NABVETS, Inc. had its beginning as The Interested Veterans of the Central City (IVOCC), a community-based organization founded in 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by seven returning Vietnam combat veterans. The organization was formed to address issues facing Vietnam veterans in the inner city, such as unemployment, inadequate housing, and difficulties in accessing healthcare. They formed to address the marginalization of Black Veterans and the challenges they faced with getting their benefits and services.
In 1973, IVOCC reorganized to become a membership service organization with the charge to address issues concerning Black and other minority veterans. In 1998, NABVETS, Inc. became a National Veterans Service Organization (VSO), certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and chartered by the U.S. Congress to represent veterans filing claims for their benefits through their Veteran Service Officers (VSO). NABVETS became the first and only Black Organization chartered by Congress. We have chapters across the nation.
NABVETS Inc. continues to provide strategic advocacy on behalf of its membership. We advocate on your behalf with Congress and the federal administration, state administrations, county and city legislators, as well as other agencies and organizations. We provide personal advocacy on behalf of “ALL” Veterans seeking claims against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We also foster community development by creating positive lifestyles for Veterans and their families.
