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VETERAN BENEFITS AND ISSUES

     CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP WITH CURING BAD HABITS, PTSD AND OTHER AILMENTS?

     Here are some stories of those who have tried it:  As Bob Linde deftly sticks five needles into Charlie Minnick's ear, Minnick lifts his chin and takes a deep breath.  The needles pinch.  It's worse in one spot inside the top of his left ear.  Hi mouth tenses with pain.  It's the lungs' pressure point.  The 74 year old military veteran had a pack-a-day smoking habit for 25 years.  Minnick doesn't believe in Tylenol.  And he doesn't like shots.  But for him acupuncture works.
     JoAnne Lehrfeld, a licensed acupuncturist since 2001, runs the free acupuncture clinic as part of the Military Stress Recovery Project.  The local clinic is an affiliate of Acupuncturists Without Borders, a national organization formed in 2006.  The clinic averages six people a week.  Every Thursday evening, a small band of veterans and family members gather in the sanctuary at Unity Christ Church on First Avenue N for free auricular acupuncture.
     Lehrfeld said that many participants ask whether the treatment will help with certain ailments.  "We're not treating specific problems; rather, we're treating holistically," she said.  "And through that, people are finding their specific problems alleviated."  Those who return share their success stories with the sometimes skeptical newcomers.  One man says that the first time he had acupuncture was the last day he had a cigarette.
     Minnick, a Korean War veteran, was injured in 1976 after an incident downtown.  "Two kids wanted my wallet more than I did," he said.  "With a lead pipe, they took it."  He lay unconscious for 13 days.  He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, sinking into a blue chair.  "Wake me when it's over."
     Participants sit in a circle.  A technician places five needles in each ear.  After everyone is settled, the lights go off.  Then the real treatment begins.  Acupuncturists use the ear for these community-style settings, Lehrfeld said, because there are five universally proven points in each ear.  The points target the nervous system, liver kidney, lungs, and "shen men," or a person's overall well-being.  Lehrfeld said the points are known for treating insomnia, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.  There are 300 pressure points in the ear.
     James Delgenio closes his eyes and doesn't move for almost 10 minutes until his head slowly slides backward, akin to a student falling asleep in class.  After a few minutes of struggling, heavy breathing suggests he has given in.  "I was out," he says sheepishly after treatment.  The 29 year old medical student doesn't have medical insurance.  He suffers from arthritis in his hips and lower back after hard runs and tough love in the Army.  "I'm just grateful there are people willing to take time out of their day to do this," he says.
         Continued on Page Nine.....................

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

VA AND MEDICARE

     Recently we heard from a Veteran who is enrolled in the VA for service-connected disabilities, but is also eligible to receive Medicare.  He receives treatment at the VA for non-service connected medical conditions also.  He found that VA had been billing Medicare for some of that treatment.  Currently, the VA is prohibited from billing Medicare for third-party reimbursements for the treatment of enrolled, Medicare eligible veterans for medical conditions that are unrelated to their military services.  So, if you find that this is also happening to you you will have to resolve that issue with the VA.  But legislation has been introduced by Rep. Bob Filner , chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee in July, that would allow VA to bill Medicare for third-party reimbursements of eligible veterans for nonservice-connected medical conditions.  The American Legion has strongly recommended Medicare reimbursements to supplement VA's health-care annual budget.  Through congressional testimony and numerous interviews with the media, the Legion has promoted Medicare reimbursement as a new revenue stream for VA.   The bill will have to go through several committees, the Senate and signed by the President before finalized.

STATE BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW BY THE GOVERNOR

►SB 369 - Maldonado - POW/MIA Flag - This bill would require the POW/MIA Flag to be flown during business hours at all state owned buildings and facilities where the United States Flag is flown.
►AB 265 - Cook - Existing law requires certain elected local officers to forfeit their office upon the conviction of a specified crime pursuant to the federal Stolen Valor Act of 2005.  This bill would expand this provision to include elected state officers.
►Glitch Fixed in CAL-Vet G.I. Bill Benefits - Secretary of Veteran Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that a joint solution has been reached between the State of California and the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning how tuition and fees are determined.  In California, public schools charge no tuition but have relatively high fees. The Post  911 GI Bill basically pays for tuition, leaving an inequity between what a California veterans would receive and veterans from other states.  As a result in a change of language, the maximum benefit VA can pay in CA will increase, dramatically reducing the "gap" to be made up by CA schools under the Yellow Ribbon agreement.  In CA alone, approximately 80 schools have entered into more than 235 agreements for the 2009-2010 school year.  The new maximum in-state tuition amount for CA public institutions is now $287. per credit hour.

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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.

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        HELP YOUR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT THE VVA
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ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA FOR
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

     While August and September started out to be relatively quiet months, they blossomed into months filled with activities going on during the last blast of summer.  Read about them below:
                              OPERATION LIVING HOPE
Date:  Saturday, August 15, 2009
Time:  11:00AM
Where:  Southside Park - 6th & "T" Street - Sacramento
What:  Children of the Military Awards Ceremony and Free BBQ.  Family Games, Face Paining, Bluegrass Music and more. 
     This event is hosted by the United States Corps of Chaplains.  It's been the goal of Chaplain MAJ Christopher Garrett to acknowledge and give special recognition to the children of active duty personnel.  In effect when the parent goes to war, the child does too and they should receive credit for their service also.  All branches of the military and families are welcome.
    Register the children with their names and how many in the family will be there at events.registration@yahoo.com. or call 916-519-6504.  All are welcome to attend to show your support for the children of the Armed Services.

      ANNUAL AMERICAN LEGION #169 VETERANS PICNIC
Date:  Sunday, August 16
Time: 11:00AM to 3:00PM
Where:  Royer Park, next to the Veterans Hall in Roseville
What:  Each year the AL holds this wonderful picnic for Veterans and their families.  Come and enjoy a restful afternoon with each other.  Hamburgers and hotdogs will be served.  Bring a potluck dish to share.

                                   MATHER JOB FAIR
Date:  Tuesday, August 18
Time:  12:30PM to 4:30PM
Where:  Mather VA Hospital, 10535 Hospital Way, Bldg. 650,
     1st Floor Auditorium - Mather
What:  All Veterans are invited to join us to review the thousands of jobs available at the VA.  We'll be there to help you learn what jobs are available and how you can find and apply for those jobs.

      FALLEN WARRIORS MEMORIAL.ORG CAR AND
                                   MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Date:  Sunday, August 23
Time:  9:00AM to 3:00PM
Where:  Briggs Ranch Plaza - Blue Ravine Rd. & E. Natoma St.
       in Folsom
Folsom Marine Corps League Det. #940 hosting, Remembering our Fallen.  Proceeds benefit student scholarships.
Entry Fee/Donation $25. per vehicle.  Awards, Music, Raffle, Food, Vendors. For information:  Call John 877-229-7498

MORE ACTIVITIES

                   FIRST RESPONDERS/ARMED FORCES DAY
                                    CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR
Date:  Tuesday, August 25
Where:  CA State Fair Grounds - Exposition Blvd.
What:  Free entrance for Veterans and First Responders at the Fair.

                            10th ANNUAL MATHER MUD RUN
Date:  Saturday, September 5
Time: 
Where:  Hagan Community Park (Next to Cordova High School)
     2701 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
What:  Kick-off event for Air Force Week.  Free parking, exhibit booths, military & law enforcement vehicles displays, raffle and prizes, performances, jump houses, picnic area and more.  Register for the run at www.active.com.

          CALVET WOMEN VETERANS CONFERENCE 2009
       CONTINUING OUR LEGACY...TELLING OUR STORIES
Date:  Friday. Saturday - September 11 & 12
Time:  Beginning 8:00AM each day
Where:  Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles (Airport) Los Angeles
What:  Addressing the specific concerns of women Veterans.  Two full days and evenings of information specifically for women. To register for the conference go to the CDVA website: www.cdva.ca.gov/Resources/WVConference2009.aspx. Fee for Registration is $25.  plus hotel and air fare.

                  AMERICAN LEGION #77 OPEN HOUSE
Date:  Saturday, September 12
Time:  All Day
Where:  523 Bush Street, Woodland
What:  American Legion's 90th Anniversary.  Open house in conjunction with Woodland's annual History Walk.  #77 will have military displays/vehicles.  For information call:  530-662-9772.

         4TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA CAPITAL AIRSHOW
Date:  Saturday/Sunday, September 12 & 13.
Time:  All day events and static displays
Where:  Mather Airport
Thunderbirds the main feature this year along with the F-22 and B2 Stealth.  Information/tickets.  www.californiacapitalairshow.com or call 916-876-7568.

        AMERICAN LEGION #169 ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST
Date:  Saturday, September 19.
Time:  Social 4-5PM  Dinner  5-7PM  Dancing  6-9PM
Where:  Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall, 110 Park Dr.
What:  Authentic German Oktoberfest.  Always a great night with great food and fun.  $15. per person tickets ahead, at the door $20, for a table of 8 Reserved $96.  Call Kathleen Schance 916-782-6906 to reserve and form or e-mail hondo1@surewest.net.

MAJ (CHAPLAIN) CHRISTOPHER GARRETT EXPLAINS THE US CHAPLAIN CORPS AND OPERATION HOPE AT THE VVA500 GENERAL MEETING

ALL OF OUR PARTICIPATING MEMBERS AND MARINE CADETS MADE TO THE FINISH LINE AT THE 5k ALZHEIMERS AID SOCIETY RUN/WALK

MARINE CADETS AND THEIR OFFICERS HELP CLEAN-UP AT THE NEW HALL

 

MORE FUN FOR MEMBERS AT THE RIVER CATS VS. OKLAHOMA BASEBALL GAME

ANOTHER ROW OF ATTENDEES AT THE BASEBALL GAME

JOE FEIRL GRADUATES FROM THE VA "MOVE" PROGRAM...FULL STORY NEXT MONTH

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

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ALZHEIMERS DEMENTIA.....
CAN IT BE PREDICTED???

     Dementia can be a devastating illness for patients and their caregivers.  Current research is focusing on the causes and manifestations of dementia, new medications and treatments, and education and support for caregivers.  News from the various arenas of dementia research and expert advice includes:
►Ongoing studies hope to determine of Alzheimer's dementia can be predicted and diagnosed by scanning the optic nerve.  The same laser technology now used in an ophthalmologist's office to monitor glaucoma is being used to visualize distinctive optic nerve shapes that occur in Alzheimer's disease patients.
►Studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., and the University of Pittsburgh show the drug memantine (Namenda) might play a valuable role in treating Alzheimer's dementia, especially when given in combination with other drugs such as Aricept and Exelon.
►The Alzheimer's Foundation Medical Advisory Board has published reversible risk factors for preventing dementia.  Although these factors cannot overrule the role of age, genetics, and medical disease, they are avoidable risks that you have control over.  The list includes:
a.  Being a couch potato:  Inactivity impedes blood flow to vital organs and the brain, which is necessary to repair and replenish brain cells.  So start exercising!
b.  Tipping the scale:  Being overweight or obese alters insulin production in the body that can lead to brain inflammation.  Obesity also increases the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, and other medical conditions that are risk factors for dementia.
c.  Rising blood pressure:  High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain and other major organs.  However, hypertension can be tricky to diagnose, as there usually are no symptoms until your blood pressure is very high.  It is important to have your blood pressure monitored and promptly begin treatment if you're diagnosed with hypertension.
d.  Drinking alcohol:  Prolonged and heavy consumption of alcohol causes a specific type of dementia known as alcohol-related dementia.  Researchers also note that individuals with dementia who drink on a regular basis typically have a higher incidence of confusion, delirium and behavior problems.

5k ALZHEIMER'S AID SOCIETY WALK/RUN

     Several members and even some Marine Cadets participated in the annual 5k walk/run held at East Lawn Memorial Park.  And all made it to the finish line. 
     It was a beautiful day and perfect for the event.  Thousands had signed up to participate and help fund this worthwhile organization.  Water, fruit and cookies were available to get everyone fueled up for walking and running and those hunger pangs afterward.  Monitoring devices were attached to everyone's shoes so that awards could be determined for the winners in all age categories.  It was fun and a great way to contribute to the Alzheimer's Aid Society, a resource center who also provides services to victims of Alzheimer's and their families or caretakers at no charge.

RETIREES...TRAVELING?

     Military Retirees,  you can still get a "military hop" if you are flexible with your travel plans.
     Air Mobility Command (AMC) recently unveiled its first official, command-level AMC Travel Web site.  Members of the military community planning to travel the AMC military travel system can now go to www.amc.af.mil/amctravel/index.asp for the latest in AMC travel information.  The site, which officially went live in July, offers prospective space-available travelers a wealth of information, including an updated AMC passenger terminal contact list (complete with phone, e-mail and web links).  The site also includes more than a dozen travel documents, example letters and brochures.  Everyday around the world, hundreds of military and military-contracted commercial aircraft travel the world delivering troops and cargo.  And each year, hundreds of thousands of military personnel, retirees, and their family members go along for the ride, courtesy of the AMC space-available travel program.  space-available flights, also known as "military hops," are a unique benefit to U.S. service members, retirees and their families.  Under the AMC travel program, unused seats on U.S. military and military-contracted aircraft are made available to non-duty passengers on a space-available basis (once space-required or official-duty passengers and cargo have been accommodated).
     Lots of travel possibilities exist also for active duty personnel dependents depending on the deployment status of their active duty relative.
     One caveat to this mode of travel is that space is not always available, nor is it guaranteed.  You have to be prepared to fly commercial if problems are encountered.  The key to a stress-free trip is to have a plan.  Have enough money for all contingencies, and be mentally prepared for disappointment when plans don't work out.
     There are bases all over the United States and the world that you can fly into or out of.  The nearest to the Sacramento area is Travis AFB, CA.  The Travis webpage for space available is:
www.travis.af.mil/library/spaceavailabletravel/index.asp. You can also e-mail them at 60aps.websa@travis.af.mil and call for flight information at:  707-837-1854.
     This is a great benefit for military retirees.  There may be places in the world that you were stationed at and wanted to go back to visit and maybe show your spouse.  If you can be flexible with your plans, this could be the perfect way to complete those plans.

 BENEFIT FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS

     In Loomis, at the corner of Horseshoe Bar & Taylor Roads, the street will be closed for a Country Western Street Dance.  It will be a big party with food, music, dancing, with the benefits going to benefit wounded warriors.  $25 for couples, $15 for singles.  Takes place August 22, 8PM to 11PM.

CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP, CONTINUED

     Lehrfeld meets resistance to the age-old Chinese medicine from older veterans.  "This is their medicine, "they say," she said.  "This is voodoo medicine.' "  In a study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease in June 2007, researchers determined that acupuncture may be an acceptable treatment option for PTSD.  Richard Hamerschlag, a researcher in the study, said acupuncture doesn't treat PTSD but addresses many of the symptoms.  "A lot of the behavioral therapies ask refugees and veterans to relive the experience," he said.  "Acupuncture doesn't."  Dr.  Charles Engel, a researcher who completed a separate study at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2007, said soldiers with PTSD improved more quickly with acupuncture than usual treatment.  "I think this is really just the beginning of our understanding of acupuncture on PTSD," he said.
      Carolyn Sizemore looks around the room, smiles and talks to no one in particular.  "Everyone looks so relaxed," she says.  "We all looked a little anxious before."  Ask about her life and the smile slowly fades.  She spits out facts like a barrage of bullets.  Air Force, 1970-74.  Army, 1981-1985.  Lives in St. Petersburg.  Second week of acupuncture.  Then, "my son was killed in Baghdad," she says, her voice lowering with her head.  Staff Sgt. Garth Sizemore was killed by a sniper in 2006.  She shoots out more facts.  Second tour in Iraq.  Recently married a Russian bride.  No children.  Loved the outdoors.  Loved being in the Army.  "That was my only child," she say.  Sizemore has been in counseling to relieve anxiety.  Acupuncture gives her a calm place.  The pain will always be there, she says, "but it's getting better."  From Jackie Alexander, Times Staff Writer.
     ►Chapter Note:  There are several clinics that have Veterans programs for Acupuncture set up across the United States, but none here in CA. yet.  For more information on acupuncture, check out the site from the Acupuncturists Without Borders at www.acuwithoutborders.org. Acupuncture treatment has been performed and research is being performed in some VA hospitals.  Check with your primaries if you are interested in the treatment.  Other than the VA, several acupuncturists are available in this area.  Just  make sure they are licensed.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISER!

SACRAMENTO STAND DOWN 2009
18TH YEAR OF SERVING HOMELESS VETERANS

FROM 2007 - VOLUNTEERS PREPARE FOOD FOR THE PARTICIPANTS

     That time of the year is coming up quickly.  The dates are Friday, Saturday, Sunday, September 18, 19, 20.  And it is held at Camp Pollock off Northgate Blvd. For those unfamiliar with what a Stand Down is.......For the Sacramento Stand Down, it  is a three day period when Sacramento area homeless Veterans and their dependents (no children allowed this year), are brought to or come in off the streets and are provided with housing, food, access to services and TLC.  Healthcare services, public agency services and court services are provided for the participants. A limited amount of funding is received from governmental agencies and the balance is from donations from Veteran organizations, community based organizations and the public.  All the planning for and working at the Stand Down is done by volunteers.  Many other Stand Downs are held across the U.S.  The Sacramento Stand Down usually serves in excess of 400 Veterans each year.
     Many volunteers are needed to work the Stand Down in order to make it a success.  You can sign up as an individual or as an organization.  E-mail SacramentoStandDown09@yahoo.com. for a form to sign up or call 916-646-6004 for more information.  Deadline to register to volunteer is September 4.
     This year, we understand that participants of the Stand Down, pre-registration will be required. To receive a registration form and for information for participants, call 916-716-6024.
     As you may have heard, all funding to charitable organizations has been reduced due to the economic turn down of the country.  And as we understand,  our Stand Down has been affected also.  Should you wish to donate funds for this much needed program for homeless Veterans, you may send your donations to:  Sacramento Stand Down, P.O. Box 601536, Sacramento, CA 95860-1536.
     For VVA members attending our September 18th General Meeting, Volunteer Forms will be available as well as Participant Forms should you know of any homeless Veterans that are need of the services provided at the Stand Down.

STAND DOWN IS:
"A HAND UP, NOT A HAND OUT"

                                    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
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           
     ♫♫♫William Sullivan - Army♫♫♫Jack Arnold - Marines♫♫♫Paul Copsey - Navy♫♫♫James Daniels - Air Force♫♫♫John Douglas - Marines♫♫♫Bruce Kaspari - Marines♫♫♫Ron Menken - Air Force♫♫♫James Singleton, Jr. - Air Force♫♫♫Russell Hazelwood - Air Force♫♫♫Eugene Sukon - Navy♫♫♫William De La Ossa - Army♫♫♫Rhona Nitsche - AVVA, Air Force♫♫♫Dan Williams - Army♫♫♫Vernon Walker - AVVA♫♫♫William Kemp - Air Force♫♫♫Ed White - Air Force
 In June we missed Pat Boltinghouse♫♫♫

     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.  We are going over all of the files to make sure we enter everyone that we have a DD214 on.

WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBERS!
Raymond Engelhardt - Air Force

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

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