August 2008

Remember In Memory of Bill Wolf and all of our fallen brothers.....

Chapter Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting: Tuesday, NO MEETING IN AUGUST - COME TO THE FAIR!!
***AWARD WINNING NEWSLETTER***

CAPITOL CITY
VETERAN

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

"We remember!" AUGUST, 2008 "Be Proud"

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Chapter Members!
     Well, as I write this, July has come and gone and here we are already well into August. We all know how quickly time passes by! Before I say more, I would like to say think you to original chapter members Bill Wagner and Gerard Fields who represented VVA#500 up at Dutch Flats performing Color Guard duties at the Dutch Flat July 4th Parade, while others of us were at the Roseville Parade. Look for their photo in this newsletter.
     I really enjoyed seeing you all at the last General Meeting, but with August here, I will be looking forward to seeing you all at the State Fair on Armed Forces/First Responders Day on August 19th at the VVA table! Remember, this is when the Chapter awards it's Scholarships at 6PM!! Don't forget, no General Meeting at the Hall in August, come on out to the fair for a special day and perhaps call Mary Lou and volunteer to spend some time at the VVA500 table. See you there!
                                             Your President, Karen Winnett

LEONARD WILL FINALLY BE AT REST
In June, we notified you about the death of one of our members Leonard Cousin in May. Due to the fact that no relatives could be found, his body and estate has been in the hands of the Public Administrator and now can finally be released. The VVA500 Board wanted to make sure that Leonard received a proper Veteran Burial so agreed to take responsibility for him. The Board decided to attempt to collect donations the cremation costs and make up the difference for those costs. Due to the generosity of Mt. Vernon Park and Mortuary, those costs will be minimal. Mt. Vernon will handle the cremation and the arrangements at the VA Dixon Cemetery along with arrangements for the Honor Guard. Please send your donations for Leonard to the Chapter address: VVA500-P.O. Box 255484, Sacramento, CA 95865, earmarked for: Leonard Cousin, and if at all possible attend the Burial Service to honor Leonard's service as a Medic for two years in Vietnam. ►►Service details on Page 8.

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
NO GENERAL MEETING

COME TO ARMED FORCES/FIRST RESPONDERS DAY
at the California state fair
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19.

     The Fair Gates will open at Noon. There will be special ceremony in honor of the 911 victims at 12:30PM. It is expected that several relatives of Flight 93 will be there including the wife, Cindy Dahl of the pilot.
     VVA500 will have a table at the Fair from opening until 10PM. The location will be the same as last year, under the shaded portion in the middle of the food court. When you enter the main gate, just turn left and keep on walking toward the food court. Look for the blue E-Z up and our banner.
     All Veterans and Active Duty will be able to get in free. Just have something that indicates you are a Veteran or Active Duty. In the past, hats, shirts and even AVVA cards have worked.
     We will be awarding one of the three scholarships we are giving out this year at 6:00PM. The other two are from out-of-town entries.
     See the scholarship awarded and then enjoy the free concert featuring the "FAB FOUR", which is said to be arguably America's Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles with authentic costumes, make-up and musicology.

VVA500 FAMILY PICNIC

►Date: September 6th
►Time: 10AM - 7PM - Food served at Noon
►Where: Camp Pollock - same location as last year. Entrance on Northgate, between Arden and Del Paso Blvd.
►What to bring: Members and family and a Potluck Dish to share with everyone. The chapter will provide, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken and drinks. Games will be there for the kids, and lots of great raffle prizes.
Everyone had a great time last year and the food was plentiful and really good. Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can plan for the food.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN........AUGUST, 2008.......Page 2

VETERAN BENEFITS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Update: (ALS) or better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. According to the RAO, but not on the books officially yet, the US Department of Veterans Affairs will grant a service-connected disability to all veterans with ALS. The disease affects veterans at a rate at 1.6 time the general population. ALS strikes about 15 American daily, shutting down nerve cells responsible for movement. Limbs weaken and atrophy before paralysis spreads to the trunk of the body. 70% of people with ALS die within five years. Previously only veterans of the first Gulf War received full benefits for ALS. The new designation should take effect sometime this month.

INFORMATION FOR OUR INCARCERATED VETERANS

    Here are some questions and answers for our Incarcerated Veterans re: VA claims, health benefits and burial.
?   Can a Veteran receive VA Benefits while in prison?
►VA can pay certain benefits to veterans who are incarcerated in a Federal, state, or local penal institution. However the amount paid depends on the type of benefit and reason for incarceration.
? How will your imprisonment effect the payment of:
     VA Disability Compensation?
►Your monthly payment will be reduced beginning with the 61st day of your imprisonment for a felony. If your payment before you went to prison was greater than the 10% rate, your new payment amount will be at the 10% rate. If you were getting the 10% rate before you were imprisoned, our new payment will be half the 10% rate. Compensation benefits are not reduced if imprisoned for a misdemeanor.
     VA Disability Pension?
►If you are imprisoned in a Federal, state, or local penal institution as the result of conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, such pension payment will be discontinued effective on the 61st day of imprisonment following conviction.
?    Are you eligible for VA Medical Care while imprisoned?
►Incarcerated veterans do not forfeit their eligibility for medical care; however, current regulations restrict VA from providing hospital and outpatient care to an incarcerated veteran who is an inmate in an institution or another government agency when that agency has a duty to give the care or services. VA may provide care once the veteran has been unconditionally released from the penal institution. Veterans interested in applying for enrollment into the VA health care system should contact the nearest VA health care facility upon their release. Note: You are considered to have been released from incarceration if you are paroled or participating in a work release or half-way house program.
?   Can you dependent(s) receive any of the money not paid while you are imprisoned?    See answer in the next column►►►

BENEFITS FOR INCARCERATEDS, CONT.

►VA can take all or part of the benefits you are not receiving and apportion it to your spouse, child or children, and dependent parents on the basis of individual need. They should contact the nearest VA regional office for details on how to apply. They will be asked to provide income information as part of the application process.
? When will benefits be resumed?
►Your award for compensation or pension benefits shall be resumed the date of release from incarceration if the Department of Veterans Affairs receives notice of release within 1 year following release. Depending on the type of disability, VA may schedule you for a medical examination to see if your disability has improved. You will need to visit or call your local VA regional office for assistance.
Note: Failure to notify VA of a veteran's incarceration can result in overpayment of benefits and the subsequent loss of all VA financial benefits until the overpayment if recovered. VA benefits will not be provided to any veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant.
? Burials in Federal or State Veteran Cemeteries
►Under Section 2411 of Title 38 of the United States Code, certain otherwise eligible individuals found to have committed federal or state capital crimes are barred from burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery, and from receipt of government-furnished head-stones, markers, burial flags, and Presidential Memorial Certificates. The definition of Capital Crimes varies by state: In California a Capital Crime is defined as "First degree murder with special circumstances; train wrecking; treason; perjury causing execution."

VACATIONS FOR ALL LEGISLATORS

From the Armed Forces News: Congress went on recess from Aug. 1 until Sept. 8 without passing either the Defense Authorization or Defense Appropriations bills. When lawmakers return, they will have less than one month to iron out key differences between the respective House and Senate measures before the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. Military service organizations are telling their constituents that many senators and congressmen use the break to visit their home districts. Hometown forums, the organizations advise, offer great opportunities to press lawmakers on important issues for those in uniform. Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee has approved the 2009 military construction/Veterans Affairs spending bill, which includes an $8.8 billion increase above 2008 levels.
Meanwhile at home in CA, there appears to be no progress on coming up with a budget. Let's see, they get no pay until the budget is passed, but receive back pay after the fact. It's either time for no pay at all or to allow for majority rule as opposed to the required 2/3 vote for passage. And also, all of you please remember VETERANS VOTE!

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........AUGUST, 2008.........Page 3

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

"A Continuing Tradition"

Rebecca Lee 916-501-8788
Call Rebecca for the Special Discounts available for Veterans
Many East Lawn locations in the Sacramento area
Pre-Arrangement Plans are also available.

43rd & Folsom Blvd., P.O. Box 19334, Sacramento, CA 95819
East Lawn Insurance Services, Inc. License #0747585
www.eastlawn.com

272 Mandalay Ct. smith8834@sbcglobal.net
Roseville, CA 95747 916-543-3390

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, 2008........Page 4

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
17	18	19 NO General Meeting Come to the Fair	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29 Korean War's Largest Air Raid 1952	30
31	AUGUST 4TH - COAST GUARD ESTABLISHED 1790

SEPTEMBER, 2008

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
	1 Labor Day Services for Leonard Cousin at the VA Dixon Cemetery 10:30AM	2 VVA500 Board Meeting	3	4	5	6 VVA 500 Family Picnic - Camp Pollock RSVP PLEASE!
7	8	9 VCSN Meeting	10	11 Memorial Anniversary Meeting Siege of Con Thien Began - 1967	12	13
14 "Star Spangled Banner" written 1814 Operation Attleboro Began 1966	15	16 VVA500 General Meeting	17 US Constitution Approved 1787 VFW Ladies Aux. Organized 1914	18 US Air Force Established - 1947	19 The Road Home & Job Fair Call 393-1630	20 Marine Cadets Training Day Oktoberfest - Roseville Hall
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29 VFW Established 1899	30	VVA MEMBERS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE ANNUAL GET-A-WAY, OCT. 10, 11, 12 - at- SCOTTS FLAT - Bill Wagner is Chair for this event. Call Bill for information at: 916-686-6752

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................AUGUST, 2008........Page 5

VVA500 SCHOLARSHIPS

     We are happy to announce that we will be giving away three $500. scholarships this year. The title of the essay this year was: "Explain in Detail the Many Roles Women played in the Vietnam War". The winners are: Michelle Schmidt, Lucio Tolentino and Amy Quint.
     The Scholarship Committee of Lorna Perrigo, Ted Adams and Hank Davis sweetened the pot a little and added a $100. bonus for the essay they considered the best; and the 2nd and 3rd would receive Wal-Mart Gift cards. Michelle Schmidt was the winner of the extra $100.
     We will award Michelle's scholarship to her at the State Fair on Armed Forces/First Responder's Day at 6:00PM. The other winners are out of town, so their awards will be sent to them. Come join us to award Michelle her scholarship.
     As traditional, we will be printing each scholarship in forthcoming issues of the newsletters. Congratulations to all and we thank our winners for submitting their entries.

YOUNG MARINE ANNOUNCEMENT

Nor Cal Young Marines have officially become the Greater Sacramento Marine Cadets, Inc. and continues to be a not for profit 501 (c) (3) military youth program. GSMC works under a structure and hierarchy more similar to Sea Cadets, ACA, CAP and offers a more military environment. Generally youths must be 13 years of age to enter the program and must want to be a Marine Cadet, and fill the requirements which are stricter than the Young Marines. The Greater Sacramento Marine Cadets are proud to be recognized and sponsored by VVA500.
Commandant GSMC Karen Anne Winnett

NEWS FROM DUTCH FLAT

     The Fourth of July Parade was held in the historic town of Dutch Flat in Placer County. It is a great place to have a parade. The smoke was gone and blue skies were all around. The homes, some dating back to the gold rush days, were decked out in red, white and blue bunting, and flags were everywhere. Prior to the parade, the flag was raised, and the Pledge of Allegiance was lead by the Girl Scouts. Debbie McClatchy led the crowd in singing the National Anthem.
      Gerard Fields and Bill Wagner were honored to lead the parade again and represent Chapter 500.
     Kids and bigger kids (some adults) celebrated by dousing one another with water balloons and fire hoses. Candy was thrown by the parade participants to those on the sidelines. Quite a stash was gathered by the kids. Afterword, a ham and salad luncheon could be enjoyed and be topped off with strawberry shortcake. Gerard and Bill and their families had a great time.   (See the picture on Pg. 9)
                                           Submitted by: Bill Wagner

Get ready for the next parade coming up! December 13th. Parade will march from the Capitol area onward to the VV Memorial.

AFTER ACTION REPORT

6/12 - Members Harper, Kauffman and McNeill attended the 20th Memorial Anniversary Meeting.
6/17 - VVA500 General Meeting with Stan Atkinson explaining Reverse Mortgages
7/1 - VVA500 holds regular Board Meeting
7/4 - Members participate in both the Roseville July 4th Parade and the Dutch Flat Parade
7/10 - Members Harper and Kaufman and McNeill attend the 20th Memorial Anniversary Meeting.
7/14 - E.D. McNeill attended the Veterans Advisory Council meeting at Mather Hospital.
7/15 - VVA500 held their General Meeting with a presentation by Pre-Paid Legal Services.
7/19 - Young Marines had their regular Training Day.
8/2 - Young Marines had their regular Training Day.
8/5 - E.D. McNeill attended the meeting for all First Responders participating at the Fair.
8/5 - VVA500 held their regular Board Meeting
8/9-10 - Vice-President McNeill and Treasurer Quint attended the quarterly CSC meeting in Fresno.
8/12 - Members Harper, Kauffman, E.D. McNeill attended a Sac City Council Committee Meeting regarding the proposed removal of the plaques to the outside of the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium.
8/14 - Members Harper and Kauffman attended the 20th Anniversary Committee Meeting.

UPDATE ON SGT. SAM NICHOLS
Left: Sam and Julie Neria at the "Reading of the Names" 2005.
Right: Sam and his wife Erin.

Sam's progress from father-in-law Tony's blog at: www.tneria01.wordpress.com.

July 24th was an important milestone in Sam's life. The family now calls is Sam's "Alive Day". A year ago is when Sam was injured and not expected to survive. He has come so far since that dire prediction. July 28th was also Sam and Erin's 5th Anniversary. Most of those years Erin was without Sam during his tours in Iraq or now in a hospital setting. But Sam is steadily improving. Julie after a recent visit in August writes:
"I visited Sam on Friday and witnessed a very inspirational Sam. He was talkative and expressive. Erin said, "Sam-say the Marine Corp Hymn." Sam recited the hymn. "From the halls of Montezuma, etc." He was proud to say it, as I saw in his eyes the pride or being a marine. I saw Sam drive the motorized wheel chair and watched him concentrate with such intensity. I saw him do speech therapy where he clearly spoke the words the therapist was looking for. I was so inspired by how hard Sam has to work everyday for several hours a day. I've never seen Sam look so well and talk so much."

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THE CAPITAL VETERAN..........AUGUST, 2008........Page 6

STATUS ON VVA500 BUILDING

Since it has been several months since we had received no response to our question from City Planning, the VVA500 Board directed our E.D. to write the following letter:

To: Lindsay Alagozian

David Kwong

Planning Department of the City of Sacramento

Re: “Special Permit” for 796 Del Paso Blvd.

Dear Ms. Alagozian:

     It has been since the middle of June now that our questions in regard to the requirement of a “Special Permit” have not been answered. Each time since March that we have requested information from your department, there have been inordinate delays in answering and then answers only received after prompting from VVA500.
     It is obvious that the City of Sacramento just keeps hoping that we will go away. It is also interesting in light of the current news of Corti Brothers having to relocate their business that the City of Sacramento jumped right in willing to help them find a new location, while we sit waiting for a response.
     We have been told that due to the nature of our “project” deemed by your department to be “Social Services” that we will be required to have a “Special Permit” and need to pay fees in excess of $11,000. just to apply for this permit. We were at a loss to understand why a Veterans Hall would require this type of permit and at this cost. After inquiring and waiting some time for an answer we were provided with a list of nine categories of services that would require a “Special Permit”. As you were told on the phone, none of these categories describe what we intend to do. You were asked to justify this directive, and you indicated that you would get back to me. That conversation was in June, it is now August, with no response.
     It is becoming increasingly obvious that for whatever reason the City of Sacramento or perhaps certain individuals in the City do not want us be located at 796 Del Paso Blvd., even though the City has ignored this particular piece of ground for some time, now all of a sudden it becomes important that we not be located there. I would have thought that considering what we want to do, if that location was not acceptable, that someone from the City would have attempted to help us find somewhere they would consider appropriate. So we have to assume that we are just not wanted, are not important enough as others are, or maybe Veterans are just not good enough to occupy a building in the City of Sacramento and on of all places, Del Paso Blvd., even though far removed from the main business area.

It appears that while the City spends millions on developments that go sour, Sacramento is not willing to help Veterans receive the benefits they deserve at no cost to the City. This is rather an obtuse way of looking at the matter. By helping Veterans receive their benefits, would bring more federal money into the City and the State.

LETTER TO SAC CITY CONTINUED:

All the developers ask the City for money. We have only asked for a location. This location was selected because it is by itself, removed from any other City activity and close to transportation for our members and other Veterans. Surrounded by light rail, a railroad track and a truck parts place, it certainly wouldn’t interfere with anything else in the area.
     As a legitimate Veteran organization, we are currently meeting in a Community Veterans Hall in Roseville. We wish to have a hall of our own and chose Sacramento because of its centralized location. Considering what has transpired, it appears that any location in the City of Sacramento would not be acceptable to the City.
     We feel we would add economic benefits to the area. We constantly hear how the City is attempting to improve the area of Del Paso and feel we would be an asset, not a detriment. Believe it or not, the majority of Veterans are upstanding citizens and do spend money, do care about their communities and do vote.
     Since we are unable to receive answers to our questions or help in this matter, we can only assume that since the City of Sacramento has budget problems, it is just attempting to extort funds in anyway they can along with the reasons stated above, considering the fact that just because we submit an application, does not mean it will be approved.
     While it is understandable that permits for any work needed in the building to accommodate us need to also be applied for by the owner, who is a disabled Vietnam Veteran. But, it makes no sense for him to go through all of the aggravation unless we in fact are able to obtain whatever we will need to occupy the building.
     It is certainly a shame that Veterans have to beg Sacramento for help when we are trying to help Veterans. Sacramento gives out money without much validation to developers on a regular basis with only a promise to perform, along with no one to monitor funds in other areas such as the recent water meter fiasco and who knows what else lurks there in the background.
     As to the basic reason for this letter we are requesting the answers to our previous questions:
►1. Why is the establishment of a Veterans Hall considered “Social Services” and therefore requires a “Special Permit”?
►2. In what way can you justify that any one of the nine categories you provided applies to the normal operation of a Veterans Hall and thus requiring a “Special Permit”?
►3. If the City of Sacramento is intending to be unrelenting in the “Special Permit” requirement, what is the process for filing for a waiver of the Application Fees?
     We would appreciate these answers in a timely manner. If we don’t receive these long awaited answers in a reasonable time period, we will have to seek advice in another manner.

Yours truly, Mary Lou McNeill, Executive Director

►The letter was e-mailed to Planning and sent by mail to the Mayor and the City Council on August 1st. Copies were also provided to the media.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................AUGUST, 2008........Page 7

CITY USES UNDERHANDED TACTICS

     We have mentioned in the past the issue of the City of Sacramento wanting to move the tablets with the names of fallen Veterans that exist in a room in the Memorial Auditorium to outside of the Auditorium. Earlier this month due to the Veteran network, we found out that the City is trying to get the public to undermine the opinions of Veteran Groups who are opposed to the moving of the tablets for both historical reasons and for the risk of damage to the tablets. You can go to the website that talks about the Memorial Auditorium and where the City is soliciting public comment at: www.sacramentoconventioncenter.com. Click on the Memorial Auditorium Link and see for yourself.
The following e-mail was sent from VVA500 to Mr. Chatterton to VVA members with e-mail access and now updating those who don't. You may want to contact Mr. Chatterton yourself.
Mr. Chatterton!
     It is unfortunate that you have decided to take a back door approach to get the public to approve your" eminent domain" tactic of moving the Veteran Plaques from the room in which they reside to an area subject to vandalism.
     Using the public as a vehicle to achieve your goal is underhanded and shows that you have no respect for Veterans. Veterans historically have had a place "inside" the Memorial. To be relegated to an outside position subject to damage is bordering on sacrilegious. It is perfectly obvious that the City of Sacramento wants to kick the veterans out for the purposes of using the room for your own agenda.
     It is well known that the Veteran organizations in this area are against this move. By hauling out Mr. Burns as a Vietnam Veteran to speak in favor of this move does nothing to change any of the Veterans organization's opinions. Mr. Burns, while he may be respected for his past position at the Archives obviously has no connection to the Veteran Community. It is pretty interesting though that he goes on and on about the value of the public being able to see the tablets, but the objects left at the Vietnam Memorial are not open to the public. Maybe they should be put somewhere out for the public to see at anytime also. And I doubt very much that the City can afford at this time any extra funds to protect the tablets. If the City has to lay off Fire Fighters and Police Protection, do we really think that those tablets are going to get any priority at all.
     Your committee tried to slip this by the City Council before, with staff indicating they had contacted Veteran organizations re: the move, and there was no objection to the move. Staff did not in fact did not contact all of the groups, but took the word of one individual. It was obvious to all at the City Council Meeting where the subject was addressed, that Veteran Organizations do not approve of this move, and be aware that we will be persistent in our goal to stop it. Veterans have served their country well. The Veterans on those tablets gave the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans do not appreciate being "kicked out" or "kicked around", and those currently living will protect the dignity of those listed on those tablets.

MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM PLAQUES, CONT.

As stated above, evidently you are using the room for your own purposes already and have not stated what purpose you wish to use it for if the tablets are removed. We feel this is really the bottom line as to why you want to move the tablets not that deceptive reason of making the tablets available to the public.
►Chapter Note: You can send your own comments to Mr. Chatterton by e-mail: Bchatterton@cityofsacramento.org , or call 916-808-5291. If you e-mail, copy vva500@sbcglobal.net so that we have documentation for future meetings re: the plaques.

UPDATE: Don Harper, Doc Kauffman, Susan Bush and E.D. McNeill, representing various Veteran organizations, attended a meeting with Council Members Cohn, Tretheway, and Waters concerning this matter on August 12. Members of the City Staff were there along with Mr. Burns, former archivist and several members of the Friends of the Memorial. We were allowed time to present our case as well as the other participants. Between Mr. Burns and the City their main theme it appears is that the public is unaware of the tablets and the room. Mr. Burns felt it was not acceptable for the room to be only available by appointment, which is true, but it was brought to his attention that the items left at the Vietnam Memorial were only available for viewing by appointment. When the possibility of damage was brought up and compared with the damage that has been done to the Vietnam Veteran Memorial, it was attempted to just brush that under the rug. The City's main representative was very contentious and not very appreciative of the Veterans opinion on the subject. It was brought to their attention that the City could do more to promote and educate the public on the fact that they exist and also to make the room more accessible. The Friends of the Memorial agree with the Veterans groups that the room should remain and the plaques should not be moved outside. VVA500 presented the council members with a historical perspective of how Veterans have been involved with the Memorial since it's inception in the 1920's. We asked that the current City Council follow the lead of former City Councils and respect the tradition of leaving the plaques in the Veterans' Room and consider adding the names of those killed in the current war. The Friends of the Memorial reminded those in attendance that the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium was originally dedicated to "Those Who made the Supreme Sacrifice in the Service of the United States". The Council members took all comments under consideration. Those of us who represented the Veterans' views still felt after the meeting that the City is not being totally honest about the use of the room after the removal of the plaques.

Stay tuned to see what happens next. Veterans and interested parties be prepared. You may be called on to attend a City Council Meeting to state your opposition to the removal of the plaques from the room at the Auditorium. City staff needs to learn that Veterans need to be respected, not just shoved aside and dignity needs to be maintained for those names on the plaques who gave their lives for their country.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN -AUGUST, 2008........Page 8

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR.....
20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF
CA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
DECEMBER 10-14, 2008
"HONORING OUR PAST and OUR LEGACY"

     The activities will include unit activities, a motorcycle toy run, a Recognition Dinner for members of the first commission directing the building and fund raising for the building of the Memorial, a "Reading of the Names" for three days, a parade and ceremony on the 13th, USO show, vendors, etc. Special coins, patches, books, are being made for the occasion.
     The celebration is being hosted by the CA State Council (CSC) Vietnam Veterans of America and the CA Department of Veterans Affairs.
     To be in the Parade on the 13th, contact Ted Puntillo, 530-681-8044 or e-mail: TedPuntillo@Prodigy.net for an application and information. Applications can also be downloaded off the website www.CAVietnamMemorial.com.
     The "Reading of the Names" will be held on Dec. 10, 11, 12, from 1-5PM each day. If you want to sign up to read names, call VVA500 at 916-481-6020.
     If you wish to lay a wreath following the ceremony on the 13th or make a donation e-mail CAVietnamMemorial@yahoo.com.
     We are attempting to collect pictures of those on the Memorial to be displayed during the "Reading of the Names". The picture does not have to be of when the person was in the service. You can e-mail the picture to vva500@sbcglobal.net or send it to VVA500 to the address on Page 10.
     More details will be forthcoming on the various activities. Start planning now to join your brothers and sisters to celebrate the rededication of the Memorial.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVICES FOR LEONARD COUSIN

►Date: Monday, September 1, 2008
►Where: VA Dixon Cemetery - Take I-80 to Midway Exit. Go left, follow the signs to the Cemetery. This takes only about 45 minutes from Sacramento.
►Time: 10:30AM
Service will take approximately 30 minutes, followed by presentation of the flag by an Honor Guard. Yes, this is Labor Day. But, the cemetery does not do services on Saturday or Sunday, and we wanted to make it a day when more people could attend. So, please try to come and pay your respects to a brother Veteran who served you well as a medic in Vietnam.

SACRAMENTO STAND DOWN

►Date: Friday, Saturday, Sunday - September 12, 13, 14.
►Where: Camp Pollock - Entrance on Northgate, between Arden and Del Paso Blvd.
►How to participate: Call for information or a volunteer form at 916-646-6004 or e-mail: myspirah@yahoo.com.

OKTOBERFEST
►Date: Saturday, September 30.
►Where: Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall - Hosted by the American Legion Alyn W. Butler Post #169
►Time: Social 4-5PM - Dinner 5-7PM - Dancing 6-9PM
►Tickets $15. each or $96. for table of 8.
►No Host Bar for Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks
►Great Food and lots of fun. Call Kathleen at 916-782-6906

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................AUGUST, 2008........Page 9

GERARD FIELDS AND BILL WAGNER REPRESENT VVA500 IN THE DUTCH FLAT JULY 4TH PARADE

PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES EXPLAINED TO MEMBERS AT THE JULY MEETING

GREATER SACRAMENTO MARINE CADETS ATTEND THE PURPLE HEART CEREMONY ON AUGUST 9TH.

MG ALICE ASTAFAN, CA VET BOARD SPEAKS AT THE PURPLE HEART CEREMONY

COL. PAUL COOK, FORMER MARINE AND
STATE ASSEMBLYMAN

LEFT, PURPLE HEART COMMANDER HARVEY WILSON, STAR SPANGLED BANNER PLAYED ON THE VIOLIN

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN............AUGUST, 2008........Page 10

                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS: President: Karen Anne Winnett
Vice President: Gregory McNeill
Secretary: Ted Adams
Treasurer: Jerry Quint
BOARD MEMBERS: Hank Davis, Don Harper, Monty Montoya
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.
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. Meeting room is downstairs. When you leave, the street is one way, so you will go to the right. You will come up to Douglas Blvd. again and a left will go back to the freeway and whichever direction you need to go from there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
♫♫♫Jerry Quint - AF♫♫♫William Sullivan - Army♫♫♫Ron Krueger - Army♫♫Jack Arnold - Marines♫♫♫James Daniels - Air Force♫♫John Douglas - Marines♫♫♫♫Bruce Kaspari - Marines♫♫♫♫Ron Menken - Air Force♫♫♫♫James Singleton - AF♫♫♫♫Russell Hazelwood - AR/Air♫♫♫♫Eugene Sukon - Navy♫♫♫♫William De La Ossa - Army♫♫♫♫Rhona Nitsche AF- AVVA♫♫♫♫

HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND
CALL TOLL FREE FOR PICK UP OF YOUR USED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: 1-866-241-8387

Help! If you move, please let us know and save some postage from returned mail. Also, if you change your e-mail address, let us know. We don't send out much, but many things come up in between newsletters that we send out alerts for. So, drop us a line or e-mail with any changes. Check out the chapter address and e-mail in the column on the left. Thanks.

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

         ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

"NEVER AGAIN WILL ONE GENERATION OF VETERANS ABANDON ANOTHER"

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