 1955 ( date first MAAG personnel were assigned to Vietnam: date revised 20 Dec. 1998) and 7 May 1975. No Dishonorables please. A copy of the DD-214 will be kept on file. Once you become a member, you remain so as long as you want. We have not charged any dues since we formed in 1980. We feel your service to your country is your DUES PAID IN FULL.
We do appreciate members with "special" credentials.... Prisoners of War and those who have received Valorous acclaim such as MOH, DSC, DFC etc. We do have means to verify them as well as some Special Unit Membership. In accordance to the "Stolen Valor Act", we check closely.
Our funds come from various projects that we have throughout the year. These are manned by volunteers and in Mercer County PA only. The funds raised are to benefit our veterans and related issues. There is NO .... I repeat NO person or persons, in the M.C.V.E.V.A., paid for services rendered. We are all VOLUNTEERS.
NOTICE ! ! ! Meeting Location! ! !
Our meeting place is V.F.W. Post 1338 , 439 East State St. Sharon, PA (down the hill from where Sheetz was). circumstances We will meet every third Sunday at 7:00 P.M. , like we have in the past. We encourage you to bring your family. Enter through the main entrance off of State Street.
To contact us by mail:
M.C.V.E.V.A.
P.O. Box 381
Sharon, Pa 16146
Or by E-mail: fsb_alpha @ yahoo.com
" If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind. "
Written by Major Michael O'Donnell, January 1, 1970, Dak To, Vietnam
O'Donnell, a helicopter pilot, went Missing In Action on 24 March 1970 during a rescue attempt. His remains were released in 1995, and identified in 2001
STANDING ANNUAL EVENTS: ==================================================
 Annual "PRISONER of WAR and MISSING in ACTION" Vigil
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Annual "REMEMBRANCE and REFLECTIONS" Ceremony: For our county's K.I.A.s from the Vietnam War.
When: 17 May 2009
Where: outside at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial on the east side of the Mercer Co. Courthouse
We need participation from everyone...this is for the families, in honor of their loved ones. Dress is White and Black with hats.
We are trying to correct and update our files. If anyone can help, it would be appreciated.
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The Ceremony went very well and thank you goes out to not just the members and their families but also the public, that not only attended but were part of it. The 10th Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry and Tim McCall were very important and much appreciated for their part in this day. Thank You Mercer County.
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This webpage is dedicated to:
Army Capt. Maurice Edwin Garrett Jr.( MIA 22 Oct 1971)
Air Force Major Vincent Anthony Scungio (MIA 04 Nov 1966)
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