August 2005

Remember In Memory of Bill Wolf

Chapter Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting: NO REGULAR MEETING - JOIN THE CHAPTER AT THE FAIR AUGUST 25.
ROSEVILLE MEMORIAL HALL, Royer Park ***AWARD WINNING NEWSLETTER***

CAPITOL CITY
VETERAN

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

"We remember!" AUGUST, 2005 "Be Proud"

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

     I would like to thank the members who helped make the 4th of July parade i Dutch Flat a great little parade. We took a first place for the Veterans group. Before the parade started we were standing around talking when the ladies from the elementary school came up and gave all of us a little red, white and blue heart that the children had made. It had a red ribbon on it soit could be placed around our necks. A little card was attached to it that read: "This Freedom Heart was made for you by the elementary school children. We are grateful for your service to our country, for keeping our homeland safe, and for protecting freedom globally." Each kid signed his or her name on the back. Some had a short message. We all had a great time and looking forward to next years parade.
     The National Convention is coming this month and the board has selected the following delegates to attend: myself, Gregory McNeill and Patrick Boltinghouse. The Convention will be held in Reno, NV. Our delegation will attend the 11th thru the 14th. Also the State Fair is coming this month and we need your help. If you can volunteer on the 25th for a couple of hours to man 500's table. If you can help, get a hold of Mary Lou and let her know what ours you can help with. It's a free day for Veterans. Hope to see you at the fair.
                                                     Your President, Ted Adams

CALIFORNIA PURPLE HEART VETERANS DAY

Date: Saturday, August 13, 2005
Time: 10AM
Place: West Steps of the State Capitol - downtown Sac
The public is invited to witness a special ceremony and wreath laying honoring all California Combat Wounded Veterans. All of our sons and daughters who served in all the American Armed Forces throughout our history in defense of Liberty and Democracy will be honored. In particular, we will honor the combat Wounded, those disabled and those who died of wounds and the families. The event is sponsored by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Capitol Chapter #385 of Sacramento and supported by many veterans' organizations and the grateful citizens throughout California.
From: Com. Charles Linden and Al Shook, MOPS #385

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

NO REGULAR MEETING IN AUGUST
JOIN THE CHAPTER 500 AT THE
CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR

Date: Thursday, August 25, 2005
Time: We'll be there from 9AM or so until 10PM

     August 25th will be the "1st Responders Day" this year. This is the day that Veterans, Active Duty, Police Fire, etc., are given free admission to the fair. Wear a hat, carry a card, something indicating you are a Veteran and you will receive free admission. AVVA cards have been used also.
     The Chapter will have a table at the Fair. Many members have already volunteered to spend a few hours manning the table. If you would like to volunteer an hour or two, call the office or e-mail. Once we have all that want to help, we'll let you all know your times. Sandwiches and drinks will be provided for the volunteers.   You can also consider this as our regular meeting night. If there is a show going on, we can all attend together, or just get together at our table if not.
     As of this writing, we have not received our package from the State Fair yet, so we can't tell you where we will be. When we do, we will notify those with e-mail where to go. Those without e-mail, call the office about a week before and we should be able to direct you by then.

Chapter Note re: PURPLE HEART DAY.....Can you spare an hour or two to attend the ceremony honoring those wounded in combat, those who gave their lives and those who have served. The MOPA works very hard each year to produce this ceremony and many of their members do participate in our "Reading" and the VAC parades. One of the most important things a Veteran can do is honor other Veterans. If honor is expected, honor must be given. Many Veterans decry the fact that the public does not honor Veterans as they should. However, if Veterans don't honor each other, how can you expect the public to follow suit. Hope to see you there!

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN.........AUGUST, 2005....Page 2

BENEFITS FOR VETERANS

      BRAIN CANCER LINK TO SARIN: A study commissioned by the military and performed by the Institute of Medicine has found an increase in brain cancer deaths among Gulf War veterans. The institute advises the government on health policy. About 100,000 of the 350,000 Army soldiers in the Persian Gulf could have been exposed to the nerve agent sarin after soldiers blew up two large ammunition caches in Khamisiyah, Iraq, in MAR 91. Included in the caches were weapons containing sarin and cyclosarin, nerve agents which can cause convulsions and death. At the time, the military didn't know that the destroyed Iraqi rockets contained sarin but subsequently United Nations inspectors found that some of the weapons did. Those exposed showed no immediate signs of exposure to chemical warfare. The military has since contacted about 300,000 veterans who were in or near areas that might have been affected. The potential hazard area, where shifting winds could have carried traces of chemicals, extended at times as far as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
     According to the study, soldiers inside the hazard area were about twice as likely as those outside it to die from brain cancer. That finding has puzzled researchers, because neither sarin nor cyclosarin is a known carcinogen. Because the actual number of brain cancer cases was small, the overall mortality rate was the same for veterans in the hazard area and outside the area, according to the study, published in the American Journal of Public Health. Among unexposed soldiers, researchers found a brain cancer death rate of 12 per 100,000 from 1991 to 2000. Over the same period, researchers found 25 brain cancer deaths per 100,000 veterans who were exposed. The study did not address Gulf War syndrome, as some have called the collection of ailments experienced by returning veterans. It examined whether soldiers possibly exposed to the destruction of Iraqi weapons were more likely to die for any reason. They also singled out specific diseases: breathing problems, infections, circulatory problems, digestive ailments, accidents and suicides, as well as four types of cancer. The study's authors note that sarin has never been shown to cause cancer and that the study doesn't prove that being in the hazard area caused brain cancer. It was suggested that researchers follow veterans to see whether the risk of brain cancer, which is believed to develop over 10 to 20 years, changes over time.
        Under legislation passed in 1998, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is charged to declare a presumptive connection to disease for Gulf War veterans when sound medical science and scientific evidence indicates a positive association between exposure to biological, chemical, or other toxic agents. By regulation, VA has set 31 DEC 06, as the deadline within which diseases or undiagnosed illnesses must be evident to qualify for a presumption of service connection. Reacting to the newly conducted study the Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, said that he will ask Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson to consider adding brain cancer to the VA's list of "presumptive diseases." That change will provide Gulf War veterans with brain cancer easier access to VA services and healthcare. The Defense Department is sending letters to Gulf War veterans possibly exposed. (RAO Bulletin re: USA TODAY Liz Szabo article 25 JUL & VVA News Flash 26 JUL 05)

LEGISLATION CONCERNING VETERANS

     VA BUDGET 2006 UPDATE : Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs James Nicholson announced on 14 July that the President had submitted to Congress an amendment to the administration's fiscal year 2006 budget requesting $1.977 billion for higher-than-expected health care needs to ensure that veterans continue to receive timely and high-quality health care. Nicholson had informed Congress in June that an unanticipated growth in the number of patients using the VA health care system, as well as an increase in the cost per patient of providing care, had created a shortfall of funds in fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Despite warnings that federal funding was insufficient, Congress passed up several chances last year to increase appropriations for veterans' healthcare programs. As early as December 2004, news reports began appearing that some VA medical facilities were running out of money and faced huge deficits. Former House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Chris Smith's (R-NJ) 2005 budget request included nearly the exact amount of the shortfall at which some lawmakers are now expressing surprise.

     On receiving the shortfall news the House hastily passed a new supplemental appropriations bill to add $975 million to VA's health care account this year-only to discover that VA's shortage was even higher when it admitted that the House's figure was $300 million short and it needed about $1.2 billion. The House bill became stalled in the Senate because the Senate plan was to act on its own bill on the VA supplemental appropriation by approving $1.5 billion in new funds for fiscal year 2005 as a part of Senate consideration of the 2006 Interior appropriations bill. However, on July 26, House and Senate conferees hastily agreed to add $1.5 billion in supplemental FY2005 funds to the FY2006 Interior Appropriations bill (H.R.2361). Sen. Larry Craig, who sponsored the $1.5 billion amendment, was a member of the Senate negotiating team that reached agreement with the House. He announced the confusion over the numbers has now come to a close and that Senate action will be taken before they recess so it can be sent to the president for immediate signature into law. The full House passed that legislation on 28 JUL. The addition of $1.5 billion brings the total for VA's health care budget for 2005 to over $28 billion. As for next year's shortfall, the House and Senate Appropriations and Veterans Affairs Committee leaders are still working that issue, but have pledged to ensure VA health care is fully funded. (RAO Bulletin)
     The House has approved a COST OF LIVING INCREASE in veterans benefits, including disability and survivor pays and the new monthly benefit for minor children of deceased veterans. The bill, HR 1220, assumes a 2.3% increase in veterans' disability compensation and in the survivor benefit known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). The bill would mandate the same increase in surviving-spouse payments for children under age 18, a new benefit approved by Congress in 2004. The increase would take effect on 1 DEC 05 and first appear in January checks. The House passed the bill by voice vote. The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee is expected to pass similar legislation soon.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........AUGUST, 2005.........Page 3

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please contact the office when you have a change of address, phone or e-mail. Save us some postage and be able to be reached with announcements in between newsletters.

HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND ********
CALL FOR PICK UP OF YOUR USED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.
1-866-241-8387 (TOLL FREE)
_________________________________________

CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS: President: Ted Adams
    Vice President: Robert Jordan
     Secretary: Gregory McNeill
       Treasurer: Dennis "Doc" Kauffman
CHAPTER ADDRESS: Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
      Chapter 500
              P.O. Box 255484
                         Sacramento, CA 95865
TELEPHONE: 916-481-6020
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.
_______________________________________________
WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISER!

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Where your journey of a lifetime begins.....

Kathleen Renee' DeSpain-Moore
Executive Director/Founder
3801 Duckhorn Drive #914
Sacramento, CA 95834
916-628-3180
prpersonfromhell@juno.com
www.rebelswithacause.us - www.holidaymiracles.org

Proud producers of the Capital To Capital
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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

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Call Rebecca for the Special Discounts available for Veterans
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HELP YOUR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT THE VVA

Advertise in the Capitol Veteran. Reasonable Rates!!!
One issue, business card size is $5.00. Get one month free by advertising for 6 months at $25.00. Call the office for more information or submit your copy with a check to VVA by mail.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN CALENDAR................AUGUST, 2005........Page 4

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
	1 Air Force Day	2 VVA500 Board Meeting Operation Desert Shield Began - 1990	3 Veterans and Families - Support for those Coming Home 395-4054	4 Coast Guard Day	5	6
7 The Purple Heart Medal was established 1782	8	9 VVA National Convention Begins in Reno	10 VAC Meeting VVA National Convention	11 VVA500 Delegates Go To National Convention	12 VVA National Convention	13 VVA National California Purple Heart Veterans Day See Page 1
14 ALL SERVICE VETERANS PICNIC - See the flyer VVA National Convention Concludes	15 Marine Corps League Meeting Stand Down Task Force Meeting	16 NO VVA500 Meeting - See August 25	17 Veterans and Families	18	19	20
21	22	23	24 Veterans and Families	25 Come Join VVA500 at the State Fair It's a FREE DAY for Veterans	26	27
28	29 Stand Down Task Force Meeting	30 Groundbreaking Veterans Memorial Plaza at Mather 2PM	31 Veterans and Families	MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! September 20 - VVA500 General Meeting - Learn about Reverse Mortgages. Meet spokesman Stan Atkinson - All Veterans, families and friends are welcome. 7PM September 16, 17, 18 - Sacramento Stand Down October 5 - Stand Down Dinner - (Volunteers only) October 7, 8, 9 - VVA500 Get-A-Way - (VVAMembers only) November 5 - American GI Forum Dinner - 393-0347 November 10 - Marine Corps Birthday Dinner - 985-7911 November 11 - Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade November 12 - VAC Veterans Day Parade

DIRECTIONS to the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall. From I-80. Take the Douglas West exit. Go to the third light which is Folsom Rd. Turn right, go to the second stop sign, which is Sutter, turn left, follow the curve, you will see a sign on the right and left that says "Royer Park", turn left there. You will immediately see the hall to the right and the parking lot. That's it. In the hall, from the main door, follow the VVA sign to the meeting room. When you leave, the street is one way, so you will go to the right. You will then come up to Douglas Blvd., left will go back to the freeway and whichever direction you need to go from there.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................AUGUST, 2005........Page 5

"THE KID IS COMING HOME"

Pulled out some old paperwork era June, 1970 and thought you all might enjoy this........ (we've left all of the spelling exactly as it was, but couldn't duplicate the strikeovers like the old typewriters used to do.)

From: Director, Naval Medical Center, Rep. of Vietnam
To: Parents/Loved Ones of.....
Subject: Return of personnel for Rehabilitation
Ref: (a) BN MED INST W99 HOPELOVE
Encl: Helpful Hints and Nomenclature of
           Asiatic Symptoms
1. (The Marine's Name )     having completed a tour of duty in the Far East, has been permitted to return to the United States for rehabilitation. Keep in mind that your Marine has in all probability been subjected to severe psychological traumas. You should consider it your paramount duty to assist in his rehabilitation in every way. Aside from the most obvious measure of bestowing affection in unlimited quantities, there are certain other measures that can be instituted to facilitate readjustment and prevent relapse of Asiatic Fantasies.
2. Very soon the above named Marine will be in your midst, De-Americanized, Demoralized, and Dehydrated...ready once again to take his place in a normal society. He will be zestful in his attempt to once again participate in life, liberty and a somewhat perverted pursuit of happiness.
3. In accordance with reference (a), enclosure (1) is forwarded to you for your guidance and assistance.
        UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR MAY BE DEMONSTRATED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Scornful of civilian dress; he may prefer to walk around nude of semi-nude.
2. Eliciting a thousand yard stare in a ten foot room.
3. Reference to an air mattress as a "Rubber Lady".
4. Insistence upon building a machine gun bunker in the front yard.
5. Inquiring as to what the "water hours" are.
6. Requesting the key to the refrigerator so that he can lock it up.
7. Inquiring as to whether or not you have access to "that type" of reading material.
8. He may attempt to recruit the young men in the neighborhood for the following organized athletic events: Foxhole digging, Sandbag filling, Night Reconnaisance Patrols, theft of strategic materials from local organizations--(lumber, generators, four-hole outhouse covers, "C" rations, blankets, shaving gear, socks, etc.), setting up a perimeter guard, bomb planting practice in the neighbors automobile/jeep, and keeping an up-to-date order of a Battle Plan.
9. He will probably walk around fully armed at all times, and encourage others to do the same.

Continued on Page 6...............................

AFTER ACTION REPORT

Picking up from June and the last newsletter:
6/20 - Secretary McNeill attended the Marine Corps League Meeting.
6/20 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Task Force Meeting.
6/21 - VVA 500 held its General Meeting with Col. "Jack" Hagan giving a wonderful talk on his current duties for Homeland Security and past experiences.
7/1 - Karen Winnett and Kris Hollinger represented the Chapter as well as their Young Marines at the funeral for Robert Sullivan. (See below)
7/4 - There was a great Chapter 500 turn-out for the July 4th Dutch Flat Parade. President Adams brought his truck so those who needed to could ride. All the members received "Freedom Hearts" made by the Alta school children.
7/7 - Chip Fong, Chapter Public Affairs Chair attended the rededication of the Federal Courthouse in downtown Sacramento. The Courthouse was renamed the Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse in honor of the late Congressman.
7/11 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Board Meeting.
7/13 - At the Veterans Affiliated Council Meeting, member Commander Floyd Volker presided over his first meeting as Commander for the VAC. Members.......Senior Vice-Commander, "Doc" Kauffman, Junior Vice-Commander Sandy Foley, Past Commander, Gregory McNeill, and E.D. McNeill also attended.
7/18 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Task Force Meeting.
7/18 - Secretary McNeill attended the Marine Corps League Meeting.
7/19 - the Chapter General Meeting was held.

In Memory of
Robert Sullivan, Commanding Officer
Nor Cal Young Marines

Bob Sullivan (67 young years) served in the Marines during the Korean War. His last duty was to be the Commander for the newly regrouped Nor-Cal Young Marines. The Young Marines were an integral part of our "Reading of the Names" and also the Memorial Day Ceremony and did a wonderful job. Bob was due for heart surgery shortly after the Memorial Day events. He came through a difficult surgery only to unexpectedly pass away while still in the hospital on June 27th.
We want to extend our sincere condolences to his wife Betty and his family.

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THE CAPITAL VETERAN............AUGUST, 2005........Page 6

"THE KID IS COMING HOME", CONT.

10. In making your joyous preperations to welcome him back to a respectable society, you must make allowances for the crude environments in which he has suffered for the past 9-12 months. In other words, he may be somewhat Siatic, suffering from Viet Congitis and too much Kool Aid.
11. It is imperative, therefore, that you show no alarm if he prefers to squat rather than sit in a chair, pad around the house in Ho Chi Sandals with or without a towel, offers to sell cigarettes to the postman, picks at this food with paranoid suspiciousness. Don't be upset if he answers all questions with "Sorry about that", "I hate this place", "Number One", Number Ten", and "There it is"; be tolerant when he tries to buy everything at less than half price, accuses the grocer of being a thief and refuses to enter a building that doesn't have steel mesh over the doors and windows. Due to unsanitary water conditions in Vietnam, your poor, unfortunate Marine has been forced to drink such liquids as vodka, gin, scothch, bourbon, whiskey, beer and local native brews as 33 beer, and rice-paddy-daddy. Don't be surprised if he gives all drinks that are served in public the "strain test" for broken glass.
12. For the first time, or until he is house broken, be especially watchful when he is in the company of females, particularly those young and beautiful. If he has seen any American females since being here, they have been either too young or married to personnel who outrank him. Therefore, for awhile, his first reaction upon meeting an attractive "round eye" may be to stare. Wives and sweethearts are advised to take advantage of the momentary shock and MOVE THE YOUNG LADY OUT OF HIS REACH.
13. ALL of the following sights should be avoided as they may produce an advance case of shock; people dancing, television, and "round eyed" women except for wives and sweethearts. In a reasonable time, his profanity will decrease enough to permit him to associate with mixed groups and soon he will be speaking English with only intermittent Vietnamese slang. However, should he mutter "didi" with a disgusted look on his face, silently leave the area for it means no less than "get the hell out of here". He may complain about sleeping indoors and refuse to go to bed without his mosquito net, flack jacket, M-16, and helmet. He may also wish to sleep fully dressed in case of sudden air attack. Be understanding for this period of adjustment takes only a short while. (Unless you live in an area with an abundance of Sonic Booms).

BELOW ARE LISTED HELPFUL HINTS:
1. Don't mention anything about going to the beach or overnight camping trips.
2. Don't make flattering remarks about the exotic Far East, and avoid mentioning the benefits of overseas duty, such as seasonal weather (Typhoons, Sand Storms, Monsoons, etc.) or lavish beaches and beautiful resort areas such as Chu Lai, DaNang, Qui Hoe, Phu Bai, An Hoa, or Hue. Cont. next column.........................

MORE, "THE KID IS COMING HOME"

3. Don't serve canned foods, recombined milk, instant coffee or other dehydrated foods. This may well result in an uncontrolable fit of rage.
4. DO give him an abundance of LOVE in the FULLEST sense of the word.
5. Be sure to inform all friends and relatives to stay away from the premises for at least the first 48 hours as this is the DANGER PERIOD.
6. Keep in mind that behind his tanned and rugged exterior there beats a heart of pure gold. Treasure this for it is the only thing of value he has left even though he has tried to pawn it on several occasions. Treat him with kindness, give him an occasional quart of his favorite beer, and you will do wonders towards rehabilitation of this hollow shell of the man you once knew.
7. Send no more mail to FPO San Francisco 96602 after (date inserted) as he is leaving for the land of the BIG PX in approximately 7 days. He will probably call you when he arrives to show him the wonders of the civilization that he has nearly forgotten.
8. Keep the kids off the street, lock up all the women, have the keys to the car ready, fill up the ice-box with scotch......
AND STANDBY BECAUSE
THE KID IS MOST DEFINATELY COMING HOME
This was signed by a D. C. Waddill
1stLt., USMC

STAND DOWN 2005 - It's that time of the year again, when the Stand Down Association of Sacramento provides homeless Vets and their dependents a HAND-UP, not a HAND-OUT! The Stand-Down provides food, clothing, court, employment, medical, and a myriad of other services for Veterans in need of all ages. The object is to get the Veterans on their feet and back into productive society. It takes place this year at Camp Pollock on September 14, 15, 16. You can volunteer to help with a variety of necessary chores needed to keep the Stand Down running smoothly. Volunteer forms will be available at the Fair or you can call 916-646-6004, leave your name, number, and if you have an e-mail address and the information will be provided to you.

NOR-CAL YOUNG MARINES

At our last General Meeting the membership voted to be the proud sponsors of the Nor-Cal Young Marines. Since the death of Bob Sullivan (see page 5) member and former Marine Karen Winnett has assumed the Commanding Officer position. She and AVVA member Kris Hollinger have been doing a fine job of training the young men and women. As mentioned last month, the Young Marines did a fine job as Color Guard and assisting us at the "Reading of the Names" and assistance again at the VAC Memorial Day Ceremony. Karen and Kris are also in need of all types of volunteers to assist them with the YM's. If you can spare an hour or two a couple times a month, call Karen at 481-8056.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................AUGUST, 2005........Page 7

BARBARA ROSS RECEIVES THE
"UNSUNG HEROES AWARD"

Barbara Ross who is known to most for her dedicated service to Homeless Veterans through the Stand Down as Director for many years traveled to Washington D.C. to accept the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans "Unsung Hero" Award. This award is given to a person who has contributed to the recognition of the homeless veteran issue in a supporting or unrecognized leadership award. Barbara is Assist. Director for this year's Stand Down and is recognized throughout the area as the expert in producing an outstanding Stand Down giving the homeless Veteran a Hand up, not a Hand out.

CHANGE OF THE VAC GUARD

VVA500 Secretary, Gregory McNeill receives his VAC Past Commander pin from Mary Lou McNeill. New VAC Commander and VVA500 member watches from the podium.

HERE THEY COME - See pictures of the July 4 parade on the back of the Veterans Picnic flyer.

VVA500 MEMBERS LINEUP TO MEET
Col. Emory "Jack Hagan, III

MEMORIAL UPDATE

The repairs to the Memorial have been made thanks to the generosity of those who gave money and also to those who lent their expertise and time to the project. VVA500 President Ted Adams has been guarding the Memorial at night for three nights a week and tells us the completed lighting has been restored and the Memorial looks quite impressive and beautiful at night once again.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Can you guess who this is? In June of 1968 he was on his way to Hawaii for R & R, assigned to C Btry 1st Bn. 11th FA, attached to A Co. 173rd Airborn Div. It's VVA500's President, Ted Adams.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN............AUGUST, 2005........Page 8

VETS ON CALL

Member Hank Davis, Patient Advocate at VA tells us that a member of the PTSD Counseling Team at Mather has approached him regarding a need for Vietnam Veterans that are willing to talk to other Vietnam Veterans over the phone on an occasional basis. They have been or are part of the PTSD Counseling Services at Mather, but you know, sometimes Vets just need to talk to other Vets. The specifics of the mechanics of how this would work is yet to be worked out so as not to have these calls be invasive to your privacy, time, etc. If you are interested in helping, call Mary Lou at the office.

THE ALL-SERVICE VETERANS PICNIC

Just a reminder regarding the flyer included in the newsletter. This is really a nice event that takes place each year at the Roseville Veterans Hall. It's a great time for Veterans, family and friends to meet each other, enjoy some great food and relax. And it's free for just the price of a potluck dish or something that would work for a picnic. So don't forget, gather up the family and friends and head to Roseville on Sunday, August 14 from 11AM to 3PM. If you have some extra time in the morning, help is always needed setting up the tables and chairs outside and bringing the food out. That all starts at around 9AM. Directions are on the bottom of page 4. Hope to see you there!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Leland Duke - Navy♫♫♫Jerry Quint - Air Force♫♫♫Kenneth Kitchen - Army♫♫♫Ted Esrey - Navy♫♫♫Richard Fresquez - Marines♫♫♫Ron Krueger - Army♫♫♫William Sullivan - Army♫♫♫Daniel Williams - Army♫♫♫Jack Arnold - Marines♫♫♫James Daniels - Air Force♫♫♫John Douglas - Marines♫♫♫Bruce Kaspari♫♫♫

If your birthday is in August and you don't see your name here, the Chapter does not have a copy of your DD214. National VVA has it. If you have a copy, send us one for our files and we can wish you Happy Birthday too! AVVA members we also need your Birthday Dates !!!

NO JOKING! The Department of Defense has asked Congress to raise the maximum age for recruitment for ALL services to 42! DOD statistics from 2004 indicate that some 25% of the 343,000 Army National Guard members are 40 and over and almost 16% of the 25,000 Guard members that are mobilized have passed the 50 mark. (From the Navy Times)

CLOTHING FOR THE STAND DOWN - If you have clothing, shoes you would like to donate for the Stand Down, call the office, and we'll figure out how to get it there.

Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
           Chapter 500
P.O. Box 255484
Sacramento, CA 95865
916-481-6020
vva500@sbcglobal.net

"NEVER AGAIN WILL ONE GENERATION OF VETERANS ABANDON ANOTHER"

ADD ON TO NEWSLETTER OF AUGUST 2005

PICTURES FROM THE JULY 4^TH PARADE IN DUTCH FLAT

There were several members who came to Dutch Flat for the first time. President Ted Adams decorated and drove his truck in the parade so those who couldn’t make it up and down those hills were able to ride. All had a great time and the Chapter 500 won a first place blue ribbon in the Veterans category.

            Below, you can see the hearts made by the Alta
         Elementary School children (See Pres. Adams’
          message) and given to all the members.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

From the Arizona Republic online.....A complaint post, and the reply:

Complaint:

Quote: A wake-up call from Luke's jets Jun. 23, 2005 12:00 AM

"Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special? Any response would be appreciated."

The reply is classic, and a testament to the professionalism and heroism of the folks in the armed services. The response: Quote: Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets" (Letters, Thursday): On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt Jeremy Fresques.

Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day. At 9 a.m. on June 1 5, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.

Based on the letter writer's recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the president of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured. A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?" The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Lt. Col. Scott Pleus
CO 63rd Fighter Squadron
Luke Air Force Base

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