Vietnam veterans (and other veterans) often have been marginalized by society. After decades of struggle, many veterans now welcome an opportunity to contribute to society.  Many veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan face the same issues. They are wary of seeking services; they feel that nobody understands. But other veterans understand. They’ve been there. Initially, the notion of VHVnow came from a Vietnam combat Marine who tried to talk to a young veteran who had just returned from Iraq and was already in jail for his second DUI. 

The Vietnam veteran initiated conversations with other Vietnam veterans, veterans who have just returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, veteran service providers, and community representatives. Together, they formed VHVnow in the summer of 2007, VHVnow received the fiscal sponsorship of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.