North Dakota Veterans Coordinating Council

The North Dakota Veterans Coordinating Council was established to bring veterans organizations together in a united effort on behalf of all veterans and dependents. It is meant to provide a practical means through which Veterans organizations throughout the state may effectively contribute to the betterment of all veterans. The three major responsibilities of the Coordinating Council are to sponsor and monitor legislation that affects veterans and their dependents, monitor all general programs for veterans including hospital benefits, employment programs, and social programs; and finally, to establish a system of public relations for veterans. No member of the Coordinating Council may hold concurrent membership on the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs.

The structure of the Coordinating Council is shown on the enclosed organization chart. The Council is made up of three members from each of the following five Veterans organizations; the American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, and VVA. The three representatives from each Veterans organization shall be the Department Commander, the Department Adjutant, and one other representative. Each member has one vote. The office of president, vice-president, and secretary/treasurer are elected from these voting members. The secretary receives no salary and performs duties as outlined in the By-laws.

The third segment of the Council is the Legislative Committee. They are appointed from the veterans organizations and should be from Bismarck. There are two members from each organization and a chairman. They are appointed for two years. They should be from Bismarck so they can attend hearings on bills affecting the veterans.

The Coordinating Council's main function is drafting, or monitoring, or co-sponsoring Veterans legislation. It is not an administrative body. Administration and implementation of Veterans laws is the function of the Administrative Committee on Veterans' Affairs, (ACOVA).