This year marks the 75th Anniversary of our organization and after a year of lockdown, PVA is going to hold our annual convention the week of May 17th in Las Vegas. The decision involved a lot of discussion and unfortunately, attendance will be limited (precautions are in place) which is a shame as so many would like to be there for a celebration of our 75th. We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for as an organization and I came across a story that I think encapsulates PVA (some of you may have seen this so forgive me) and what we have helped to accomplish for our many brothers and sisters and really highlights why the 75th Anniversary is a big deal.

The former Chapter President of the Minnesota Chapter, Thomas R. Fjerstad, was a meeting of several VSOs and was asked by a member of the VFW (which has been in existence since 1914 when three SpanAm veteran groups merged) when PVA was founded. Thomas told him that PVA began their formation in 1946.

Astonished, the VFW member asked him why it took so long? People in the military had experienced spinal cord injuries prior to WWII? Thomas responded that prior to WWII, the life expectancy of someone with an SCI was usually measured in weeks, which wasn’t quite enough time to build a national VSO.

Obviously this is not the case anymore and PVA has fought for treatment, adaptations, legislation and care for all of us. We have reason to be proud of our organization for being around for 75 years and all it has fought for.

To commemorate the 75th, there are a couple of things happening:

· The National Organization will be donated $750,000 each to Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research at Yale University & the Human Engineering Research Laboratory (HERL) at the University of Pittsburgh in commemoration of our 75th Anniversary.

· Each Chapter is being asked to make a symbolic donation of $7,500 or $75,000 to support the research programs supported by PVA and our Chapter Board voted to make a contribution of $7,500 at the National Convention.