Concerned veterans from vietnam
Founded in 1968, CVFV is the First and Nation’s oldest Vietnam Veterans Organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois
ABOUT CONCERNED VETERANS FROM VIETNAM
Concerned Veterans From Vietnam (CVFV) is a registered 501c3 Nonprofit Organization, founded in 1968, just three days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On a small beach in Vietnam, U.S. Navy SEAL Barry Wright and fellow service members came together to address the challenges faced by troops overseas and the urgent needs of their communities back home.
CVFV holds the distinction of being the first and oldest organization in the United States dedicated to serving Vietnam Veterans. Born from the shared experiences of injustice endured by Black service members—both in uniform and in their own country—CVFV has remained rooted in advocacy, unity, and the fight for equity.
over 57 years of advocacy
For more than 57 years, Concerned Veterans From Vietnam (CVFV) has been a powerful advocate for veterans and their families—both in Chicago and across the nation. From hosting the first-ever “Welcome Home” job fair for Vietnam Veterans, to deploying a mobile outreach van to educate and assist veterans in accessing their benefits, advocating on Capitol Hill for discharge upgrades, and cleaning up neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side.
CVFV continues to lead with purpose, rooted in a legacy of service, justice, and community.
HOSTED FIRST WELCOME HOME JOB FAIR IN CHICAGO
Many veterans returning from the Vietnam War faced limited employment opportunities, often forcing them to seek alternative means of income. Recognizing this urgent need, Concerned Veterans From Vietnam (CVFV) partnered with the City of Chicago, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to organize the first Welcome Home Job Fair in the nation for Vietnam Veterans in 1970, focused on direct hiring, helping veterans transition into meaningful careers and stable futures.
LAUNCHED FIRST MOBILE BENEFITS VAN FOR VETERANS
Recognizing the urgent needs of Vietnam Veterans returning home to Chicago with limited access to benefits, CVFV took action by converting a van into a mobile benefits unit. This innovative vehicle brought vital services directly into local communities, helping veterans enroll in VA health care, access employment assistance, and connect with other essential resources to support their transition back to civilian life. While government agencies are now adopting similar mobile outreach models, CVFV pioneered this approach over 50 years ago.
CONTINUING TO SERVE BACK AT HOME
CVFV has a history of organizing community stakeholders to curb violence in our neighborhoods. From removing graffiti from buildings, creating safer parks for children, and offering ongoing support to strengthen the community. Long before the introduction of Direct Deposit, CVFV supported seniors on the southside of Chicago by escorting them to cash their checks and shop safely within their local neighborhoods.
Restoring a Legacy Erased
by Injustice
Join our campaign to restore the legacy of Franklin A. Denison to right a historical wrong and honor the first Black officer to earn the rank of Brigadier General. Despite official military orders in 1922 confirming his retirement as a general and recognition from top military leaders, a clerical amendment months later unjustly downgraded his rank to colonel, a change made after his retirement. Advocates, historians, and community leaders are now working to formally reinstate Denison’s title, seeking not only to correct the record but to ensure that his service in law and military is properly recognized for future generations.