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"Rumblings from Sergeant Mike"

Friday, June 27, 2008

Mike GaleTips on forming a New Utah Valley Chapter of the VVA

  • Yes I do have some advice. Follow this simple plan step by step.
  • [Forming a new chapter is supposed to be fun. If you are stressed, you are pushing too hard and need to let others carry some of the load. ed]
  • Get twenty five Vietnam Vets to agree to start a chapter.
  • Get a spot in your local news paper that YOU are forming a chapter. (Your going to be giving up your privacy. You advertise your telephone numbers and email addresses.)
  • Get the paper to do a special spot for you and your vice president.
  • Call or email Dick Southern (he's the region nine director)
  • There is a Chapter Start Up packet that will guide you through the paper work.
  • Become a patient teacher because a lot of Vietnam Veterans have never heard of the VVA.
  • Always always have a couple of VVA applications in your pocket.
  • Wear your VVA Hat and T-Shirt, Polo Shirt when ever you go to the store or any where out of the house. You'll have a lot of men and women come up to you and want to talk about the organization.
  • Be prepared to tell them it's all about helping vets in what ever way we can. We've got VSO's who are certified to help with the paper work to get benefits.
  • Let them know that they don't have to join to get the help WE provide. We are there to help veterans of every generation. We will help any vet who will let us help.
  • Keep your meeting short and to the point.
  • Don't let one or two dissidents take over the meeting complaining about their individual grievances.
  • Work with each one on a one to one basis. Get them involved in community projects, Road Clean Up, Visiting the Veterans in care centers.
  • Put an ad in the paper that you need used Jazzy Wheel chairs. A lot of people use them then die or get well and they put them in the garage or storage room. Ask families to donate them.
  • Once you have one or two then put another ad in the paper that you have good used Jazzes' to GIVE to needy veterans.
  • When you give your first couple away make sure you notify the news so they can come in and get your good deed in the paper.

Listen to your Board of Directors; let them run the chapter. If something goes wrong you can say it was their fault. (I never had to do that but it helped me to sleep better at night knowing I've discussed it with the BOD and had their blessing.)

Dick Southern, the Regional Director, really wants to get another chapter started here in Utah because with three chapters we can form a State Council. Bug the $#!+ out of Dick and Mike Gale. They will help you in any way they can.

Now you've got the entire chapter development plan, laid out step by step. Go for it. You've got hundreds of Vietnam Veterans right there in Provo. Just do it!


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Mike Gale
Army 63-71
Vietnam 65-66 70-71