“We are very much looking forward to hearing from Senator Gravel,” said VVA National President John Rowan. “He has served our nation as a soldier in the U.S. Army, and in the U.S. Senate. We well remember his pivotal role in 1971 in letting the American people know about the Defense Department’s secret history of the Vietnam War, The Pentagon Papers. We hope his emphasis on the well being of America’s veterans will cause all 2008 candidates to take concerns of veterans and their families seriously.” 

Senator Gravel enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and served for three years as an adjutant in the Communications Services and as a Special Agent in the Counter Intelligence Corps. He was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in 1968 and re-elected in 1974. Senator Gravel has announced his intention to run for President in the 2008 election. VVA asked him to speak at the Leadership Conference because he is making the vital concerns of veterans, such as veterans’ health care and education benefits for returning troops, a central part of his campaign.  

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.

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VVA's point of contact for additional information is Rick Weidman at 301-996-8557. Visit VVA’s Website at http//www.vva.org