Remember                                                        In Memory of Bill Wolf                  

CAPITOL CITY
VETERAN

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

           
President's Message

     The other day I ran across one of my patches.  It said "Freedom isn't Free".  For  Veterans, these words have meaning.  Sometimes freedom has to be fought for.  Other times we need to fight to protect it.  I think the meaning goes further though, and should be felt by all citizens.  Democracy is a living thing and all must be involved who come under its umbrella.  What I mean is that we all should participate in our America to realize the true meaning Freedom. Vote, if you don't, remember "Freedom isn't Free".  If you do vote, are you informed, have you heard the other side?  Have you told the other side your thoughts?  If you are not and have not remember, "Freedom isn't Free".  As Americans who claim to be free we must stay informed, we must listen to the other side and we must make America aware of our opinions.  A metaphor; like the dog you first got and named "Freedom".  You showed interest in "Freedom".  You walked and played with him.  But as time went on you got busy and forgot about "Freedom", and left him in your back yard out of sight.  America, don't let this happen to "Freedom".  Take time out of your life to take "Freedom" for a walk.  You need the exercise.  And, remember, "Freedom isn't Free".
                                       Your President,  Gregory C. McNeill

LAST MINUTE NEWS

     Just before printing we received news that in honor of the Armed Forces, Borders Book Stores will be offering a discount of 20% on almost everything with military ID or Proof of Service to Military Personnel, Their Dependents, and Veterans.  Sale is from July 11-13. Very few things are excluded.  So grab your DD214 and go get that book, CD or DVD you've been wanting at a discount.

Current News and Announcements

     We will not have a speaker at this month's General Meeting.  We encourage all members to attend the Enrollment Workshop to be held on July 26 to find out about Veteran Benefits.  Information regarding the Workshop can be found on page two.

WHAT'S COMING UP????

     As per tradition on July 4th, Chapter 500 will be marching in Bill Wagner's hometown parade of Dutch Flat.  This is a great little town with lots of history, and very patriotic.  The notice of this event will probably arrive too late to most of you, because of waiting for some information for the newsletter.  Sorry about that.  But, all those with e-mail will be notified in time for the parade.

     Our EDD Veterans Representative and member, Jim Santianna will be holding two workshops for finding jobs, training information, resume reviews, how to search the Internet for jobs and more.  The workshops will be held on July 10 and July 24, from 9AM - 10:30AM at the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall.  Directions to the hall are as follows:  From:  I-80.  Take 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 that says "Royer Park, turn left there.  You will immediately see the hall to the right and the parking lot.  In the hall, from the main door, the meeting room is to the left.  When you leave, the street is one way, so you will go to the right.  You will come up to Douglas Blvd., left will go back to the freeway.  For more information call 916-774-4057.

     HOME DEPOT KID'S CLUB WORKSHOP - On July 5th the Home Depot will have a workshop for kids and they will be building a patriotic wooden kit.  If any veterans would like to participate or need further information, call Kid's Club Captain, Danny.  Work # is 916-727-4010 or home 916-338-3606.  The workshop time is 9AM-12Noon.  Location is the Antelope Home Depot in Roseville.

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VA BURIAL BENEFITS

     Last month, we discussed burial benefits for eligible Veterans  and reimbursed costs for burial.  We talked about burial in a National Cemetery.  Where are the National Cemeteries?  Here is a listing of those in California....
     Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego.  This cemetery has space available for cremated remains.  They may be able to accommodate casketed remains in the same gravesite of previously interred family members.
     Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno.  This cemetery is closed to new interments.  However, space may be available in the same gravesite of previously interred family members.
     Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles.  This cemetery is closed to new interments.  However, space may be available in the same gravesite of previously interred family members.
     Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside.  This cemetery has space available to accommodate casketed and cremated remains.
     San Francisco National Cemetery, Presidio of San Francisco.  This cemetery is closed to new interments.  However, space may be available in the same gravesite of previously interred family members.
     San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine.  This cemetery has space available to accommodate casketed and cremated remains.

     The Sacramento area has been determined to be one of the areas in the United States that is the most need of a new National Cemetery.  Congress has appropriated funds for the purchase of land.  The 1133 acre tract of land has been chosen in Solano County.  Negotiations for purchase of the land were to begin in the spring of 2003.  After purchase of the land, a construction contract is to be awarded in January 2005. 
     The first California state-owned and operated Veterans Cemetery in California will be near Redding.  This cemetery will be funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs State Cemetery Grant Program and is scheduled to be completed in December of 2004.
    State cemeteries generally have the same requirements as National cemeteries as to eligibility for Veteran burial.
     Several cemeteries in the Sacramento area do have Veteran areas.  Of course, these plots must be purchased, and some of the expenses can be borne by VA as we discussed last month.  One of these cemeteries we are familiar with is Sacramento Memorial Lawn.  They do have a Veterans' Section.  For interment, the Veterans' half of the plot is free.  For information, call 916-421-1171.

     See page six for Military Honors at Veteran Funerals.....

LEGISLATION and GOVERNMENT ISSUES

     Several hearings are being held in July for various bills concerning Veterans.  The Legislature Policy Committees only have until July 11, with a few exceptions, to wrap up action on bills in committee.  If a budget bill is passed, (but don't hold your breath) the Legislature is scheduled to start their summer recess on July 18.  Next month we will have a wrap up of the status of bills concerning Veterans.

     ENROLLMENT WORKSHOP&JOB FAIR
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2003
2784 STOCKTON BLVD.  VFW POST #67, ALSO IS WHERE THE VAC MEETS
TIME:  9AM-4PM

     We have discussed in the newsletter the value of Enrollment into the VA Health System and the need for In-Country Vietnam Veterans to get Agent Orange Testing.  We also receive several calls per week from Veterans who have no idea that they  have service-related health problems and may be eligible for VA health care benefits or claims. So, Chapter 500 will be hosting a Enrollment Workshop & Job Fair. VA employees will be there to help veterans fill out the forms for enrollment, Agent Orange Testing.  Find out about other benefits, such as help for P.T.S.D.,  Cal-Vet home loans, burial benefits, educational rehabilitation programs veterans homes and more.  The event is for all veterans, not just Vietnam Veterans, is sponsored by VVA500 and endorsed by the Veterans Affiliated Council, Sacramento Veterans Resource Center and the Sacramento Vet Center.  Bring your DD214 or call the office 481-6020 to find out how to get it.  For VVA members, we have several on record.  If we have yours we can make a copy for you. Make some copies of the enclosed flyer and pass it out to your veteran friends.  No veteran should go without the benefits they deserve.  Light refreshments will be served.

THE TRAVELING WALL

      The Traveling Wall will be at the State Fair from 8/14 thru 8/19.  The date set for the Military Day is 8/18. (Usually free admission for Vets) The Wall will be set up just outside the entrance to the Fair Grounds where there will free parking for visitors.  Volunteers will be needed on a 24/7 basis to receive and answer questions for visitors.  Docent volunteers will be needed for 3 hour shifts and three at a time.   Volunteers will also be needed to help set-up the Wall on 8/14.  So anyone with some time on any of those days, please call the office at 481-6020.  We could use some help honoring our California Veterans that are on the Wall and to let Vietnam Veterans know that the Chapter is available for them.

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