Biographical Information
Viet Nam Vets , Established 1983 by Jack Leatherman our first President.
GENERAL INFORMATION
VIETNAM VETERANS INC.
The official name of our organization is Vietnam Veterans, Inc., LaPorte (VVI, LaPorte). However, as outlined in our Constitution & By Laws we may refer to ourselves as "VIETNAM VETERANS OF LAPORTE COUNTY". Reason: The majority of our members will be 'Nam Vets & their families residing throughout the county. (NOTE: Membership is NOT RESTRICTED to LaPorte County residents).
Vietnam Veterans of LaPorte County was founded on June 22, 1983 by eight (8) 'Nam Vets. A Constitution & By Laws, Not-for-profit charter (chapter) status and allied documents were drafted and taken to a 'NAM VET ATTORNEY for legal review (and found to be legally sufficient). These eight men came from different "walks-of-life" believing Nam Vets and their families could establish a service for themselves and also a fellowship that had never existed in our local communities.
Our primary purpose is to be of service to each other (Veterans Helping Veterans). As our membership increases (and we grow as a result of experiences, skills, and knowledge) we'll be able to address many of the problems that affect most of our families & us. Through our fellowship, we'll be able to enjoy the results (Vets helping Vets, family members helping family member's etc.) collectively in planned recreation and entertainment.
Because we are a new organization, we'll be subject to "growing pains" (changes, additions, deletions, etc.). Our current membership is the GOVERNING BODY and the purpose of our steering committee is to keep us on "course" or in a "sense of direction".
We realize we can not do it all by ourselves and realize the importance of having good working relationships with other social agencies, organizations, influential citizens, etc. In order for us to achieve our objectives and not loose our identity, we choose to neither endorse nor oppose any causes, institutions, agencies, organizations, etc. EXCEPTION: We are proud Americans and WILL NOT have any working relationship or affiliation with the Communist Party or any other organization, agency, cause, etc. that advocates the overthrow of the United States Government.
Each member is equally important and has as much to offer in his own way as his fellow members. What is most important is our mission; therefore, we place principles above personalities. NOTE: To what extent members can become involved in activities & events in our organization is strictly up to each individual (member) and WILL NOT BE QUESTIONED.
VIETNAM VETERANS OF LAPORTE COUNTY
"A POSITIVE GROUP OF 'NAM VETS HELPING 'NAM VETS LIVING IN THE NOW"
2007 V.V.I. Officers
Rudy Netzer — President
Ray Chlupacek — Vice President
Pat McGrath — Treasurer
Paul Ewing — Secretary / Editor
Leon Hubner — Sgt. at Arms
Larry Pinkerton — Chaplain
Jim Lynch -- Service Officer
2007 Board of Directors
Butch Dennis — President
Pat McGrath —Vice President
Paul Ewing — Secretary
Rudy Netzer — Member
Dave Logan - Member
