A Message from NACVSO President - July 2026

Greetings NACVSO Members and Partners,

With conference behind us, I want to use this month's update to zoom out a bit and talk about some efforts currently underway, where this organization is headed, and why.

Right now, NACVSO is engaged on three strategic fronts wherein each effort builds on—and compliments—the others.

First, full funding and implementation of the CVSO Act. Congress has already recognized what many of us have known for years: GVSO’s are unevenly resourced. That inconsistency is a disservice to veterans because it is based purely on where they live. We are working to make sure implementation strengthens the infrastructure that already exists in your communities rather than layering something new on top of it. In addition, we are creating better pathways for underserved regions to join our ranks, that is, elite and professional advocates wherever they are needed.

Second, we are working toward gaining a distinct federal designation for GVSOs, along with digitally accountable read-only access to claims files while a Power of Attorney is pending. Anyone who has watched a veteran fall through the cracks during POA transition knows exactly why this is so important to our members, and to the veterans we serve. In doing so, we can close an existing gap without creating new and unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. As we have always said, GVSO’s are the local government equivalent to the federal systems already in place. They are employed by governments and work as extensions of systems unified by a shared mission. It is time that GVSO’s are recognized by VA for the work they do for both VA and veterans.

Third, we continue building the infrastructure of the profession itself: our Fellowship Program, our first National GVSO Impact Report, and deeper integration between GVSOs, VA, and DoD so that reintegration starts before separation instead of after it. This is a long game, but the planning and design is already underway.

While not yet yet finalized, I wanted you to hear directly from me about where our efforts are being channeled and why. With that, you are the ones in the room with veterans every day. If you are seeing friction points, gaps, or resource strains that any of these areas may help alleviate, I want to hear about it. Your experience on the ground is what makes these conversations credible in creating practical policy. Please, send me descriptions of what you're seeing. Your voice and inputs matter and will be heard.

I hope that everyone had a Happy 250th American Independence Day and were able to privately celebrate with friends and family in addition to your local offices more public displays of American pride and patriotism.

I truly look forward to providing more information to all of you as these efforts develop. In the meantime, keep us informed and keep up the phenomenal work.

Very Respectfully,

Andrew Tangen

President, NACVSO