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VETERAN BENEFITS, NEWS

POT FOR PTSD????

     The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) in Washington D.C. says the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should let VA doctors use marijuana in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.  At present VA forbids its doctors from recommending medical marijuana to veterans even in the 14 states where medical marijuana is legal.  This policy is based on advice from the Drug Enforcement Administration.  According to the MPP, a 2008 study by the RAND Corporation showed that 20% of soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD and that a 2007 study in the" Journal of Traumatic Stress" found marijuana can be an effective treatment for severe PTSD symptoms.  The Marijuana Policy Project and MPP Foundation envision a nation where marijuana is legally regulated similarly to alcohol, marijuana education is honest and realistic, and treatment for problem marijuana users is non-coercive and geared toward reducing harms.  Their mission is to:  1.  Increase public support for non-punitive, non-coercive marijuana policies.
2.  Identify and activate supporters of non-punitive, non-coercive marijuana policies.
3.  Change state laws to reduce or eliminate penalties for the medical and non-medical use of marijuana.
4.  Gain influence in Congress. More information at the MPP website:  www.mpp.org.               From the RAO Bulletin.

CANCER RISK REDUCTION

Chapter Note:  There is nothing you can do to turn back the clock on some illness you are already suffering from, but you can possibly hold the illness at bay, help alleviate the symptoms, and prevent others from taking hold by following some basic rules of living.  Read on.....

     As of late November, 09, the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program estimated that nearly one in two men and women born in 2009 will be diagnosed with cancer at some time during their lifetime.  With these depressing odds in mind, there's no time like the present for you and your family to pursue natural ways to help ward off cancer.  This might not seem all that important now, but think how you'll feel if cancer strikes you or a member of your family.  Why risk having that happen?  Now is the time to improve your health and help ensure a long healthy life free of cancer and other diseases.  Consider the following and talk to your doctor for more information.
►►Watch What You Weigh - According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, approximately 100-500 cancers that strike Americans annually are the result of excess body fat, underscoring the central role that overweight and obesity play in the development of  cancer (and in the ability to survive the disease.)  Continued on Page 6....                               

VETERAN LEGISLATION/NEWS

WILL THE NEW HEALTH CARE PLAN AFFECT
VETERANS HEALTH CARE?

     VA NEWS RELEASE 3/21 from VA Secretary Shinseki........
     As Secretary of Veterans Affairs, I accepted the solemn responsibility to uphold our sacred trust with our nation's Veterans.  Fears that Veterans health care and TRICARE will be undermined by the health reform legislation are unfounded.  I am confident that the legislation being voted on today will provide the protections afforded our nation's Veterans and the health care they have earned through their service.  The President and I stand firm in our commitment to those who serve and have served in our armed forces.  We pledge to continue to provide the men and women in uniform and our Veterans the high quality health care they have earned.
     President Obama has strongly supported Veterans and their needs, specifically health care needs, on every major issue for these past 14 months - advance appropriations,  new GI Bill implementation, new Agent Orange presumptions for three additional diseases, new GI Bill implementation, new Gulf War illness presumptions for nine additional diseases, and a 16% budget increase in 2010 for the Department of Veteran Affairs, that is the largest in over 30 years, and which has been followed by a 2011 VA budget request that increases that record budget by an additional 7.6%.
     To give our Veterans further assurance that health reform legislation will not affect their health care systems, the Chairman of five House committees, including Veterans Affairs Chairman Bob Filner and Armed Services Chairman Ike Skelton, have just issued a joint letter reaffirming that the health reform legislation as written would protect those receiving care through all TRICARE and Department of Veterans Affairs programs.

VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
FIRST LEGISLATIVE DAY

     Several members of VVA500 other VVA chapters and members of the California State Council, VVA, attended the first VVA Legislative Day in downtown Sacramento.  They visited with our CA Senators and Assemblymen informing them of legislation that is important to the Veteran Community.
     Members and legislators attended a breakfast and lunch.  Awards were given to legislators that were instrumental in passing legislation regarding Veterans and especially to those who initiated the "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" resolution.
      Governor Schwarzenegger presented the "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" proclamation at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  Special Guest Jon Voight attended the ceremony.
       Members attending found the day very interesting and informative.   If you didn't attend this first VVA Legislative Day, there will be one every year, so plan on coming next year.

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   Rebecca Lee                  916-501-8788
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ACTIVITIES/EVENTS COMING UP

   VVA500 ELECTION DETAILS, continued

     AVVA members must elect an AVVA representative to look after the interests of AVVA members at VVA Board Meetings as well as conduct AVVA activities desired by AVVA members.  The following AVVA members were nominated for the position:
►Tina Haas (Incumbent Representative)
►Fran Kehoe
     Note:  AVVA members cannot vote for VVA members and vice versa, VVA members cannot vote for AVVA members.
     All nominees will be introduced to the membership and asked to give just a brief biography and how they will best serve VVA.
    Election Note #2:  Nominations can also be taken from the floor during the election meeting. You can also nominate yourself.
     Election Note #3:  Only paid up members of both VVA and/or AVVA can vote in the election or run for office. Members must be present to vote, proxy voting is not allowed.
     Committees exist within the chapter.  The committees will be announced in the May newsletter.  The newly elected President appoints the committee chairs.  Members are urged to join the committees of their interest. 

       SPECIAL GUEST ALSO AT THE APRIL 20. MEETING
During the vote counting we will have a brief presentation by one of our members, Dr. Michael P. Simmons, D.C.  Dr. Simmons is a chiropractor who volunteers his time each year at the Stand Down.  Dr. Simmons wants to tell us a little about a two week event  his office holds each year called the "Organic Health Care Celebration". Part of the celebration includes a fundraiser that benefits the American River Parkway Foundation. 

                          ►►NEW AT THE HALL!!!◄◄
     Beginning Wednesday, April 28 at 4PM and every other week afterward, Sandy from the Vet Center will be starting a new group for the spouses and significant others of those Veterans who have PTSD.  (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).  Many spouses, and significant others do not have a clue of what PTSD really is and how to cope with it when their partner does have it.  When an individual has PTSD, it does affect the entire household because everyone else along with the Veteran has to learn how to live with it and/or adapt to it. 
     We would like to have an idea of how many will be attending, so please RSVP to the office.  481-6020.

                         MAY 18TH GENERAL MEETING
     Installation of our new officers, board, etc. will take place.  Mark Arguello will present a pre-sale screening of his video of the 25th Anniversary of the D.C. Wall Program.  Mark will be asking for member feedback before final production of the video.

VVA500 HALL SCHEDULE

►►Office hours are:  Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri.  10-4PM.
                                           Wednesdays - Noon - 5:30PM
►►Wednesdays - Ping-Pong and/or darts.  1PM-3:30PM
►►Wednesdays - Vet Center Counseling - 4PM-5:30PM - Group - Individual Counseling, first come first served or call the office for an appointment. NEW GROUP - See left column
►►Thursdays 10-2PM  - File Claims or develop your claim for filing.  Best to call for an appointment. 
►►Thursdays 5-9PM - 1st and Third Thursdays of each month, will be movie night.  Next movie nights will be:  May 6th and 20th.
     The weather is finally becoming tolerable.  Several people were interested in starting bicycling together.  If you are interested, call.
     Of course you are always open to come into the Hall on the days that  we are open to work on puzzles, play games, watch TV, movies, do some volunteer work, etc.
     GOOD NEWS!  The chapter has restocked our pins, patches, decals, etc.  All are on sale during the week and at the meetings. The pins and patches will all be $4.00 each, the decals will be $2.00.  Come in and check out the inventory and also let us know what we need to order.
     Any questions about any of the activities, office number to call is 916-481-6020.

WHAT'S COMING UP???

THE FORGOTTEN SOLDIER PROGRAM PRESENTS ANOTHER "GET YOUR LIFE BACK" PROGRAM

     The Healing Light Institute presents another retreat for all Veterans, their families and all nurses who have served our country.  The event will provide services both physical and mental and a day of healing.  Lunch will be provided and the homeless veterans will be provided with food baskets.
Date:  Saturday, May 15, 2010
Time:  10AM to 4PM
Where:  Sierra College - Cafeteria - 5000 Rocklin Rd. - Rocklin
For Information:  530-889-2300

                              READING OF THE NAMES
     VVA500's largest event of the year "The Reading of the Names" will be held on Sunday, May 30th at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  The event will begin at 7AM with a short opening ceremony followed by the beginning of reading. 
     The ceremony honoring all Veterans will be held at Noon, followed by the continuation of the reading of the names until all names have been read at approximately 7PM.
     We will begin taking reader names at the April 20th meeting.  Readers read in 15 minute slots.  The "Reading"  has been a wonderful event for closure and communication between Veterans and their families.  So, mark the date. On Memorial Day, there are many events taking place. 

     We wanted you to remember someone who spent time in Vietnam during the Vietnam War voluntarily supporting and serving the troops there.  Liz West was a "Donut Dolly".  Donut Dollies traveled extensively throughout South Vietnam as as one of the women said, their job "was to make people smile and take their minds off the war".  We thought you might want to read some thoughts Liz had about "A Vietnam Christmas".
     "As I tread gingerly around the edge of mid-life and geezer, my Christmases all seem to blur together.  After a while it all evens out and Christmas really does become a state of mind.
     My pinnacle Christmas was December 25, 1968.  It was the best and the worst - the most intense, the simplest, the most indicative of the "spirit" of Christmas, and the only one I have deliberately recalled on each Christmas since.  It was my first Christmas away from home and family.  On that day, my dust-caked feet were burning from standing too long.  My head hurt from the heat and my blue seersucker uniform stuck to me like a damp bathing suit. 
     It was 3PM at Landing Sandtrap about 50 miles north of Bien Hoa, South Vietnam, and I was working my third and final Christmas chow line of the day before hopping an Army helicopter back to Bien Hoa.  I was a 21 year old recreation program director for the American Red Cross, my first job out of college.  I went to Vietnam for a one-year adventure and to try to make some sense out of a schizophrenic war that had estranged a generation of peers fro one another and divided a nation of eagles into doves and hawks.
     But none of that mattered now - not today on this hot, dusty LZ with a long line of sweaty, bare-chested, paper doll GI's lined up for Christmas dinner served by 2 young American women.  Some of them called us "Donut Dollies," cont. in the next column►

LIZ WEST'S CHRISTMAS IN VIETNAM, cont.

a holdover from WWII when Red Cross volunteers served donuts to American soldiers serving in Europe.  Others called us "Kool-Aid cuties" for the endless supply of the cold, syrupy, sweet liquid we served on our program stops at hundreds of military units up and down South Vietnam.
     We traveled in pairs by jeep, plane, or helicopter to eight or ten military units a day, presenting small scale recreation programs, serving chow and passing out "short-timers" calendars.  We covered rear area base camps as well as forward area landing zones (LZ's) where the infantry came in to "stand-down" or take a break before going back out to the field again.  Sometimes they were there for a few days, others, a few hours, depending upon what was happening with information from military intelligence.
     Though we were civilians, we traveled with military orders and were always transported and escorted by armed military personnel.
     As I ladled another spoonful of mashed potatoes and gravy onto an outstretched Army issue tray, I smiled, and for perhaps the 700th time that day said, "Merry Christmas" to the tray holder, an Army private first class who looked to be about 18.  The big aluminum containers of turkey, dressing, yams and other traditional fare were set up on sheets of plywood atop wooden sawhorses right next to the sandbagged bunkers.
     Standing there, smiling, sweating, serving and saying something to everyone, I thought about past Christmases at home.  They hadn't always been Norman Rockwell, but is was still difficult not to feel homesick.  That feeling was in the air even though this was just another work day in Vietnam and yet it was so much more.  For most GI's it was a hot, dirty joyless day.  In some ways, the Christmas dinner only served to remind them where they longed to be "back in the world" - that's what they used to call home.
     But they made the best of it, and I admired them more each day for it.  They smiled, laughed, joked, whistled and always made us feel like movie stars, even if most of us were just average looking American girls who wanted to do something extraordinary.
     As the last line of this last dinner dwindled to just a few men, I saw a familiar face - and yet my mind could not comprehend a familiar face here.  As the figure drew closer and the recognition was certain, he dropped his tray, jumped over the food tables and picked me up and swung me around, yelling, "Liz, Liz, I can't believe it - what are you doing here?"
     His name was George, and we had gone to college together in Memphis, our hometown.  After nearly 8 continuous months in the field, he was leaving Vietnam to finish out his Army hitch in the states.  His brother had just arrived in Vietnam as an infantryman in the Army, and their parents had appealed to their legislator to prevent both of them from being in Vietnam at the same time.
     After all the dust settled, my co-worker relieved me, and George and I were able to sit down and share Christmas dinner together. 
      Continued on Page 6, Column 1

CANCER RISK REDUCTION, CONT.

►►Watch What You Weigh - According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, approximately 100,500 cancers that strike Americans annually are the result of excess body fat, underscoring the central role that overweight and obesity play in the development of cancer (and in the ability to survive the disease.).
►►Think Natural, Not Chemical - An October 2009 report by the American Cancer Society's Cancer and the Environment Subcommittee advises the public to minimize exposure to known carcinogens (cancer -causing substances), calling for new strategies to more effectively and efficiently screen chemicals.
►►High Cholesterol Is Not Your Friend. - A recent large-scale study, results of which were published in Nov. 09, suggests that a person's risk of cancer may be significantly lower when cholesterol levels are kept low.
►► Try Sugar and Spice - Irish researchers have determined that curcumin, an extract found in the curry spice turmeric, promotes death of cancer cells.  Another study suggests that certain compounds in pomegranate, a rich source of antioxidants inhibit a liver enzyme and thus may confer beneficial effects against prostate cancer development.
►►Live the Good Life - Earl Ford, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and colleagues studied data from 23,153 German men and women, ages 35 to 65 years, who participated in the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam study.  The researchers found that four lifestyle factors - never smoking, body mass index (BMI) of 30 or less, exercising 3.5 hours a week, and eating a healthy diet - slashed the risk of cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, by a staggering 80%.
   From the RAO Bulletin and Health-E-News - March 2010

LIZ WEST, CONT.

      Morale around us seemed to be buoyed by the circumstances - two of us who knew each other from home had found one another.
       Looking back on that day almost 40 years ago, I realize I was so aware of every second while it was happening.  It was a typical 12 hour day for me in Vietnam - flying in a helicopter, gong to an LZ, speaking to at least 1000 men.  I knew only one.  I never saw any of them again.  And yet, I felt as close to them as I'd ever felt to anyone in my life.  And I understood that I would probably never spend another December 25 in my life in which I experienced the Christmas spirit in such a profound way.
     Liz moved to California after she returned from Vietnam.  There she worked in public service and as a senior policy consultant for a state senator and was semi-retired when she passed away from complications of breast cancer.  Our condolences to her family.  Where were you on Christmas in 1968?  Maybe you remember the Donut Dollies serving dinner, maybe one of them was Liz.

         ELIMINATION OF COUNTY SERVICE OFFICERS????
     We had no idea that the Sacramento County Veterans Service Office came out of "discretionary" County funds.  However, according the Paul Lake, DHA, Veteran Services are indeed "discretionary".  He is proposing to eliminate all Veteran's Service Representatives in the program.  Evidently counties are only mandated to have a single Veteran's Services Officer.  Senior Nutrition and Homeless Programs are also possibly on the chopping block.  If the proposal for elimination goes through, the Veterans Service Office would close on July 1, of this year.
     With 110,000 Veterans living in Sacramento County, and more coming back from active duty on a regular basis, it is difficult to  imagine that the services needed  by Veterans are really considered "discretionary" especially in the area of filing claims for service related disabilities.  Yes, a Veteran CAN file a claim on their own.  But, the majority of those are rejected.  The help of someone knowledgeable is a necessity in regard to filing a claim that will be successful.
     Some facts re:  the production of the Sac County Veterans Service Office gathered by Don Harper, our Legislative Chair are:  Claims filing services provided by staff resulted in 1,638 disability and death benefit claims filed on behalf of Veterans, their dependents and survivors.  903 College Fee Waiver Program applications for dependent of disabled and deceased Veterans were filed.  Numerous referrals for other needed services for Veterans are made on a daily basis, along with services provided for non-veteran individuals as part of the duties of the office.  If the County cannot provide these services, who will?  While Veteran Organizations can take over some of the clients, there is already an overload in the system. 
     What is even more interesting is that the City, County, and State never seems to quite understand that they lose money by not providing these types of services.  Filing claims for  benefits from the Veterans Benefit Administration produces funds from the Federal Government for the entities. Veterans receiving those funds inject that income into their local economies instead of being a burden to their governments.
     Be aware that so far, Sacramento County is the only County that is considering eliminating the Service Officer programs.  If this County falls, it would serve as an example (excuse) for all across the state to do the same.
     We (VVA500) in fact would be in jeopardy of losing our existing program at the Hall because Bruce Jackson, a County Service Officer provides outreach and claims writing services here.  We are dependent upon them until our State and National VVA programs can be finally established in northern California.
     So, it is time for all  Veterans and Veteran organizations to contact the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and let them know how important it is to retain the Sacramento County Veterans Service Office.  Veterans that have honorably served their country, many having put their life on the line,  deserve better than to be considered only a "discretionary" line item in a budget proposal.  

                      VA NORTHERN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
                                SALUTES THEIR VOLUNTEERS!
     On April 7th, the Volunteer Awards Recognition Program for 2010 was held at the Lions Gate in McClellan.  The theme of  this Annual event is "Volunteers are one of our most valuable assets to the care we provide our Veterans". 
     Dr. Brian J. O'Neill, M.D., Director of the VA Northern Health Care System thanked each and  gave awards to several individuals who volunteer in the Mather Hospital division.  The volunteers were treated to lunch and received pins and other gifts.  This program is repeated in all of the other facilities in the Northern System. 
     Volunteers perform millions of hours of work for the VA Health Care System.  The work consists not only of visiting, but transportation, clerical work, escort service, etc.  And of course we have one of our own, that received his 6,250 hour pin at this ceremony, Hank Davis is a Patient Advocate at Mather.  Hank does a great job helping Veterans solve problems they have within the system.  The chapter is proud of his work.  See Hank below receiving his award  from Dr. O'Neill.

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                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS:  President:  Karen Anne Winnett
Vice President:  Ted Adams
Secretary:  Gregory McNeill
Treasurer:  Jerry Quint
BOARD MEMBERS:Don Harper, Alan Hayashi, Monty Montoya
AVVA REPRESENTATIVE:  Tina Haas
ADDRESS:  Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Chapter 500
                                            P.O. Box 255484
                                           Sacramento, CA 95865
TELEPHONE:                 916-481-6020 FAX:  916-481-2609
E-MAIL:                          vva500@sbcglobal.net
CHAPTER WEBSITE: www.norcaltrav.com/vva500.htm
FOR INFORMATION:  Call or e-mail, Executive Director,
                                           Mary Lou McNeill
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS:  Mail to Chapter address or e-mail information.  Please send pictures in jpeg form.
VVA Chapter 500 is a non-profit organization, #68-0208305, CT#75945, United Way #12583.  All donations to support our projects such as our Scholarship Fund, Helping Hands Fund, Events for Veterans, and Honor Guard will be gratefully appreciated.  You may earmark your donation to the project you wish to support.
VVA500 HALL PHYSICAL ADDRESS:  4441 Auburn Blvd., Suite J
Hall is located at the corner of Auburn Blvd. and Orange Grove Ave.  There are several ways of reaching the hall, Auburn Blvd. exits off I-80, Madison exit to Auburn Blvd., Watt Ave. to Auburn Blvd.  When you get to the complex, the Hall is on the far end off Auburn Blvd..  Just look for the flag pole in the back corner. 
                CHECK  THIS PAGE FOR NEW MEMBERS NEXT MONTH.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 
MARCH  BIRTHDAYS           
     ♫♫♫Stanley Sheets - AVVA-Vet♫♫♫Carl Burke - Army♫♫♫John Williams - Army♫♫♫John Moreno - Army♫♫♫Daniel Cameron - Air Force♫♫♫Richard Reynolds - Navy♫♫♫Charles Todd - Army♫♫♫Joe Cavanagh - Marines♫♫♫George Furtado - Army♫♫♫Rodney Genter - Air Force♫♫♫Michael Nygren - Army♫♫♫Robert Segovia - Army♫♫♫APRIL BIRTHDAYS♫♫♫Jesus Ramos - Air Force♫♫♫Rocky Trejo - Army♫♫♫Stanley Tucker - Army♫♫♫William Schlotz - Air Force♫♫♫Joe Feirl - Navy♫♫♫J.C. Terry - Army♫♫♫Bill Lloyd - Army♫♫♫Oscar Uvalle - Army♫♫♫Alan Hayashi - Army♫♫♫Jack Mott - Army♫♫♫Whitley Varney - Army♫♫♫Reynaldo Mendoza - Army♫♫♫Monty Montoya - Army♫♫♫William Calhoun - Marines♫♫♫Herbert Cowan - Air Force♫♫♫Ray Redmill - Army♫♫♫Raymond Engelhardt - Air Force♫♫♫John Madri - Army♫♫♫Simon Salugsugan - Army♫♫♫Raymond Horn - AVVA Navy♫♫♫Johnny Pezely
     If your birthday is this month and not listed, we may not have your DD214 on file, or maybe just inadvertently missed it.  Let us know and we'll check it out. 

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