August 2011

VETERAN BENEFITS, NEWS

DISABLED LICENSE PLATES OR
DISABLED VETERANS LICENSE PLATES???

We detailed what the criteria was last month for not having to pay for your CA License Plates. While we gave you the DMV website, we wanted you to know that we do have the forms here in the office if you do not have internet access. We can also fill the form out for you online if needed.

INCARCERATED MEMBERS AND
VA BENEFITS

     The question is frequently asked....can Veterans receive compensation benefits while incarcerated? The answer is "Yes", but with limitations.        Below from the RAO Bulletin
     VA benefits are restricted if a veteran, surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent is convicted of a felony and imprisoned for more than 60 days as follows:
     1. Disability Compensation: Veterans benefit is limited to the 10% disability rate. For a surviving spouse, child, dependent parent or veteran whose disability rating is 10%, the payment is at the 5% rate. Any amounts not paid may be apportioned to eligible dependents on the basis of individual need. In determining individual need, consideration shall be given to such factors as the claimant's income and living expenses, the amount of compensation available to be apportioned, the needs and living expenses of other claimants as well as any special needs, if any, of all claimants. Payments are not reduced for recipients participating in work release programs, residing in halfway houses, or under community control. Overpayments for failure to notify the VA of a veteran's incarceration result in the loss of financial benefits until the overpayment is recovered.
     2. Pension: The veteran may not receive any VA pension benefits. However, the veteran's dependents may receive a portion of such benefits.
     3. Burial Benefits: Persons convicted of a federal or state crime and sentenced to death or life imprisonment without parole (a "capital" crime) are barred by law from burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery or in Arlington National Cemetery, or from receiving a government furnished headstone or marker, burial flag, or Presidential Memorial Certificate.
     The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will inform a veteran whose benefits are subject to reduction of the right of the veteran's dependents to an apportionment while the veteran is incarcerated, and the conditions under which payments to the veteran may be resumed upon release from incarceration. VA will also notify the dependents of their right to an apportionment if the VA is aware of their existence and can obtain their addresses.      Continued on Page 7

VETERAN LEGISLATION/NEWS

     Things are wrapping up in the State Legislature now. One of the bills concerning a Veteran issue has been signed by the Governor. It is as follows:
AB167 - Cook - California Stolen Valor Act. - Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for a person to falsely represent himself or herself as a veteran, ex-serviceman, or member of the Armed Forces of the United States in connection with specified acts. Existing law provides that any person who, orally, in writing, or by wearing any military decoration falsely represents himself or herself to have been awarded any military decoration with the intent to defraud, is guilty of a misdemeanor, or in the case where the person committing the offense is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, an infraction or a misdemeanor, as specified.
     Existing law requires certain elected officers to forfeit their office upon the conviction of a crime pursuant to the federal Stolen Valor Act of 2005, that involves a false claim of receipt of a military decoration or medal described in that act.
     This bill would p provide that the above provisions shall be known as the California Stolen Valor Act. The bill would require that the elected officers described above additionally forfeit their office upon conviction of any of the crimes specified in the California Stolen Valor Act.
     We weren't so lucky with AB 201 which dealt with the establishment of Veterans Courts. Here is what Pete Conaty, Advocate for Veterans had to say about it:
     "I regret to inform you that Governor Jerry Brown has vetoed AB 201 by Assemblywoman Betsy Butler. The veto came with this message from Governor Brown to the Assembly: "I am returning Assembly Bill 201 without my signature. This measure would authorize superior courts to establish dedicated programs to serve eligible veterans of the United States military. While provisions of this bill are well-intended, they create a clear expectation that our courts--already struggling with painful budget cuts--will establish a new program.........Given current budgetary constraints, the decision to adopt this kind of program---something already within the courts' authority--is better left to the sound discretion of the judiciary."
......and Mr. Conaty continues to say...This bill had no opposition and received no" NO" votes as it went through the Legislature. This bill was permissive in nature. Counties were not required to establish veterans' courts under AB201. However, if counties chose to establish the veterans' courts, AB201 had a recommended framework to follow in establishing the veterans' courts, similar to those that have been established in numerous other states.
     In California, so far, between 8 &10 counties have already established veterans courts. While the Governor sights the cost pressure the bill would put on the counties, he failed to recognize the immense savings that would be made by helping veterans tangled in the judicial system avoid prison. Cont. on Page 7

WHAT'S ON THE VVA500 CALENDAR?

Better get the calendars out. There will be something for everyone in the next few months. We will list them by date here:
AUGUST

Tuesday - August 16 - VVA General Meeting - Details on Page 1
Saturday - August 21 - American Legion Annual Veterans Picnic 10-3PM - Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall - This is a potluck. Bring a dish. Come earlier, stay later to help set-up/clean-up.
Thursday - August 18-21 -VVA National Convention. Our VVA500 delegates take off in the morning. VA Secretary Shinseki to speak 8/18 morning.
Saturday - August 28 - Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at the Infineon Raceway. What a deal. We have 30 FREE tickets for you. This is an all day event for a special Military Appreciation Day. Gates are open at 8AM. Parking is included with your ticket. Tickets are first come first serve. We will have them available at the General meeting and after at the office.
Wednesday - August 31 - RIVER CATS vs LAS VEGAS 51s Game starts at 12:05PM. Yes, we have 40+ FREE tickets. First come, first serve. Tickets will be available at the General meeting and after at the office.
Saturday - August 27 - MACY'S SHOP FOR A CAUSE - This is an all day, all Macy's and online event. Take those $5. tickets you have purchased and get your 25% off those items you have been waiting to buy. Support your chapter, buy a ticket! Tickets available at the General meeting and after at the office until 8/27.
Saturday - August 27-28 - CSC Meeting - Our CSC delegates and VSO in Training will be off to attend the meeting in Fresno.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 10 - VVA500 POW/MIA REMEMBRANCE 7:30PM at the Hall. VVA500 will have a candlelight remembrance ceremony honoring our POW's and MIA's. Public is invited. We've had some inquiries re: the POW bracelets. We do have some for sale. They are $12. each.
Friday, September 16-18 - SACRAMENTO STAND DOWN - As usual VVA500 will cover the lockbox duties for the three days of Stand Down. We will need times covered all three days from approximately 8AM until around 6PM Friday and Saturday and Sunday until around Noon. Sign up sheets will be available at the General Meeting and at the office. You can also volunteer for set-up earlier in the week. Give a hand up to our homeless Vets. Set aside some hours to help at the lockbox!
Tuesday, September 20 - Due to many September activities, we may NOT have a General Meeting. We'll let you know.
Wednesday, September 21 - ARC RESOURCE FAIR - VVA500 will have a resource table at this event held at the college.

VVA500 HALL SCHEDULE

►►Office hours are: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. 10-4PM
Wednesdays - Noon - 5:30
►►Every other Tuesday - 1:30-5:30PM - Josh Brantley, Sac County Veterans Representative available to file claims, provide information re: claims and other benefits. (Best to call the office and make an appointment).
►►Chaplain Garrett is now coming in on Mondays, late morning through the afternoon. He's a good listener if you have any issues you would like to discuss with someone. He's there for you.
The Hall is open for computer use, TV, games, movies, conversation, etc. Drop in during open hours to visit with each other. You can also use it as a meeting place for each other or others that you need to meet with.

SEPTEMBER DATES, CONTINUED

Saturday, September 24 - VVA500 ANTIQUE ROAD SHOW - Tentative plans are being made for 10AM - 5PM. Fund Raiser for the Chapter. - More details will be coming.
Tuesday, September 27-29 - PLACER COUNTY STAND DOWN Volunteers will also be needed for this event. More details to come. Will be held at the Placer County Fair Grounds.

OCTOBER

Friday, October 7-9 - ANNUAL VVA500 GET-A-WAY FOR VVA MEMBERS ONLY. Held this year at the Lake Solano County Campground. Sign up sheet will be available at the General Meeting and after at the office. MUST KNOW BY SEPTEMBER 1, IF YOU WILL BE BRINGING AN RV, TENT TRAILER, ETC.
Friday, October 7-8 - ANNUAL CalVet WOMEN VETERAN'S CONFERENCE. Will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel, Ontario Airport in Ontario, CA. Theme this year is "Enhancing Inner Beauty, Inner Strength". See how to register and details at: www.calvet.ca.gov/WomenMinority/Conference.aspx. Register ahead of time and save money!

CALLING ALL ARTISTS/WRITERS, MUSICIANS!

It appears that VVA500 and the CalVet Women Veteran's Conference are looking for the same people. Artists and writers are wanted to submit their work for the Conference coming up in October. For information contact: ElaineSuranie@aol.com or 323-559-1157.
VVA500 is also looking for Veteran artists, writers and musicians to participate in a fund raiser for the chapter and the Veterans. Please call or e-mail the office if you would like to be one of our participating artists. Still in the planning stages, date will possibly be in November.

VVA500 PARTICIPATED IN THE ROSEVILLE JULY 4TH PARADE ON A VERY HOT DAY

SOME OF THE PARADE PARTICIPANTS
SOME CHAPTER MEMBERS ALSO MARCHED IN DUTCH FLAT, NO PICTURES YET

POPPY COMES TO VISIT VVA500 AT THE FAIR AND BECAME JURITA'S FRIEND

VVA500 2011 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS AND VP ADAMS. THE SCHOLARSHIPS WERE AWARDED AT THE FAIR.

WE WERE KEPT BUSY BY MANY VISITORS COMING TO THE VVA500 TABLE AT THE FAIR

MEMBERS, CADETS, VISITORS ALIKE FIND TIME TO RELAX AND TALK WITH EACH OTHER AT THE FAIR.

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

GO TO PAGE SIX OF 10

THE CAPITOL VETERAN...............AUGUST, 2011.......Page 6

MIKE KELLEY BRINGS US A GIFT OF AN ORIGINAL MOVIE PROMOTION ITEM FROM THE MOVIE "PLATOON"

PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS WERE HONORED AT THE ANNUAL PURPLE HEART DAY CEREMONY ON SEPTEMBER 7 PURPLE HEART CHAPLIN DOUG KEEFAUVER GIVING THE BENEDICTION, LEFT TO RIGHT, SPEAKER CHRIS LAMBERT, CDVA SECRETARY MG PETER GRAVETT (RET), AND PURPLE HEART COMMANDER HARVEY WILSON (VVA500 MEMBER)

MEMBERS MEETING THE NEW CDVA SECRETARY, MG PETER GRAVETT (RET) #1 - WITH PHIL RIOS

#2 - MG GRAVETT AND J.C.TERRY

#3 MG GRAVETT AND GREGORY McNEILL

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

Premier Agency, Inc. DBA Placer Insurance Agency Lic. #0C66701
Mark Brown
AGENT/BROKER
mbrown@placerins.com
office 916-784-1008 x166
fax 916-784-8116
www.placerins.com
5 Sierra Gate Plaza, 2nd Floor
ROSEVILLE, CA 95678

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

GO TO PAGE 7 OF 10

THE CAPITOL VETERAN...............AUGUST, 2011........Page 7

VETERANS BENEFITS, CONTINUED

BENEFITS FOR INCARCERATED, CONTINUED

No apportionment may be made to or on behalf of any person who is incarcerated in a federal, state, or local penal institution for conviction of a felony. An apportionment of an incarcerated veteran's VA benefits is not granted automatically to the veteran's dependents. The dependent(s) must file a claim for an apportionment by filling out VA Form21-0788, which can be found on the VA website, and submit it to the Regional Office that has jurisdiction over the veteran's claim.
VA Benefits in Jail - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will extend health care to eligible Veterans in halfway houses and other temporary, post-incarceration housing under a new program aimed at cutting back on repeat offenses. "There's hard evidence that lack of access to health care, including mental health care, for newly released inmates is a factor in people becoming homeless or returning to prison and jail," said Jim McGuire, director of VA's Veterans Justice Outreach Programs. "These are Veterans who otherwise qualify for VA health care." A long-standing rule has barred VA from providing health care to Veterans for whom another federal, state, or local government has an obligation to provide health care. Frequently, that means inmates of prisons and jails. Under the changed rule, that prohibition would be amended and VA would be allowed to provide health care to Veterans in halfway houses and other temporary, post-incarceration housing. An Urban Institute study in 2008 found that good health care in the first months of community reentry played a key role in easing readjustment and reducing recidivism. About 29,000-56,000 Veterans are released annually from state and federal prisons, and at least 90,000 Veterans are released each year from city and county jails, according to Department of Justice Statistics. From a VA Press Release, March, 2011.

GOVERNOR VETOES AB201, continued

      Veterans, especially those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) need treatment, not jail time. PTSD and TBI are the invisible signature wounds of our current wars.
     Ever since 9/11, 30,000 men and women get out of the military in California each year. California is home to over 200,000 OEF/OIF veterans and many of them, because of PTSD/TBI get enmeshed in the court system.
     The phrase "penny wise and pound foolish" readily comes to mind."

MORE CHANGES IN THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Governor Brown has appointed Lawrence "Larry" Gonzales to serve as the Undersecretary for Administration, and Trevor Albertson as Deputy Secretary for Veterans Services. ►►►

NEW FACES IN CDVA, CONTINUED

"We are very pleased with Governor Brown's choice of appointees," said CalVet Secretary Peter Gravett. "The combination of military service and teaching experience both Mr. Gonzales ad Mr. Albertson bring to their positions will undoubtedly enhance CalVet's efforts to reach and assist California veterans of every era," said Gravett.

Gonzales, of Laguna Niguel, is a retired colonel with more than 38 years of enlisted and commissioned service in the United States Marine Corps and is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He served on the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee from 2003 to 2009 and as director of the Equal Opportunity Branch for the United States Marine Corps from 2002-2003.
He also held multiple positions in the Los Angeles Unified School District from 1968 to2000, including the position of principal at three elementary schools from 1982 to 2000.

Albertson is a captain with more than nine years of commissioned service in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve. He has served as an intelligence officer since 2010, and was director of public affairs from 2009-2010, in the Air Force Reserves' 713th Combat Operation Squadron. He also served on the staff of Headquarters US Strategic Command from 2007-2009 and held multiple positions in the 11th Mission Support Squadron from 2002-2010.
He was an adjunct professor at Yuba College fro 2010 to 2011, a teaching assistant at the University or California, Merced from 2006 to 2009 and an assistant professor at the United States Air Force Academy from 2004 to 2006. Albertson was a University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation Dissertation Fellow and served on the staff of Congressman Dennis Cardoza from 2008 to 2010.

MEMBER IN THE NEWS

We did want to mention that Ted Puntillo, the former Deputy Secretary of Veterans Services for the CDVA and member of VVA500 had resigned that post, but still wanting to serve Veterans took the Service Officer position in Solano County.

SACRAMENTO HOMELESS VETERAN COUNT

Statistics are in for the 2011 Sacramento County Homeless Count. In particular there were 297 homeless Veterans which is a 12.6% of the total Homeless. This indicates a reduction of -30.3% since 2009. However this counts people on the street, cars, etc. Does not count those sleeping on friend's couches or not counted.

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

GO TO PAGE 8 OF 10

THE CAPITOL VETERAN................AUGUST, 2011........Page 8

                                 VVA500 SCHOLARSHIPS
     Each year the chapter awards four scholarships to deserving students who fulfill the requirements of the chapter. Three of the scholarships are for $500. each and one is for $1,000. and has additional requirements. Some of the requirements are: they must be a relative of a Vietnam Veteran, provide their grade point average and also provide a substantial paragraph or statement as to what their educational goals are.
     The recipients of the awards are chosen by our scholarship committee and we publish one winner's entry in each newsletter following the awards given out at the CA State Fair. Following is the statement of Lauryn Caruso. Her grandmother was a Vietnam Era Veteran.
     "I am a Music major and aspire to use my gifts to lift other people up. I love to sing, act and dance and have had the privilege of performing in leading roles in over 25 productions. While I would love to perform on Broadway someday, I'll consider my role just as important if I'm performing in a nursing home. For now, I am getting the training I need at the Oklahoma City Conservatory of Music to be the best I can be.
     Many who pursue a career in the arts fall into the trap of thinking their work is not as valuable or important as engineers, businessmen, journalists, or doctors. At one time, I myself wondered if I could really make a difference in people's lives. That was until I read an excerpt from the welcome address given by a music student at Boston Conservatory to incoming Freshman: "If we were a medical school, and you were here as a med student practicing night at two AM someone is going to waltz into your emergency room and you're going to have to save their life. Well, my friends, someday at 8PM someone is going to walk into your concert and bring you a mind that is confused, a heart that is overwhelmed, a soul that is weary. Whether they go out whole again will depend partly on how well you do your craft. That one concept has changed the way I look at my future. I want to perform with the purpose of healing and helping others who are carrying burdens, or suffering from post-traumatic stress, not glorifying myself.
     Last February I was in a musical called Seasons. I portrayed the role of Mrs. Jones, a mother dying of cancer. In the show, Mrs. Jones faces the challenge of saying goodbye to her daughter. I felt so blessed to be a part of a musical that raised awareness of cancer and touched hearts. A friend who's mother died in High School wrote me after seeing the performance: "Lauryn thank you so much for that performance last night. It was completely inspiring. You reminded me so much of my mom in the last days of her life and it really helped me in more ways than one to just watch her and her love for her daughter and passion for life." Through this experience I realized the enormous therapeutic effects that art can have on the human soul. Continued in the next column................

SCHOLARSHIP ENTRY, CONTINUED

I love to perform, and will strive to make my career one that inspires and informs. Below is a song called "Blue Jay" from the show if you'd like to see it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v+uPnYOEJnkZA.

     FINANCIAL NEED - This scholarship opportunity is timely since my father's income dropped by 1/3 last year. In addition, both my brother and I will be attending college in the 2011-2012 school year which will make things even more difficult. I am responsible for paying $9,500 of my own college expenses next year. I have been working part time while attending college, and also taking out student loans to make it happen.
     I am applying for this scholarship because I need the assistance to prevent the student loans from becoming more than I can handle. Receiving this scholarship would enable me to focus on my studies rather than having to work more hours than I should while carrying 18-20 units which I will have to do next year to graduate on time. Thank you for your consideration.
     I believe I should be one of the recipients because I have consistently been a leader throughout my high school and college career. I believe that leadership occurs in so many more ways than just holding an office in a club. Leadership to me is setting an example for your peers and not focusing on their opinions about you. It is establishing your own set of values and standards to live by and not compromising them. It is giving your peers a lifestyle to strive for, to follow. Many assume that being a leader means distributing jobs to people below them because they have the power. In reality, it is serving, doing what is best for others, and leading by example. I have also excelled academically throughout high school and college. I have been on the Dean's "A" Honor Roll every semester and earned the esteemed classification of" Renaissance Student". If awarded this scholarship, I would represent the VVA with pride.

OTHER EXPERIENCES - Two summers ago, I was blessed to take part in a mission trip for two weeks in Peru where I worked in an orphanage and helped the children with their English. There I was face to face with people who were ridden with poverty yet gave generously of what they had. This mission trip, as well as three others to Mexico, have provided me with a new outlook on life. I've realized how blessed I am to live in the United States and I strive to apply this truth to my attitude in situations every day.

Congratulations Lauryn!
We wish you success in all of your endeavors.

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

GO TO PAGE 9 of 10

THE CAPITOL VETERAN...............AUGUST, 2011........Page 9

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS

SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS, ONE CARE PACKAGE AT A TIME. THE DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM, CALIFORNIA CHAPTER IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION (501c 3)FORMED SOLELY TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS ACTIVELY SERVING OUR COUNTRY TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE.

ACTION BUYS MILITARY ITEMS!

Sea Kayaking is a great, low-stress, outdoor recreation. After kayaking on the East Coast for many years, Steve Keller, Chapter 500 member, and wife Mary, discovered Penguin Paddlers, right in their town of Rocklin. The owner of Penguin Paddlers is a USAF Pararescue Veteran. Penguin Paddlers has an active, friendly club, with the average age in the 60's. They have local and road trips, with clinics and demonstrations. So it's an ideal recreation for VVA members. You can ask Steve at a meeting, or contact him at 916-919-3991, or e-mail: doublekayak@yahoo.com. The Penguin website is: www.penguinpaddlers.com.

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

GO TO PAGE 10 of 10

THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........AUGUST, 2011........Page 10

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
♫♫♫Jack Arnold - Marines♫♫♫Bruce Kaspari - Marines♫♫♫Howard Hoover - Army♫♫♫James Singleton, Jr. - Air Force♫♫♫Eugene Sukon - Navy♫♫♫Dan Williams - Army♫♫♫Vernon Walker - ♫♫♫William Kemp - Air Force♫♫♫Ted Esry - Navy♫♫♫ Richard Fresquez - Marines♫♫♫Ron Krueger - Army♫♫♫Ron Menken - Air Force♫♫♫Jerry Quint - Air Force♫♫♫Paul Thomas II - Navy♫♫♫Gary Reason - Air Force♫♫♫Nancy Hayashi - AVVA♫♫♫John Baeta - Air Force♫♫♫Kenneth Lake - Army♫♫♫Mel Boyd - Air Force♫♫♫Paul McDaniel - Air Force♫♫♫Tommie Ewing - AVVA♫♫♫Robert Fletcher - Air Force♫♫♫

If your birthday is not here, data is incorrect, submit the correction and/or addition to the office. Contact information is in column on the left. We are not required to list birthday information, but do it as an extra service for our members. Again, National may have your DD214, we may not have received it, it could be misfiled. Resubmit!

Don't forget!!! Buy your "Shop for a Cause" ticket.
Only $5. $5. for VVA500 - 25% off merchandise for you!

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"

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500