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VETERAN BENEFITS AND ISSUES

     VA HEARING AID/EYEGLASSES

     The Department of Veterans Affairs must provide audiology and eye care services and hearing aids and glasses to military veterans with any compensable service-connected disability.  Public Law 103-262, the Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996, changed eligibility laws to allow VHA to furnish prosthetic appliances to veterans.  However, that law further provided that VHA could not furnish sensori-neural aids (hearing aids and eyeglasses) except in accordance with guidelines that the VA prescribes.  (According to certain directives in Title 38).  It is now VHA policy that all enrolled veterans and those veterans exempt from enrollment are eligible for medical services that include diagnostic audiology and diagnostic and preventive eye care services, and that the prescription and provision of hearing aids and eyeglasses must be furnished to all eligible veterans in accordance with the parameters and criteria defined in VHA directives. There are several ways in which you may qualify as being eligible for the exams as well as acquiring hearing aids and eyeglasses from the VA.  The main criteria is already being service connected, being a POW or receiving a Purple Heart.  If you think you may be in need of hearing aids and/or glasses arrange for your exams.  There are several other types of criteria as well as rules for replacement items.  You can read about them here:  http://www1.va.gov/optometry/docs/VHA_Directive2008_
070_Eyeglasses.pdf  or if you do not have access to a computer, call the office and we can send you a copy.

VA VISION CARE

     The VHA is the first national healthcare system to completely and seamlessly integrate rehabilitation services for patients with visual impairments into its health benefits.  They estimate there are approximately 157,000 veterans in the United States who are legally blind, and more than one million veterans who have low vision that impairs their ability to perform necessary daily activities.  Those figures are expected to increase in the years ahead as ore veterans from the Korean and Vietnam eras develop age-related vision loss.  VA has expanded its Blind Rehabilitation Service to provide a continuum of care that extends from the veteran's home to the local VA care site to regionally-based inpatient and outpatient training programs.  It has added 55 vision and blind rehabilitation outpatient clinics to complement its existing 10 comprehensive inpatient blind rehabilitation centers.  They also employ 75 blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialists who serve veterans in their homes and communities, and more than 160 medical center-based Visual Impairment Services Teams headed by case management coordinators.
Chapter Note:  If you have a diagnosis of being legally blind or visually impaired and need services call the VA Service Center at 916-365-6500 and speak to the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Department. They can determine what you need.

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

STATE LEGISLATION STATUS

     Of course as you know, California is on a path of an unknown destination due to the inability of the legislature and governor to come to an agreement to pass a budget.  But here are a few bills that concern veteran issues and their status as of July 13.  It is highly unlikely that any bills that require any significant funding will be passed. 
►AB 59 - Jeffries - Alcoholic Beverages:  Proof of Age:  Military ID Cards.  Amends the Alcoholic Beverages Control Act that makes it a misdemeanor for any person under the age of 21 to purchase an alcoholic beverage or consume a alcoholic beverage in any on-sale premises, and includes a military ID card issued to a member of the Armed Forces as an eligible ID card so long as that card includes a description of the cardholder.  Provides that, if the military ID card lacks a physical description, but includes date of birth and a photo, further proof of majority shall not be required.  Status:  Has passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate.
►AB 264 - Cook - Requires the Governor to annually proclaim March 30 of each year as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.  Encourages schools to conduct exercises on that date recognizing the contributions of those involved in the conflict.  Status:  Has passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate.
►AB 265 - Cook - Office Holding:  Forfeiture - Relates to existing law that requires certain elected officers to forfeit their office upon the conviction of a specified crime pursuant to the federal Stolen Valor Act of 2005.  Expands this provision to include elected state officers.  Status:  Has passed both Assembly and Senate and is to the Governor awaiting signature.
►AB 710 - Yamada - Veterans' Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Fund - Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit a grant application to the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration for the purpose of funding community-based organizations.  Requires that all grant money be deposited into the Veterans' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Fund.  Requires the department to develop a process by which to certify community-based organizations that receive funding.  Allow counties with no veterans organizations to apply for a grant.  Status:  Has passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate.
►AB 1459 - Davis - Multifamily Housing Program for Veterans - Amends existing law that authorizes a sponsor of a supportive housing development to restrict occupancy to persons with veteran status if the development is located on property that is owned or leased by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the State Department of Veterans Affairs and is leased for a specified period.  Deletes the requirement that the development be located on property owned or leased by the departments or a specified term. Status:  Has passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate.
     Continued on Page Nine..............................

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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

        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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RUN/WALK TO SUPPORT
LOCAL ALZHEIMERS VICTIMS AND FAMILIES
 

MORE ON THE 5K WALK/RUN FOR ALZHEIMERS

Buzz Oats RunSac Race Series
We are proud to be one of the events on the Buzz Oates RunSac Race Series.
Race Management:
Capital Road Race Management

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE 5k WALK/RUN FOR ALZHEIMERS

     The Chapter 500 Board has agreed to pay for any member's registration fees for the walk/run.  This will be the Chapter's donation to this worthwhile cause, so we need you to be able to make the donation.
         If you can walk, you can do this.  Get involved with your community.  Walk with the chapter.  It could be you or your family that needs help from the Alzheimers Aid Society.  Plus....East Lawn has always been a good friend to Veterans, so how about some support for their activities.
     For all of the information online go to:  www.memory5k.org or call 916-492-8966.  TO REGISTER TO WALK OR RUN, CALL THE OFFICE AT 916-481-6020 or e-mail vva500@sbcglobal.net. Deadline for registering is July 17.  Just let the office know your name and age and we will process your registration.

PTSD MAY NEARLY DOUBLE DEMENTIA RISK

     U. S. researchers say having post-traumatic stress disorder nearly doubled the risk of dementia in veterans.  The study - led by Dr. Kristine Yaffe of the University of CA, San Francisco, and the San Francisco VA Medical Center - used data from the Department of Veterans Affairs National Patient Care Database to track 181,093 veterans age 55 and older without dementia from 2001-2007.
     The 53,155 veterans in the study diagnosed with PTSD developed new cases of dementia at a rate of 10.6 percent over the seven years of follow-up.  Those without PTSD developed new cases of dementia at a rate of 6.6 percent.  Even after adjusting for demographics and medical and psychiatric co-morbidities, PTSD patients in the study were still nearly twice as likely as veterans without PTSD to develop incident dementia.
     "It is critical to follow patients with PTSD, and evaluate them early for dementia." Yaffe says in a statement.  "Further research is needed to fully understand what links these two important disorders.  With that knowledge we may be able to find ways to reduce the increased risk of dementia associated with PTSD.
     The findings were presented at the Alzheimers Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Vienna.
   From:  Military.com - United Press International

SAL ARRIGO FROM THE ALZHEIMERS AID SOCIETY EXPLAINS THE PURPOSE OF THE SOCIETY AT THE VVA500 GENERAL MEETING.

MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN THE CITRUS HEIGHTS RED, WHITE AND BLUE PARADE

JOE FEIRL AND TED ADAMS IN THE TRUCK HAVING A GREAT TIME AT THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE PARADE


 

PRESIDENT WINNETT RIDES IN STYLE WITH AVVA REP TINA HAAS AND HER "DARLIN" CORVETTE IN THE ROSEVILLE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

BOARD MEMBERS HARD AT WORK GETTING OUR NEW VETERANS HALL READY

WE PROMISED PICTURES OF THE "READING OF THE NAMES"  LAST MONTH.  AVVA MEMBER GRACE DID A GREAT JOB CAPTURING THE EVENT.  BUT, NEWSLETTER SPACE IS LIMITED AND HARD TO CHOOSE JUST A FEW, SO WE WILL E-MAIL THE LINK TO YOU AND THEN YOU CAN CHECK ALL OF THEM OUT.

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CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY HONORS VETERANS

Dave Jones, Left with "Easy" Smith and his award at the CA Assembly Veterans Recognition Luncheon.

     The second annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon was held on June 17th at the Sacramento Community Center.  The event was co-sponsored by the California State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America. 
     The legislators are all asked to participate and choose a Veteran from their district to be honored at the luncheon.  Dave Jones office came to VVA500 to find a Veteran from his district to attend the luncheon.  We were fortunate to have an outstanding Veteran that we could recommend to Dave, our own Wolfhound,  "Easy" Smith.
     "Easy" and his wife Doris attended the luncheon with Dave and reported having a wonderful time.  All Veterans attending received awards as well as having their names and accomplishments in the program.  For "Easy" the program read: "William R.I. "Easy" Smith  - William Smith served in the U.S. Army in Chu Chi, Vietnam.  His service ended due to a combat injury - he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with a V Device.  As part of the "Wolfhounds" - a name started by the Russians in 1901 to identify American Army units displaying unusual dedication - he has dedicated much of his post-military life to helping his fellow Wolfhounds.  He is National President o the 27th Infantry Division Historical Society, which advocates and cares for Wolfhounds abroad and returning home from service."
     We want to thank "Easy" for being who he is and all of the good work that he does and special thanks to Dave Jones for participating and choosing our member "Easy" to honor.
     After sponsor contributions and lunch tickets, remaining funds will be donated to the CA State Military Museum in Old Sacramento and the Purple Heart Memorial to construct and maintain a memorial in the Capitol Historic Region to honor CA residents who have been awarded the Purple Heart.
     Congratulations to "Easy" and thank you to Dave Jones!    

SAFETY ALERT

     The Shell Oil company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which cell phones ignited fumes during fueling operations:  In the first case. the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump.
     In the second:  An individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car.
     In the third:  An individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car.
     You should know that:  Cell phones can ignite fuel or fumes.  Cell phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition.  Cell phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, boat, etc.  Cell phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, (i.e., solvents, chemicals, gases, grain, dust, etc.  Here are the Four Rules for Safe Refueling:
►Turn off Engine
►Don't Smoke
►Don't use your cell phone - leave it inside the vehicle or off.
►Don't re-enter your vehicle during fueling.
     Rob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of "static electricity" at gas pumps.  Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas.  If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out.  This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS

     Military veterans and active-duty personnel are eligible for significant discounts on cell phone plans - if they know how to ask.  There are over 23 million veterans in the U.S. of which many are unaware of the potential savings on their monthly cell phone bills.  Monthly military discounts range from 15% on Verizon Wireless plans to 10% off - and no activation fee - on T-Mobile agreements.  Alltel, Sprint and AtT& T offer similar discounts.  But getting the companies to register them for the cheaper plans is no easy task.  There are no magic numbers to call, you have to really be persistent when asking about applying for these discounts.  It may be a time consuming effort and in some cases registration online is required.  Veterans will just have to decide it the discount is worth it or not.  Some companies also offer discounted plans for customers 65 and older.

                     BENEFIT FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS
     In Loomis, at the corner of Horseshoe Bar & Taylor Roads, the street will be closed for a Country Western Street Dance.  It will be a big party with food, music, dancing, with the benefits going to benefit wounded warriors.  $25 for couples, $15 for singles.  Takes place August 22, 8PM to 11PM.

ONE OF OUR FINEST IS GONE

BRIGADIER GENERAL (CA) (Ret) EZELL WARE, JR.
FEBRUARY 6, 1941 - JUNE 30, 2009

     Brigadier General (CA) (Ret) Ezell Ware, Jr. passed away peacefully from lung cancer at his Texas home in the presence of his wife, Anita Cordero-Ware On Tuesday evening June 30, 2009.  He is survived by his wife and his adult children.
     We met General Ware some years back when he lived here in Sacramento.  He was a member of Chapter 500 then.  When he moved to Texas, he transferred to VVA Chapter915 in Austin, Texas.  He was a fine man that came from poverty in Alabama, enlisted in the Marines, and then the Army so he could fly helicopters.  He flew those helicopters in Vietnam.  He became a combat helicopter gun ship pilot with the 61st Helicopter Assault company.  He was shot down several times, once spending several days in the jungle before being rescued. He wrote a book about that experience and his life called "By Duty Bound".
     General Ware was an impressive man.  He commanded attention the minute he entered a room.  He had an air about him that instantly commanded respect.  He was dedicated to his country and the many charitable and Veterans organizations he supported and participated in.
     While in Sacramento, he spoke at many Veteran functions, including being the guest speaker at one of our annual "Reading of the Names".  He served as Assistant Adjutant General of the California National Guard from May, 1999 until May of 2003.  Had there not been some political controversies going on at the time, he probably would have eventually  become the Adjutant General for the Guard.  He will be missed by many.
     A memorial service with full honors was held on Thursday, July 9th at the Dallas-Fort Worth Cemetery.  The family asked that in lieu of flowers, to send donations to the Veterans Support Foundation, 8605 Cameron St., Suite 400, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.  Plans are being made to have a memorial service in this area so many of his friends here can also say good-bye.  We'll keep you informed.

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES, CONT.

►AB 1463 - Smyth - High School Graduation:  Military Uniforms.  Provides that a pupil who has fulfilled the requirements to receive a diploma of graduation from a high school, and has completed the basic training required for and is an active member of any armed branch of the United States military, has the right to wear the dress uniform issued to him or her by that military branch while participating in the graduation ceremony for his or her high school.  Status:  Passed the Assembly, is in the Senate.
►SB 361-Runner - Public Postsecondary Education:  Armed Forces Service.  specifies that priority registration provisions of the University of California, CA State University and community college districts apply to any member or former member of the Armed Forces who has received an honorable discharge, a general discharge, or Reserve, but not to those who have received either a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge. 
►SB 369 - Maldonado - Prisoner-of-War/Missing in Action Flag.  Requires the flag of the National League of Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Flag to be flown during business hours at all state owned buildings and facilities where the US flag and the CA state flag fly.  Status:  Passed by Senate and Assembly and to the Governor for signing.

         VA REOPENING HEALTH CARE ENROLLMENT
     We've mentioned this before, but just in case you missed it, here are excerpts from a news release from the VA:
     The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which now has nearly 8 million Veterans enrolled in its award-winning health care system, is poised to welcome nearly 266,000 more Veterans into its medical centers and clinics across the country by expanding access to health care enrollment for certain Veterans who had been excluded due to their income.
     Under a new regulation effective June 15, VA will enroll Veterans whose income exceeds current means-tested thresholds by up to 10 percent.  These Veterans were excluded from VA health care enrollment when income limits were imposed in 2003 on Veterans with no service-connected disabilities or other special eligibility for care.  There is no income limit for Veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities or for Veterans being seen for their service-connected disabilities.
     Veterans who have applied for VA health care but were rejected due to income, must reapply.  VA will contact those Veterans through a direct-mail campaign, Veterans service organizations, and a national and regional marketing campaign.
     Information about enrollment and an income and assets calculator are available at www.va.gov/healtheligibility. The calculator provides a format in which Veterans enter their household income, number of dependents, and zip codes to see if they may qualify for VA health care enrollment. In addition to applying online, Veterans may also contact VA's Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-8387.  (You can also go to Mather to the Enrollment Trailer in front of the hospital.)

                                    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
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.  Meeting room is downstairs.  When you leave, the street is one way, so you will go to the right.  You will come up to Douglas Blvd. again and a left will go back to the freeway and whichever direction you need to go from there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 
JULY  BIRTHDAYS           
     ♫♫♫Jim Norman - Marines♫♫♫Remon Shields - AVVA♫♫♫Paul Copsey - Navy♫♫♫Raymond Lavorico - Air Force♫♫♫Stephen Keller - Navy♫♫♫Josef Asher - Army♫♫♫Eddie Getz - AVVA♫♫♫Raymond Dominguez - AVVA♫♫♫Jerome Barboza - Air Force♫♫♫Chuck Jamison - Navy♫♫♫Col. Jim Cook - Marines♫♫♫Philip Thulander - Marines♫♫♫Thomas Robinson - Army♫♫♫ In June we missed Dave Dutton - Marines♫♫♫William Dunnaway - Army♫♫♫

     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!
Harvey Wilson, Thomas Robinson, Fred Buchman, Ray Redmill,

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

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