Remember                                                        In Memory of Bill Wolf                  

CAPITOL CITY
VETERAN

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

"We remember!"  JULY-AUGUST, 2006  "Be Proud"

               
                              PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
     WOW!  Chapter 500 was sure a busy group in May and June, and then came July; the fireworks stand had to be manned and we marched in the Dutch Flat July 4th Parade winning a 1st Place Ribbon!
     My personal thanks goes to all those who helped make all of our activities a success.  Speaking of that, some of the officers and I had a little conversation about those in the chapter who on a regular basis give up their time to participate.  It's usually the same people most of the time.  Not that this is unusual, because just about every organization complains of the same thing.  We just want to be better than the rest, well, not just better, but the best.  So, hey, we need some new faces hanging out with us!  Step up to the plate for a few hours when called upon.  You might actually enjoy yourself and want to come back for more.  We really are a good group.  Check us out!  By the way, we really are the best in one area.  I was proud to accept an award from the VVA CA State Council at the June  Convention for the "Outstanding Chapter Newsletter" for the state. 
     For now, things have slowed down a little, so enjoy the summer and hope to see you at the Fair on August 26. 
             "Welcome Home".........Your President, Ted Adams

                               SACRAMENTO STAND DOWN
It's that time of the year again.  The Stand down is coming up September 15, 16, 17.  Many VVA500 members and members of other organizations volunteered last year for the various tasks necessary to run that small city for three days.  The numbers of Veterans and their dependents that were served in 2005 were impressive.  382 Veterans were registered, of these 17 were women.  Our overnight guests, Veterans and their Dependent numbered 275.  Our youngest was 26, the oldest 79.  The number of meals served was 4,100.  VA Claims Processors & Medical people, Courts, EDD, and many more provided services to those in need.
    It's all happening again this year.  The forms are ready.  Sign up to volunteer at the General Meeting, or you can e-mail the office for one, vva500@sbcglobal.net.  A strict policy exists for the Stand Down and will be enforced this year without question.  You MUST register to be a volunteer. If not pre-registered, you will be turned away.

        CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday,  July 18 2006 - Time 7PM - Roseville Veterans Mem. Hall
SPEAKER:  DOUG  HANEY - Expert on Mold and the Vietnam Veteran

     Doug works in the Environmental Field and due to his service in Vietnam and illnesses related to that service has years of research under his belt regarding certain types of mold only known in areas such as Vietnam and how it is related to the illnesses in-country Vets may have.  Doug spoke at a meeting a few years back.  The meeting left you wanting to hear more.  So, he will be back in May.  You won't want to miss this one.
     Doug was due to speak at the May meeting but was called out of town at the last minute.  He will be here this month.  Hearing what he has to say can be crucial to the in-country Vietnam Vet's health.  This is one meeting you should attend.

NO GENERAL MEETING AT THE HALL IN AUGUST

     August 26, will be the First Responders Day at the CA State Fair.  It is traditional for chapter members to meet at Chapter 500 booth each year.  Also traditionally at 7PM, we will award scholarship/s to the winners of our annual essay entries.  The Scholarship Committee will be making their decision and to whom and how many scholarships will be awarded.
     This is a free admission day for all Veterans and other 1st Responders.  Wear a hat, t-shirt or provide some sort of I.D. that identifies you as a veteran.  In the past AVVA members also have received admission with their AVVA card.  Free parking passes will be provided to those who responded the call for help in manning the booth.  So, come and enjoy the fair on August 26 visit our booth, and help congratulate our deserving scholarship winners.
     Note from the E.D:  At this time, the State Fair has assigned Veterans to the Rodeo Arena; yes, in the dirt and where it will be difficult to find all of us and we are to pack up and leave at 8PM.  After serving your country, and perhaps even injured in combat, or suffer from service related injuries, the State Fair has no more respect for Veterans than they have for the farm animals. We are looking into how to rectify this situation and will keep you posted on the results.

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SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

16
Operation Kingfisher Began 1967

18
VVA500 General Meeting

20

22

26

27

30

31

July 1, 1970 - Siege of Fire Base Ripcord Began
July 2, 1967 - Operation Buffalo Began
July 2, 1926 - U.S. Army Air Corps Established
July 9, 1966 - Battle of Minh Thanh Road

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

1
VVA Board Meeting
Air Force Day

5
Young Marines Training Day

9

10

13

14

15
NO VVA500 GENERAL MEETING - SEE 8/26

16

17

18

19
Young Marines Training Day
MOPA Meeting Day

20

21
Stand Down Task Force Meeting Marine Corps League Meeting

22

23

24

25

26
FREE FOR VETERANS DAY AT THE STATE FAIR

27

28

29

30

31

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SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS!

     Our Nor Cal Young Marines took first place and a trophy in the Roseville 4th of July Parade!  Go Young Marines!

                      CALIFORNIA STATE COUNCIL CONVENTION
      We are happy to announce that the "Capitol Veteran" newsletter of Chapter 500 received the "OUTSTANDING CHAPTER NEWSLETTER" for the state of California.
       Secretary and State Delegate Gregory McNeill received a Certificate of Appreciation for being the Veteran Benefits Chair for CSC.
       Executive Director Mary Lou McNeill received the "Cindy Rheinbeimer Community Service Award" and plaque.

CALLING ALL WOMEN VIETNAM VETERANS!!
IN-COUNTRY AND ERA
MESSAGE FROM VP KAREN ANNE WINNETT, CHAIR OF OUR WOMEN VETERANS COMMITTEE.

     Hello!  My name is Karen Winnett, and along with being an active Life Member of VVA, I am also currently VVA Chapter 500's Vice President and chair of the Women Veterans Committee.  I have found that being an active Chapter 500 female member has been and continues to be a very positive experience for me.  All that being said, I would like to invite and encourage other female VVA members, female members at large and prospective female members to join me in becoming a more active part of our chapter.  It doesn't matter whether you served In-Country, here in the states or in another country.  If you served during the Vietnam War, I very much encourage you to join the 500 family, have a voice, have a vote and take part in chapter activities and meetings.  Whether you had a wonderful military experience or whether you are dealing with health, PTSD, MST or other military or veteran issues, there is likely to be something for you and others who may share similar experiences.  I hope you will seriously consider this invitation.  Take a chance, come to a meeting, and know that both I and the members of Chapter 500 would look forward to welcoming you to the family! ..... Karen Winnett

                                       AFTER ACTION REPORT
5/2 - VVA500 held their regular Board Meeting.
5/6 - VVA500 members joined by the Nor Cal Young Marines marched in the annual Elk Grove Western Days Parade.
5/8 - VVA500 members participated in a Speakers' Bureau event at Christian Brothers High School
5/15 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Task Force Meeting
5/15 - Secretary McNeill attended the Marine Corps League Meeting
5/15 - VVA500 held their regular General Meeting.
5/19 - Secretary McNeill and E.D. McNeill, Treasurer Quint and Ellie Quint attended the kick-off event for the annual Capitol to Capitol Ride to the "Wall". 
5/20 - Several members, and the Nor Cal Young Marines attended the dedication of the Veterans Park in Roseville.  President Adams spoke on behalf of Vietnam Veterans, member Charlie Brown spoke on behalf of the Air Force Service. 
5/20 - President Adams, Secretary McNeill and E.D. McNeill attended an orientation on running the upcoming Fireworks Stand.
5/21 - Several members participated in manning the chapter table at the Rebels with a cause send off for the Capitol to Capitol Ride to the Wall.
5/25 - Treasurer Quint and E.D. McNeill along with several other members attended the dedication of the Mather Memorial Plaza at Mather VA Hospital.  All bricks VVA500 purchased were in order and in a prominent place at the Memorial.
5/28 - VVA500 hosted the annual "Reading of the Names".
5/29 - Several members attended the Jazz Society's Memorial Ceremony at the Convention Center.  VVA's flag was acknowledged.
5/29 - E.D. McNeill attended the Mexican-American Memorial, Memorial Day Ceremony.  Mutual members also attended.
6/2&3 - President Adams, Secretary McNeill and member Pat Boltinghouse represented the Chapter at the CA State Council Convention held in San Jose.
6/9,10,11 - President Adams, Secretary McNeill, Treasurer Quint, E.D. McNeill, members Joe Feirl and Stan Bollinger attended the Family Chapter Camp-Out held at the Golden West Fly-In.  The VVA500 table was manned, volunteer work performed and a great barbecue took place on Saturday.
6/24 - President Adams spoke at a Memorial Event held for Korean, Korean War Veterans held in Roseville and attended a dinner for the group.
6/28-7/4 - The Fireworks Stand Siege began.  Fireworks were picked up, displayed and taken down each day.  Several members volunteered to man the stand, although more would have helped.  Treasurer Quint and E.D. McNeill did the final inventory and return on July 6.  Report will be given at the General Meeting on July 18.
7/4 - VVA500 marched in the Dutch Flat July 4th Parade as per tradition each year.
 SICK CALL:  Member Mike Slater is back to work on a part time basis, but improving daily.
President Adams is scheduled for knee surgery on July 17. 
Some extra prayers are also needed for President Adams, Mom who is seriously ill.   

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LEGISLATIVE NEWS CONT.

AB2740 - Chesbro - Armed Forces:  Uranium Screening - Provides that the Adjutant General of the CA National Guard, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall assist all eligible members of the Guard or veterans who have returned to this state after service in combat zone and who have been assigned a risk level I or II for depleted uranium exposure, in obtaining the health screening and to provide outreach to all personnel who may have been exposed to ensure that they know of the availability of such screening.  Since the medical screening is available from federal military and VA medical facilities, there are no state funds provided for screening examination.  Passed by the Senate, and by the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs.  Will go to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations in early August.
     One for those currently serving:
AB 2750 - Nava - California Veteran and National Guard Benefit and Welfare Commission - Would create the commission to study the critical issues facing military personnel and their families, to advise the Governor and the Legislature on actions that may be necessary to support and other wise attend to the needs of men and women that serve or have served in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces.  The commission would report to the Governor and the Legislature concerning its initial findings and recommendations by January 1, 2008.  Passed by Assembly and buy the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs.  In Senate Committee on Appropriations.
     Complete information on all state legislation involving veterans issues on the state level  is available at the website:  www.califveterans.com.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

   Following are a few bills introduced on the federal level that you might be interested in.  If you are, call your Congressman and ask them to support the bill/s.  HR's are house bills and S's are Senate bills.
H.R. 303 - To amend Title 10, U.S. Code, to permit certain additional retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years in military service or Combat-Related special Compensation and to eliminate the phase-in period under current law with respect to such concurrent receipt.
H.R. 2962 - Berkley - To amend title 38, U.S. Code, to revise the eligibility criteria for presumption of service-connection of certain diseases and disabilities for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during military service and for other purposes.
H.R. 4992 - Porter - To provide for Medicare reimbursement for health care services provided to Medicare-eligible veterans in facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
S. 2694 - A bill to amend title 38, U.S. Code, to remove certain limitation on attorney representation of claimants for veterans benefits in administrative proceedings before the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 

VETERAN I.D. THEFT UPDATE

     As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continuing efforts to protect and assist those potentially affected by the recent date theft that occurred at an employee's Maryland home, VA announced on June 21st that the agency will provide one year of free credit monitoring to individuals whose sensitive personal information - Social Security Number (SSN) - ma have been stolen in the incident.
     VA has no reason to believe the perpetrators who committed this burglary were targeting the data, and Federal investigators believe that it is unlikely that identity theft has resulted from the date theft.
     VA will solicit bids from qualified companies beginning the week of June 21.  Once this process has been completed, VA will be sending follow-up letters to those whose sensitive personal information - (SSN) - may have been included in the data theft.  The follow-up letters will contain specific instructions on how individuals can sign up for free credit monitoring, as well as other information.
     An individual who chooses to sign up for the Credit Monitoring Service , including the insurance, will not be asked or required to relinquish any legal claim that he or she might have against VA in order to receive the credit monitoring and insurance that VA will offer.  VA does not intend to, and will not, solicit releases of claims from veterans as a precondition for their participation in credit monitoring and insurance.
     Once the solicitation for bids process is completed, VA will hire and begin working with the selected organization to organize the sign up process and arrange for letter to be sent to those eligible for monitoring.  VA sill ask industry to provide expedited proposals, and to be prepared to implement them rapidly once they are under contract.  VA anticipates having free credit monitoring available to those eligible by mid-August.
     Note:  Information from www.firstgov.org.  Go to this website to get up to date information as it comes out.  You can also sign up for e-mail to come to you on many matters as it is announced.  If you have already received a letter from the VA re:  the issue, you know that your information was included in the date theft.  See page 7, for how to protect yourself.  This applies whether your data was included or not.  With identity theft increasing and personal information being spread far and wide, it just makes sense to protect yourself now.
                                   VA "PHISHING" ALERT
     Recently the National Assoc. of County Veterans Service Officers whose membership covers over 1000 counties nationwide distributed a copy of a VA Phishing alert to all of it members.  The alert issued by the Chief Network Security & Support Section of the Hines Information Technology Center, is applicable to all veterans with internet access.  Their report indicates that the Philadelphia VA's Network Support Staff is seeing increasing reports of veterans receiving email from the address abuse@vba.gov which asks them to check an account by clicking on a link provided in the email.  This email is a phishing scam, an attempt to gain personal information.  The email address is fake and the link in the email is to a website in Asia.  If you receive this type of email, DO NOT OPEN THE WEBSITE LINK PROVIDED AND DELETE THE EMAIL.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM I.D. THEFT!
THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION'S PLAN OF ACTION:
DETER......DETECT......DEFEND.....

DETER identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
1.  Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
2.  Protect your Social Security number.  Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your SSN on a check.  Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
3.  Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
4.  Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know.  Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and virus software to protect your hoe computer; keep them up-to-date.  For more information visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov.
5.  Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your SSN.
6.  Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.
DETECT suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.  Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
1.  Bills that do not arrive as expected.
2.  Unexpected credit cards or account statements.
3.  Denials of credit for no apparent reason.
4.  Calls or letters about purchases you did not make.
INSPECT your Credit Report.  The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies to give you a free copy of your credit report each year is you ask for it. 
VISIT www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to order your credit reports each year. 
REVIEW financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.
DEFEND against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
1.  Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully.  The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts.  The tree nationwide consumer companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90 day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:  Equifax:  1-800-525-6285, Experian:  1-888-397-3742, and TransUnion:  1-800-680-7289.  Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports.  Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
2.  Close Accounts.  Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.  A.  Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay.  Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.  B.  Use the ID Theft Affidavit at www.ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.   C.  Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.  D.  Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.  Cont. next column►►

I.D. THEFT PROTECTION, CONT.

3.  FILE A POLICE REPORT - File a report with the law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
4.  REPORT THE THEFT TO THE FTC.  Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in the investigations.  You can do this Online:  www.ftc.gov/idtheft .  By phone:  1-877-438-4338,  TTY 1-866-653-4261, or by mail to:  Identity Theft Clearinghouse, FTC, Washington, D.C. 20580

ARMY ENLISTMENT AGE UPDATE:

     The U.S. Army announced that it has raised the maximum enlistment age for both the active Army and Army Reserve fro 40 to 42.  All applicants must meet eligibility standards, to include passing the same physical standards and medical examination, however those 40 -42 will be given additional medical screening.  Older applicants are eligible for the same enlistment bonuses and other incentives available to younger applicants.
                                            PHONY WAR HEROES
     The FBI is cracking down on phony war heroes, who often obtain medals and wear them at public events.  This year, federal agents have launched a dozen investigations against people allegedly masquerading as decorated veterans.  In order to prosecute and convict which at this time is just a misdemeanor, the phony hero has to be caught wearing the medal.  Congress is now considering the "Stolen Valor Act."  There is a Senate and a House bill in the works.  The bills would make it a crime to merely claim the medal was earned and increase punishment.  Today, only those who fraudulently wear Medals of Honor face up to a year in jail and a $100,000 fine.  The bill would increase penalties for wearing other medals to the same level.
                 SACRAMENTO VALLEY VA NATIONAL CEMETERY
     While some Solano County officials and Veterans are upset over the naming of the new national VA cemetery located in the Dixon area, nonetheless it's existence is welcomed by the Veteran community.  It will become the 7th national cemetery and is due to open in the fall.  You cannot make advance reservations for gravesites in national cemeteries, but you can include your wishes in your estate details for followup by your survivors.  When the cemetery is officially open, we will have contact detail information.

FROM THE CALENDAR:  "Tell the Children...to keep on Believing". July 29, held at the Folsom Community Center - 6-11PM.  $25. for tickets for wine and food tasting, and music  Proceeds donated to children's education and other needs in Folsom, El Dorado Hills and Sacramento.  Supports children who have lost a parent in the war.  For more info., call Janet LaPerle at:  916-983-2765.

PURPLE HEART CEREMONY - Take some time to honor those who have been injured in combat.  Saturday, August 12.  10AM.  Held on the West Steps of the Capitol. 
 

PRESIDENT TED ADAMS ACCEPTS AWARD FROM BOB JOHNSON, CSC AWARDS CHR.  FOR "OUTSTANDING CHAPTER NEWSLETTER"

SECRETARY GREGORY MCNEILL ACCEPTS AWARD FROM CSC PRESIDENT KEN HOLYBEE  FOR THE "CINDY REINHEIMER COMMUNITY SERVICE" FOR MARY LOU MCNEILL, VVA500 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

VVA500 TABLE AT THE GOLDEN WEST FLY-IN
AND SPRING FAMILY CAMP-OUT

SECRETARY GREGORY MCNEILL AND E.D. MARY LOU MCNEILL VISIT WITH CONGRESSWOMAN MATSUI IN HER OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

SECRETARY MCNEILL VISITS "THE WALL" IN D.C.

THE VVA500 FIREWORKS STAND WITH VOLUNTEERS FROM LEFT, STAN BOLLINGER, JIM SANTIANNA, AND MONTY MONTOYA