Chapter History

The Arizona Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that became a chartered member of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) in 1966 and became a chartered member of the U.S. Congress in 1981. The founding goal of national PVA was supporting veterans and improving their quality of life. Since, APVA has made significant strides in reaching out to all segments of society to cultivate the concept of inclusion.

PVA was founded by Gilford S. Moss, the secretary of the Vaughan Chapter (Chicago area) of the Paralyzed Veterans Association in November of 1945.

The first meeting of PVA was held in February of 1947 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Hines, IL. In attendance were founder, Gilford S. Moss, George Hohmann and Harold A. Scharper.