Jan-Feb 2006

Remember In Memory of Bill Wolf

Chapter Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, 7PM - November 15, 2005 - Presentation of the CERT Program
ROSEVILLE MEMORIAL HALL, Royer Park ***AWARD WINNING NEWSLETTER***

CAPITOL CITY
VETERAN

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

"We remember!" JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2006 "Be Proud"

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

     From November through December, it’s been a busy time for all of us personally and for the Chapter. We participated in the Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade and this year it didn’t rain so we were able to stay dry. Then on November 12, we put together a great unit and participated in the VAC Veterans Day Parade. Thanks to everyone for the decorated vehicles, Diana Titus for singing along the way, the Nor-Cal Young Marines. It definitely was a great entry, because we tied for 1^st place in the Veterans Category. After the parade, we gathered at the Bunker. By the way, thanks to Steve Rivera for making that great chili. When December rolled around, the Chapter enjoyed a great Christmas party at Bill Wagner’s house. Thanks to Bill and Amy. The American Legion in Roseville also deserves a big thank-you for hosting a Christmas party at the Roseville Hall.
     It’s been a good year for Chapter 500 and I’ve enjoyed being your President. I know 2006 will be even better. My best wishes to all of you for a great 2006.
                                                   Your President, Ted Adams

NEWSLETTER NOTES
You will notice a few changes for the newsletter. The most significant will be that it will now be a bi-monthly publication. The reason for this is funding. The Chapter’s main source of income is collections for the National Household Goods Program. VVA’s California State Council has decided to initiate a VVA Veterans Service Officer Program for the State. This can be good, if it is actually accomplished. However, in order to fund this program, the Chapters are receiving significantly less funding for Chapter programs. Chapter 500 is receiving approximately only a third of what we have received in the past. This of course has put quite a crimp in our budget for our own plans. Therefore the Board voted at the last meeting to save some money by making the newsletter a bi-monthly publication. This will create a problem for events and notices that will come up after publication so get your e-mail addresses updated or send them in if we don’t have them, so you can be notified if things come up between newsletters.

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL MEETING
January 17, 2006

Time: 7PM
Place: Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall
                      (Directions are on Page 10)
Speaker: Hank Davis, member of the VVA500 Veterans Services
                   Committee
     Hank will update the members on what services are available to Veterans at Mather Hospital. Many changes have been made recently in the system. Come and hear what services you may be able to take advantage of. Packages on many of the new services/changes will be available at the meeting.

GENERAL MEETING
February 21, 2006

Time: 7PM
Place: Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall
Speaker: VA Rating Specialist
The claims process can be a daunting project for the Veteran. We will have a VA Rating Specialist explaining the adjudication process at this meeting. Currently the VA office on Old Placerville Rd. is being updated to accommodate 19 Service Officers and 22 Rating Specialists. A Veteran from the Northern California area will be able to file a claim in this office and it will be rated in the same place. This should speed up the process somewhat. This means that no longer will the claims go to Oakland from this area. At this point, claims that come from here and are sent to Oakland are coming back here to Sacramento. At the time of filing a claim the power of attorney can be assigned to the Service Organization of the Veteran's choice. If none is chosen at that time, if an appeal is necessary, the VA will assist the Veteran in assigning the Veteran the Service Organization. However, keep in mind, depending on the situation, an appeal may not be the ideal way to pursue the claim because of the time factor involved.
Fully understanding the adjudication process can really help you when filing your claim. Attend this meeting to save you time and effort later.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN.........JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2006....Page 2

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
PTSD

     We’ve been told that the review of existing PTSD claims is over. And that is true for now. However, recently we received the following information. It appears that VA Secretary Nicholson will be attempting to rewrite the definition of PTSD as well as treatment and compensation. In November, Senator Larry Craig, (R-ID), Secretary of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs issued the following Press release:
       CRAIG SUPPORTS REVIEW BY INSTITUTE OF
                             MEDICINE ON PTSD
November 16, 2005
(Washington, DC) A review to ensure the accurate diagnosis, treatment and compensation of individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has gained the support of U.S. Senator Larry Craig, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
     “Many who return from the War on Terror, while not troubled in body, may be troubled in mind. An accurate diagnosis of their condition is the cornerstone of effective treatment, and effective treatment is what places them on the path to recovery.” Craig said.
     The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it has contracted with the Institutes of Medicine on a two-pronged approach to the examination of PTSD.
   Under the agreement, one IOM committee will be established to review the current scientific and medical literature related to the assessment of PTSD and how accurate the current screening instruments are. Another IOM committee will provide technical assistance on issues related to treatment, prognosis, and compensation of PTSD.
   The Institutes of Medicine is a part of the National Academies, which include the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Research Council. They are private, nonprofit institutions which provide science, technology, and health policy advice under a congressional charter.
    The first committee will take six months to complete its tasks. The second committee, whose meetings will be open to the public and will accept public input, will take one year for its assignments. Information about how to provide comments on those activities will be posted on the National Academies of Science (of which the IOM is a member) website, located at http://www.national-academies.org.
     “The bottom line is that we want to help veterans get the help, treatment and just compensation they need. I applaud Secretary Nicholson for having the foresight to request this independent review that will inform the decisions of policy makers for years to come.” Craig said.
     Note: We will need to keep a close watch on the progress of these committees so that those who suffer from PTSD are not penalized by a lack of government concern or reluctance to compensate those Veterans who have served and need assistance through counseling and compensation. The next column has the fact sheet that details the study.
     For those with internet capabilities, an interesting site is available with a voluminous amount of information regarding the Veterans Administration. Go to: www.vawatchdog.org.

FACT SHEET FOR NEW PTSD STUDY

VA CONTRACT WITH THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE

TO REVIEW POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS, AND COMPENSATION

The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs has requested that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) conduct a review of PTSD. The IOM will provide the VA with current information that might inform VA policy as it relates to PTSD diagnosis, treatment and compensation.
To accomplish this task, IOM will convene two separate committees to examine the peer-reviewed literature on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One committee will review the current scientific and medical literature related to the assessment of PTSD and the validity of screening instruments used to diagnosis PTSD (Task 1). A second committee will provide technical assistance on issues related to treatment, prognosis, and compensation of PTSD (Task 2). Where relevant, recommendations will be made that provide the scientific basis for future policy decisions.

Task 1: Specifically related to the assessment and diagnosis of PTSD, the committee will review and comment on the objective measures used in the diagnosis of PTSD and known risk factors for the development of PTSD. The committee will review the utility and objectiveness of the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), and will comment on the validity of current screening instruments and their predictive capacity for accurate diagnoses. Task 1 is expected to be completed within six months.

Task 2: A second committee will review the literature on various treatment modalities (including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy) and treatment goals for individuals with PTSD. Specifically, the committee will review the literature on best treatment practices, types and timing of specific interventions, and comment on the prognosis of individuals diagnosed with PTSD (and existing comorbidities). The committee will review the literature on compensation practices for PTSD including examining the criteria for establishing severity of PTSD as published in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD); evaluating the basis for assigning a specific level of compensation to specific severity levels and how changes in the frequency and intensity of symptoms affect compensation practices for PTSD; assessing how compensation practices and reevaluation requirements for PTSD compare with other chronic conditions which have periods of remission and return of symptoms; and reviewing strategies used to support recovery and return to function in patients with PTSD. The IOM expects that the second committee will complete its task in 12 months.

Continued on Page 6…Background on IOM and the National Academy of Sciences and a Question and Answer Session Re: the Study

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2006.........Page 3

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

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

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISER

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Rebels With A Cause
Where your journey of a lifetime begins.....

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

Proud producers of the Capital To Capital
Ride Across America!

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CA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL UPDATE

Plans are being coordinated with the CSU Memorial Fund for replacing the drainage by Jeremiah Pools. Permits are being applied for. Holidays and vacations have slowed up the process a bit, but completion is anticipated for the near future.

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

HavensPort
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Free Dinner Event for those 55 & older.
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9700 Business Park Dr., Suite 102, Sacramento, CA 95827
916-362-4107

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................JANUARY, 2006........Page 4

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
1 Happy New Year!	2	3 VVA500 Board Meeting	4	5	6	7 Nor Cal Young Marines Training
8 Operation Cedar Falls Began-1967	9	10	11 VAC Meeting	12	13	14
15	16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Marine Corps League #940 Meeting	17 VVA500 General Meeting	18	19	20 Battle of Khe Sanh Began - 1968	21 Nor Cal Young Marines Training Purple Heart Meeting
22	23	24	25	26	27 Signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord - 1973	28
29 Chinese New Year	30 Tet Offensive Began - 1968	31 Battle of Hue Began - 1968

FEBRUARY, 2006

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
			1	2	3	4 Nor Cal Young Marine Training
5	6	7 VVA500 Board Meeting	8 VAC Meeting	9	10	11
12 Lincoln's Birthday Operation Homecoming Began - 1973	13	14 Valentine's Day	15	16	17	18 Nor Cal Young Marine Training Purple Heart Meeting
19	20 President's Day Marine Corps League #940 Meeting	21 VVA500 General Meeting	22 Washington's Birthday Operation Junction City Began - 1967	23 Post-Tet Offensive Began - 1969	24	25
26	27	28

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

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2006........Page 5

COMMUNITY ISSUES
ABUSES IN THE STATE CONSERVATORSHIP SYSTEM

     On December 12, the Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committees met in a rare joint hearing to review deficiencies in the state's conservatorship system documented by the Los Angeles Times in a recent four part series. The hearings were chaired by Assembly Member Dave Jones (D-Sac) and Senator Joe Dunn (D-Orange Cty).
     "The recent series of articles by the Los Angeles Times reveals major deficiencies in the state's conservatorship system which is supposed to provide protection for seniors, the mentally disabled and others who cannot take care of themselves, "Assemblyman Jones said. "We need immediate and comprehensive reforms to a system where some conservators are routinely abusing the people placed in their care."
     Noting the importance of the hearing, Senator Dunn stated that: "It is simply reprehensible that California's conservatorship system, designed to protect our frail seniors is failing so many of them. This hearing is a great opportunity or us to learn how we can better protect them."
     The Los Angeles Times' recent our-part series "Guardians for Profit" tells the alarming story of a system, originally designed to protect vulnerable adults from fraud and abuse, that is not only failing to protect them, but, in fact, may well be contributing to their abuse. The list of reported abuses is long and disturbing. The Times' articles include stories of conservators who misuse the system and get themselves appointed inappropriately and then either steal or mismanage the money their conservatees spent a lifetime earning: public guardians who do not have the resources to help truly needy individuals, leaving them poor, alone and at risk of severe harm - to try and fend for themselves; probate courts which do not provide adequate oversight to catch the abuse; and a system that provide a place for those in need to turn to for help.
Note: If you now of any such abuse as above, it should be reported to your local authorities. Legislation is being formulated to correct the flaws in the system.

REPORT FROM WASHINGTON D.C.

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-5) announced that Sacramento will receive $4.1 million in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. This includes $2.6 million to finish the cleanup of what was the former McClellan Air Force base sewer system, as well as $1.5 million for economic development in Rancho Cordova.

"This funding is an investment in Sacramento's economy," stated Matsui. "Because of this funding, critical progress will be made on converting McClellan, the former Air Force base, into a successful business park. With the replacement of the sewer system, we will be able to redevelop and reuse this land in addition to creating jobs." Cont. next column......

AFTER ACTION REPORT

11/5 - Several Chapter members attended the annual American GI Forum Awards Dinner.
11/10 - Secretary McNeill, Mike Slater...attended the unveiling o the new Marine Corp stamps.
11/10 - Several Chapter members celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday y attending the Marine Corps League #940 Marine Corps Ball.
11/11 - Several Chapter members marched in the Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade.
11/12 Several Chapter members marched in the Sacramento Veterans Day Parade. Our unit included The Nor-Cal Young Marines of which the Chapter is a sponsor. Chapter 500 tied for first place in the Veterans Category.
11/15 - The Chapter General Meeting was held. A presentation was made by Betty Taylor of the CERT program. This program trains teams for response in case of emergencies in the community.
12/3-4 - Secretary McNeill attended the quarterly CSC meeting a Chapter Delegate t the CSC.
12/6 - VVA500 Board Meeting was held.
12/10 - VVA500 Christmas party held.
12/13 - Members attended the VAC meeting.
12/15 - Members attended the Christmas party at the Roseville Hall hosted by the American Legion of Roseville.
12/19 - Secretary McNeill attended the Marine Corps League Meeting.

FUNDS FROM THE FEDS, cont.

     The $2.6 million dollars in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill will fund disposal of Air Force contaminated soil, pipe and materials associated with Sacramento County's replacement of the 60 year-old sewer system on the former McClellan Air Force Base. Once cleanup is completed Sacramento will be able to better utilize McClellan Park.
     Also included in the Bill was $1.5 million to support the design and development of equipment by a Rancho Cordova company, which will better coordinate troop and equipment movement in the battlefield - improving efficiency - for the movement in the battlefield - improving efficiency - for the Department of Defense. The company is developing a system to improve our military's field performance. This funding will directly support the economic development and job creation in the Rancho Cordova community.
     Concluded Matsui, "Through innovation, a Rancho Cordova business has created a system that ill allow our troops to be safer when they are on the front lines. I am pleased that we will also advance the revitalization of Rancho Cordova with a federal investment in this defense system. Rancho Cordova has made huge strides to build and grow their economy and it is because of companies like this that the city will continue to thrive."
     Funding was included in the conference report for the FY "06 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, which has been approved by both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The report will now go to the President to be signed into law.

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THE CAPITAL VETERAN............JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2006........Page 6

PTSD.....continued

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is a nonprofit organization chartered in 1970 as a component of the National Academy of Sciences. IOM’s mission is to provide advice on matters of biomedical science, medicine, and health.

The IOM provides a vital service by working outside the framework of government to ensure scientifically informed analysis and independent guidance. The IOM's mission is to serve as adviser to the nation to improve health. The Institute provides unbiased, evidence-based, and authoritative information and advice concerning health and science policy to policy-makers, professionals, leaders in every sector of society, and the public at large.

The congressional charter mentioned above places the IOM in a unique role. Beyond that, the IOM process establishes it as an independent body, with its use of unpaid volunteer experts who author most reports. Each report must go through the IOM/NRC institutional process, assuring a rigorous and formal peer review process, a requirement that findings and recommendations be evidence-based whenever possible and noted as expert opinion where that is not possible. Because the IOM is not a governmental organization, experts and committees have a greater variety of options to conduct the studies. In particular, although many meetings are open to the public, the committee may deliberate among themselves, and is not obligated to conduct all their work in a public forum.

The National Academy of Sciences was created by the federal government to be an adviser on scientific and technological matters. However, the Academy and its associated organizations (e.g., the Institute of Medicine) are private, non-governmental, organizations and do not receive direct federal appropriations for their work. Studies undertaken for the government by the Academy complex usually are funded out of appropriations made available to federal agencies. Most of the studies carried out by the Academy complex are at the request of government agencies.

Office of the Under Secretary for Health (10)

Contact: Louise Van Diepen, MS, CGP

(202) 273-5878

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON IOM PTSD STUDY

Question:

Why does VA need this study?

Answer:

The study will provide VA with the best information available on the diagnosis, treatment, and compensation for PTSD. This information will provide VA with the best foundation for the formulation of policy as it relates to PTSD.

Question:

Why is this study being conducted now?

Answer:

Over the next two years, the Secretary and the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission is closely examining compensation for all health conditions, including PTSD.

Continued next column………

PTSD STUDY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question:

Does the decision to study PTSD now have anything to do with the Secretary’s recent decision to audit certain PTSD compensation claims?

Answer:

The decision to contract with IOM to study PTSD is independent of the VA’s decision to audit certain PTSD compensation claims. VA’s audit is directly related to recent results of an audit performed by the Office of the Inspector General.

Question:

How will IOM conduct the study?

Answer:

One committee will review the current scientific and medical literature related to the assessment of PTSD and the validity of screening instruments used to diagnosis PTSD (Task 1). A second committee will provide technical assistance on issues related to treatment, prognosis, and compensation of PTSD (Task 2). Where relevant, recommendations will be made that provide the scientific basis for future policy decisions.

Question:

Will IOM undertake this using a Committee process?

Answer:

Yes. IOM will use two Committees to complete the tasks. IOM will use the existing committee on Gulf War and Health: Physiologic, Psychologic, and Psychosocial Effects of Deployment Related Stress to complete the first task related to diagnosis and validity of diagnostic instruments. This Committee should complete its task within 6 months.

A second IOM committee of approximately 12 experts will meet four times during a 12 month period to complete the 2^nd task related to the treatment and compensation for PTSD.

Question:

Is there opportunity for public input?

Answer:

Yes. The first meeting of the 2^nd Committee will be open to the public, the sponsor will review the study tasks for the committee and allow discussion to clarify aspects of the implied tasks not explicitly stated in the written study tasks, Veteran Service Organizations will also be invited to attend this open meeting. During subsequent open meetings, the committee will hear from experts both in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) about how PTSD cases are adjudicated and learn about VA compensation policies and practices. The committee will hold at least one meeting where veterans and veteran service organizations/associations can make presentations about how their PTSD has been managed by the VA. Emphasis here will be on understanding attitudes about care and compensation.

Continued on Page 7……………….

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2006........Page 7

PTSD STUDY – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONT.

In order to afford the public greater knowledge of Academy activities and an opportunity to provide comments on those activities, the Academy will post on its website (http://www.national-academies.org.) the following information as appropriate under its procedures: (1) notices of meetings open to the public; (2) brief descriptions of projects; (3) committee appointments (including biographies of committee members); (4) report information; and (5) any other pertinent information.

Question:

What will IOM look at in terms of PTSD diagnosis?

Answer:

Specifically related to the assessment and diagnosis of PTSD, the first committee will review and comment on the objective measures used in the diagnosis of PTSD and known risk factors for the development of PTSD. The committee will review the utility and objectiveness of the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), and will comment on the validity of current screening instruments and their predictive capacity for accurate diagnoses. Task 1 is expected to be completed within six months.

Question:

What will IOM look at in terms of the treatment and compensation for PTSD?

Answer:

A second committee will review the literature on various treatment modalities (including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy) and treatment goals for individuals with PTSD. Specifically, the committee will review the literature on best treatment practices, types and timing of specific interventions, and comment on the prognosis of individuals diagnosed with PTSD (and existing comorbidities). The committee will review the literature on compensation practices for PTSD including examining the criteria for establishing severity of PTSD as published in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD); evaluating the basis for assigning a specific level of compensation to specific severity levels and how changes in the frequency and intensity of symptoms affect compensation practices for PTSD; assessing how compensation practices and reevaluation requirements for PTSD compare with other chronic conditions which have periods of remission and return of symptoms; and reviewing strategies used to support recovery and return to function in patients with PTSD. The IOM expects that the second committee will complete its task in 12 months

Question:

Will reports be published?

Answer:

A final written report and oral presentation will be provided to VA at the end of the study period for each of the two tasks. Reports will be prepared in sufficient quantity to ensure their distribution to the sponsor and other relevant parties in accordance with Academy policy. ►►►

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONT.

The reports and report summaries will be made available to the public without restriction. The final report will also be available in Open Book format on the web without restriction.

Question:

How much will the study cost?

Answer:

The study will cost $1,386,411

Question:

Why can’t VA do the study if VHA’s clinicians are expert in PTSD?

Answer:

For those with Internet Access, an interesting site is available with a voluminous amount of information regarding the Veterans Administration. You can visit it at:

www.vawtchdog.org.

RECEIVED IN E-MAIL

CARJACKING WARNING:
   You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car, and get inside. You start the engine and shift into REVERSE, You look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space and you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window.
    You shift into PARK, unlock your doors, jump out of your car and walk to the rear to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car that is when the car-jackers appear out of no where, jump into your car and take off! Your engine was running and they practically mow you down as they speed off in your car.
    Guess what ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car...
BE AWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED. Just drive away. Remove the paper that is stuck to your window later. Be thankful that you read this email. I hope you will forward this to friends and family... especially to women!
    A purse contains all of your identification, and you certainly do NOT want someonegetting your home address. They already HAVE your keys!

Lieutenant Tony Bartolome
Bureau of Investigations
Highway Patrol

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2006........Page 8

WILL YOU LEND A HAND???

As the New Year comes on, the Chapter Board, as we do each year looks at raising funds, so we can give out scholarships, support our Helping Hands fund, as well as other Veterans programs throughout Sacramento Valley. Not to mention our office which gives Veterans support throughout the year as well as our Chapter functions. The Chapter Board has come up with perhaps a new way of raising funds. During the American birthday 4th of July, we can sell fireworks. With a good location this can mean lot of funds for the Chapter. This is where you come in. During the 4th of July and the week prior to that we are looking for people to volunteer to help us man a fireworks stand, maybe no more than a couple of hours. The more volunteers we get, the less hours each volunteer will have to work, but we need your help! Look at your calendar talk it over with your family, see if you can give us a few hours. Contact us and let us know as soon as you possibly can. With the help of many, we can raise a good amount of money for the chapter. The office number is: 916-481-6020. Dates are: June 28 through July 4th. The hours are approximately 10AM to 10PM.
Your Secretary, Gregory McNeill

VIETNAM WAR VETERAN COINS
At one of our previous meetings, Jim Santianna brought a Vietnam War Veteran Coin for all to see and indicated that would pick up more if anyone would like one. Jim has picked up 10 more coins. They are really very nice coins with a lot of detail. On one side is the American Flag, and Vietnam Service Medals in color, and on the other is a map of Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia in Color. If you would like one of the coins, the cost is $6.00 if you come to a meeting to pick it up. If we need to mail it the cost will be $9.00. Send a check or money order to the office address on the back of the newsletter. Thanks, Jim for picking those up!

HEART ATTACK...AND YOU ARE ALONE!!!
You are tired, frustrated, stressed AND driving your car. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are miles from the nearest hospital. You don't know if you will be able to make it that far. What to do? Training in CPR won't help yourself. You have about 10 seconds before losing consciousness. Don't panic! Start coughing repeatedly and vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each. A breath and cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until you can receive help or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulation helping to gain normal rhythm. From the Journal of General Hospital - Rochester.

E-MAIL HINTS
HOW TO SEND A GROUP E-MAIL WITHOUT EVERYONE'S E- MAIL ADDRESS SHOWN ON THE E-MAIL....

In this day and age of attempting to protect privacy, there is a way to send group e-mails without having all of the e-mail addresses listed in the e-mail. Sometimes this can take up almost a whole page of the e-mail and makes all e-mail addresses vulnerable to copying. This method works for Outlook Express. There are probably similar methods available in other e-mail programs. Bring up "Create e-mail". In the "To" section, you can send it to yourself. Then right click on the "CC"section. Your e-mail contacts will come up. Scroll on down until you find the group you want to send your e-mail to. Highlight it then click on the "BCC" section. Click OK and then complete your subject and e-mail message. Your message will go to each person in your group without listing all of the others.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH
The first amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads as follows: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

In regard to the above....there seems to be quite a bit of controversy in regard as to who should be allowed to be in a Veterans Day Parade and who should not. While acting as the VAC Parade Chair, four groups came to me requesting to be in the Parade. These groups were: Yes, all of these groups are against the war in Iraq. However, many of those involved in the groups are either Veterans, families of Veterans, or Veterans that have fought in Iraq. They were told that they could be in the Parade as long as they understood, the Parade was to honor Veterans, not a demonstration, and that they could have their statement read at the Reviewing Stand. Arrangements were made that they would be removed from the parade had they not followed the rules. The groups behaved themselves and followed the rules. However, some individuals and/or Veteran Groups did not feel they should be in the parade at all. And while the "Peace" groups have their right to state how they feel, so does anyone else. Our servicemen and women have fought and are fighting for that right now. Just because personal opinions differ, it does not mean that one group/person or the other does not have a right to say what they think. In this case pitting Veterans and Veterans' families against each other is inexcusable. This issue came up at the recent Veterans Affiliated Council meeting. The VAC hosts the parade. There were those who sought to discriminate who could be in the parade. They felt that rules needed to be made as to who and who could not be in the parade. Since I feel this is discrimination and against our constitutional rights, I have informed the VAC that I resign as VAC Parade/Memorial Day Ceremony, Public Relations Chair.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2006........Page 9

VVA500 COLOR GUARD LEADS OUR PARADE UNIT

THE YOUNG MARINES PRESENT THEIR COLORS

BETTY TAYLOR FROM CERT EXPLAINS THE PROGRAM

MEMBERS ENJOY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT SAM'S CLUB ON EL CAMINO. FROM LEFT BETH AND MELANIE , ASSISTED THE VETERANS WHO ATTENDED

SECRETARY MCNEILL ACCEPTS A 1ST PLACE TROPHY FOR THE VETERANS DAY PARADE

SEVERAL VVA500 MEMBERS ATTENDING GATHER AROUND THE TABLE FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN............JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2006........Page 10

                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS: President: Ted Adams
                       Vice President: Robert Jordan
                       Secretary: Gregory McNeill
                       Treasurer: Dennis "Doc" Kauffman
CHAPTER ADDRESS: Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Chapter 500
                                            P.O. Box 255484
                                           Sacramento, CA 95865
TELEPHONE:                 916-481-6020
E-MAIL:                          vva500@sbcglobal.net
CHAPTER WEBSITE: www.norcaltrav.com/vva500.htm
FOR INFORMATION: Call or e-mail, Executive Director,
                                           Mary Lou McNeill
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS: Mail to Chapter address or e-mail information. Please send pictures in jpeg form.
VVA Chapter 500 is a non-profit organization, #68-0208305, CT#75945, United Way #12583. All donations to support our projects such as our Scholarship Fund, Helping Hands Fund, Events for Veterans, and Honor Guard will be gratefully appreciated. You may earmark your donation to the project you wish to support.
DIRECTIONS to the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall. From I-80. Take the Douglas West exit. Go to the third light which is Folsom Rd. Turn right, go to the second stop sign, which is Sutter, turn left, follow the curve, you will see a sign on the right and left that says "Royer Park", turn left there. You will immediately see the hall to the right and the parking lot. That's it. In the hall, from the main door, follow the VVA sign to the meeting room. When you leave, the street is one way, so you will go to the right. You will then come up to Douglas Blvd., left will go back to the freeway and whichever direction you need to go from there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY'S
December - Paul Flieger - Army♫♫♫Steven Fleck - Army♫♫♫Mike Kelley - Army♫♫♫Orville Osborne - Air Force♫♫♫Bob Parker - Army♫♫♫Grace Calles - AVVA♫♫♫Steve Burman - Army♫♫♫Ron Waterbury - Army♫♫♫Phillip Ray Varner - Navy♫♫♫Lawrence C. Irby - Army♫♫♫ - January - ♫♫♫ Ted Adams - Army♫♫♫Jim Klauder - Navy♫♫♫Wally Clark - Air Force♫♫♫Mark Hite - Marines♫♫♫Mike Slater - Marines♫♫♫William Thomas - AVVA♫♫♫John Gates - Army♫♫♫ - February - "Easy" Smith - Army♫♫♫BG Ezell Ware, Jr. - Marines+Army♫♫♫Gregory McNeill - Marines♫♫♫Rick Dibble - Air Force♫♫♫Harry Moos - Army♫♫♫George Vargas, Jr. - Army♫♫♫

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

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

"NEVER AGAIN WILL ONE GENERATION OF VETERANS ABANDON ANOTHER"

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