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.

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CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS:  President:  Gregory C. McNeill
                    Vice President:  Stan Bollinger
                      Secretary:  Robert Jordan
          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, Honor Guard and Library of Congress Veterans Stories Project will be gratefully appreciated.  You may earmark your donation to the project you wish to support.
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UPDATE ON THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

     MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.....Ken Nelson, Memorial Guard reported this....Ken happened to catch an individual representing himself to be from a Vietnam Veteran organization.  He was collecting money from visitors at the Memorial, supposedly for the Memorial.  Ken confiscated the checks, a few thousand at that, and mailed the checks back to the contributors. 
      As to the repairs, as of the week of June 28, the contracts for repairs were to go out for bid.  Other contracts are being assembled for the ongoing maintenance.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

"A Continuing Tradition"

   ALAN L. FISHER             916-732-2000
   Vice President               Fax 916-457-7098
   CA Insurance Lic. 0783809

43rd & Folsom Blvd., P.O. Box 19334, Sacramento, CA 95819
East Lawn Insurance Services, Inc. License #0747585
www.eastlawn.com

HELP YOUR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT THE VVA
by advertising 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.
☻☻☻☻☻☻☻☻☻☻
WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBERS
Bruce Scarborough, Sarge Brookshire
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!              
     Miguel Alvarez-Air Force♫♫♫Floyd Volker-Army♫♫♫Doc Kauffman - Navy♫♫♫Dino Gomez-Army♫♫♫ Ron Titus-Navy♫♫♫Bruce Scarborough-Air Force♫♫♫Mary Lou McNeill

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

A MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL PRESIDENT
TOM COREY
VOTE FOR AMERICA 2004

     This November Americans again will have the opportunity to exercise one of the greatest rights of a free society--the Right to Vote.  As Vietnam veterans who served our great country to protect this right, we have a sacred trust to remind all Americans of the importance of participating in the democratic process.  This also gives us the chance to tell our fellow citizens about the needs of veterans.
     Now is the time for VVA members to make our voices heard.  Many Vietnam veterans today are faced with chronic homelessness, benefits claims being denied, and lack of adequate medical services from their local VA hospital.  Congress and national leaders are the direct link to the resources veterans need.  With the President, every seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and one-third of the Senate seats up for grabs, VVA and all veterans need to put forth our best effort to make a difference in this year's elections.
     In a "good" year, only 55 percent of registered voters bother to show up to vote.  This means that elections can be decided by as little as 15 percent of the electorate.  Too often veterans don't vote.
     We hope to help elevate the status of veterans--and the issues of relevance to our families and us--to the forefront of political dialogue and debate because when veterans stand up for something, it gives meaning because of the respect given to us for our service and sacrifices to our country.  It's only now that we're beginning to hear about how veterans vote.
     Tom Paine, one of the intellectual heroes of the American Revolution, wrote more than 200 years ago:  "The right of voting for representatives is the primary right by which other rights are protected."  Voting is the core of democracy.  It is also a partial repayment of the debt we owe those whose lives have been altered or cut short in service to our nation.
     Because if it so important that all those eligible to vote fulfill the obligation of citizenship by voting for the candidates of their choice--in caucuses, in primaries, in general elections--VVA has launched its Vote for America 2004 campaign.  The goal of this initiative is to remind Americans of their civic responsibility--of their obligation as citizens--to vote.
     Many Americans--and many veterans--complain that voting doesn't change things.  Those who embrace this belief are wrong.  Those whom we elect, whom we entrust to guide our nation in domestic and international affairs, whom we choose to lead us and to speak for us, do make a difference--for all of us.
     We must undertake an aggressive and highly visible effort to register voters and to encourage registered voters--especially veterans and their families--to vote.  That's why I'm reminding all VVA chapters and state councils to display voter-registration material at every VVA event from now until November.  This includes meetings, state and local fairs and carnivals, special holiday celebrations, and parades anywhere a booth or table can be set up.  Veterans and non-veterans should be signed up on the spot to vote. ...........Continued on Page 8 ►►

INCOMING

     ADDITION TO THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON D.C.

     A congressionally authorized addition to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. will be officially unveiled at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 8, 2004 in a program to be conducted by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
    The In Memory Memorial Plaque pays tribute to the men and women who died prematurely due to non-combat injuries and emotional suffering caused directly by service in the Vietnam War, but whose names are not eligible to be added
to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. 
      The plaque's inscription reads, “In memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service.  We honor and remember their sacrifice.”  The 2x3-foot granite tablet, recently placed in
an extension of the plaza where the Three Servicemen Statue is located, will be open for visits by the public after landscaping and repaving of the plaza are complete, around the end of May.  The In Memory Memorial Plaque Project Web site at http://members.aol.com/vietwarmem/plaque.htm provides construction updates and more information about the In Memory Plaque.
     Expected to participate in the unveiling ceremony are Rep. Elton Gallegly and Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who authored the enabling legislation required to add a new element to Washington's most-visited memorial.
     Attending the ceremony will be representatives of the ABMC, the Vietnam War In Memory Memorial Plaque, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Vietnam Women's
Memorial Foundation and other groups which have supported the In Memory Plaque.
     Agent Orange widow and founder of the Agent Orange Widows Awareness Coalition, Genevieve Douglass stated, “This In Memory Memorial Plaque provides the honorable recognition of our loved ones’ ultimate sacrifices in service to our country and provides the solace and healing for the grieving families and friends, who continue to suffer.”
     The national dedication of the Vietnam War In Memory Memorial Plaque will be held on the eve of Veteran’s Day, in a candlelight ceremony at 7p.m. Wednesday, November 10th, hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).  A news
release announcing the dedication is on the VVA Web site at
http://www.vva.org/PressReleases/2004/pr04-030.htm

MEMBER REQUEST:  Jim Morris would like to get in touch with a former member, John Higuera.  Last known, he was near the Fresno area.  If anyone can help please call Jim at 916-445-0211 ext. 2861.
SEEKING TEAM MEMBERS:  We received mail from Comp USA advising us that they have store positions available in hardware, software, sales, cashiers, technicians and stock/warehouse occupations.  If you are interested, call Renee Rader at 916-772-6404 or send a resume to her at CompUSA 1251 Lead Hill Blvd., Roseville, CA 95661.
RIVER CITY BANK also usually has openings for various positions.  Visit their website at www.rcbank.com. 

FEATURED LEGISLATOR
NICOLE M. PARRA - 30TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
CHAIR OF THE ASSEMBLY
VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Assembly Woman Parra offers her gratitude and support to troops departing to the Middle East.

     Having been involved in Valley government and politics for over a decade, Assemblywoman Nicole M. Parra was elected in 2002 to represent the 30th Assembly District. The 30th AD is a diverse district located in California's southern Central Valley and composed of the southern part of Fresno County, a western portion of Tulare County, a large southwest portion of Kern County, and all of Kings County.
     Assemblywoman Parra serves as Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee because of her long commitment to assisting and recognizing those who have served to protect our nation. She is one of only five freshman members of the Assembly selected to head a committee this session. She also chairs the Select Committee on National Defense, Technology and Jobs, a committee established to address military base retentions and closures in California, and to develop proactive actions aimed at protecting the thousands of defense-related jobs throughout the state.
     Assemblywoman Parra chairs the Select Committee on Megan's Law and Sex Offender Registration, and has authored several key bills aimed at strengthening and expanding Megan's Law in California. She further serves as a member of the Assembly Agricultural Committee, the Banking and Finance Committee, and the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee. As a leader in the Democratic Caucus, Assemblywoman Parra also serves as Assistant Majority Whip.
     In her first year in office, Assemblywoman Parra was named 2003 Legislator of the Year by the California Main Street Alliance and the California Downtown Association based on her efforts to accelerate economic development and secure more jobs for struggling communities around the state.
                              Continued in the next column►►►

AFTER ACTION REPORT

     June was a quiet month compared to the flurry of activity that took place in May.  A lot of cleanup work from both the Parade and Reading of the Names was and is an ongoing project with certificates, thank-you letters and pictures going out to all of the dignitaries, program participants and parade and Reading participants. 
     June 1st VVA500 regular board meeting was held.  State Convention Delegates Pat Boltinghouse and Dino Gomez headed for Ontario for the CSC State Convention June 4th to perform their duties as Chapter 500's Delegates. 
     The evening of June 9th at the Veterans Affiliated Council Meeting, President McNeill was installed as the Commander of the VAC.  Floyd Volker, VVA500 member, was installed as Senior Vice-Commander and Treasurer Dennis "Doc" Kaufmann as Junior Vice-Commander. ED McNeill was appointed Parade Committee Chair and Public Relations Chair. The same night trophies were awarded to the winners for the Memorial Day Parade.  VVA500 received a second place trophy in the Veterans Category.  Pizza and cake were served to all. 
     On June 15th, the VVA500 General Meeting was held.  The guest speaker was Daniel J. Wagner from the Military Family Support Foundation.  Mr. Wagner is requesting Chapter endorsement for a project that will enable troops serving overseas with their families at home.  Also at the meeting orders were taken for T-shirts and hats for the upcoming Sacramento Stand-Down.  The membership also decided to participate in the July 4th Roseville Parade.
     On June 21, ED McNeill attended the monthly Stand-Down Committee meeting. 
     June 22, the Chapter Audit Committee met to audit the Chapter books so Treasurer Doc Kauffman can complete the annual financial report for National VVA.

NICOLE PARRA, continued........She was the recipient of the California National Guard's highest honor for a civilian, The Order of California Public Service Award, for her leadership in authoring and co-authoring several bills and three house resolutions regarding military personnel, veterans and their families. The California Association of County Veteran Service Officers also named Parra 2003 Legislator of the Year, and the California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Alliance gave Parra their Freedom Fighter Award for her support of disabled veterans. The California Community Action Partnership honored Parra for her efforts to eliminate poverty in the Central Valley and for arranging a safe drinking-water supply for the small town of Alpaugh.
     A resident of Hanford, Assemblywoman Parra was born in Bakersfield and attended Highland High School where her brother, Peter, now serves as a teacher. She studied Economics at the University of California at Berkeley and, after completing law school in Washington, D.C., returned to the Valley to work as District Director for Congressman Cal Dooley. Assemblywoman Parra follows her family's long tradition of public service. Her father, Pete Parra, is a Kern County Supervisor and former school board member; her mother, Yolanda, works for Bakersfield Adult School.

Chapter 500 members gather for the Annual Meeting

Members and friends gather after the Memorial Day Parade per tradition at the Bunker (Torch Club)

Pat Boltinghouse enjoys a hug from Red

VAC officers and committee members for 2004-2005 are sworn in

David Gonsalves accepts a Certificate of Thanks for Councilman Dave Jones support of the Memorial Day Parade

President McNeill accepts a trophy in the Veterans Category for the Memorial Day Parade

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT CORY, CONT.....

If we are to succeed in improving the benefits that veterans, by virtues of their service to America, deserve, we need to become a force in the voting booth.  Currently there is no way to restore the VA to the necessary minimum funding.  After extensive research (see VVA White Paper at www.vva.org entitled, "The Position of Vietnam Veterans of America on Health Care Funding for All Veterans"), VVA concluded that changing VA health care funding from discretionary, meaning that Congress determines how much money it will allocate each year for veterans medical care, to mandatory is the only way to provide the VA with a predictable and reliable funding stream that is adequate for VA medical operations.  We need a mandatory method of funding, one that is based on the per capita use of the VA system and is indexed for medical inflation.  This issue must not only be on the table but smack in the center of the political plate.
Members of Congress often begin their careers on the local level.  We must make them understand that veterans matter, that we mean business, and that we can pay large dividends in the future when these local politicians move into state and national offices.  A few evenings or weekends spent registering voters at a card table outside your local grocery store will help ensure vital veterans services are these for you and other veterans and their families.  Veterans have a  tremendous impact on the non-veteran population, especially young people.  Cont. next column►
    

     It is my hope, and the hope of the entire leadership of VVA, that the materials in this packet, along with the public service announcements and other materials we have sent out, will help acquaint voters--and politicians--with some of the issues affecting veterans and their families.
             Best Wishes, Tom Corey, National President

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

AUGUST 8 - The Annual VETERANS PICNIC held at the Royer Park, next to the Veterans Hall, 11AM-4PM.  Bring a potluck dish, family and friends.
AUGUST 20-SEPTEMBER 6 - is the STATE FAIR.  We are waiting for response from the CDVA for which of those will be the free day for Veterans and table space for VVA500.
SEPTEMBER 25 - the annual GERMAN OKTOBERFEST beginning at 4PM held at the Roseville Veterans Hall.  It's on Saturday this year.  We have tickets, $15. each, call now to reserve. Bring family and friends. Enjoy great authentic German food and music.
OCTOBER 1,2,&3 - the annual STAND-DOWN.  Volunteers will be needed.  Bring men's & women's  clothing to VVA meetings.  T-Shirts @$10. and Hats @$5. are for sale to raise funds.  Call the office with your orders.
OCTOBER 8,9,&10 - the annual Chapter 500 GET-A-WAY.  Get your gear together, the reservations have been made.  Call the office with your RSVP by Sept. 30 so food plans can be finalized.