VVA National Leadership Conference

The Vietnam Veterans of America held its annual National Leadership & Education Conference from August 11–15, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida. There were approximately 300 attendees at this conference. Over the course of the week, the VVA conducted workshops and seminars covering a broad range of topics affecting veterans, chapters, state councils, and the national organization.

Among the many sessions offered, two subjects stood out as central to the future direction of the VVA:

• Mission 75
• Six Options for Determining the Future of the VVA

These topics generated significant discussion, reflecting both the importance of long‑term planning and the need for clarity as the organization approaches the 2027 National Convention, where major decisions will be considered. 

 Mission 75 continues to be one of the most consequential initiatives under review. It addresses how the VVA can remain viable, relevant, and legally sustainable as Vietnam‑era veterans age and as demand for VVA’s services from post‑1975 veterans continues to grow. 

 The second major topic outlined several potential pathways for the organization’s future. These options ranged from structural changes to long‑term continuity strategies. While informative, the sessions made clear that many questions remain unresolved. This section named "Six Choices for the VVA" they have now until August 2027 to come up with a solution on the future of the VVA. Presently these Six Choices are still in a DRAFT FORM ONLY.

 The overall sentiment expressed by attendees was that the 2026 conference was highly informative, but delegates, chapter leaders, and state councils need more detailed guidance to make well‑informed decisions in 2027.