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.

HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND  ********
CALL FOR PICK UP OF YOUR USED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.
1-866-241-8387 (TOLL FREE)
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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, and Honor Guard 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

GOOD NEWS!  Most of the repairs have been made to the damaged statues.  The flag pole must still come down, lights, and corroded wiring must be fixed.  But at least it's on it's way.  More news about the Memorial on Page 5..............

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

 

CSA Tax & Insurance Services _______________________________ Affiliated professionals that assist Baby-boomers and seniors with issues they face today, such as Taxes, Financial Planning for Retirement, and Entitlement Assistance. Call us at (916) 782-3200 CA Ins. license #OE61999 1328 Blue Oaks Blvd. #180, Roseville, CA 95678 Pension Planners Securities Inc., Member NASD/SIPC/MSRB, Investment Advisor.

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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WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISER!
CSA TAX & INSURANCE SERVICES

MESSAGE FROM KEN NELSON
CA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL GUARD

RECRUITING NAM VETS FOR THE
CA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

     We need Memorial Watch and Information Officers.  Some security experience, good with crowds, stern, dedicated, a team of two, like in Nam!  One to watch the Memorial, make rounds, other to give information to visitors who visit the Memorial, run off phony Nam Vets, from bothering visitors for money.  I till train.  In March I will be at the California Department of Veterans at 13th & O helping Veterans after protecting the Memorial and giving information at our CA Vietnam Memorial for 10 years.  I can't take on the other deeds to help Veterans at 13th & O, leaving the Memorial open and unprotected from Vandals, panhandlers, tour guides and teachers who think they know more about Vietnam than US who went to Nam.  The fun part is telling these Tour Guides and know-it-all teachers, you don't know what you're talking about.  Take your lies somewhere else, not here.  That's the fun part.  You know!  the Hollywood Ramos, reading war stories.  However, I will train you.  The most important issue is giving correct information to our visitors, and protecting 5,822 of our fallen brothers and sisters from liars and vandals.  Once you get into it, you'll find it well worth it and self rewarding.  It's worth getting out of the house.  If interested contact Greg or Mary Lou McNeill, Chapter 500.  We'll set up a date and time to train you.
                          Gunnie Sgt. Ken Nelson, Memorial Watch CHAPTER NOTE:  Member Ted Adams has committed to guarding the Memorial for several days of the week for a few hours in the evenings as he works during the day.  J.C. Terry, Vietnam Veteran, soon to be VVA 500 member has committed to the daily guard duty.  However, we need more people so that one or two people will not have to carry the whole load.  Let's not forget those people on the Wall, they gave a lot, can you spare a few hours?
     There is to be a changing of the Guard ceremony from Ken to J.C.  on March 1.  This newsletter may not make it on time, but e-mails have gone out and it will be covered in the next newsletter. Gunnie Ken has done a great job and we certainly appreciate it.  He's taking a well deserved break from his Guard Duty.

            THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE!
On Monday, February 21, Ted Adams guarding the Memorial in the evening with his two sons, observed three young men approaching the Memorial from the corner of 15th & L.  Standing back, Ted and his sons watched and the boys  began to urinate on the statue inside the Memorial.  Ted and his sons immediately ran to take care of the matter.  One of the men escaped, but they managed to contain the other two.  The authorities were called, came and took the two away.  During a search of the boys, spray paint cans were found in their possession.  We pretty much know  what would have happened had Ted and his sons not been there.

AFTER ACTION REPORT

2/1 - Regular VVA Board Meeting
2/4 - President McNeill, E.D. McNeill, visiting member, Chip Henley and Rena Henley visited the Memorial to document the repairs being made. 
2/7 - E.D. McNeill met with Parks and Recreation in regard to a VAC Memorial Day Ceremony
2/9 - E.D. McNeill attended media function to publicize repairs at the Memorial
2/9 - President McNeill and members attended the regular VAC meeting. 
2/9 - E.D. McNeill attended a City Staff meeting regarding the revision of the Parade Ordinance
2/14 - E.D. McNeill attended the first Stand Down meeting of the year.  McNeill was elected to the Stand Down Board as Secretary.
2/15 - Regular VVA General Meeting with CSA Tax & Insurances discussing tax tips and other financial matters at the meeting.
2/21 - President McNeill attended the regular Marine Corps League meeting in Folsom.
2/21 - Memorial Guard Ted Adams and his two sons apprehend a 16 and 18 yr. old vandalizing the Memorial.
2/23 - E.D. McNeill met with Janna Trawick from WEAVE to discuss opportunities for both VVA and WEAVE.
2/24 - President McNeill and E.D. McNeill attended a Veterans and Families meeting.

                     MEMBERS...DON'T FORGET
VVA500 has Chapter 500 T-Shirts and Hats for sale.  They look great, as evidenced below.  The shirts and hats are reasonably priced at $10. for the T-Shirts and $12. for the hats.  All sizes are available from small to really big.  They are always available at the General Meetings or send your check and order, and we can ship to you, but must add $5. for postage and handling.  Note:  The VVA500 Board has voted that only VVA, AVVA members may purchase VVA500 logo items.  As to presentation of honorary items, the Board will decide that on an individual basis.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS RIBBONS - We also have both yellow and red, white and blue "Support Our Troops Ribbons" for sale.  Once again they are available at the General Meetings or we can mail them to you, but must then add $2.00 for postage and handling. For members, the ribbons are $3.00 each, for non-members, they are $5.00 each. 

SUPPORT FOR ACTIVE DUTY and RETURNING SERVICE MEMBERS

     If you have family or friends that have family of those serving now, or those recently returning, this organization can lend support in many ways.  Or, if you would just like to help families and returning veterans, check it out.

VETERANS AND FAMILIES
Helping Veterans and Families Transition
 from Military to Civilian Life

About Veterans and Families (VF) - A Project of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation:  VF is a non-profit organization of Veterans, family members, employers, mental health professionals, service providers, academics and community leaders dedicated to "Helping Families, Employers, and Communities Support Homecoming Soldiers in their Transition from Military to Civilian Life."  It was founded in 2003 by John Henry Parker, Former Marine and Parent to a recently returning veteran of Afghanistan who is battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  VF knows that for a new generation of combat veterans who are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, an informed and seamless community network of support can mean the difference between getting back on their feet, or falling through the cracks.  VF is closing the service gaps by building active local networks that engage all stakeholders in the homecoming process--veterans, their family members, friends, counselors, academics, employers, and other community leaders.  The goal of Veterans and Families is to help families, employers, service providers and personal development resources, and community services information that is needed to provide the successful homecoming that every soldier deserves.  To learn more about how you can help, visit www.veteransandfamilies.org or call 916-395-4054 for more information.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS - As we mentioned in other areas of the newsletter, the Mather VA Medical Center is always in need of volunteers.  Even if you only have a few hours a month available, you can help.  Some of the areas needed are:  Patient Visitors, Shuttle Cart Driver, Van Driver, Group Activities, Office Assistant, Escort, New Admissions Greeter, and many more.  Those of you who go to Mather for treatment, maybe could spend a few extra hours there to help out.  If you think you can help call Juanita DeLuna at 916-366-5372.

         PHONE CARDS TO SERVICEMEN & WOMEN

     VVA500 is sending phone cards to servicemen & women who are in VA hospitals because of injuries and those serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.  If you know personally of any serviceman or woman that can make use of a phone card, please contact the office with their full address at 916-481-6020 or vva500@sbcglobal.net.

VVA BENEFITS

     If you need any varied types of insurance or perhaps supplements to what you currently have, you might want to check out some of the plans offered by the National VVA.  Here is what's available:
Dental Coverage - "DentaPay" provides:  Automatic acceptance, Coverage for preventive, basic and major services, Coverage for the member and qualified family members, Power to choose any dentist and Low deductible limits.
Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plan - Two plans available, for benefits paid directly to you in addition to other coverage up to $125. per day, intensive care indemnity benefit, outpatient surgery and pre-admission testing, recuperation benefit, guaranteed acceptance for all members and spouse under 70.
Cancer Expense Plan - $150. a day benefit for hospital stays, intensive care, hospice care, out-patient treatment, one time lump sum benefit of $1,500. paid upon the positive diagnosis of cancer after coverage has been in effect for 45 days, no medical exam to enroll if member, spouse, dependents have been cancer free for the past five years.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment - no physical exam for members and spouses under age 65.  Coverage rates depend upon amount of insurance required from $25,000-$150,000.
     These are just the highlights of the plans and are subject to change, so it is best to call the VVA insurance plans representative, Carlos Ortega at 1-888-678-6697 or e-mail him at Cortega@pmabenefits.com.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAY!

     We received a message from AVVA member Noralee Parsons about a grass roots movement afoot to show our solidarity and support for our troops.  It's simple to do; all you have to do is wear "red" on Fridays and let everyone know why.  So, get out the red and show it off!

BLAST FROM THE PAST

     What was Chapter 500 doing in March of 1992???  Looks like Bob Parker was President.  Looks like CSC had a meeting in Fresno. "This was the second annual meeting that encourages the leadership from each Chapter to share successes and problems and to plan for the future." The Moving Memorial Wall was there and VVA national president Jim Brazee gave an address.  Chapter 500 had just moved into new digs at the Am Vets Post #1.  Plans were being made to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 14. The battle with Congress was going on then and still is with Mike Mark urging members to write their Congressman to "end the prohibition on military retirees from collecting compensation for both their disability and earned retirement benefits at the same time.

IF YOU CAN READ THIS, THANK A TEACHER...
SINCE YOU ARE READING IT IN ENGLISH,
THANK A VETERAN

Artist Rolf Kriken works on repairing the CA Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Veteran Newscaster Stan Atkinson and member/guard Sanford Ross come to view the repairs and they are being made.  Note:  Stan's son is now serving in Iraq.

Memorial Guard Ken Nelson being interviewed by KCRA at the Memorial while sitting on the B.T. Collins Bench.

Member Chip Henley and wife Rena from Oklahoma visited the Memorial while they were visiting in Sacramento

He has his letter back.  The entire letter had been ripped from the statue's hand

Jeffrey Lorenz, Certified Senior Advisor spoke at VVA 500's General Meeting regarding 2005 tax law changes and how they can affect retirees along with other financial matters.  He was accompanied by Jessy Scott

    NOMINATIONS FOR 2005-2006 VVA500 ELECTIONS

PRESIDENT:___________________________________
VICE-PRESIDENT:______________________________
SECRETARY:__________________________________
TREASURER:__________________________________
BOARD MEMBERS - THREE TO BE ELECTED:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
NOMINATING COMMITTEE - THREE TO BE ELECTED:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
STATE DELEGATE TO CA STATE COUNCIL
______________________________________________
AVVA REPRESENTATIVE
______________________________________________
You can cut this form out and send it in to the office at:
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 500
P.O. Box 255484
Sacramento, CA 95865
Or call in your nominations to 916-481-6020 or bring it to the next General Meeting on February 15.  Nominations can be anonymous.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!              
     March:  Joseph Cavanagh - Marines♫♫♫Rodney Genter - Air Force♫♫♫John Moreno - Army♫♫♫Bill Wolf - Army♫♫♫Richard Reynolds - Navy♫♫♫Roberto Segovia♫♫♫
 your birthday is in March and you don't see your name here, the Chapter does not have a copy of your DD214.  National VVA has it.  If you have a copy, send us one for our files and we can wish you Happy Birthday too!  AVVA members we also need your Birthday Dates !!!

WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBERS AND TRANSFERS
Jim Norman, Paul Henning, Larry Bunfill, Burl Bilyeu, John Douglas, Charles Townsend

War is, at first, the hope that we will be better off; next, the expectation that the other fellow will be worse off; then, the satisfaction that he isn't any better off;  and, finally the surprise at everyone's being worse off.  ............Karl Kraus