COVVHS has ten members who are either veterans, partners of veterans or children of veterans who have no allegiance to any body and have undertaken this effort at their own expense entirely, for the greater good of the veteran community.

There are many Vietnam veterans’ with sons and daughters who have a wide range of illnesses, both physical and psychological and psychiatric.

The Government is aware that there SEEMS to be a problem with our children’s’ health. Without YOUR support we will not achieve an accurate result to this scientific study which will be of worldwide significance!

Members of COVVHS have been silently working to gain federal approval for an in depth scientific study into the chronic ill health facing many of our children. These illnesses in many cases are having a detrimental effect on their quality of life.

The government has agreed to a feasibility study in the first instance to ascertain whether it is feasible to actually undertake such a study. This is ALWAYS the first step of any scientific study.

We would appreciate you communicating with as many veterans as you are able to, to let them know what is happening. When the next phase of the study is commenced it will be very important that the general veteran community is agreeable to this study and that we can gain the full support of all our sons and daughters.

From anecdotal evidence there are in excess of 100,000 children of Vietnam Veterans in Australia. Some time ago DVA advertised nationally in regard to the Sons and Daughters project (VVCS) and got back only 400 (approx) replies.

It is my understanding that the two major Vietnam Veterans organisations have less than 7000 members combined; this leaves about 80% either only in their unit organisations or members of no organisation.

COVVHS is compiling an e-mail list to keep as many Vietnam Veterans and their families informed through the web site of the progress of the ‘Consultative forum’ and the ‘Scientific Advisory Committee’.

David Matheson

COVVHS webmaster