Vietnam Veterans of America

Pinellas County Chapter 522

“Five Double Deuce”

“Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.”


Welcome Home

What We Do

Chapter 522 is actively engaged in a wide variety of community activities. Our members place special emphasis on programs that provide comprehensive support for Vietnam veterans. We frequently participate in partnership agreements with other veteran groups and community service organizations. Because many of our members are disabled veterans, we are particularly mindful and supportive of handicap-related initiatives.

Some of the projects and programs undertaken during 2010-2011 include:

- Working with homeless veterans in conjunction with Pinellas Hope. We provided administrative assistance to veterans in an effort to secure medical help through the Veterans Administration. We provided clothing, batteries, and other personal need items for homeless veterans.

- Keeping the awareness alive for POW/MIA programs. Our members walked the beaches of Pinellas County on major holidays with flags to remember all missing and unaccounted for service personnel. We proudly displayed POW/MIA flags at the VA Health Care Center in Bay Pines on POW/MIA day.

-  Provided a VVA nationally appointed representative and three deputy representatives to the VAVS (Veterans Administration Voluntary Service). We attended quarterly meetings and had input regarding some of the current programs undertaken by the VA. We also had several members volunteer for the various programs that the VA sponsors.

- Supported educational programs by offering scholarships to high school seniors. We sponsored a total of 12 scholarship grants from 2007 through 2011. Our members also participated in high school history programs with slide shows and commentary on the Vietnam war.

- Partnered with organizations such as Make-A-Difference for children with disabilities. Our members provided sweat equity to these types of programs. Our organization also provided financial donations and gifts to various organizations.

- Supported local military organizations that were deploying overseas or returning home from extended overseas tours. We also provided comfort and support to grieving military families who have lost a son or daughter.

- Assisted several of our own members who needed help with home projects. For example, we have done landscaping, painting, carpentry work, and wheelchair repairs for our own brothers.