Each Congress has fewer veterans.

When the 109th Congress convened in January 2005, nine veterans--one Senator and eight Representatives-began their first terms. All but two of them served during the Vietnam War-era, and only one of the nine freshmen served in a war zone. In all, there are 141 veterans among the 535 members of Congress. This includes 31 veterans in the Senate and 110 vets in the House. Eight Senators and 27 Representatives served in a war zone. The House total includes a non-voting delegate from American Samoa.

But with each new Congress, there are fewer Senators and Representatives with military service. In 1995, for example, 75% o of U.S. Senators and 53% of Representatives had military service. Now, just 31% of Senators and 25% of Representatives are veterans.

The declining number of veterans in Congress reflects national trends that have seen veterans as a proportion of the total population dwindling over the past few decades.

Currently, there are some 25 million veterans, about 12.7% of American adults. In 1970 veterans accounted for 19% of the country's 17 and older population.

"Even though there are fewer members of Congress with military experience. veteran status is not a litmus test for a lawmaker's likely support for veterans issues," said National Legislative Director Joseph A. Violante. "Some of our strongest advocates on Capitol Hill are not veterans, and some who did sere in the military have called for cuts in funding or sought to limit veterans benefits."

"So, the key to getting your Senators and Representatives to do the right thing is helping them understand veterans issues," Violante said. "Disabled veterans need to remind members of Congress and their legislative aides that veterans am a strong, vital political force in this country. And one of the best ways to do that is to join the Commander's Action Network, or CAN. As part of a nation-wide grassroots advocacy program, you will be able to bring to bear the collective clout of our members on issues that are critical to veterans."

The DAV CAN program helps Our members keep their elected representatives on notice that veterans issues are important to their constituents. DAV members, their families, and others who join DAV CAN receive regular updates on vital issues and other materials they can use in educating their elected representatives. Those with computers- can access the DAV web site (www.dav.org) to use the DAV Legislative Action site to send letters or e-mail messages to each of their elected representatives.

"By becoming a valued member of DAV CAN, you demonstrate your dedication and commitment to improving the lives of our nation's disabled veterans and their families," Washington Headquarters Executive Director David W. Gorman said. "It is vital that our members become an active part of die DAV-s grassroots advocacy program. It takes a concerted effort by a lot of people to show elected representatives that there is a groundswell of concern about pending legislation. That's what DAV CAN is all about--getting lawmakers to act in the best interest of veterans.

To become a part of DAV CAN, contact Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans National Service and Legislative Headquarters, 807 Maine Avenue, S. W., Washington, D.C. 20024.

Attention Vietnam Veterans The Vietnam Head Injury Study (VHIS)--Phase III is currently seeking healthy volunteers to participate as controls in our research study located at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. This is a follow-up study to access long-term difficulties that veterans may experience after combat. Qualified individuals are those who served in combat in Vietnam from 1966 through 1971. Those interested should contact Sandi Lewis-Bonifant, VHIS Study Coordinator, at 301-319-8471 for additional information.