Dear Veterans and Friends of Veterans:

We are pleased to announce the National Symposium for the Need of Young Veterans and our joint role as co-chairs of the Steering Committee. Our goal is to raise public discussion about veterans benefits to a new level. As veterans we know what these benefits have meant to our comrades. We believe it is in the nation’s best interests to ensure that the system remains a valuable and available resource to those who serve.

The Symposium is being planned for Chicago, Ill., October 18-21, 2006. We hope to attract upwards of 1,500 veterans from around the country with about half under the age of 40. Out the Symposium will come an “action plan” that will define, describe and prioritize the steps needed to ensure a modern benefits program that addresses the needs of future veterans.

In the coming months we will be providing additional information about the Symposium, announcing sponsors and partners and providing information about the agenda and key Symposium topics on this site. We look forward to your support and participation.

William A. Boettcher Symposium Steering Committee Co-Chair AMVETS National Commander, 2004–05

Anthony J. Principi Symposium Steering Committee Co-Chair Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 2001–04