January 2010

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Fellow Members!

   It's hard to believe, but we have flown through Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the New Year is already here.
     I hope you didn't miss our first annual Christmas party "at our own VVA 500 facility!!!" We had a great turnout, with lots of very good food, drink and snacks, and the spirit was merry all around. We also had the chance to especially recognize some of our members for their work in preparing our new offices and hall, and contributions to the Chapter. Everyone seemed to be having a very good time. I know that I certainly enjoyed everything and everyone! I think this was my favorite VVA500 Christmas party yet! Not to mention, but I will, that there were some pretty cool Christmas gifts and door prizes being passed around!
     Don't forget, this is your facility and hall too! If you have any ideas or suggestions concerning things you would like to see happening there, be sure to take the survey and let your board know.
     I would like to wish you all your most prosperous and joy filled New Year yet!
                                               Your President, Karen Winnett

INPUT NEEDED

     Members some talked has circulated that maybe VVA500 would like to have a Super Bowl Party.
     Super Bowl is Sunday, February 7. Have to check on the time. But we can gather at the Hall, bring some snacks, enjoy the day and the game.
     If you think you might be interested in coming, let us know at the General Meeting, call or e-mail.
     Be sure to get your survey in that is included in this newsletter and check out the times, the Vet Center Counselor will be at the Hall, along with the Service Officer for claims purposes.

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

JANUARY GENERAL MEETING

DATE: January 19, 2010
TIME: 7:00PM
WHERE: 4441 Auburn Blvd. Suite J

GUEST SPEAKER
Wendy Van Houten, Army Veteran
Representative for Army OneSource

Wendy will be giving a presentation on what Army OneSource can provide for active duty personnel and veterans. Army OneSource is the one source for information, programs and service and the one source for connectivity. Army OneSource offers a resource of information which allows outreach to Family Members regardless of where they live, regardless of component; provides access to accurate and timely information regarding programs and services - by phone, the internet, or at the nearest facility to receive personalized support.

Rex T. Rice, Sr., born Feb. 6, 1925, passed away November 3, 2009. Rex was a WWII veteran. Due to his expertise in military memorabilia and medals, many knew him as the medal guy. He would bring his display of medals to many of the Veterans events in the area. He was also not shy to call down a Veteran who might be wearing his medals in the wrong order, etc. He would pass out million dollar bills with his picture on them. Rex volunteered for years at the VA Mather hospital, participated in the Stand Down each year and other homeless rehabilitation programs. He was a member of several Veterans organizations.
We will miss seeing Rex at the Veteran functions. Our condolences go to his family.

VETERAN BENEFITS, NEWS

                                         ALCOHOL ABUSE
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive alcohol use is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the United States - it was linked to approximately 79,000 deaths annually during 2001-2005. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that the holiday period is the deadliest time of year for alcohol-related traffic deaths. In the years 2001-2005, the average number of traffic fatalities involving alcohol-impaired drivers during the period between Dec 25 and Jan 1 was an astounding 40 percent, compared to about 28 percent for the rest of December. In addition to drunk driving, domestic violence rates increase during the holidays. Financial obligations for gifts or travel and too much family togetherness can cause stress and lead to cases of domestic violence. Alcohol does not cause abuse in a relationship, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 75% of domestic violence cases, the offender is drunk at the time of the offence. Here is a countdown of the top five things you should know to help reduce alcohol abuse during the holiday season (and anytime throughout the year).
     ►It's not the type of alcoholic drink, but the amount consumed that affects a person.
     ►A standard drink contains 0.06 ounces, or 1.2 tablespoons, of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in:
- 12 ounces of regular beer or wine cooler
- 8 ounces of malt liquor
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits or liquor (gin, rum, etc.)
     ►Binge drinking is five or more drinks during a single occasion for men and four or more drinks during a single occasion for women.
     ►Heavy drinking is more than two drinks in a day for men and more than one drink in a day for women.
     Obviously major mental problems can be created by excessive use of alcohol. Along with the personal problems, relationships can be affected, serious medical problems can develop. So how do you know if you have a problem with alcohol? Ask yourself the following questions:
     ►Have you ever felt you should cut back on your drinking?
     ►Have you ever missed work because of drinking?
     ►Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
     ►Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
     ►Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
      If you answered "yes" once, it's possible you may have a problem. More than one "yes" means it is highly likely that there is a problem. You should see a health care provider or military referral for help. The VA Medical System at Mather has a drug/alcohol rehabilitation program that you might benefit from. You can also check these websites with details about alcoholism, treatment and other FAQ's: www.Tricare.mil/alcoholawarenes. - www.thatguy.com.

NEWS/OPINIONS RE: VETERAN ISSUES

     As you probably have heard, Secretary of Veteran Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has established a service connection for Vietnam Veterans with three specific illnesses based on the latest evidence of an association with the herbicides referred to as Agent Orange.
     Those illnesses are: B Cell Leukemia (Cancers which affect B cells, such as hairy cell leukemia), Parkinson's disease (A motor system condition with symptoms that include trembling of the limbs and face and impaired balance), and Ischemic Heart Disease. We pretty much recognize cancers and Parkinson's but exactly what is Ischemic Heart Disease and what does it have to do with Agent Orange. From the American Heart Association, the definition of Ischemic Heart Disease refers to Ischemia pronounced (is-KE'me-ah) is a condition in which the blood flow (and thus oxygen) is restricted to a part of the body. Cardiac ischemia is the name for lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. What is Ischemic Heart Disease: It's the term given to heart problems caused by narrowed heart arteries. When arteries are narrowed, less blood and oxygen reaches the heart muscle. This is also called coronary artery disease and coronary heart disease. This can ultimately lead to heart attack. Ischemia often causes chest pain or discomfort know as angina pectoris.
     There is also something known as Silent Ischemia. As many as 3-4 million Americans may have ischemic episodes without knowing it. These people have ischemia without pain - silent ischemia. They may have had a heart attack with no prior warning. People with angina also may have undiagnosed episodes of silent ischemia. In addition people who have had previous heart attacks or those with diabetes are especially at risk fro developing silent ischemia. The diabetes link is possibly the link Vietnam Veterans would have to acquiring Ischemic Heart Disease from exposure to Agent Orange. But it is not clear yet as to how claims for compensation should be filed yet, whether you can directly apply for Ischemic Heart Disease alone or do you have to have the already presumptive Diabetes II and Ischemic Heart Disease is an add on to that.
     We do know that the additions of these presumptive will not be final until May. But we are advised to file the claims now if applicable so that there will not be a large influx of claims after May. However while the claims should be filed now, compensation if approved would not begin until after May.

USA.gov

www.USA.gov is what the GSA considers the official portal to the US government. You can go there to get information re: the various departments of the government from Benefits and Grants to Voting and Elections. And there are also links to state, local, and even tribal government. Give it a try and while you are there, click on to the "Your Vice Matters" link where the GSA is trying to get feedback on how the public would like to improve the website.

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

ACTIVITIES/EVENTS COMING UP

AVVA UPDATE

Hello AVVAers!
     As we all turn the corner for the new year 2010, I hope to keep you all updated in our Chapter's newsletter.
     My name is Tina Haas, and I was elected by AVVA members in April of 2009 as VVA500's AVVA representative. I never had the honor of serving our country, but believe strongly that citizens of the United States need to do all they can to help and honor her Veterans, especially our Vietnam Warriors.
     Now that VVA Chapter 500 has a new Command Post, aka Hall, we as AVVA members can brain storm, meet, and help all Veterans.
     I would like to set up an evening meeting in mid January so we can discuss what you'd like to see AVVA Chapter 500 can do. The only thing holding us back is our imagination.
     Unlike some other Veteran organizations, our VVA 500 wants the AVVA to be involved in it's activities. They don't separate us or exclude us, except for its annual Get-A-Way. We can come up with ideas that help the chapter directly, or Vietnam Warriors in general, or even ODS (Persian Gulf War 1), OEF/OIF Warriors.
     Please contact me and let me know what evenings work best for you. We'll meet at the Hall, and go from there. My contacts: are at VVA500, 916-481-6020, or you may e-mail me at vetsunny@aol.com.   Don't forget to let me know your contact info!
     As soon as I get some input on a meeting time, I'll contact you. Here's to a better 2010, for us and for all Warriors.
                                                 Your AVVA rep, Tina

THE FORGOTTEN SOLDIER PROGRAM
HOSTS "GET YOUR LIFE BACK"

     Presented by: The Healing Light Institute. This is a retreat for all Homeless Veterans that will allow our Veterans and Soldiers to have a place of serenity. The event will provide many services both physical and mental and will provide a day of healing along with coats, clothing, sleeping bags, haircuts and food baskets. Lunch will be provided on site.
Date: Saturday, January 23, 2010
Time: 9AM - 4PM
Where: Gold Country Fairgrounds, Placer Bldg.
                1273 High Street, Auburn, CA
For Information: 530-889-2300
     Visit the website www.forgottensoldierprogram.org for information on the Forgotten Soldier Program.

THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN BRINGING IN BOOKS TO STOCK OUR LIBRARY!

VVA500 HALL SCHEDULE

     Bit by bit we are establishing a schedule for activities and personnel at the Hall. Please check out and return in whatever method works for you the survey on page 8. Some of the activities we will schedule will depend on the survey results, so get them in as soon as possible. You might want to drop yours off at the next General Meeting on January 19. For now, here is an update on what is already established:
►►Office hours are: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. 10-4PM. We have been previously closed on Wednesdays, but we will now be open Noon until 6PM to accommodate counseling time on Wednesdays.
►►Wednesday, Jan. 13 and Jan. 27, 3:30-5:30PM,Sandy Moreno, Vet Center Counselor, will be here for individual or group counseling. Depending on response for counseling we may want to change times to morning or make appointments for individuals.
►►Thursdays 10-2PM - Bruce Jackson, County Service Officer will be here to help you file claims for compensation, pension, etc.
►►Thursdays 5-9PM will be movie night. Main feature will start around 7PM. We'll have popcorn, maybe hot dogs.......we'll see how it goes.
     Board members are getting their schedules together for what days they will be at the Hall to greet members and any other Veterans that may be stopping in to visit or to obtain services.
     And don't forget about ping-pong. Grab a friend and come on in for some exercise and fun playing ping-pong. Along with that, we have cable TV and many movies that you can enjoy during the day.
     For normal operation of the Hall, we always need member volunteers to greet people as they come in, and of course the Hall needs upkeep. You can pick a day and time to come in and help. And we have a list of regular chores that need to be completed. Just e-mail or give the office a call, tell us what you want to do, and we will schedule a time for you.
     Don't be shy or alone! Come on in! Hope to see you soon!

WHAT'S COMING UP??

     Our regular General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 7PM at the VA500 Hall.
     We're waiting to make sure, but coming up in March should be the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. It is usually held on March 17, St. Patrick's Day. But will let you know for sure.
     Officially in the state of California, March 30 has been declared Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. The chapter will be celebrating the day on Saturday, March 27. We will have a short ceremony at Noon and celebration later either traditionally at the Torch Club (the Bunker) or at our Hall.

HELP IS AVAILABLE
Thanks to those members who have been bringing food, clothing to the Hall for our Veterans in need. Please don't forget to tell any Veteran or Veteran family in need that food, toiletries, clothing, etc. are available for them to take.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

     Each year VVA500 offers three $500. scholarships in honor of Vietnam Veterans who have passed on and one Scholarship in honor of Sarah Bonnifield, a benefactor of VVA500. The entries must be a relative of a Vietnam Veteran or a Vietnam Veteran him/herself. Winners are based on the quality of the essay written about the chosen topic for the year, and must prove that they will be attending a college, university or vocational school.
     This year's theme was: "Interview three Vietnam Combat Veterans. Tell their stories. Where did they serve and in what branch? What did they think of the war while serving? What did they think of the war in later years? Did they have any injuries or long lasting effects from the Vietnam War?
     Last month we published the winner of the Sarah Bonnifield scholarship's essay, Michelle Schmidt. This month we have another scholarship winner's essay, Johnny Smith. Johnny is attending Sierra College and wants to be a College History Professor. Here is his essay:
     Throughout his life, my father was involved with many Veteran Affiliations and assisted many Veterans with understanding the available programs. With a myriad of friends, many Vets, I sometimes heard stories. Upon learning of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 500 scholarship program requirements, I picked three individuals that shared a common theme on their experiences in Vietnam.
     The first Veteran that I interviewed was Bill Anderson. Bill was part of the first wave of troops sent in Vietnam.
     Coming out of high school Bill had torn his rotator cuff so he knew that his sports career was coming to an end. Later that summer he received his draft notice and was told to report to Fort Ord for basic training. After basic he went to Fort Sill to become a radio operator, he than went to jump school at Fort Benning. After graduation, he was placed in the 11th Airborne division (later changed to 11th Air Assault, and lastly, right before they went to Vietnam, changed the name one more time to 1st Calvary Air Mobile). Bill was part of the first complete unit to arrive at base camp at An Khe, on November 11, 1965. He fought in many skirmishes and battles in Vietnam. After about ten months he was questioning the validity of the War. At this point in the campaign, he was part of one of the deadliest battles in Vietnam - Hill 778, May of 1966. There were 85 men in his unit before that battle and 26 alive after it was done. Though terrified but prepared to die, Bill was surprised that he made it through. On November 9th, 1966, two days before his tour was over, he was involved in another battle that did not turn out as well for Bill. He called in an air assault and the planes missed their target. The 105mm shells fell almost within killing distance of Bill, and his hearing was almost completely gone in both ears. He has to use hearing aides to this day because of it. This was very hard because hearing aids only just recently have gotten to the point where they actually help him hear. Vietnam caused more grief to Bill then just losing his hearing. After returning home, in order to cope with what he dealt with in Vietnam, Bill turned to drugs and alcohol to help numb the pain. It was difficult for him to talk to anyone about what or how he felt, causing great strain on his family relationships.
     Smith Essay continued in the next column.......

SMITH ESSAY CONTINUED

     The next Veteran that I interviewed was Jim Walukones. Jim joined the US Air Force right out of high school in 1963 with a couple of his buddies. During training, he got a notice to ship out to Vietnam to work on a base outside of Saigon as a postal clerk. He worked on base basically harm free. There was only one incident when mortars exploded outside the base walls. But it did not last for long and he took no damage. He had a much different perspective while in Vietnam than Bill did. Since he did not directly see the death and destruction that accompanies war. Instead, for Jim, it was like he was still in the states - just with different people around him. As Jim put it "it felt like a nine to five job". Because of this, he had a different outlook on the war. He felt that he was serving his country, that the war was needed and that he was just a temporary citizen in another country. After the war he came back, flew into Travis Air Force Base and returned to inactive reserve for the last two years of his contract.
     The last Veteran was my hero. But I did not get to directly interview him for this essay. His name was Roger Lee Smith. He was my father. He died on April 1st of this year.
     I do remember what he told me about the war and I know what he thought about it. Roger was drafted shortly after high school, and was sent to basic training in 1969. While in basic training he got sick and could not continue with the training so he was reassigned to Fort Sam in Houston, Texas to train to become a combat medic. After his training he was sent to Vietnam where he spent the first six months of his tour in jungle with the troops as part of the Big Red 1.
     A Combat Medic needs to carry certain supplies to do his job properly. But, Roger wanted to come home! So he also carried every standard weapon that was assigned to the combat troops. After six months in jungle, he went to work on base as a medic for four months. I remember him telling me that he was able to save many lives, but there were times when his skills were not enough and he watched many men die in front of him. After his four months serving on the medic base he joined the 1st Aviation Brigade where he was a door gunner on a helicopter; because of his experiences from doing that, he never flew in a plane again. While he was fighting in the war, he felt like he was doing the right thing. The war itself plagued him till the end, but he never questioned his "duty". He suffered from PTSD and had significant weight gain from it. Twenty-four years ago, he was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer and had his thyroid removed. He also developed type II diabetes after the war. Roger's death was from lung cancer; He never smoked a cigarette a day in his life or had a f\family history of cancer. What caused his untimely death was a very deadly weed killer called Agent Orange!
     Three different individuals, three different outcomes, but three consistencies.
     I have learned from my father and his many, many friends that although the Vietnam War was unpopular, it was the decision of our leaders that it was necessary. The United States of America, to maintain her position in the world hierarchy, needs the people of America to stand up and work for the ideology that the U.S. represents.    Continued on Page Nine........

Now that we have our new hall up and running, along with serving all Veterans according to their needs, we want to provide our members with activities they might be interested in along with regular meetings. Please take a few minutes to check off any activities you would be interested in, then drop the survey in the mail, e-mail (ADDRESSES ON PAGE 10), bring to the January meeting or drop off at the hall. This will enable us to determine days and activities desired by the majority. Some of these activities below are open for individuals to just come into the hall when it is open and all members are welcome to do that. Thank you to those that filled out the survey at our last General Meeting.

CARD GAMES (POKER, ETC.)                                  _____
GAMES (MONOPOLY, ETC.)                                     _____
JIGSAW PUZZLES                                                       _____
TV WATCHING                                                             _____     (MOVIES, COMCAST ARE ALL AVAILABLE NOW.)
READING (LIBRARY OR MEMBER ROOM)         _____     (WE HAVE MILITARY, VIETNAM, FICTION, ETC. AVAILABLE)
LEARNING WORKSHOPS (ARTS, CRAFTS)       _____     (PLEASE STATE WHAT TYPE BELOW)
LEARNING WORKSHOPS (MUSIC,WRITING)    _____     (PLEASE STATE TYPE BELOW)
COMPUTER TRAINING                                              _____     (WI-FI, INTERNET ACCESS IS AVAILABLE NOW)
EXERCISE PROGRAMS                                             _____

NIGHT TIME
ANY/ALL OF THE ABOVE                                         _____
MOVIE NIGHT                                                               _____
ICE CREAM SOCIALS                                                _____
BINGO NIGHT                                                               _____
SPECIAL SPEAKERS                                                  _____
VETERAN RELATED WORKSHOPS                      _____

POSSIBLE CLUBS
BICYCLE CLUB                                                            _____
HIKING CLUB                                                               _____
WALKING CLUB                                                         _____

PLEASE STATE YOUR PREFERENCE FOR ACTIVITIES
DAY _____
NIGHT _____

PLEASE CIRCLE WHAT DAYS/NIGHTS OF THE WEEK YOU WOULD PREFER FOR ACTIVITIES
MON - DAY/NIGHT TUES - DAY ONLY (NIGHTS ARE MEETING NIGHTS) WED - DAY/NIGHT
THURS - DAY/NIGHT FRI - DAY/NIGHT SAT - DAY/NIGHT SUN - DAY/NIGHT

THE ACTIVITIES ABOVE ARE PROPOSED, AND ARE NOT MEANT TO BE ALL INCLUSIVE. THESE ACTIVITIES ARE IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR SERVICES, SUCH AS CLAIMS FILING, COUNSELING, HOUSING REFERRALS, JOB SEARCH, ETC. THAT WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE TO OUR MEMBERS AND ALL VETERANS. IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU MAY WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN, PLEASE LIST THEM BELOW. ALSO EXPLAIN ANY PARTICULARS INDICATED ABOVE.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR SURVEY!

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY, CONT.

Sometimes we will be right, and, sadly, sometimes we will be wrong. But belief in God and Country will minimize the mistakes.
Because of Roger Smith,. and Jim Walukones, and Bill Anderson, and the millions of Veterans throughout America's history, the citizens of the U.S. can question their leaders, can basically live, work and travel wherever they want, have rights to be seen and heard, live with minimal fear of the rest of the world, and believe in themselves. As my Dad would say whenever he met a Vietnam Veteran, Welcome Home!

2010 VVA500 SCHOLARSHIPS

In the past, VVA500 has called for entries to receive three $500. scholarships each year. Last year we called for the three and added one more to honor Sarah A. Bonnifield for her generosity to the chapter which enabled us to acquire our Hall and offer many more services to all Veterans. This year, we again will be awarding three $500. scholarships. The criteria will change a little for these three. That information we will have for you in the next newsletter. But your Board wanted to be sure that funds were available in perpetuity for the Sarah A. Bonnifield scholarship, and therefore, the Board is happy to announce that VVA500 funds have been made available to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to set up the Sarah A. Bonnifield Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund. This is basically an endowment. Due to the volume of funds invested for scholarships in the Foundation, only the interest from the investment need be used to award the scholarship each year. Therefore, this scholarship will be available in perpetuity. This year, the scholarship amount will be approximately $1,000. and possibly more. As an application form is required by the Foundation from those students who wish to apply for the scholarship, this information possibly will allow the student to be eligible for other scholarships available through the Foundation. We will be passing out the criteria for this scholarship and the others at the January Meeting and the information will be available online or by request.

                  THE RECIPE THAT WAS TO DIE FOR
    Lorna Perrigo brought a "Cherry Meringue Dessert" to the Christmas Party that was a big hit and the dish was empty before everyone got a taste. So we promised to put the recipe in the newsletter so all could enjoy. Lorna doesn't know who the original creator of the recipe is, but has had it for awhile.
STEP 1
6 egg whites                                               3/4 cup chopped nuts
3/4 tsp. cream of tartar (See note*)       2 TBsp. pure (real) vanilla
2 cups sugar                                               1 large carton Cool Whip
2 cups soda crackers crumbled (dime size) 2 cans cherry pie mix
9 full size soda crackers -4- squares each. Makes 2 cups of crackers.
                                     continued next column

Cherry Meringue Dessert, cont.
     Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until fluffy. Add sugar gradually. Fold crumbled soda crackers into whites: add nuts and vanilla. spread in large buttered pan (9x14) and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. COOL AT LEAST 4 HOURS
STEP 2
     Top above crust with Cool Whip and then cherry pie mix. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or over night. This recipe improves with age, make a day before needed. sprinkle top with almond slices (make pretty).
*Note: Cream of Tartar is a spice found where the spices are. Schillings cream of tartar is what I use. This is not cream of tartar sauce you put on fish (smile from Lorna).
                                                       Thanks Lorna for sharing!

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!
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
♫♫♫Steve Burman - Army♫♫♫Aaron Fulzham - AVVA-Vet♫♫♫Charlie Brown - Air Force♫♫♫Benjamin Salter - AVVA-Navy♫♫♫Jenny Jones - Army♫♫♫William Holt - Army♫♫♫Roger Brautigan - Army♫♫♫Leland Duke - Navy♫♫♫Richard Wilkie - Army♫♫♫Bruce Council - Navy♫♫♫Grace Calles - AVVA♫♫♫Steven Fleck - Army♫♫♫Mark Hite - Marines♫♫♫Ron Waterbury - Army♫♫♫Michael Binns - Army♫♫♫JANUARY BIRTHDAYS♫♫♫John Gates - Army♫♫♫Ted Adams - Army♫♫♫Rick Bergman - Army♫♫♫Melvin Carr, Jr. - Army♫♫♫Wally Clark - Air Force♫♫♫Ric Collins - Army♫♫♫Carlton Reinaldo - Air Force♫♫♫Harvey Wilson - Marines♫♫♫Jim Klauder - Navy♫♫♫Larry Lambert - Air Force♫♫♫Bill Thomas - AVVA-Army♫♫♫Hugh Cowan III - Marines♫♫♫

If your birthday is this month and not listed, we may not have your DD214 on file, or maybe just inadvertently missed it. Let us know and we'll check it out. We are going over all of the files to make sure we enter everyone that we have a DD214 on.

WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBERS!
Raymond Horn - AVVA - Navy

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