“General Ware is especially deserving of this award,” said Jerry Yamamoto, who chairs VVA’s Minority Affairs Committee. “We are honoring him for his commitment to VVA, to the minority veterans’ community and for his effective community leadership and successful entrepreneurship. He is highly admired and respected by our fellow veterans and the community.”

A native of Mobile, Alabama, who today lives in Austin, Texas, Gen. Ware is president of Ezell Ware and Associates, a business development and public relations firm. A highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Gen. Ware retired from the military in 2003 after a 42-year Army career. His last assignment was Chief Adjutant General of the California National Guard. He is the author of By Duty Bound, a well-received autobiography focusing on this military career and Vietnam War tour.

VVA’s National Leadership Conference, which begins on July 12, brings together hundreds of Vietnam veteran advocates who will take part in seminars, meetings, and other activities. The seminars include sessions on helping veterans obtain VA benefits they’re entitled to, being informed and informing our newest veterans who are returning from Afghanistan and Iraq about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and other veterans’ health care issues, remaining vigilant concerning the VA health care budget, and participating in advocacy training workshops.

VVA’s supporting organization, the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, will hold its biennial convention and national elections concurrently with the Leadership Conference.