Remember                                                        In Memory of Bill Wolf                  

CAPITOL CITY
VETERAN

Newsletter for Sacramento Valley's Chapter 500 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.

           
President's Message

     Brothers and sisters, please read the following article, It is important...

     7/30/03 AP - San Francisco Chronicle - Assets seized from the Iraqi government cannot be used to compensate 17 Americans held captive in Iraq in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.
     The former POWs had won a court award of $653 million in compensatory damages against Iraq earlier this month and argued they were entitled to claim that money from frozen Iraqi funds held in a special bank account in New York.
     But U.S. District Judge Richard W. Roberts said the Bush administration had authority to make that money inaccessible to the POWs, who were beaten and tortured by their Iraqi captors.  Justice Department attorneys said Bush has determined the money would be best used toward the rebuilding of Iraq.
     "The (administration's) position that the POWs are unable to recover any portion of their judgment as requested, despite their sacrifice in the service of their country, seems extreme," Roberts wrote in his seven-page decision.  He noted that the POWs had offered to compromise their award, an offer the government declined.
     But Roberts concluded that the administration was, nevertheless, legally permitted to withhold the money.
     "Though the penalty is great and responsibility heavy, the court's duty is clear," Roberts said, siding with the government.
     The ruling came one day after arguments in the case and rescinds a temporary restraining order issued July 18, in which Roberts ordered the government to set aside the Iraqi assets for the POWs*****

     See President McNeill's views on this subject on Page 6.
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Current News and Announcements

The Calendar is really full this month. There should be no problem finding a Veteran event that you and your family can attend.  So let's get out there and participate.

     WE WILL NOT HAVE A REGULAR GENERAL MEETING THIS MONTH.  wHY IS THAT???  Because the "Moving Wall" is coming to the State Fair.  As in the past, we will  chuck our routine, gather our spouses or significant others and all meet at the State Fair on MONDAY, AUGUST 18, AT THE REGULAR MEETING TIME OF 7:00PM on what is now known as "First Response Day"  This is the day when all of the military get in free.  Just tell them you are a Veteran, wear a hat, show your VVA card, etc.  to get in free.  AVVA members can show their cards, that works too.  Good reason to sign up, one fair admission almost pays for your one year membership. DON'T FORGET, THE DATE IS MONDAY, AUGUST 18, the day before our regular meeting day.  Since the "Moving Wall" will be there, we will meet at the "Wall".  Now, the "Wall" will be just outside the main gates of the fairgrounds.  As we understand, parking for the "Wall" visitation will be in Lot D and will be $6.00.  At 7:30PM, we will be awarding the scholarships we are giving this year. (See more on that on page two).  After the scholarships are awarded, we can go on to see the concert, eat or just have fun. 

MORE "MOVING WALL INFORMATION"

     The "Wall" is a half scale replica of the original in D.C.  It will be available for viewing from Friday, August 15 until August 20.  Viewing hours will be on Friday, from 6PM-11PM.  All other days, times will be from 9AM-11PM.  Thanks to all those who volunteered to be docents for the "Wall".  This will be a great opportunity to educate the public on the Vietnam experience, the issues that Vietnam Veterans and all Veterans face today regarding the lack of government concern for Veterans in service or after their service to their country.  SEE SPECIAL INSTRUCTION SHEET ENCLOSED FOR THOSE WHO VOLUNTEERED TO BE DOCENTS FOR THE "WALL"
 

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VA BURIAL BENEFITS

     This month we conclude our series on VA Burial Benefits with more contacts for Military Funeral Services.

     You may call the appropriate service the deceased served in and they will provide at least one member of his service to present the flag at this funeral.  If time and details permit, they may also provide additional funeral services for the funeral.  Navy/Marine                    1-415-395-3946
                Army (Ft. Lewis)             1-888-634-7496
                Air Force                          1-800-586-8402
     The California National Guard will provide military honors on request for any branch of service on request.  They will provide an honor detail, rifle detail, flag, and/or folded flag and present the flag to the next of kin.  These services are at no cost.  They need a copy of the deceased DD214 or equivalent along with the deceased SSN. 
                OC Michael Riley   916-854-3740 or
                                     Cell:      916-952-3953
     Military Bagpiper, SFC Chuck Jamison may arrange for several bagpipers on request and advance notice at no cost.  He will need a copy of the deceased DD214 or equivalent along with the deceased SSN.
                SFC Chuck Jamison  916-989-3953 Home
                                                        916-952-3853  Cell
     North Highland VFW Post #4687 Honor/Rifle Detail
                CMS George Moses   916-561-7476 (9-3/M-F)

ENROLLMENT WORKSHOP
 

     We had a great turnout for the Workshop.  Gabe Avila from the Palo Alto VA estimates he enrolled about 12 veterans, helped with the paperwork for maybe 10 more and answered many questions.  Several other veterans came after he left.  Those will be contacted for a future workshop or can call for immediate attention if needed.  We want to thank the Cal-Vet crew, Nancy Pacheco and Cynthia Ference, who were kept busy answering questions re:  home loans.  Special thanks goes to John P. Middlesworth, PTSD Counselor from the Vet Center who pitched in and helped answer enrollment questions after Gabe left.  Georgina from the Vet Center also helped.  Lorna Griess, R.N., and VVA member gave Blood Pressure tests.  Grace Calles, AVVA member manned the VVA table and many other chores.  Stan Bollinger helped man the VVA table.  President McNeill and Treasurer Kauffman helped set-up and directed Veterans.   Mohammad Khan of Office Depot lent us a copy machine for the day.  Coca Cola supplied several cases of soda, Raleys/Bel Air helped us out with a donation for food as well as Franks Meats.  All and all it was a good day.  A big THANK YOU TO ALL!
    The office has received several calls since regarding the workshop.  Response indicates that there are many more veterans out there needing this type of service.  We will be planning another one in the future.

LEGISLATION and GOVERNMENT ISSUES

     As of the writing of this newsletter, the budget had just been approved by the Legislature.  We assume they will now take their August break.  So, by the next newsletter, we should be able to have a wrap up on the status of Veteran related bills and what the budget cuts mean for Veterans.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

     You may remember that the Chapter awards three scholarships each year to deserving high school students that will be attending college in the fall.  This year the scholarships were in the amount of $500.  each.  The scholarships are awarded in honor of three of three late members of our Chapter, B.T. Collins, Gil Murray, and Bill Wolf.  The students must be a dependent, or relative, such as a son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, nephew or niece of a Vietnam Veteran.  They were required to write an essay on this year's topic, "What the ""Wall"" Means to Vietnam Veterans".  (This "Wall" pertained to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.) 
     At the last General Meeting, the Scholarship Committee shared  listening to the anonymous essay submittals with the members; and the choices were made for the best three.  The winners are:   Leslie Hardy of Sacramento,  Kimberly A. Hoffman of Folsom, and Kimberly Miller of El Dorado Hills.
     The scholarships will be awarded at the "Moving Wall" at the State Fair at 7:30PM on Monday, August 18.  (See more about this in the General Meeting Notice on Pg.1).  We will publish one essay (in alphabetical order) in each month's newsletter, beginning next month.

MORE EVENTS

UNITED VETERANS OF ROSEVILLE ANNUAL PICNIC
This is one for the whole family.  It will take place at the Veterans Hall where the meetings are held.  Directions are under the calendar on Page 4.  The date is Sunday, August 10.  Time 11-3.  Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Soda, Beer all are free.  Just bring a potluck dish.  Come and get to know your fellow Veterans and their families.  Volunteers are also needed for set-up and clean-up.  If you want to help set-up, come at 9:30AM.  For clean-up, just stay later.
PURPLE HEART DAY - Once a year, we honor the "Combat Wounded, those disabled and those who died of wounds".  The Military Order of the Purple Heart will be holding a special ceremony on Saturday, August 9, on the West steps of the Capitol downtown.  Please do your best to pay your respects.  Last year's attendance was pretty sad.
OKTOBERFEST - Authentic German food, beer, dancing to the Gary Seibert Band at the Veterans Memorial Hall (Meeting Place) in Roseville.  September 27, 4PM-10PM, Dinner at 5PM.  We had lots of fun last year.  Come join us.  The Chapter has a limited amount of tickets available at $15. each.  Call the office for ticket reservations.  They go fast.  Bring the family and guests are welcome.

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