Agent Orange Activist Resigns

Agent Orange Advocacy http://covvha.net/

© 2014 ‎(COVVHA) Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance INC
Like Us On Facebook!

IMMEADIATE RELEASE
Children of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance (COVVHA)
Kelly L. Derricks, Board Member Steps Down
October, 27, 2015

Kelly L. Derricks resigned effective immediately, September 21, 2015, as President and Board Member of Children of Vietnam Veterans (COVVHA). This is the same group she co-founded with Heather Bowser in 2012. Kelly has been a tireless advocate in the Agent Orange community for well over a decade years prior to the creation of COVVHA.

COVVHA was started with a dream and a handful of members today it is a federally recognized 501c3 with a social media reach in the millions. Over three thousand children of Vietnam Veterans have been brought together through private support groups. Several other special subject support groups have been introduced by COVVHA.  These groups are working to bring those affected by Agent Orange together. The website COVVHA.net has been Kelly’s personal project. She has made it a staple of timely Agent Orange knowledge.

Kelly, known for her fiery brand of activism made her mark with her, “tell it how it is approach.” This has gained her respect among veterans groups and the kid’s of veterans alike. Kelly is leaving COVVHA on good terms and is working together along with the Executive Board to make the transition as smooth as possible. It will be extremely difficult to fill her shoes.

Kelly states the difficult decision was not made lightly. She expanded; her ongoing health concerns have made stress intolerable. She wants to assure everyone she is not abandoning the community, but she needs to care for herself. She will still stay active in the natural health movement, including supporting the labeling of Genetically Modified Food.

Kelly is the Daughter of Vietnam Veteran, Harry Mackel Jr., who passed away in 1982, at the age of 37. He served two tours in Vietnam along with a year on Johston Atoll. Kelly was only seven years old when he passed away. She suffers from several serious ailments believed caused by her father’s exposure.

COVVHA’s annual executive meeting was held October 23, 2015 at which time, nominations to fill the vacancy on the board of directors, along with voting for positions was completed. Valerie Ouillette, of Naples FL was nominated to serve as a board member. Heather Bowser of Canfield, OH was elected President of COVVHA. Tanya Mack of Wildomar, Ca was elected Vice President/Secretary. Valerie was elected Vice President/ Treasurer. All three serve as National Coordinators of the 501c3. The Board of Directors is looking to significantly expand its core group of volunteers this year and it’s “boots on the ground” programming.

While it is sad to see Kelly go, we wish her all the best. We are proud of where we are it has been a product of her hard work and determination. The new board is excited to expand upon what has been started. COVVHA will continue moving forward in our mission to educate and advocate globally for those affected by Agent Orange. Thank you Kelly.

The post Agent Orange Activist Resigns appeared first on Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance.

© 2014 ‎(COVVHA) Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance INC
Like Us On Facebook!

(COVVHA) Children of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance INC. AO2GEN