THIS IS VASAA
Q: Is VASAA still active?
A: No. The Founders agreed in 1983 that when the Association
accomplished its major objectives, it would cease operations.
The formal Farwell to VASAA was held at Ft. Douglas, Utah
on 6 June 1998.
Q: What were the goals or objectives of VASAA?
A: (1) Provide a fraternal association and forum for Military
veterans of any period of service; (2) assist, if requested, with
family reunification procedures as established under UNHCR; (3)
compile the history of the experiences of veterans in major military
events [Viet Nam, Southeast Asia, Middle East, WWII, etc]; (4)
assist families of former allies through compassionate service
projects; (5) participate in projects with other NGOs, PVOs or
special humanitarian networks.
Q: Was VASAA affiliated with or subordinate to any
other organizations?
A: No; however, VASAA did cooperate with NGO, PVO
and humanitarian networks to exchange information gained through
experience which may benefit others. In addition, the Association
cooperated with government and private agencies concerned with
refugee resettlement..
Q: What projects or assistance programs did VASAA
accomplish?
A: Since its beginning in 1982, VASAA completed
approximately 100 refugee cases totalling more than 500 people
through immigration and family reunification programs. VASAA
also provided financial, medical and educational aid to a wide
variety of clients from Iran, Ethiopia, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia,
Ukraine, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos as well as Viet Nam.
VASAA located and made contact with more than 20 LDS families
in Viet Nam long thought to be missing or dead. Through humanitarian
projects in Viet Nam, Mexico, Ukraine and Africa VASAA
provided special assistance that benefits uncounted numbers of
people. VASAA sponsored special training in the United
States for doctors from other countries. Doctors, nurses, dentists,
educators, and businessmen as well as veterans who participated
in service projects abroad.
Q: Did members have to belong to any particular religion
to become a member of VASAA?
A: No. People of many faiths who believed in VASAA's
humanitarian goals were numbered among us. Membership was not
restricted because of race, religion or national origin.
Q: What were the criteria for memberships in VASAA
?
A: Membership categories included Regular or Associate
Member. Regular memberships were available to those who served
in the Armed Forces of the United States of America during any
period, including reserve, National Guard or cadet at a recognized
military academy. Associate memberships were available to all
others including: civilian advisors, foreign service employees
at embassies or consulates, contractors, civilian employees of
military services, as well as those individuals who served in
the uniformed military services of their homelands. Also eligible
for Associate Memberships were relatives and friends of military
veterans and others who believe in the humanitarian goals of VASAA.
Q:
Were there membership costs?
A: Yes. Membership subscriptions were reviewed annually
by the Governing Board and were changed as the need arose. At
present, (June 1994), the subscriptions were set at an annual
donation of $30 in U.S. currency. LIFE Membership subscriptions
were $350 (which can be spread over a 12-month period). These
subscriptions provided members with voting rights in the Biennial
General Assemblies, participation in VASAA retreats and
a subscription to the VASAA periodical The Lost & Found.
Q:
How was VASAA organized?
A: The Governing Board, all non-salaried volunteers, served
for two-year terms. They were elected at the Biennial Business
Meeting. The officers were president, two vice-presidents, secretary,
treasurer, historian and executive administrator. Others were
appointed to specific duties on the Executive Committee.
Q: What percentage of donations to VASAA were used
for salaries or administrative costs?
A: There were no salaried employees of VASAA. Officers
received no payment for their time and service to the Association.
All moneys, contributions, donations, etc., paid costs such as
postage, air freight, buying and sending clothing, medicines,
equipment, etc. to sustain projects. In addition, they helped
in reproducing documents required for our clients and publishing
a newsletter to our membership. The overhead of maintaining an
office and records storage space was donated, allowing us to conduct
normal business without excessive administrative costs.
Q: Did VASAA sell its membership lists to other
companies or associations?
A: NO! We maintained strict confidentiality of our records.
Q: Did VASAA hold regular meetings?
A: A General Membership and Business meeting convened with
our Biennial Assembly during even-numbered years. Special meetings
were convened when warranted or requested. VASAA members
followed our progress through the Association's periodic newsletter,
The Lost & Found.
Q: Was it possible to participate on a VASAA
Service Team in Viet Nam or other countries?
A: Yes! VASAA members and friends began sending
teams to Viet Nam beginning in 1985. Our first team to Europe
served in five projects Ukraine in 1994 and 1995. Major projects
in Ukraine and Viet Nam also continued in 1996.
Q: Since VASAA ended its work, what is available
for those who want to participate in humanitarian projects?
A:
Those interested in taking part in a such projects should have
valid passports, a supply of current photos which can be used
for visa requests and insure that their inoculation record is
current for world-wide travel. Team members need to be in good
health. Those interested in humanitarian projects may write to
specific organizations which conduct projects for further information.
There are several networks of NGOs and PVOs which are listed on
the Internet. One such network in which VASAA participated is
now known as UNITUS. It can
be contacted through its Program Director, James Jacob, telephone
801-932-2404, FAX 801-932-2406, e-mail james.jacob@unitus.com.
Another agency is Humanitarian Resource Center of North America,
1600 South Empire Road, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. Tele:
801-977-0444; e-mail: HRCNA
@Worldnet.att.net. Those interested in an approved project
in Mexico may contact Mrs. Gloria Call at (505) 822-0704 or by
e-mail at radiantfutures@juno.com
Q: Are VASAA records available for research?
A: Yes. All records, files, and correspondence created
during the existence of VASAA [1982-1998] were donated
to the archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
in June 2000. Contact Michael Landon, Archivist, at 801-240-5923
for research access and procedures.
Q: Has anything been published about VASAA's
work and experiences?
A: Yes. Articles have appeared in "The Ensign Magazine,"
"This People," and in various newspapers. Chapter 16
of the 1999 book From The East by Dr. Lanier R. Britsch [Deseret
Book] contains considerable information. Theses written by students
from University of Utah, Brigham Young University and Weber State
University also tell much information about VASAA.
Q: Is VASAA still available for consultations
or guidance on what it accomplished?
A: Yes. Send requests and specific questions to VASAA
at the address below or telephone (801) 278-7496. Leave your name
and telephone number and a VASAA representative will return
your call when possible.
VASAA
4334 South 2950 East
Holladay, Utah 84124-3738
Tele & Fax: (801) 278-7496
E-mail: vasaa8298@gmail.com
Web: http://www.vasaa.org
