-CITE-

36 USC CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS) 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-MISC1-

Sec.

22701. Organization.

22702. Purposes.

22703. Membership.

22704. Governing body.

22705. Powers.

22706. Exclusive right to name, seals, emblems, and badges.

22707. Restrictions.

22708. Headquarters and principal place of business.

22709. Records and inspection.

22710. Service of process.

22711. Liability for acts of officials, representatives, and

agents.

22712. Distribution of assets on dissolution or final

liquidation.

AMENDMENTS

2002 - Pub. L. 107-241, Sec. 1(a)(2)(A), Oct. 16, 2002, 116 Stat.

1496, substituted "AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)" for "AMVETS

(AMERICAN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II, KOREA, AND VIETNAM)" in chapter

heading.

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22701 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22701. Organization

-STATUTE-

(a) Federal Charter. - AMVETS (American Veterans) (in this

chapter, the "corporation") is a federally chartered corporation.

(b) Perpetual Existence. - Except as otherwise provided, the

corporation has perpetual existence.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1306; Pub. L. 107-241,

Sec. 1(a)(1), Oct. 16, 2002, 116 Stat. 1496.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22701 36:67. July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

1, 61 Stat. 403; Aug. 15,

1977, Pub. L. 95-98, Sec.

1(a), 91 Stat. 830.

36:67a. July 23, 1947, ch. 298,

Secs. 2, 4 (related to

perpetual succession),

10(1), 61 Stat. 405, 406,

407.

36:67c (related to

perpetual

succession).

36:67i(1).

--------------------------------------------------------------------

This section is substituted for the source provisions for

consistency in the revised title and to eliminate executed and

unnecessary words.

This text of 36:67a is omitted as executed and obsolete.

AMENDMENTS

2002 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-241 substituted "AMVETS (American

Veterans)" for "AMVETS (American Veterans of World War II, Korea,

and Vietnam)".

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22702 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22702. Purposes

-STATUTE-

The purposes of the corporation are -

(1) to preserve for ourselves and our posterity the great and

basic truths and enduring principles upon which this Nation was

founded;

(2) to maintain a continuing interest in the welfare and

rehabilitation of the disabled veterans of World War II, the

Korean conflict, and the Vietnam era and to establish facilities

for the assistance of all veterans and to represent them in their

claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs and other

organizations without charge;

(3) to dedicate ourselves to the service and best interests of

the community, State, and Nation to the end that our country

shall be and remain forever a whole, strong, and free Nation;

(4) to aid and encourage the abolition of prejudice, ignorance,

and disease;

(5) to encourage universal exercise of the voting franchise to

the end that there shall be elected and maintained in public

office men and women who hold public office as a public trust

administered in the best interests of all the people;

(6) to advocate the development and means by which all

Americans may become enlightened and informed citizens and thus

participate fully in the functions of our democracy;

(7) to encourage and support an international organization of

all peace-loving nations to the end that not again shall any

nation be permitted to breach their national peace;

(8) to continue to serve the best interests of our Nation in

peace as in war;

(9) to develop to the utmost the human, mental, spiritual, and

economical resources of our Nation;

(10) to perpetuate and preserve the friendships and comradeship

born on the battle front and nurtured in the common experience of

service to our Nation during time of war; and

(11) to honor the memory of those men and women who gave their

lives that a free America and a free world might live by the

creation of living memorials in the form of additional

educational, cultural, and recreational facilities.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1306.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22702 36:67b(1), (3)-(10). July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

3(1), (3)-(10), 61 Stat. 405.

36:67b(2). July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

3(2), 61 Stat. 405; Aug. 15,

1977, Pub. L. 95-98, Sec.

1(b)(1), 91 Stat. 830; June

13, 1991, Pub. L. 102-54,

Sec. 13(n)(1), 105 Stat. 278.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22703 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22703. Membership

-STATUTE-

(a) Eligibility. - Except as provided in this chapter,

eligibility for membership in the corporation and the rights and

privileges of members are as provided in the constitution and

bylaws of the corporation.

(b) Voting. - Each member has one vote in the conduct of official

business at the post level.

(c) Nondiscrimination. - The terms of membership may not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or

national origin.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1307.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22703(a) 36:67e (words July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

before 3d comma). 6 (words before 3d comma,

words after 3d comma related

to discrimination in

membership), 61 Stat. 407;

Dec. 28, 1950, ch. 1178, 64

Stat. 1122; July 26, 1955,

ch. 383, 69 Stat. 375; Sept.

14, 1966, Pub. L. 89-576, 80

Stat. 772; Aug. 15, 1977,

Pub. L. 95-98, Sec. 1(b)(2),

91 Stat. 830; May 31, 1984,

Pub. L. 98-304, 98 Stat. 220.

22703(b) 36:67f(1) (1st July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

sentence). 7(1) (1st sentence), 61

Stat. 407.

22703(c) 36:67e (words after

3d comma related to

discrimination in

membership).

--------------------------------------------------------------------

In subsection (b), the words "the right to" are omitted as

unnecessary.

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22704 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22704. Governing body

-STATUTE-

(a) Delegates to National Conventions. - Each post may elect

delegates to national conventions of the corporation. The delegates

each have one vote in the conduct of business of the convention to

which they are elected.

(b) Executive Committee. - The executive committee of the

corporation consists of -

(1) one member elected to represent each department; and

(2) the officers of the corporation as ex officio members.

(c) Officers. - (1) The officers of the corporation are a

national commander, two national vice commanders, a finance

officer, a judge advocate, a chaplain, six national district

commanders, and a provost marshal.

(2) The officers shall be elected by the delegates at the annual

national convention.

(d) Nondiscrimination. - The requirements for holding office in

the corporation may not discriminate on the basis of race, color,

religion, sex, or national origin.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1307; Pub. L. 107-241,

Sec. 1(b), Oct. 16, 2002, 116 Stat. 1496.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22704(a) 36:67f(1) (last July 23, 1947, ch. 298,

sentence). Secs. 5(3), 7(1) (last

sentence), (2), 13, 61 Stat.

406, 407, 408.

22704(b) 36:67d(3).

36:67f(2).

22704(c) 36:67l.

22704(d) 36:67e (words after July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

3d comma related to 6 (words after 3d comma

discrimination in related to discrimination in

holding office). holding office), 61 Stat.

407; Dec. 28, 1950, ch.

1178, 64 Stat. 1122; July

26, 1955, ch. 383, 69 Stat.

375; Sept. 14, 1966, Pub. L.

89-576, 80 Stat. 772; Aug.

15, 1977, Pub. L. 95-98,

Sec. 1(b)(2), 91 Stat. 830;

May 31, 1984, Pub. L.

98-304, 98 Stat. 220.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

In subsection (b), the text of 36:67d(3) is omitted as obsolete.

In subsection (c), the words "each official delegate casting one

vote" are omitted as unnecessary because of subsection (a) of this

section.

AMENDMENTS

2002 - Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 107-241 substituted "two national

vice commanders, a finance officer, a judge advocate, a chaplain,

six national district commanders," for "seven national vice

commanders, one of whom shall be a woman, a finance officer, an

adjutant, a judge advocate,".

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22705 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22705. Powers

-STATUTE-

(a) General. - The corporation may -

(1) adopt bylaws and regulations for the management of its

property and the regulation of its affairs;

(2) adopt seals, emblems, and badges;

(3) choose officers, representatives, and agents as necessary

to carry out the purposes of the corporation;

(4) make contracts;

(5) establish State and regional organizations and local posts;

(6) acquire, own, lease, encumber, and transfer property as

necessary to carry out the purposes of the corporation;

(7) borrow money, issue instruments of indebtedness, and secure

its obligations by granting security interests in its property;

(8) publish a magazine, newspaper, and other publications

consistent with the purposes of the corporation;

(9) sue and be sued; and

(10) do any other act necessary and proper to carry out the

purposes of the corporation.

(b) Powers Granted to Other Organizations. - The provisions,

privileges, and prerogatives granted before July 24, 1947, to other

national veterans' organizations because of their incorporation by

Congress are granted to the corporation.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1307.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22705(a) 36:67c (less July 23, 1947, ch. 298,

perpetual Secs. 4 (less perpetual

succession). succession), 8, 10(2)-(5),

61 Stat. 406, 407.

36:67g.

36:67i(2)-(5).

22705(b) 36:67r. July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

19, 61 Stat. 408; Aug. 15,

1977, Pub. L. 95-98, Sec.

1(a), 91 Stat. 830.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

In this section, the text of 36:67g is omitted as executed and

obsolete.

In subsection (a)(1), the word "adopt" is substituted for "ordain

and establish" for clarity and consistency in the revised title.

The words "not inconsistent with the laws of the United States of

America or any State thereof" are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (a)(2), the words "adopt seals, emblems, and

badges" are substituted for "to use in carrying out its purposes

such seals, emblems, and badges as it may lawfully adopt" for

consistency in the revised title and to eliminate unnecessary

words.

In subsection (a)(4), the words "make contracts" are substituted

for "contract and be contracted with" for consistency in the

revised title and to eliminate unnecessary words.

Subsection (a)(6) is substituted for "take and hold by lease,

gift, purchase, grant, devise, or bequest any property, real or

personal, necessary for attaining the objects and carrying into

effect the purposes of the corporation" in 36:67c and "Transfer and

convey all real or personal property" in 36:67i(4) for consistency

in the revised title and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words

"subject, however, to applicable provisions of law of any State (A)

governing the amount or kind of real and personal property which

may be held by, or (B) otherwise limiting or controlling the

ownership of real and personal property by, a corporation operating

in such State" in 36:67c are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (a)(7), the words "instruments of indebtedness" are

substituted for "bonds" for consistency in the revised title. The

words "secure its obligations by granting security interests in its

property" are substituted for "secure same by mortgage" for

consistency in the revised title. The words "for the purposes of

the corporation", "therefor", and "subject in every case to all

applicable provisions of Federal or State laws" are omitted as

unnecessary.

In subsection (b), the words "before July 24, 1947" are

substituted for "heretofore" for clarity. The words "and accrue"

are omitted as unnecessary.

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22706 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22706. Exclusive right to name, seals, emblems, and badges

-STATUTE-

The corporation and its State, regional, and local subdivisions

have the exclusive right to use the name "AMVETS (American

Veterans)" and seals, emblems, and badges the corporation adopts.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1308; Pub. L. 107-241,

Sec. 1(a)(1), Oct. 16, 2002, 116 Stat. 1496.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22706 36:67p. July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

17, 61 Stat. 408; Aug. 15,

1977, Pub. L. 95-98, Sec.

1(a), 91 Stat. 830.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The words "sole and" and "have and" are omitted as unnecessary.

The word "adopts" is substituted for "may lawfully adopt" to

eliminate unnecessary words.

AMENDMENTS

2002 - Pub. L. 107-241 substituted "AMVETS (American Veterans)"

for "AMVETS (American Veterans of World War II, Korea, and

Vietnam)".

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22707 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22707. Restrictions

-STATUTE-

(a) Profit. - The corporation shall operate as a not-for-profit

corporation, exclusively for charitable, educational, patriotic,

and civic improvement purposes.

(b) Stock and Dividends. - The corporation may not issue stock or

declare or pay a dividend.

(c) Political Activities. - The corporation or an officer of the

corporation or member of its executive committee as such may not

contribute to, support, or assist a political party or candidate

for elective public office. The corporation may not carry on

propaganda.

(d) Distribution of Income or Assets. - The income or assets of

the corporation may not inure to the benefit of, or be distributed

to, a director, officer, or member of the corporation, except on

dissolution or final liquidation of the corporation.

(e) Loans. - The corporation may not make a loan or advance to a

director or officer. Directors who vote for or assent to making a

loan or advance to a director or officer, and officers who

participate in making the loan or advance, are jointly and

severally liable to the corporation for the amount of the loan or

advance until it is repaid.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1308.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22707(a) 36:67b(11) (1st-8th July 23, 1947, ch. 298,

words and words Secs. 3(11), 5(1), (2), 15,

after semicolon). 16, 61 Stat. 405, 406, 408.

22707(b) 36:67n.

22707(c) 36:67d(1), (2).

22707(d) 36:67b(11) (9th

word through

semicolon).

22707(e) 36:67o.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

In subsection (b), the words "shares of" are omitted as

unnecessary.

In subsection (e), the words "or advance" are added in 2 places

for consistency in the subsection.

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22708 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22708. Headquarters and principal place of business

-STATUTE-

The headquarters and principal place of business of the

corporation shall be in Maryland. However, the activities of the

corporation are not confined to Maryland but may be conducted

throughout the States, territories, and possessions of the United

States.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1308; Pub. L. 107-241,

Sec. 1(c), Oct. 16, 2002, 116 Stat. 1496.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22708 36:67d(4). July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

5(4), 61 Stat. 406.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The words "as set out herein" are omitted as unnecessary.

AMENDMENTS

2002 - Pub. L. 107-241 substituted "Maryland" for "the District

of Columbia" in first and second sentences.

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22709 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22709. Records and inspection

-STATUTE-

(a) Records. - The corporation shall keep -

(1) correct and complete records of account;

(2) minutes of the proceedings of its members, executive

committee, and committees having any of the authority of its

executive committee; and

(3) at its registered or principal office, a record of the

names and addresses of its members entitled to vote.

(b) Inspection. - A member, or an agent or attorney of the

member, may inspect the records of the corporation for any proper

purpose, at any reasonable time.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1308.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22709 36:67m. July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

14, 61 Stat. 408.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The word "records" is substituted for "books and records" for

consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the

United States Code.

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22710 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22710. Service of process

-STATUTE-

(a) District of Columbia. - The corporation shall have a

designated agent in the District of Columbia to receive service of

process for the corporation. Notice to or service on the agent, or

mailed to the business address of the agent, is notice to or

service on the corporation.

(b) States. - As a condition to the exercise of any power or

privilege granted by this chapter, the corporation shall file, with

the secretary of state or other designated official of each State,

the name and address of an agent in that State on whom legal

process or demands against the corporation may be served.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1308.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22710(a) 36:67k. July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

12, 61 Stat. 407.

22710(b) 36:67q. July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

18, 61 Stat. 408; Aug. 15,

1977, Pub. L. 95-98, Sec.

1(a), 91 Stat. 830.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

In subsection (b), the words "precedent", "herein", and "or

conferred" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "file, with the

secretary of state or other designated official" are substituted

for "serve notice on the secretary of state" for consistency in the

revised title. The word "authorized" is omitted as unnecessary.

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22711 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22711. Liability for acts of officials, representatives, and

agents

-STATUTE-

The corporation is liable for the acts of its officials,

representatives, and agents acting within the scope of their

authority.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1309.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22711 36:67j. July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

11, 61 Stat. 407.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

-End-

-CITE-

36 USC Sec. 22712 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND

ORGANIZATIONS

Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations

Part B - Organizations

CHAPTER 227 - AMVETS (AMERICAN VETERANS)

-HEAD-

Sec. 22712. Distribution of assets on dissolution or final

liquidation

-STATUTE-

On dissolution or final liquidation of the corporation, any

assets remaining after the discharge or satisfactory provision for

discharge of all liabilities shall be transferred to the Secretary

of Veterans Affairs to be applied to the care and comfort of

disabled veterans of World War II, the Korean conflict, and the

Vietnam era.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1309.)

-MISC1-

HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)

Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------

22712 36:67h. July 23, 1947, ch. 298, Sec.

9, 61 Stat. 407; Aug. 15,

1977, Pub. L. 95-98, Sec.

1(b)(3), 91 Stat. 830; June

13, 1991, Pub. L. 102-54,

Sec. 13(n)(1), 105 Stat. 278.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The words "Secretary of Veterans Affairs" are substituted for

"Department of Veterans Affairs" because under 38:303 the Secretary

is the head of the Department.

-End-