May-June 2006

Remember In Memory of Bill Wolf

Chapter Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting: 3rd Tuesday each month 7:00 PM unless notified otherwise.
ROSEVILLE MEMORIAL HALL, Royer Park ***AWARD WINNING NEWSLETTER***

CAPITOL CITY
VETERAN

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

"We remember!" MAY-JUNE, 2006 "Be Proud"

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

     First of all, I would like to say Thank-You for a great year to all of the outgoing Officers and Board Members, and Welcome the new Officers and Board Members.
     I would also like to thank the membership for voting me in as your President for the 2nd time. I hope to see you all at the next General Meeting. This year is looking like a very active year for Chapter 500.
     And again thank you to LTC (Ret) Charlie Brown for his time to come and talk to the chapter.
     On May 6th we will be marching in the Elk Grove Western Days Parade. If you would like to come and march with us please do so. We will have two trucks for members who need to ride.
     On the 20h of May, the Roseville Veterans Memorial Park dedication takes place. Come and support all Veterans. Memorial Day is coming up also and that means the "Reading of the Names" the day before. If anyone is interested in reading, please call Mary Lou and let her know. In June we have the State Convention in San Jose. So as you can see it's just the beginning and will be a busy year for us.
     So in closing, I will say thank you again for your vote.
             "Welcome Home".........Your President, Ted Adams

ELECTION RESULTS ARE IN!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW OFFICERS AND BOARD!

PRESIDENT: Ted Adams
VICE-PRESIDENT: Karen Anne Winnett
SECRETARY: Gregory C. McNeill
TREASURER: Jerry Quint
BOARD MEMBERS: Dino Gomez
                                        Monty Montoya
                                        Bill Wagner
AVVA REPRESENTATIVE: Fran Kehoe
     Committee chairs will be appointed will be appointed by President Adams at the next General Meeting in May. For a listing of the committees and their descriptions, go to: www.norcaltrav.com/vva500.htm then the link, "Members Committees" or call the office for the list. Find something you like and get involved. The more participation, the stronger our Chapter will become.

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday, May 16, 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.

THE ANNUAL "READING OF THE NAMES" WILL BE HELD
AT THE CA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
DATE: SUNDAY, MAY 28 - TIME: 7AM UNTIL COMPLETE
CEREMONY FOR ALL VETERANS AT NOON

THE JUNE GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD
AT THE FAMILY CAMP-OUT AT THE GOLDEN WEST FLY-IN
DATE: JUNE 9, 10, 11 WHERE: MARYSVILLE AIRPORT

In May, many events are scheduled to honor those Veterans who have given their lives during their service and those who have passed on since their time of serving.
Go to Page Seven to find details of the above and other events. Try to attend as many as you can to honor those who have fallen.

IN MEMORY OF
RICHARD ERWIN DIBBLE
February 26, 1946 - April 2, 2006

Rick was a member of Chapter 500. He retired as a Lt. Colonel after serving 22 years in the Air Force. For the last six years he worked as the Director of the Sacramento Veterans Resource Center. He derived much joy from his children and grandchildren. We appreciate the work he did for Veterans and know he will be missed by many.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN.........MAY-JUNE, 2006....Page 2

HEPATITIS C

Lately we have been receiving more calls relating to Veterans attempting to file service related claims for HEP-C For those who have tried many will tell you it is one of the more difficult claims to prove. The VA most of the time likes to blame HEP- C on lifestyle habits and lifestyle habits or not, the difficult part is trying to prove this happened in the service. The following information we received through the CA State Council from a Service Officer that has been working on HEP-C claims. Don't delay in filing a claim, remember that even if your claim is rejected, but then proven later to be service related, the date of your compensation will start from the date that file is claimed less the back dating allowed by the VA. Below are questions you will need to provide answers for to your Service Officer.
A. Have you had a transfusion prior to 1992? HEP-C wasn't screened for prior to 1992. (Chap. Note: Surgery is another consideration)
B. Have you while in the military handled blood or blood products? HEP-C is a blood born pathogen.
C. Have you ever injected drugs, shared a needle or ingested illegal drugs in any other manner? Shared needles are the #1 way of contracting HEP-C.
D. Do you have any tattoos? When did you get them? If gotten during the service they may be considered less a risk factor due to the prevailing mindset while serving was," You're not a man unless you have a tattoo."
E. While in service did you ever share a razor? This was a common practice in Combat areas and on maneuvers. One nick and you could be infected.
F. Were you ever promiscuous and/or had excessive unprotected sex? There is an extremely minute chance of getting HEP-C this way, but it's better to know.
G. Did you receive Air Injector Gun shots and approximately how many?
H. Are you or were you a Health Care Worker? Possible contact with Blood or Blood Products?
I. Were you ever on Kidney Dialysis?
J. Did your mother have HEP-C when you were born?
K. Are you a Vietnam Era Veteran?
L. Do you have Liver Disease?
M. Do you have a long history of heavy drinking?
N. Is there anything you are ware of in any of your records that may contradict any of your previous answers?
Remember, the source of infection is unknown in10% of acute cases and in 30% of Chronic HEP-C cases.
For reference and cite purposes, review the information on the following websites:
http://hcvets.com
http://hepatitiscentral.com/hcv/vets/toc.html See “Awards we have won”
http://www.hepatitis.va.gov
http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=scpl-01-01 See “Conclusion” paragraph
http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=scpl-01-02
More on Page 6 ►►►

CALIFORNIA VETERANS LEGISLATION

Spring Break is over for our California Legislature. Here is an update on some of the current bills per the CA State Commanders Council. Anytime you would like to see where the current status of a bill is, you can go to http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/ follow the instructions right to the bill. On this site, you can also sign up for e-mail alerts when the status of a bill changes.

AB 1910 - Disabled and disabled Veteran License Plates - Aghazarian Would allow organizations that are involved in the transportation of disabled persons or disabled veterans to be issued a special license plate for a vehicle that is used solely for the purpose of transporting those persons. In 2004, SB1725 inadvertently eliminated the authority of DMV to issue permanent disabled license plates to organizations that transport disabled people. This bill would restore that authority. Status: Passed by Assembly Committees is off to the Senate.

AB 2586 - Sentencing: Veterans Treatment Programs - Para - Under existing law, if a convicted defendant was a member of the military forces of the United States who served in combat in Vietnam and who suffers from substance abuse or psychological problems resulting from that service, the court may, under specified circumstances, order the defendant committed to the custody of federal correctional officials for incarceration for a term equivalent to that which the defendant would have served in state prison. The bill now provides that if a person is convicted of a criminal offense and the judge determines that the offense was committed as a result of post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or psychological problems stemming from military service in combat, and if the defendant is eligible or probation the individual may be committed to a residential treatment program. The bill is now the successor to AB 1542 of 2005 which was passed by the Legislature but vetoed by the Governor.

AB 2707 - Funerals: Restrictions on Picketing - Keene - This bill makes it unlawful for a person to engage in picketing at a funeral during the period beginning one hour prior to the funeral and ending one hour after the conclusion of the funeral; provides for criminal penalties up to $1000. in fines or six months in county jail; permits a court to provide injunctive relief and award damages, including punitive damages. This bill was prompted by the activity of Rev. Fred Phelps, a Kansas pastor who has used funerals, including most recently the funerals of American troops killed in Iraq, to disseminate his anti-gay message and his belief that the United States has been "taken over" by homosexuals. It is modeled after several bills under consideration or recently enacted in several other states and in the United States Congress.

CHAPTER NOTE: We had discussed this issue in a meeting and have written a letter of support for the bill. As of this date, the bill passed the Judiciary Committee, failed in Public Safety and has been re-referred to appropriations. The American Civil Liberties Union and a few Union Organization opposed this bill. Possibly because of the word "Picketing". "Demonstrating" might have been a better word. This isn't actually a labor issue.
Continued on Page 5 ►►►

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........MAY-JUNE, 2006.........Page 3

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)

___________________________________________________
WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISER

___________________________________________________

Rebels With A Cause
Where your journey of a lifetime begins.....

Kathleen Renee' DeSpain-Moore
Executive Director/Founder
3801 Duckhorn Drive #914
Sacramento, CA 95834
916-628-3180
prpersonfromhell@juno.com
www.rebelswithacause.us - www.holidaymiracles.org

Proud producers of the Capital To Capital
Ride Across America!

___________________________________________________
CA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL UPDATE

Just to remind everyone that there is a fund established to properly maintain the Memorial. The California State University, Sacramento foundation has set up a fund for the sole purposes of providing ongoing repairs and maintenance of the Memorial. Contributions are tax deductible and can be made to: CSU Sacramento Foundation - State for: CVVM
                                     Modoc Hall
                                     6000 "J" Street
                                     Sacramento, CA 95819-2605
The balance in the fund is now $1,079.70.

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

HavensPort
Tax & Insurance Services
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Are you paying tax on your Social Security Income? Learn how to reduce tax on SS.
Free Dinner Event for those 55 & older.
Call us at (916)782-3200
CA Ins. license #OE61999
Pension Planners Securities, Inc. Member NASD/MSRB/SIPC, Investment Advisor.
9700 Business Park Dr., Suite 102, Sacramento, CA 95827
916-362-4107

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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THE CAPITOL VETERAN CALENDAR................MAY, 2006........Page 4

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
7	8 Mining of N. Vietnamese Ports 1972	9	10 Battle of Hamburger Hill Began 1969	11	12	13 "Victims of Circumstance"-2-5 CSU *Pg. 8
14 Mother's Day	15 Stand Down Task Force - Mather Noon MCL #940 Folsom	16 VVA General Meeting	17 National Veterans Awareness Ride Mather Pg 7 Placer Cty. Job Fair Pg 8	18	19 Capitol to Capitol Kick-off Party VFW 6158 *Pg 7	20 Veterans Park Dedication - Roseville - 11AM * Pg 8 MOPA Meeting
21 Rebel Ride and Rally - 10AM Elk Grove *Pg 7	22	23	24	25 Veterans Memorial Plaza Dedication 3PM Mather *Pg 8	26	27
28 "Reading of the Names" - VV Memorial * Pg 7	29 Jazz Festival Mem. Serv. Pg 8 Other services Pg 8	30	31	SEE PAGES 7 AND 8 FOR DETAILS OF THE EVENTS FOR BOTH MONTHS. DON'T FORGET! MAY IS NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH!

JUNE, 2006

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! June 28 thru July 4 - Those who volunteered to man the Chapter Fireworks booth, we'll be calling soon to see what days and hours you will be available. JULY 4TH - We will also be participating in the July 4th Parade in Dutch Flat.				1	2 CSC Convention San Jose	3 CSC Convention Young Marines Training Day Air Show Beale AFB *Pg 8
4 Air Show Beale AFB	5	6 Primary Election VOTE TODAY	7	8	9 Fly-In - Camp Out *Pg 8	10 Fly-In -VVA500 Camp Out
11 Fly-In - VVA500 Camp Out	12	13 NO VVA GENERAL MEETING	14 FLAG DAY ! Fly it Proudly! US Army Founded 1775	15	16	17 Young Marines Training Day MOPA Meeting
18 Father's Day	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................MAY-JUNE 2006........Page 5

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATION, CONT.

AB 2739 - Veterans Memorials: Veterans Cemeteries: Vandalism - La Malfa - Existing law makes it a crime for any person to maliciously destroy, efface, or otherwise damage or remove a veterans memorial, which is punishable by imprisonment for one year. This bill would increase the punishment for the crime by imposing a fine equal to the cost of replacing or repairing the memorial, not to exceed $1,000., or imprisonment for one year, or both. The offense could be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail, or a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state prison. Most such memorials are privately funded, and the fund to repair or replace them after vandalism may not exist, except by such a penalty on the offender. The bill has been amended to expand the prohibition against vandalism to apply to veterans' cemetery property. Status: still in Assembly Committees.
AB 2741 - Military Status: Impersonation of Military Member - La Malfa A bill that was passed in 2005, AB787, made it a misdemeanor for a person to falsely claim to be, or present himself or herself to be a veteran member of the armed forces of the United States, with the intent to defraud. This bill adds a provision, which was originally included in AB 787 but then removed in an amendment, that a person who willfully wears, exhibits, or uses the authorized badge, uniform, identification card, or insignia of an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces the National Guard the State Military Reserve, or the Naval Militia, with the intent of fraudulently impersonating or inducing the belief that he or she is a veteran, for the purpose of personal gain or to facilitate any unlawful activity, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Status: Still in Assembly Committees.
AB 2777 - Military and Veterans: Veterans Organizations - Huff - Existing law prohibits any person to represent that an act of solicitation is sponsored, endorsed, or made at the request of a Veterans' organization, and also prohibits the wearing or use of any badge, lapel button, or other recognized insignia of a Veterans' Organization unless the person is authorized to do so by that organization. This bill would revise the list of Veterans' Organizations which are included in these prohibitions.
SENATE BILLS: SB 1720 - Armed Forces: Uranium screening - Chesbro Provides that an eligible member or veteran who has returned to this state after service in combat zone and who has been assigned a risk level II or I II for depleted uranium exposure, or any other member, as defined, who has reason to believe that he or she was exposed to depleted uranium during their service, shall have the right to a best practice health screening for exposure to depleted uranium. The bill actually provides for developing a plan to reach out to those Veterans described. Status: in Senate Committees.
VOTING FOR THOSE OVERSEAS - Secretary of State Bruce McPherson has made changes to the ballots which make it easier for those serving overseas to cast their votes. Also there should be plenty of time now to get those absentee ballots back for a count. Those ballots started going out April 7 to those requesting them.

AFTER ACTION REPORT

3/7 - VVA500 held the regular Board Meeting
3/13 - E.D. McNeill attended the Regular Stand Down Board Meeting
3/16 - E.D. McNeill attended the Quarterly VA Service Rep Meeting
3/17 - VVA500 marched in the Old Town Sacramento St. Patrick's Day Parade
3/18 - The Norcal Young Marines enjoyed the Air Show at Mather Field
3/20 - E.D. McNeill attended the regular Stand Down Task Force Meeting at Mather
3/20 - Secretary McNeill attended the Marine Corps League meeting, and was elected Junior Vice Commander of the 940 Detachment
3/21 - VVA500 held the regular General Meeting. Dr. Keenan, Director of the PTSD Program at Mather was the speaker. Those with PTSD and without gained a much better understanding of the disorder.
4/4 - VVA500 held their regular Board Meeting.
4/7 - Member Don Harper and E.D. McNeill attended the funeral of member Rick Dibble.
4/17 - E.D. McNeill attended the regular Stand Down Task Force Meeting
4/17 - Secretary McNeill attended the regular MCL Meeting
4/10 - E. D. McNeill attended the regular Stand Down Board Meeting
4/18 - VVA500 held the regular General Meeting, with Vietnam Veteran Lt. Col. Charles Brown as speaker.
4/24 - Member Don Harper was off to Washington D.C. to participate in a rally for Veterans Benefits.
4/25 - President Ted Adams, Secretary McNeill, E.D. McNeill, member Pete Conaty attended the National Guard Legislative Reception held in the Capitol cafeteria.
4/27 - E. D. McNeill met with Sacramento Parks and Recreation re: arrangements for the "Reading of the Names."

SICK CALL: Member Mike Slater was in the hospital for some serious surgery and is now home recovering.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT: Fellow Vet wants to have other Vets occupy several apartments in one complex. One bedroom apartment available for $550. per month in area of 59th and Fruitridge. Call T.J. at 455-4324.

LATE BREAKING NEWS!!!! From the www.vawatchdog.org. website.
WHAT NEXT? The VDBC (Veterans Disability Benefits Commission) is now going to be studying those Veterans who receive both SSDI and compensation for service connected disabilities. If the VDBC studies SSDI and recommends a payment offset to VA benefits, many disabled veterans could find their income decimated. An offset would mean that the veteran could receive one of the payments (the higher dollar amount) but not both. Also of importance is the fact that at age 65 SSDI benefits revert to regular Social Security. This would mean the payments recognized as Social Security “retirement” would be reduced, as well. More on this in the next newsletter.

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THE CAPITAL VETERAN............MAY-JUNE, 2006........Page 6

HEPATITIS C INFORMATION, CONT.

     This information is from the website http://HCvets.com. with their permission. This is an excellent site for research on HEP-C. Go here to download a pamphlet that includes a voucher for a home test kit.
                                    THE HEPATITIS C EPIDEMIC
     Each hour of every day, three people die from Hepatitis C or it's related conditions! Two of these people have Military backgrounds. The VA Testimony before the Subcommittee on Benefits Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, April 13, 2000, Gary A Roselle, M.D. , Program Director for Infectious Diseases, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, stated, "One in 10 US Veterans are infected with HCV", a rate 5 times greater than the 1/8% infection rate of the general population."
     A study conducted in 1999, by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and involving 26,000 veterans shows that up to 10% of all veterans in the VHA system tested positive for hepatitis C.
     Of the total number of persons who were hepatitis C antibody positive, and reported an era of service, 62.7% were noted to be from the Vietnam (era). The second most frequent group is listed as post-Vietnam at 18.2%, followed by 4.8% Korean conflict, 4.3% post-Korean conflict, 4.2% from WWII, and 2.7% Persian Gulf era veterans.
     It is estimated that 5.8 million Americans are infected with HEP-C and only 1.1 million actually know it.
     Note: While the VA is denying many claims, if you are filing a claim for HEP-C and have answered no to all of the questions on Page 2, except having received injections in the service by "jet air guns", while the VA does not want to acknowledge that this could be the cause of your HEP-C, here is a paragraph from a letter from a June, 2004 from Carolyn Hunt, Acting VBA Director at that time:
"The large majority of HCV infections can be accounted for by known modes of transmission, primarily transfusion of blood products before 1992, and injection drug use. Despite the lack of any scientific evidence to document transmission of HCV with airgun injectors, it is biologically plausible. It is essential that the report upon which the determination of service connection is made includes a full discussion of all modes of transmission, and a rationale as to why the examiner believes the airgun was the source of the veteran’s hepatitis C." From what we understand, Service Officers have been able to get claims approved based on following the above statements and that would be the reason to thoroughly answer/discount all of the questions on page two.

WELCOME HOME COMMITTEE

At one of the recent General Meetings members voted to form a "Welcome Home Committee". We will meet units coming home from Iraq/Afghanistan at the airport. Anyone interested in joining the group please call the office. Remember VVA's motto: "Never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another."

VA UPDATES

VA APPOINTMENTS UPDATE 02:   Waiting times for first time medical exams in VA are continuing to lengthen. As of APR 05 there are 15,211 veterans waiting for their first exams. A year later the number has doubled to 30,475. The number of veterans waiting for their first exam is the highest since JUL 03 when there were 57, 609. Also, as of APR 06 the number of disability cases waiting adjudication was 372,328 which is an increase over last year at this time when there were 344,916 cases. Of these the number of cases with over 180 days wait time has grown to 95,529 compared to last year when there were 74,491. These figures are in conflict with Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson comment in FRB 06 when he indicted that last year, 97% of veterans who requested a primary care appointment got that appointment within 30 days, and 95% of those who requested an acute care appointment got it within 30 days. An inspector general's audit found real problems with the way the VA had come up with those numbers. The audit found that some VA staff, feeling "pressured," actually fudged the numbers, and error rates were as high as 61%.
     Since 2004, the number of newly eligible people waiting for appointments has increased by 400 percent. Rep. Michael Michaud [D-ME] ranking Democrat on the veterans' affairs committee's health panel, said the situation is "simply unacceptable," especially because the Bush administration has opposed efforts in Congress to increase the VA's health care budget. The Secretary and the Administration point out that they have almost doubled the V budget sine they took over. The administration did not ask for any emergency funding for the VA, claiming that the 2006 budget was sufficient after it was boosted by Congress last year when the VA admitted to funding shortfalls. However, in spite of funding increases, VA's cost-cutting moves have locked more than a quarter million veterans out of the system. In January 06, the administration asked for $38.5 billion for veterans' health care programs for 2007, an amount Democrats have said is $3.6 billion less than needed.
     The 31,000 veterans waiting for their first appointment are those with service-connected injuries or who have little or no income. That figure would be much higher if the Bush administration in 2003 had not barred new enrollments in the VA health care system of veterans who have modest incomes and no service-connected disabilities or medical problems. Michaud said the enrollment ban should be lifted. Considering White House budget office cuts in the VA budget outlined for 2008 with additional reductions in the following two years the future for veterans waiting for appointments does not look good. VA will be severely handicapped in any attempt to improve veteran services in this area unless they ask for and receive sufficient funds to meet the demands. [Source: Rick Maze NavyTimes article 20 Apr 06 ++ via RAO Bulletin.

"Honor to the Soldier; and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field, and serves, as he best can, the same cause." Abraham Lincoln

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................MAY-JUNE 2006........Page 7

This is VVA500's largest event of the year. It is well attended by local dignitaries and the public. We urge you to participate. You can help and honor those on the Wall by volunteering to "Read", work at the information table, distribute flyers of the event beforehand, or at least try to attend the ceremony at noon. Call the office.

MORE EVENTS IN MAY

SAT - MAY 6 - ELK GROVE WESTERN DAYS PARADE - Assemble 10AM. VVA500 will be marching and the Young Marines will join us. Parade starts at 11AM. Vehicles will be available for those needing to ride.
FRI - MAY 12 - OPERATION COMPLETION - (An organization devoted to supporting the US Military) - A rally to support the troops. West Steps of the Capitol. 6PM. More info. info@operationcompletion.org.
WED - MAY 17 - NATIONAL VETERANS AWARENESS RIDE - In support of Rolling Thunder, POW/MIA awareness. Will meet at Mather Hospital for breakfast at 7:30AM, then start on their journey to join Rolling Thunder off to the Wall in D.C. See them off, or go with them. Info, contact Stan Long - 916-390-6911 - sportironhead1@msn.com.
THE REBELS WITH A CAUSE CAPITAL TO CAPITAL WEEKEND
RWC is Proudly dedicated to American Veterans & Soldiers. See the next column for events May 19 through the 21st ►►►

FRI - MAY 19 - CAPITAL TO CAPITAL CONNECTION - For those traveling up state for the weekend's activities. Begins in San Diego with a 7AM departure from Biggs Harley-Davidson (770 Center rive San Marcos). Contact Ted to confirm joining the group and ride. 760-522-7717
FRI - MAY 19 - CAPITAL TO CAPITAL KICK OFF PARTY - Hosted by the 2006 Capital to Capital Committee and sponsored by the VFW starting 6PM at the VFW Hall - 8990 Kruithoff Way. $10. donation includes live music, dinner and opportunity for door prizes. Raffle included. AND...unveiling of spectacular Capital to Capital Tribute Mural Wall hand painted by famous patriotic artist Ray "Bubba" Sorenson and ride in by the LARGEST motorcycle in the world! Contact Batman 916-716-6024.
SAT - MAY 20 - CAPITAL TO CAPITAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST - hosted by the 2006 Capital to Capital Committee and benefiting the Capital to Capital Ride Across America. 8-llAM at American Legion Hall - 720 Santiago. $7., in advance - $9., at the door gets breakfast, enter to win, commemorative pin and tribute publication. Cont: Caretaker 916-613-4506.
SAT - MAY 20 - RWC's AMERICAN HERO AWARDS - starting at 6PM at Verona Joes Cantina - 6985 Garden Highway in Nicolaus (just outside Sacramento). By invitation only. Tickets/passes distributed in advance. To nominate someone to receive an award contact Chuck - 916-427-8665.
SUN - MAY 21 - REBEL RIDE & RALLY 2006/PARADE OF PATRIOTS - 8AM-2PM AT Harley-Davidson of Elk Grove - 10291 E. Stockton Blvd. Festivities include 10AM departure of the CAPITAL TO CAPITAL RIDE ACROSS AMERICA - The official Motorcycle Ride to National Military Appreciation Month! All Capital to Capital participants MUST be approved, cleared and registered in advance. Those wanting to ride n the Capital to Capital escort lead by the Marines M.C. can register between 8 and 9:30AM on site. Escort goes first hour or all the way to Elko, Nevada. Escort minimum donation $20. which includes rid, t-shirt, patch and pin. Event is family friendly, food, vendors, games and entertainment throughout. Capital to Capital souvenirs available. Contact Kathleen: 916-628-3180.
Batman, coordinator of the Ride this year has a website up and running. The riders will be stopping in several towns along the way and attempting to meet Vets along the way. Those they meet are welcome to ride along or maybe just to the next town. On the website, Batman will be posting pictures of the trip all along the way. Check it out: www.vnvbatmanc2c2006.us. We'll also put a link to it on the VVA site.
ATTENTION VVA500 MEMBERS!!! Rebels With a Cause is a great supporter of the Chapter. Many members of RWC are also members of the Marines M.C. and the Vietnam Veterans and Legacy M.C. These members have helped with parades, the Stand Down to name a few events along with many other activities. They are always there when you need them. VVA500 will also have a table at the May 21st event. We could use some volunteers to help with that. The May 19th event sounds like it's going to a great time. Let's give some support to a great group.
MORE EVENTS NEXT PAGE ►►►

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................MAY-JUNE, 2006........Page 8

MORE EVENTS IN MAY

Sorry these may not be all in chronological order, so just check the dates carefully. We posted them as they came in and make sure you check the page 7 events also.
SAT - MAY 13 - 2-5PM. Those who served weren't the only POWs during WWII. Learn about the "civilian internees" who were held in captivity within the stone walls of the Santo Tomas University in Manila, Philippines. A documentary film, "Victims of Circumstance" presented by the California State University History Department will be shown at the Hinde Auditorium at CSU. A question and answer period will be included with ex-internees participating. Admission is free.
WED - MAY 17 - PLACER COUNTY JOB FAIR - 10-3PM - Placer County Fair Grounds - 100 Employers - Free Admission
SAT - MAY 20 - 11AM - DEDICATION OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK NORTH - llAM - Land has been set aside for a Veterans Park located at Blue Oaks Blvd. and Crocker Ranch Rd.. The Roseville Historical Society is spearheading the effort for development of the park. The ceremony will include speakers from Veteran organizations in the area, and local dignitaries, including our own President Adams and the Young Marines will provide escort services. An e-mail update will be sent later with directions from "80". Call the office if you need more information - 481-6020.
THURS- MAY 25 - DEDICATION OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL PLAZA - AT MATHER HOSPITAL - 3PM - This day will mark the completion of many years of work mainly by the Military Order of the Purple Heart who raised funds to complete this Memorial. The bricks are in, the flagpoles are up and it looks great. VVA500 has purchased several bricks in memory of members and those who have provided extraordinary service to Veterans.
MON - MAY29 - MEMORIAL DAY - SACRAMENTO TRADITIONAL JAZZ SOCIETY 2006 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE - THIS YEAR'S THEME - HONORING BLACK AMERICAN SERVICE VETERANS - 9:45AM - Held at the Sacramento Convention Center. NOTE: Veterans organizations are encouraged to bring your unit flags and flag stands for posting prior to the service. Those units who do will be announced during the service. If bringing your flag, you must be there by 9:15AM. You must register first and for more information call Mary Lou McNeill at 916-481-6020. This is the one free event you can attend for the Jazz Festival.
MON - MAY 29 - MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY FOLSOM LAKESIDE MEMORIAL CEMETERY - 11AM - After the ceremony "everyone" is invited to attend the Buffet Luncheon at the Folsom Veterans Hall - 1300 Forrest St. in Folsom. The public is welcomed to attend.

MISCELLANEOUS
NOTE: We've had several volunteers for the upcoming Fireworks Sales beginning in the last week in June and ending July 4th. There will be a orientation course given which is mandatory per the Fire Department, on May 20 at 6PM. It will be held at 8341 Demetre Ave., Sacramento. We need three people to attend this course. Please call the office if you can attend. We'll sign up the first three. They say food will be available.

JUNE EVENTS

THE GOLDEN WEST FLY-IN AND CHAPTER 500 FAMILY CAMPOUT - JUNE 9-11

DON'T MISS IT THIS YEAR!

     This will be the second year that VVA500 will be having a campout at the golden West EAA Regional Fly-in. Last year's event was fun and enjoyable. The weather was terrific. We camped on the grass beside a row of trees. Porta potties and showers were close by. We had a delicious potluck dinner with a tasty BBQ, on Saturday night, and a lot of sitting "around the camp fire". During the day, we had a booth where we spread the word about Chapter 500, and raised funds for the Chapter. . In addition to free admission, camping, lunch and parking, everyone gets an event patch and pin. There is another aspect of the event that will remind us a little bit of our experiences in the military. Chapter 500 has agreed to "police the area". Instead of a jeep, we'll have a 4-place golf cart, a John Deere Tractor with a trailer, and a lot of 55 gal plastic containers. During the day, "Operation Thirst" provides water to the volunteers. Be prepared to enjoy a lot of bonding with your fellow members. The more people that attend, make for easier scheduling, and shorter shifts for both the booth, and the policing crew. The fly-in includes forums, exhibitors, workshops, static displays, and children's activities for all ages. Free airplane rides for youngsters ages 8-17 will be given on June 8&9. There will be airplane fly-bys, an air show on Sat., and lot of war birds flying on Sunday. Learn how to get a pilot's license in half the time, and half the previous expense, without needing a special medical exam. Check out everything at the website www.goldenwestflyin.org.   The camping and admission is free and all members and their families are invited to attend. It is free due to those members who volunteer to do the "policing" chores described above. Volunteers for the "policing" will also receive free food. So bottom line, we need those volunteers to put in a few hours so all can benefit. We also need people to help man the VVA500 information table. The event is held at the Marysville Airport. For directions go to the website or call the office.
     The Get-A-Way in October is a VVA members only event. The Fly-In Camp Out is a chance to include the family and get to know each other. If you don't want to camp, you can still come for a day trip to help and enjoy the campout. To join in the event, call Mary Lou at the office: 481-6020. SAT/SUN - JUNE 3&4 - BEALE AIR SHOW - BEALE AF BASE - 9-5PM each day. Featuring the AF "Thunderbirds" and many others along with static displays. Free admission. www.beale.af.mil. Click on the Air Show banner for information.
     Enjoy the holiday, but please REMEMBER the purpose of the holiday. spend some time at an event that honors those who have served and gave their all for the freedom and safety of us all.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................MAY-JUNE, 2006........Page 9

PARTICIPANT IN THE ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

PRESIDENT ADAMS WELCOMES NEW MEMBER LT. COL. BROWN, SPEAKER FOR THE APRIL GENERAL MEETING

MG WILLIAM H. WADE II, ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE CA NATIONAL GUARD AND PRESIDENT ADAMS AT THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOC. LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION APRIL 25.

MEMBER PETE CONATY, CENTER RECEIVE AN AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL GUARD ASSOC. FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO VETERANS IN THE LEGISLATIVE ARENA

AT A VETERANS SUPPORTING VETERANS RALLY - SENATOR MAX CLELAND SPEAKS FOR LT. COL. BROWN RUNNING FOR REP. DOOLITTLE'S SEAT IN CONGRESS

BE HERE TO HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN - MAY 28

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN............MAY-JUNE, 2006........Page 10

                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS: President: Ted Adams
                       Vice President: Karen Anne Winnett
                       Secretary: Gregory McNeill
                       Treasurer: Jerry Quint
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, 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. In the hall, from the main door, follow the VVA sign to the meeting room. When you leave, the street is one way, so you will go to the right. You will then come up to Douglas Blvd., left will go back to the freeway and whichever direction you need to go from there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
MAY AND JUNE BIRTHDAYS
MAY- Thelma Warren - Army♫♫♫Carl Guimbellot - Air force♫♫♫Marty Fjelstrom - Air Force♫♫♫John Madri - Army♫♫♫Roger Smith - Army♫♫♫Francis Staley - Marines♫♫♫Gerard Fields - Army♫♫♫JUNE - ♫♫♫David Dutton - Marines♫♫♫Christopher Barsetti - Navy♫♫♫Pat Boltinghouse - Army♫♫♫Donald Bell♫♫♫William C. Dunnaway - Army♫♫♫Frank Greer - Navy♫♫♫Michael Callison - Army♫♫♫Charles Townsend - Marines♫♫♫
If your birthday is in MAY OR JUNE and you don't see your name OR service 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!

Charles D. Brown - Air Force, Alan Y. Hayashi - Army

HURRY AND GET WELL BOB!
Robert Jordan is still on the mend from one surgery and has one more to go. But, he was able to get to the Annual Meeting and it was great seeing him again.

Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
           Chapter 500
P.O. Box 255484
Sacramento, CA 95865
916-481-6020
                                   vva500@sbcglobal.net

"NEVER AGAIN WILL ONE GENERATION OF VETERANS ABANDON ANOTHER"

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