February 2010

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Fellow Members!

     Happy Birthday Chapter 500! Join us for birthday cake at the next meeting.
     With the announcement of one of my favorite events, the St. Patrick's Day Parade, it seems spring is just around the corner. Hope to see you all at the Parade and of course our special day, Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day on March 27.
     Lots of activities are now set up for the Hall. With the weather getting better, we can now start planning more outdoor activities, like the bicycle club, walking, and hiking, etc.
     Look forward to seeing you and celebrating the chapter birthday at the next meeting. And you've just got to come and check out the Nacho Machine.
                                                  Your President, Karen Winnett

                                        CHAPTER ELECTIONS
     This year has definitely flown by, but February is here and is the month that we begin to take nominations for Officers, Board Members, State Delegate, Nominating Committee, and AVVA Representative. The nominations received are announced in March. The elections are in April. Nominations can can also be taken from the floor at election time. The newly elected take office in May. You must be a paid up VVA member to hold office. Anyone nominated must accept the nomination in order to be placed on the April ballot.
     If you are interested in running for office, you may nominate yourself. Or, nominate someone else for a position. Call the office, mention at the meeting, or email the office with your nomination. Want to be more involved in making the decisions for the chapter? Then run for an office or board member.
   Note: Only AVVA members can nominate and vote for AVVA members. AVVA members cannot vote for VVA positions.

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING

DATE: FEBRUARY 16, 2010
TIME: 7:00PM
WHERE: 4441 Auburn Blvd. Suite J

GUEST SPEAKER
Bruce Jackson County Service Officer
What you need to provide to a Service Officer in order to submit a claim for compensation and/or pension to the VBA.

This will also be a special meeting and year for Chapter 500 as we are celebrating our 20th year as a Chapter. February 1, 1990 is the official day the Chapter was chartered. We will have a birthday cake to celebrate at the meeting.
Also another addition to the Hall is a commercial Nacho Machine donated by our Treasurer, Jerry Quint. Jerry is programming it, so that whenever the Hall is open, the Nacho machine will be cooking away producing the hot cheese for Nachos. It will also be running at all of the meetings. So, if you are out and about and near the Hall, drop in for Nachos.

CONGRATULATIONS CHAPTER 500

We are proud to announce that in membership volume VVA500 is 4th in the state and 30th nationwide.
We made our goal for this year, now we will start working on becoming at least #3 in the state and better if we can.

NEED A JOB?

Census 2010 is hiring full and part time. You can be part of making the count. There is a Veterans Preference. Positions are available inside the office and in the field. You will be tested to see if you qualify. Call directly to the local Sacramento office at:
916-431-6020 to see how to apply.

VETERAN BENEFITS, NEWS

BLUE WATER CLAIMS
HEADS UP FOR THE NAVY!! WHERE WERE YOU??

     The VA Compensation and Pension (C & P) Service has received verification from various sources showing that a number of "blue water" naval vessels conducted operations on the inland "brown water" rivers and delta areas of Vietnam. Below is a listing of ships and dates that took part in that inland waterway services. If a Veteran's service aboard one of these ships can be confirmed through military records during the time frames specified, then exposure to herbicide agents can be presumed without further development:
►►All vessels of Inshore Fire Support (IFS) Division 93 during their entire Vietnam tour.
     a. USS Carronade (IFS)
     b. USS Clarion River (LSMR409)[Landing Ship, Med, Rocket]
     c. USS Francis River (LSMR 525)
     d. USS White River (LSMR 536)
►►All vessels with the designation LST [Landing Ship, Tank] during their entire tour [WWII ships converted to transport supplies on rivers and service as barracks for brown water Mobile Riverine Forces]
►►All vessels with the designation LCVP [Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel] during their entire tour
►►All vessels with the designation PCF [Patrol Craft, Fast] during their entire tour [Also called Swift Boats, operating for enemy interdiction on close coastal waters]
►►All vessels with the designation PBR [Patrol Board, River] during their entire tour [Also called River Patrol Boats as part of the Mobile Riverine Forces operating on inland waterways and featured in the Vietnam film "Apocalypse Now"]
►►USS Ingersoll (DD-652) [Destroyer] [Operated on Saigon River Oct 24-25, 1965]
►►USS Mansfield (DD-728) [Destroyer] [Operated on Saigon River Aug 8-19, 1967 and Dec 21-24, 1968
►►USS Richard E. Kraus (DD849) [Destroyer] [Operated on coastal inlet north of Da Nang, Jun 2-5, 1966, protecting Marines holding a bridge.
►►USS Basilone (DD824) [Destroyer] Operated on Saigon River, May 24, 25, 1966
►►USS Hamner (DD-718) [Destroyer] Operated on Song Lon Tao and Long Song Tao Rivers, Aug 15 - /Sept 1, 1966]
►►USS Conway (DD507) [Destroyer] [Operated on Saigon River, early Aug 1966]
►►USS Fiske (DD842) [Destroyer] [Operated on Mekong River, Jun 16-21, 1966]
►►USS Black (DD666) [Destroyer] [Operated on Saigon River, Jul 13-19, 1966]
►►USS Providence (CLG-6) [Cruiser, Light, Guided Missile] [Operated on Saigon River 3 days during Jan 1964]
                                 Continued on Page 7

VETERAN LEGISLATION/NEWS

VETERANS' EMERGENCY CARE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2009

     "For veterans with limited insurance, a trip to the emergency room should not result in financial ruin," said Chairman Akaka (Veterans Committee), who introduced the bill in the Senate last year. "With this new law, VA will be positioned to help veterans who are enrolled in VA care whose insurance does not cover the full cost of emergency treatment." The Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act, signed into law by President Obama recently, will enable the Department of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans enrolled in VA health care for the remaining cost of emergency treatment if the veteran has outside insurance that only covers part of the cost. Previously, VA could reimburse veterans or pay outside hospitals directly only if a veteran has no outside health insurance.
     In addition to reimbursing veterans for emergency care in the future, the bill allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide retroactive reimbursements for care received prior to the passage of this bill. Akaka has received correspondence from veterans who were unable to receive financial assistance under the previous rules, and plans to share their information with Secretary Shinseki.
     The Congressional budget Office estimates that this legislation will cover approximately 700 future claims per year and as many as 2,000 veterans retroactively.

NEW TRICARE HANDBOOK AVAILABLE

The new TRICARE Standard and Extra handbook is now available to all TRICARE Standard beneficiaries. The 68page handbook includes information on accessing routine, urgent and emergency care, as well as TRICARE's prior authorization and referral requirements. The "TRICARE Standard Handbook: Your Guide to Using TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra" is available now on the www.tricare.mil/standardhandbook TRICARE Smart Site.

PROSTHETICS FOR HAITI VICTIMS

Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, Physicians for Peace and Heather Mills are proud to tem up for a nationwide prosthetic limb drive. Please bring your older or used prosthetic limbs to a Hanger's patient care center and Hangers will ship them directly to Physicians for Peace for fitting on the tens of thousands of new amputees in Haiti. Only prosthetic limbs can be accepted at Hanger patient care centers. If you would like to donate wheelchairs, crutches, braces, etc. please contact Physicians for Peace directly at 757-625-7569. The Hanger locations in this area can be found on the Hanger website at www.hanger.com or call the office if you do not have computer access.

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.

THE CAPITAL VETERAN..........FEBRUARY, 2010........Page 4

ACTIVITIES/EVENTS COMING UP

AVVA NEWS

     Can you believe it? It's already near the end of February - time sure flies when you're busy, and we certainly have enough to keep us busy with all of the activity at the VVA500 Hall.
     I only had a few responses from AVVA members, so I'm taking the bull by the horns, and setting the AVVA Brain Storming meeting for Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 6:30PM. Please bring your ideas, suggestions, and comments.
     Any VVA member that would like to attend is also gratefully welcomed, as your ideas and input would be beneficial. Remember , as VVA members accept AVVA members as part of the Chapter, we don't want to exclude them from any activity we do...
     If you cannot make it to the meeting, e-mail me at vetsunny@aol.com or call the Hall with your ideas.
     Let's get together, and do good things for all Warriors...
                                                              Your AVVA rep, Tina

WHAT'S COMING UP???

DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM
CARE PACKAGE DONATION DRIVE

     Support your troops by bringing items that will be used to make and send care packages. Non-perishable food items are needed as well as toiletries.
     Cash donations are also accepted and will be used to pay the postage for shipping the care packages.
Date: Friday, February 12 - 6AM to 7PM
            Saturday, February 13 - 7AM to 5PM
Where: Cal Expo - 1600 Exposition Blvd. - Sacramento
Information: cadefendersoffreedom@yahoo.co
     You can see the most needed or wanted items for the care packages listed at the website: www.defendersoffreedom-ca.us
     The Defenders of Freedom collect and send items year round to our Troops.

THE FORGOTTEN SOLDIER PROGRAM PRESENTS ANOTHER "GET YOUR LIFE BACK" PROGRAM

The Healing Light Institute presents another retreat for all Veterans, their families and all nurses who have served our country. The event will provide services both physical and mental and a day of healing. Lunch will be provided and the homeless veterans will be provided with food baskets.
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010
Time: 10AM to 5PM
Where: VFW Post 6158 - 8990 Kruitof Way - Fair Oaks
For Information: 530-889-2300

VVA500 HALL SCHEDULE

►►Office hours are: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. 10-4PM.
                                           Wednesdays - Noon - 5:30PM
►►Wednesdays - Ping-Pong 1PM-3:30PM - Don Harper will be ready and waiting for anyone who wants a game.
►►Wednesdays - Vet Center Counseling - 3:30PM-5:30PM - Group - Individual Counseling, first come first served or call the office for an appointment.
►►Thursdays 10-2PM - File Claims or develop your claim for filing.
►►Thursdays 5-9PM - 1st and Third Thursdays of each month, will be movie night. Next movie nights will be: February 18 and March 4. Main movie on March 4th will be "ZULU".
     We will be tallying up the surveys and announcing additional planned activities soon. Thanks to those who sent theirs in.
     Of course you are always open to come into the Hall on the days that we are open to work on puzzles, play games, watch TV, movies, do some volunteer work, etc.
    GOOD NEWS! The chapter has restocked our pins, patches, decals, etc. All will be on sale beginning at the February 16th meeting. The pins and patches will all be $4.00 each, the decals will be $2.00. Come a little early and check out the inventory.

SPECIAL EVENTS - BE THERE!!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

     Make sure you look at this date and the details because tradition has changed for the parade. The most important it is NOT on St. Patrick's Day. Here is the information:
Date: Saturday, March 13.
Time: Assembly begins at 11AM - Parade starts at 1PM.
            VVA500 Participants please arrive no later than Noon.
Assembly area: Neasham and Front St. near the Crocker Art Museum. Parade will start from 2nd St. & Neasham in Old Sacramento. Parade route will bring you back to the assembly area.
    We will need the color guard for this event, so color guard members please let the office know if you will be participating.
     There will be vehicles for those who cannot walk.
     Plan on spending a fun day in Old Sac. There will be a festival from noon-6PM taking place featuring Irish music, dancing, food, a green beer garden and vendors peddling Celtic wares.

WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

The official WHVVD in the state of California is Tuesday, March 30. VVA500 will be celebrating the day on Saturday, March 27. We will have a ceremony at Noon at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and then carry on the celebration as tradition dictates at the Bunker, the Torch Club at 1:30PM. Texas West Barbeque food will be waiting there for $10. a plate collected at the door. More details coming next month.

THE CAPITOL VETERAN...............FEBRUARY 2010........Page 5

VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
Sacramento Valley’s Chapter 500
P.O. Box 255484
Sacramento, CA 95865
916-481-6020 – vva500@sbcglobal.net
www.norcaltrav.com/vva500.htm

Membership is open to Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. military (for other than training purposes) between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975 (in-country Vietnam), or between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975, for Vietnam-era veterans. All others whether veterans, active duty, and those wishing to support the organization may become AVVA members, Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America members.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

ATTENTION: New members and new life members (other than AVVA members) must submit a copy of your DD214 along with this application and dues payment.

Name:________________________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________________________

City:_______________________________State:______________Zip:___________

Home Phone:____________________Work Phone:________________________

E-Mail Address:______________________________________________________

Date of Birth:____________________M____________F_____________________

Chapter Number: 500 Sponsor:___________________________________

Type of Membership:

_____Individual Member - 1 Year: $20.00
_____Individual Member - 3 years: $50.00
_____Life Member – Ages 49 and Under: $250.00
_____Life Member – Ages 50-55: $225.00
_____Life Member – Ages 56-60: $200.00
_____Life Member – Ages 61-65: $175.00
_____Life Member – Ages 66+: $150.00
_____Optional Time Payment plan - $50. down, $25. per month
_____AVVA Membership (all dues are the same as above)

Payment Method:_____Check_____Money Order_____Credit Card
        Card Number:__________________________________________________
        Exp. Date:______________________________________________________
        Signature:______________________________________________________

THE CAPITOL VETERAN...............FEBRUARY, 2010.......Page 6

PRESS RELEASE 2/1/10

GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER APPOINTS BRIGADIER GENERAL MARY J. KIGHT ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD

     Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of Brigadier General Mary J. Kight as the first female adjutant general of the CA National Guard and first African-American female National Guard adjutant general in the nation. He also thanked General William H. Wade II for his years of dedicated service.
     "Brigadier General Mary Kight is a proven courageous, loyal and honorable leader. She has a long and distinguished history of service to our state and nation and I am proud to have her as the first female adjutant general of our military forces here in California." said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I am confident that with General Kight's leadership, the California National Guard will continue to be fully prepared, standing ready and able to assist our local communities and our country when called upon in times of emergency."
     General Kight has served the California National Guard for nearly 25 years. She has been assistant adjutant general since 2006 and previously held the positions of assistant adjutant general, air for the California National Guard Headquarters from 2004-2006, 201st Mission Support Squadron detachment commander for all members on Title 10 from 2001-2004, 144th Mission Support Group commander in Fresno from 1999 to 2004 and first aircraft generation squadron commander for the 144th Fighter Wing from 1994 to 1998. Prior to that Kight was an aircraft maintenance officer from 1990 to 1994, a field maintenance officer from 1987 to 1990 and an avionics maintenance officer from 1984-1987. She was a wing executive officer for the Nebraska Air National Guard from 1981-1984 and served the U.S. Air Force from1974-1981.
     "I whole-heartedly share in the Governor's commitment to public safety and ensuring that our armed forces are well-trained and equipped to provide support and assistance here in California and abroad at a moment's notice," said General Kight. "I am honored to take on this new position serving the California National Guard as adjutant general and I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to uphold California's military forces' outstanding legacy of service.
     General Kight, 59, of Sacramento, earned a Master of Strategic Studies from Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, a Master of Science degree in human resources management fro Gonzaga University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in social welfare from California State University, Chico and an Associate of Arts degree in general studies from Monterey Peninsula College. She also graduated from Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War college. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $180, 201. Kight is a Republican.
                               Continued in the next column.............

KIGHT, PRESS RELEASE, CONT.

     The Governor also thanked General William H. Wade II for his years of dedicated service to the California National Guard as he transitions to his newly selected position as deputy chief of staff for operations, Joint Forces Command-Naples, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Response Force, Naples Italy.
     "Major General Wade has been an exceptional leader of the California National Guard, working to keep our state and nation safe and our men and women in uniform trained for success," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "On behalf of all Californians, I thank Major General Wade for his service to our state and extend my best wishes for an exciting and fulfilling future as he represents and serves our country with NATO.
     The Military Department is responsible for the command, leadership and management of the California Army and Air National Guard whose purpose is to provide military service support to California as well as the nation. The California National Guard protects the public safety of the people of California by providing military support to civil authorities during natural disasters and other emergencies, and provides support to the local communities. These services are provided through 118 armories, four Air National Guard air bases and four Army Aviation flight facilities located throughout California. The California National Guard is the largest National Guard force in the United States, with an assigned strength of approximately 16, 606 Army National Guard and 4, 757 Air National Guard members. Of these 21, 363 men and women, 1,975 are currently deployed and since September 11, 2001, more than 32,440 California National Guard personnel have been deployed both at home and abroad.
►►►Chapter Note: We were honored and proud to have Brigadier General Kight as our guest speaker for the "Reading of the Names" in 2008.
     We also want to thank Major General Wade for his years of his excellent service to the Guard and California we wish him success in his new position at NATO.
     Our Congratulations to both Brigadier General Kight and Major General Wade!!
     We also would like to thank all members of the California National Guard for keeping California safe and answering the call to serve wherever and whenever needed.

Brigadier General Mary J. Kight

BLUE WATER CLAIMS, CONT.

►►USS Mahan (DLG) [Guided Missile Frigate] [Operated on Saigon River Oct 24-28, 1964]
►►USS Okanogan (APA-220) [Attack Transport] Operated on Saigon River Jul 22-23, 29-30, 1968 and Aug 5-6, 1968
►►USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) [Combat Stores Ship] [Unloaded supplies on Saigon River and Cam Rahn Bay, Apr 22-25, 1968] Also, Cam Rahn Bay is a qualifying location for "inland waterway" service.
There may be more ships that qualify for this presumptive exposure. If you served on a ship that entered the inland waterways of Vietnam and it is not listed here, contact navy@bluewater.org with as much detail as possible so they can provide this information to the DVA for processing and inclusion in their data base.
From the RAO and the Compensation & Pension Service Bulletin - January 2010 Policy 211.

2010 SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

     Our requirements for the $500. Scholarship Awards have changed. Here are the new requirements:
►►1. MUST be a dependent or relative as such of a Vietnam Era Veteran (Jan 1, 1959 - May 7, 1975). The relative may be a spouse, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, nephew or niece. A Vietnam Veteran may also apply for the scholarship.
►►2. MUST provide a copy of the Veteran's DD214 or submit other proof of military service.
►►3. MUST submit a copy of their paid registration to an accredited school, college, or university.
►►4. MUST submit record of grade point average from last school attended. If not available, call VVA500 for instructions.
►►5. MUST submit a paragraph on what their educational and career goals are.
►►6. All required information must be submitted to the above address or by e-mail as above by July 1, 2010, or postmarked by July 1, 2010. Recipients of the scholarships will be notified by July 31st. The Scholarships will be awarded at the CA State Fair Armed Forces/First Responders Day for 2010.
►►Previous recipients of VVA500 scholarships are eligible to apply again.
     Any questions, please contact VVA500 at the above address, e-mail or phone. All winning names, educational and career goals will be published in the VVA500 newsletter.
     See the details for the Sarah Bonnifield Scholarship on Page 8.

HEALTH SCREENING HINTS
from the RAO Bulletin/Army Echoes

As you age, being aware of issues related to health becomes more important. Several illnesses appear more frequently with increasing age. For example, illnesses like high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, high blood cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and some types of cancer. Screening is done to find a condition (or risk factor) in a person who has no signs or symptoms of that condition. The goal of screening is to identify conditions early. Treatment works better during an early state of a condition. Guidance for screening varies, depending on age, gender, past medical history, family history and other factors. Talk with your health care team about the screening tests that are recommended for you. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has studied the effectiveness of screening and suggested the following tests and immunizations:
►►Blood pressure for High Blood Pressure, also known as Hypertension - At least every two years.
►►Lipid profile for High Cholesterol, also known as Hyperlipidemia - Every 5 years. May need to be more often if already diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease.
►►Blood glucose for High Blood Sugar, also known as Diabetes - Periodically in patients with blood pressure of 135/80 or higher.
►►Weight for being more than 20 pounds overweight also known as Obesity - Periodically.
►►Bone mineral density for lost of bone health, also known as Osteoporosis - At least once in all women at age 65, May need to screen at age 60 if a increased risk for osteoporosis.
►►Ultrasound for Abdominal Aortic Aneurism Screening (for Alcohol Use and Depression) - Once in men ages 65-75 who have never smoked.
►►Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (or Colorectal Cancer - Annually for persons age 50-75.
►►Sigmoidoscopy or colorectal Cancer - Every 5 years.
►►Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer - Every 10 years.
►►Mammogram for Breast Cancer - Every 1-2 years.
►►Pap Smear for Cervical Cancer - At least every 3 years, stopping at age 65 is previous Pap Smears normal
►►Influenza Vaccine - Annually
►►Pneumonia Vaccine - Once at age 65. May be recommended earlier for persons at increased risk of complications of pneumonia.
►►Shingles Vaccine - Once at age 60 or later for most people
►►Tetanus Vaccine - Every 10 Years.

WENDY VAN HOUTEN, ARMY ONESOURCE WAS THE SPEAKER FOR OUR JANUARY MEETING. SHE IS TALKING HERE WITH BOARD MEMBER MONTY MONTOYA.

THINKING ABOUT FILING A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION FOR SERVICE CONNECTION OR OTHER VA BENEFITS???
     Here are some tips: If you need help learning about VA programs or with a VA application process, it is recommended you work with an approved Veterans Service Organization (VSO). It's their job to help you at no cost. To find a VSO go to VA's Directory of Veterans Service Organizations on the VA site: www.va.gov. You can also check with your state VA department and your state's network of county veteran service officers.
     If someone approaches you to help with a VA application, claim, or appeal, check to see if they are a VSO. Chances are they won't be because VSOs don't solicit for your business, you have to find them. There are a few organizations which use the front of helping with VA benefits as a way to meet prospective customers. These groups solicit for your business. They offer to get you money from the VA for long term care cost, assisted living, or survivor benefits. Tread lightly around these offers. On the surface they appear to be legitimate but if not, it could wind up costing you time and money in the long run. Some things to look for are: ►►Organizations having at their base, a financial services firm.
►►Organization that are not an official Veteran Service Organization (VSO). VSOs are chartered by the VA to act as official VA representative for members on VA matters.
►►Organizations wanting to help in an area that is not their core business.
►►Inability to get a satisfactory answer about how they make their money.
►►The motive behind a financial service firm's interest in helping you with issues that get them nothing in return. The process, bureaucracy and time involved in helping vets with VA programs is substantial. Also, helping with some VA programs provides access to a veteran's complete financial information.
                     continued in the next column.....

BEWARE OF SOME TRYING TO HELP WITH VETERANS BENEFITS, CONT.

The information in the previous column was from an MOAA Financial Frontlines article.
Recently we have received just received information regarding certain financial firms offering to provide the help to veterans to receive aid and attendance benefits. In the past with this type of help, the help with the veteran benefits is combined along with other services of the firm and then there is a cost. Always beware of offers as it says in the article where a financial based business firm offers to do something not in their field.

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 t meeting, or contact him at 916-791-6705, or e-mail: doublekayak@yahoo.com. The Penguin website is: www.penguinpaddlers.com.

                                    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 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 in the corner.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
♫♫♫Walt Williams - AVVA-Vet♫♫♫Robert Condit, Jr. - Navy♫♫♫Dennis Whitt - Army♫♫♫Gregory McNeill - Marines♫♫♫John Steelman - Air Force♫♫♫James Farmer - Army♫♫♫Kris Hollinger - AVVA♫♫♫James Bryant - Air Force♫♫♫Little Red Brookshire - AVVA♫♫♫Dennis Lightfoot - Army♫♫♫Henry Moos - Army♫♫♫Michael Slater - Marines♫♫♫William "Easy" Smith - Army♫♫♫George Vargas - Army♫♫♫Rebecca Martin - AVVA♫♫♫ and a December one we missed...Dr.Manual Roman♫♫♫

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.

CALL 1-866-241-8387 FOR PICK-UP OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AND CLOTHING. FUNDS RECEIVED GO TO SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS!

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