To provide quality services and support, based upon the concepts of self-esteem and self improvement, to Vietnam veterans throughout the State of Georgia that will enhance and enrich their lives and the lives of their families.
The Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance Chapter One, Marietta GA, raises money each year to fund the Colonel Al Rowe Memorial Holiday Food Program. For over 12 years, this program has served over 3,500 Active Duty, Guardsman, Veterans’ families, disabled Veterans and their widows, with utilities and living expenses.
In 2006 at the beginning of the war of Iraqi Freedom, Colonel Al Rowe, GVVA Chapter One president, 2001-2006, and the GVVA board recognized an urgent need of active duty military families. Lower ranking military personnel were struggling with minimum military pay while serving during the war, leaving some unable to afford a holiday meal for their families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. To answer the need the GVVA Chapter 1 established the Holiday Food Program.
As the GVVA became more involved they realized the need spread into the vast veteran community in Cobb County and beyond.The Holiday Food Program is now directed in coordination with the Command of Dobbins Air Reserve Base of the U.S. Air Force and the Georgia National Guard to identify the families that need assistance with food during the holidays. Over the past 12 years, the Holiday Food Program has helped feed over 3,000 families who has a member actively serving our nation or state. The Holiday Food Program has also assisted needy veterans with food, utilities, or living expenses.
Upon Colonel Al Rowe’s death in 2014, the GVVA Board of Directors renamed the program in his his honor for his dedicated service to the veterans and the military families in our community.
Georgia Vietanam Veterans Alliance, Chapter One
PO Box 669215
Marietta, GA 30066
http://www.gvva1.com
President: Al Heflin
Vice President: Bob Humphries
Secretary: Kathy Collar
Treasurer: John Bevich