Under the guidance of Norris Long, Pocahontas County Vietnam-era veterans have formed a new Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter.
Long, who originally joined the VVA in Greenbrier County, saw a need for a chapter in Pocahontas County. After nearly six months of advertising and soliciting, the charter for the new chapter was presented and the charter officers were sworn in by Rodney Farley, Second Vice-President of the West Virginia State Council. The chapter was chartered with 28 members.
Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., is a national non-profit corporation founded in 1978 that is committed to serving the needs of all veterans. It is funded without any contribution from any branch of government. VVA is the only such organization chartered by Congress and dedicated to Vietnam veterans and their families. Its founding principle is, “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.”
The Pocahontas VVA Chapter meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month at McClintic Library in Marlinton. Any veteran who served honorably between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 is eligible for membership. Service in-country in Vietnam is not necessary. Anyone wishing to help with VVA activities and programs may become an associate member.
