A Message from NACVSO President - October 2025
Greetings NACVSO Members and Strategic Partners,
The time has come for us to elevate this profession.
For too long, County and Tribal Veteran Service Officers have had to begin every conversation by explaining who we are and why our work matters. That must change. Just as society instinctively recognizes the essential roles of attorneys, doctors, and social workers, the public must also understand that Government Veteran Service Officers are an indispensable part of government operations—the link between national promises and local delivery for those who have served us.
To reach that level of recognition, NACVSO will remain focused on four key priorities that define our path forward: education, legislative influence, strategic partnerships and sustainability, and maintaining momentum.
Education will always be the foundation of our mission. We are exploring new ways to expand and diversify training—leveraging technology and partnerships to ensure that members have access to the very best information and tools.
That deck plate knowledge must then inform our legislative influence. The CVSO Act was a milestone, but its true success depends on implementation, accountability, and continued advocacy. NACVSO must be the voice that ensures lawmakers and leaders understand how their decisions affect veterans at the local level.
To sustain our impact, we are strengthening strategic partnerships that invest in our long-term success. Financial stability is critical—not only for growth, but for resilience during challenging times. Maintaining momentum requires stewardship as much as innovation.
Finally, we must never lose sight of our integrity. NACVSO’s credibility is built on service, not profit. We remain a values-driven organization—unencumbered by corporate interest, motivated only by outcomes that improve veterans’ lives.
As we execute on these priorities, I want to stress the importance of in‑person participation at our Annual Training Conference. While we are proud to continue offering virtual access, there is no substitute for being together—learning from one another, engaging with thought leaders, and building the relationships that move this profession upward.
To maintain this momentum and meet the rising costs of operations, membership and conference fees will increase beginning the 2027 fiscal year. Details will be announced soon, and I appreciate your understanding and continued support as we adapt responsibly to sustain the quality of our programs.
I encourage each of you to review the VA 2024 GDX Report, recently released. This annual publication provides vital data that GVSO offices can use to demonstrate impact and communicate results to local leaders. Take time to explore some of the new data fields and find ways for this data to strengthen your ability to tell the story of the difference you make every day.
Lastly, please mark your calendars for the 2026 NACVSO Annual Leadership Summit this coming March 23–26. Registration will open soon, so be on the lookout for an announcement. This event has become one of the cornerstones of our influence in Washington, and I encourage all leaders, appointees, and delegates to participate.
Thank you for your continued service to our nation’s veterans and your dedication to this profession. They already know how vital your work is. It’s time the rest of the country does, too.
Very Respectfully,
Andrew Tangen
President, NACVSO