New York State Council

(Washington, D.C) – Vietnam Veterans of America National President Tom Burke presented VVA’s 2026 priorities and initiatives on February 24, 2026, before the Joint Full Committee Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

Burke began his testimony by describing VVA as “an organization born not from comfort or consensus, but from necessity.” He continued, “We learned quickly that if veterans did not fight for each other, no one else would. So, we fought. We fought for ourselves when no one else would. And we won battles many said could not be won. That is how Vietnam Veterans of America was built. And that spirit has never faded. That is who we are.”

I’m sure by this time in your life you’ve heard about SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER.  Guess if we lived in San Diego it wouldn’t be a big deal for most; but we live in the Northeast where winters are real.

SAD has several distinct symptoms such as persistent sadness, feeling gloomy, loss of interest in enjoyable activities (ah, it’s below zero wind chill dude), low energy (bears have it right to hibernate).

SAD is basically caused by a lack of sunlight which can effect brain chemicals serotonin and melatonin.  I did read where SAD can be genetic, who knew?  Disturbed sleep can also be a factor.  (I’m not sure how my afternoon nap can be harmful?)

ANYWAY, let’s assume it’s real and not a good thing for older, veterans with other issues.  I suggest getting outside and let the (little) sun we have hit your face; pay close attention to your healthy diet and weight, more EXERCISE and better sleep habits.  

If you have a

Every now and then I come across an article or talk with a veteran who is struggling with the long term effects of PTSD and I decide to do a deeper dive in that subject.  Recently I noticed a “friend” is caught up in a very ‘unproductive loop’ and is stuck in re-thinking events buried deep in the past. I mean deep-like decades ago.  Unfortunately these events are unpleasant, negative and destructive.  In this case, these aren’t repeat NOT PTSD related events but still intrusive.  Anyhow, the key word here is Rumination (ru-min-a-tion).  I believe we ruminate all the time.  Remembering good stuff that happen in our lives, reliving fun times, laughs, accomplishments.  It’s dredging up the negative stuff that concerns me.  Fellow veterans that are involve with PTSD treatment such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) and Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) no doubt recognize these