BLUE WATER NAVY VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and benefits of Blue Water Navy veterans—those who served in the offshore waters of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting veterans who were previously excluded from Agent Orange benefits due to their service location.

Purpose and Mission

The primary mission of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association is to support veterans and their families by providing resources and advocacy for benefits related to their service. The organization works to educate the public about the challenges faced by Blue Water Navy veterans, including health issues linked to Agent Orange exposure.

Activities

The Association offers various resources to help veterans determine their eligibility for benefits and navigate the process of filing claims. These include:

• Informative Videos: The organization produces videos to inform members and the general public about relevant issues and benefits.
• Ship Locator Data: They maintain databases and tools to help veterans identify if their ships entered the territorial waters of Vietnam, which is crucial for determining eligibility under the Blue Water Navy Act.
• Memorial Pages: The Association honors the memory of deceased veterans through memorial pages.
• Benefit Claim Preparation: Members receive assistance in preparing claims for benefits.

Membership

The organization allows memberships with annual dues, providing access to additional resources and support for members. Membership also includes affiliation with Military-Veterans Advocacy.

Advocacy Efforts

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association has been part of broader efforts to secure benefits for Blue Water Navy veterans. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 was a significant milestone, extending the presumption of Agent Orange exposure to veterans who served in offshore waters. This legislation aligns with the Association's advocacy goals, ensuring these veterans receive the health care and disability compensation they are entitled to.

Impact

By providing support and resources, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association plays a vital role in the lives of thousands of veterans affected by their service in Vietnam. The organization's efforts have contributed to increased recognition and financial support for these veterans.

The Association operates as a nonprofit, relying on donations and membership dues to continue its advocacy and support services.

[1] https://www.hillandponton.com/blue-water-navy-vietnam-map/ [2] https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/locations/blue-water-veterans.asp [3] https://www.bwnvva.org [4] https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/blue-water-navy.asp [5] https://www.bwnvva.org/membership.html