PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

     On behalf of all the officers and myself I would like to thank you for your vote of confidence. This year looks like it will be a very busy year also.
     We've already marched in the Elk Grove Western Days Parade and we'll be having our table for the "Capital to Capital Ride Across America". Then we have our big one, the 7th Annual "Reading of the Names" at the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Capital Park. Last year Chapter 500 was very busy with a lot of activities. Some good and some great, so I'm hoping to see a lot of you this year at all of the activities. We need the participation of all, not just a few.
                                                         Your President, Ted Adams

A MEMORIAL DAY THANK-YOU

Dear Vietnam Veterans:
My inspiration for writing this to you is a news clip I saw showing how our returning soldiers are being welcomed home at the airport by appreciative citizens as well as veterans of previous wars. I want you to know that I realize that you didn't get that kind of welcome. That's the very reason that I'm writing you now, to let you now that what you did is appreciated and to thank you so much for your service to our country. So often I take my freedom for granted, only to be reminded how very blessed I am to live in the United States. The sacrifice that you made was great, and you deserve the same honor and recognition given to all who risk their lives for the defense and freedom of our nation. Thank you for giving so much of yourselves, and may the Lord Jesus bless you and fill your hearts and lives.
Most sincerely, Kimberly Corcoran

Chapter Note: We received this by e-mail this month. Thank-you Kimberly, for your kind thoughts and remembering all of our Vietnam Veterans!

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
General meeting information...Due to your editor being out of town, the newsletter will arrive after the May General Meeting. For future reference, unless otherwise announced, there will always be a General Meeting each month with either a speaker or special event. Always check your e-mail for announcements. If no e-mail, give the office a call. There will be a General Meeting in June. The speaker will be announced at a later date.

PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING OUR MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF THE YEAR HELD TO HONOR ALL VETERANS WHO ARE NOW GONE. ALL (Veterans, family, friends, public) MAY READ NAMES. CALL 481-6020 FOR A TIME.

SEE ALL MEMORIAL WEEKEND EVENTS ON PAGE SEVEN
THANK A VETERAN FOR THEIR SERVICE! WELCOME HOME RETURNING ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL!

VETERAN BENEFITS AND MORE

DEATH OF A VETERAN BEFORE RESOLUTION OF A CLAIM.....WHAT HAPPENS - OR NOT??

     VA claims for compensation terminate at the time of the veteran's death when dependents remain. Under current policy in accordance with judicial interpretation of the statutory scheme governing veterans' benefits, a veteran's claim for VA disability benefits is considered closed with the veteran's death. After death, VA solicits a claim for accrued benefits if there is evidence of spouse or children or parents, in that order. These dependents must file the accrued benefits claim within one year after the veteran's death. This raises the issue of whether or not survivors should be able to continue the veteran's claim and introduce new evidence? Accrued benefits are benefits due the veteran but were not paid to the veteran prior to his death. The Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission is examining this issue in order to determine the appropriateness of current VA benefits provided for injuries and disabilities resulting from military service.
     This is a work in progress and no final decision has been made by the commission. There is still considerable disagreement over the appropriateness of the current law. Those opposed argue that it unfairly punishes veterans' survivors (includes spouse, minor, school or helpless children and dependent parents), for circumstances beyond their control. In particular, considering all available evidence in a veteran's case might be more equitable to the veteran and his/her survivors. Those in favor of the current rule argue that the consistency of court rulings indicates a clear legislative intent in agreement with the current rule. There has been no recent legislative action regarding this issue. The courts have only addressed the interpretation of the existing statutory scheme, not the equity of the laws. Options to be considered by the commission are:
1. Endorse the current policy of closing the veteran's pending claim at the time of his/her death and allow the veteran's survivors to apply for the veteran's due but unpaid benefits.
2. Endorse a policy of, if all documents (i.e. claim, medical records - service and private and lay statements) have been received by VA and the claim is in the process of a decision, VA should continue the decision process even in the event of the veteran's death. Additionally, if an appeal is before BVA or an appeals court; BVA or the court should continue their review and render a decision even in the case of the veteran's death.
3. Endorse allowing the veteran's survivors, but not a creditor, to pursue the veteran's due but unpaid benefits and any additional benefits by continuing the claim which was pending when the veteran died, including presenting new evidence not in VA's possession at the time of death.
                                        Cont. on Page six.........

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES RE: VETERANS

SUBMITTED BY KARA M. GREENE FROM THE OFFICES OF PETE CONATY AND ASSOCIATES.
ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING FOR SERVICE MEMBERS
WITH PTSD

     Sacramento - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law the country's first state alternative sentencing program in the nation for Global War on Terrorism veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
     "Our veterans make so many sacrifices on this nation's behalf and many of them end up suffering from the long-term effects of combat," said Assemblywoman Nicole Parra in an office press release, author of AB 2586.
     The law took effect in January and provides judges the option of alternative sentencing for veterans diagnosed with PTSD, substance abuse, or other psychological problems stemming from a combat tour. The convicted veteran may be placed on probation and enter a voluntary treatment program at the federal, state or private non-profit level.
     Ten years after the Vietnam War, the legislature passed section 1170.9 of the Penal Code. However, this section doesn't apply to recent veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
     According to the New England Journal of Medicine, one in six returning veterans of the Iraq war ay have mental illness, said Pete Conaty of Pete Conaty & Associates. "This is the culmination of a two-year effort to address this issue at the state level by veteran activist groups Armed Forces Retirees Association and the Vietnam Veterans of America, who sponsored the bill," said Conaty.
     For Conaty, retired lieutenant colonel and Vietnam veteran, the passage of the law is an unfortunate triumph; as California's 2.3 million veterans make up more than 6 percent of the state's population, the largest vet population in any state, he explained. His firm advocates for many veteran groups in the state.
     "The years during and after Vietnam saw many veterans ending up in jail because of war induced PTSD," Parra said.
     Originally identified as shell shock in World War I and then combat fatigue, PTSD was finally recognized as an illness by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980 based upon the psychiatric experience of veterans of the Vietnam war.
     "Hopefully, this will be in sharp contrast to what occurred with the Vietnam War veteran who ended up in prison because of lack of the understanding of PTSD," Conaty said.
     Read more about the bill at www.leginfo.ca.gov.
Chapter Note: We want to thank Pete for all of the hard work he performed in getting this bill passed. Pete is the lobbyist for many Veteran organizations, a Vietnam veteran and life member of Chapter 500.
    See more CA Legislative News on Page six...............

WELCOME TO A NEW ADVERTISER!!!

WELCOME TO A 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!

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

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Call Rebecca for the Special Discounts available for Veterans
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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.

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
					1	2 Young Marine Training Day
3 Capital to Capital Ride Returns See Pg. 7	4 RVMH Board Meeting	5 VVA500 Board Meeting	6	7	8 CSC Meeting + USO Show Post #67 - See Pg.7	9 CSC Meeting + Thunderbirds in Town
10 CSC Meeting + Thunderbirds in Town	11	12 Homeless Coalition Meeting	13 Veterans Advisory Council Meeting-Mather	14 Flag Day + US Army Founded 1775	15	16 Young Marines Training Day + Purple Heart Meeting
17 Father's Day	18 Stand Down Task Force Meeting +MCL Meeting	19 VVA500 General Meeting	20	21 First Day of Summer	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
JULY 1 Siege of Fire Base Ripcord Began - 1970	JULY 2 Operation Buffalo Began 1967	JULY 3 VVA500 Board Meeting	JULY 4 VVA500 marches in Dutch Flat Parade	JULY 5	JULY 6	JULY 7 Young Marines Training Day

ELECTION REPORT

     Chapter 500 held their Annual Meeting on April 17 and elections for the 2007-2008 year were held. Results of the Elections are:
                                                  OFFICERS
President: Ted Adams
Vice-President: Karen Anne Winnett
Secretary: Gregory McNeill
Treasurer: Jerry Quint
Board Members: Henry Davis, Don Harper, Monty Montoya
AVVA Representative: Fran Kehoe
State Delegate: Gregory McNeill, Alternate Jerry Quint
          COMMITTEE CHAIRS APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT
                                AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Community Service: Don Harper, Member Hank Davis
ETABO: Jim Santianna
Finance: Gregory McNeill, Member Jerry Quint
Government Affairs: Don Harper, Members Gregory McNeill,
                                           Stan Bollinger
Nominating (Elected Committee) Mike Callison, Members
              Joe Cavanagh, Jim Santianna
Public Affairs: Chip Fong
Veterans Affairs: Dennis Kauffman, Member Don Harper
Women Veterans: Karen Anne Winnett, Member Fran Kehoe
POW-MIA: Ted Adams
Agent Orange: Stan Bollinger
Veterans Incarcerated: Monty Montoya, Member Jim Santianna
Health Care: Gregory McNeill, Member Dale Kehoe
PTSD: Stan Bollinger, Member Dale Kehoe
Membership: Dennis Kauffman
Helping Hands: Jim Santianna
Veterans Services: Jesse Garcia, Members Hank Davis,
                                              Don Harper
Scholarship: Ted Adams, Members, Gerard Fields, Doc Kauffman,
             Lorna Perrigo
Food: Fran Kehoe, Charlie Peterson
                 Our Color Guard Captain is Hank Davis

CONGRATULATIONS! TO OUR OFFICERS AND THANK-YOU! TO THOSE WHO VOLUNTEERED FOR COMMITTEES! PARTICIPATION IS WHAT KEEPS ORGANIZATIONS GROWING AND STRONG!

LOOKING FOR A JOB?? WANT TO CHANGE JOBS?

Get over to the Sacramento Convention Center on Tuesday, May 22 - 9:30AM - 3:30PM. This is a Job and Resource Fair for Veterans and those returning from active duty. Many employers will be represented as well as the VA, DMV, Cal-Vet and other agencies. Find out how Veteran businesses can get federal and state contracts. This will be a one stop shopping opportunity for Veteran jobs and resources. There are still openings for employers who want to participate. For additional information call: 227-0301.

AFTER ACTION REPORT

3/17 - Members and the Young Marines participated in a rally for Support of the Troops held at the Capitol and the CA Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Board Member Don Harper was the MC, President Ted Adams and Secretary Gregory McNeill were speakers at the event. CSC President Ken Holybee and CSC Board member Richard Jones were also in attendance.
3/17 - VVA500 participated in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade held in Old Town Sacramento.
3/19 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Task Force Meeting.
5/19 - Secretary McNeill attended the Marine Corps League Meeting.
3/22 - E.D. McNeill attended the Veterans Advisory Council meeting at Mather Hospital.
3/27 - E.D. McNeill met with Jeff Collins, fund raiser in regards to the Veterans Day Parade.
4/2 - VVA500 representatives Joe Cavanagh and Monty Montoya attended the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall Board Meeting.
4/3 - The monthly VVA500 Board Meeting was held.
4/9 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Board Meeting.
4/16 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Task Force Meeting.
4/16 - Secretary McNeill attended the Marine Corps League Meeting.
4/17 - VVA500 held the Annual Meeting where elections for 20007-2008 were held.
4/22 - President Adams, Secretary McNeill, Treasurer Quint, Board Member Harper, Member Brown, E.D. McNeill attended the dedication of the VA Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
5/1 - VVA500 held the monthly Board Meeting.
5/4 - President Ted Adams received the "Hometown Heroes Award" at the Homefront Gala 2007. Members Harper, Winnett and Hollinger attended the banquet.
5/5 - Members participated in the annual Elk Grove Western Days Parade.
5/7 - Representatives Cavanagh and Montoya attended the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall Board Meeting.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Scholarship Committee has released the Essay Title and criteria for winning VVA500 scholarships. The title of the Essay is to be: "Why Should We Honor All Veterans And What Are the Opportunities For Doing So?" Notices have been sent out to the area Career Counselors. Eligible recipients would be dependents of Vietnam Veterans, or relatives such as son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, nephews or nieces. For full information go to: www.norcaltrav.com/vva500.htm or call the office 481-6020 for a copy. Entries are due July 6, 2007.

STAND DOWN
Stand Down is coming up September 14, 15, 16. Volunteer forms will be available beginning at the July General Meeting. You can also start bringing your good used clothing and shoes for adults and children to the Chapter meetings.

MORE ON VETERANS BENEFITS

Chapter Note: The Veterans Disability Benefits Commission has made no decision on the matter of what happens to claims after a veteran's death. This is only one research question of many they are addressing. Meetings have been held in many cities, more are scheduled and surveys have been taken from many. The final report is due in October or this year. If you would like to see other areas they are looking into go to the website: www.vetscommission.org.
     But in regard to this question, the bottom line is: if you think you have a valid claim to file for compensation, get it done. We hear the same story many times. Widows call in after their Veteran husbands pass away. They want to know if there is anything due them. The question is asked if they had a service related disability. Many times they will say yes. Did he file for a claim? No. Then you have to tell them, other than some burial expense, there will be nothing for them. We also hear from Veterans calling in for whatever reason, may have a service related disability, but don't want to file a claim. Veterans! Fine, maybe you don't need any extra funds, or whatever reason you don't want to file, yes, dealing with the government is definitely a pain, but unless there will be enough money in your estate to take care of your spouse and family without filing, you should consider getting that claim in.
     OTHER BENEFITS POSSIBLE FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES AND OR DEPENDENTS.........The VA does provide pensions to low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased veterans with wartime service. ELIGIBILITY: Spouses must not have remarried and children must be under age 18, or under 23 if attending a VA approved school, or have become permanently incapable of self-support because of disability before age 18.
     The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and must have had 90 days or ore of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war, or a service-connected disability justifying discharge. Longer periods of service may be required for veterans who entered active duty on or after Sept. 8, 1980, or Oct. 16, 1981, if an officer. If the veteran died in service but not in the line of duty, the death pension may be payable if the veteran had completed at least two years of honorable service.
     Children who become incapabable of self-support because of a disability before age 18 may be eligible for the death pension as long as the condition exists, unless the child marries or the child's income exceeds the applicable limit.
     A surviving spouse may be entitled to a higher income limit if living in a nursing home, in need of the aid and attendance of another person or is permanently housebound. Payment: The death pension provides a monthly payment to bring an eligible person's income to a level established by law. The payment is reduced by the annual income from other sources such as Social Security. The payment may be increased if the recipient has unreimbursed medical expenses that can be deducted from countable income.
Chapter Note: This type of pension can be different than funds received from a claim as described in the above article. Other benefits for survivors will be discussed in future issues.

CALIFORNIA VETERANS LEGISLATION
FROM BILL MANES, CALIFORNIA STATE COMMANDERS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

     The word is from the Governor that there may be a budget revision. Any of the bills which have been passed by the policy committees in the Assembly and the Senate, and which can be expected to require any level of funding from the State’s General Fund, have been placed on the "suspense file" by the Appropriations Committees. Most of the speculation is that the fiscal prognosis for the State is very poor, and the committees have been told by the leadership of the Legislature that no new programs can be approved.
     Two proposals, by the VFW for $1 million, and by the County Veteran Service Officers for $2.4 million, to increase services to veterans for filing federal benefit claims, are just part of the budget proposals that have been put on hold for the time being. The Budget Committees, which are reviewing these proposals, have not said "no way" but only that they will see what, if anything, can be done.
      A few bills, which are not significantly affected by the fiscal concerns, have been moving through the Legislature:
AB 223 Absentee voting: military service. (Sharon Runner, Lancaster) Provides special procedures for persons who are called to active military service, are who are deployed, to obtain ballots for an election and to return the ballots to the County Clerk.
AB 111 National Guard Assumption Program of Loans for Education. (Sam Blakeslee, San Luis Obispo.)
This bill proposes to continue a program which was first authorized three years ago, to provide for the state to assume the education loans of members of the National Guard who are taking college level courses. This is a very modest benefit and would be available only to persons who have established financial need. However, it is the only college level education assistance program currently available to members of the National Guard, although additional proposals are pending in the Legislature as new programs.
Although this is not a new program, it has never been funded before. Funds have been included in the FY 2007-2008 Budget by the Governor. With that assurance of available funding, the bill was passed by the Assembly and sent on to the Senate. It is an urgency bill, to take effect immediately when it is passed and signed, since the program is due to expire July 1, 2007.
AB 950 Public postsecondary education: resident classification: student residency requirements: active duty military. (Mary Salas, Chula Vista) Active duty military personnel who are stationed in the State, are normally permitted to pay tuition and fees at the State Universities and Colleges at the same level as state residents. However, students in graduate degree programs currently receive this benefit for only one year. This bill would increase that limit to three years. This change has long been proposed by veteran advocates but was always included in bills that also provided other extensive veteran education benefits. This bill is extremely limited and is, in fact, sponsored and supported by the California State University system.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND AND NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH ACTIVITIES

Saturday, May 19 - 8-11AM - Breakfast of Champions - See Details on Page 8.
Saturday, May 19 - 6-9PM - American Heroes Capital to Capital Reception at the Sac Hard Rock Cafe - Details on Page 8
Sunday, May 20 - begins 8AM - Parade of Patriots Rally - South steps of the Capitol. 10AM - Departure of the Capital to Capital Ride across America - Details on Page 8.
Sunday, May 20 - 10AM - Support the Troops Rally - on Highway 49 in front of the Rite Aid Store in Auburn
Friday, May 25 - 5:30-6:30PM - VAC-OHCC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Young Marines place flags on Veterans' Graves at the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery-1000 Broadway.
Sunday, May 27 - "Reading of the Names". Begins at 7AM - Ceremony at Noon. CA Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 15th & L
To read or for information, call 481-6020.
Monday, May 28 - Memorial Day - (In Order by Time)
1. No Excuses 5K Run/Walk - Registration begins at 7AM. William Land Park Village Green (Corner of Freeport Blvd. & Sutterville Rd. Benefit for VVA500. Run, walk or volunteer to help with the run. Call VVA500 at 481-6020.
2. Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society 2007 Memorial Day Service. - 9:45AM - Honoring U.S. Navy Submarine Service Veterans. - Convention Center - Veteran Organizations are requested to bring their flags to the Convention Center at 9AM for acknowledgement at the Service. Call 481-6020 to register your organization.
3. Memorial Day Ceremony - 10AM - Memorial Plaza at Mather Hospital.
4. Memorial Day Celebration- Sierra View Memorial Lawn - 49 Olive St. in Olivehurst - 10AM - BG Cervantes, key-note speaker, fly-over, musical salutes.
5. Memorial Day Tribute - Sacramento Memorial Lawn - 6100 Stockton Blvd. - 10AM - MG Wm. Jefferds (Ret), keynote speaker, fly-over, musical salutes. Refreshments served.
6. Elk Grove Civil War Round Table & Union Veterans Union - Scavenger Hunt for Kids and Tour - 10AM - Old City Cemetery - 11AM Memorial Service - Civil War Displays & Guest Speakers.
7. Memorial Day Tribute - Mount Vernon Memorial Park - 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks - 11AM - 59th Army Band, BG Mary Knight, keynote speaker, flyover.
8. VAC-OHCC - Retrieval of Flags at Sac Historic Cemetery
4-5PM
9. Mexican-American Ceremony - 1PM - Mexican-American Memorial - 10th St., West Side of Capital.
POST MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
Sunday, June 3rd - Return of the Capital to Capital Ride - South Steps of the Capital. Arrive before 4PM to see the patriots ride in.
Friday, June 8 - VFW Post #67 - 2784 Stockton Blvd. - 5:30PM - Tickets $15. in advance, $18. at the door. Dinner and USO show focusing on the WWII era and honoring WWII Veterans. Call Gayle Culuko at 916-452-2757

DURING THIS MONTH OF REMEMBRANCE
WE SADLY REPORT THE PASSING OF ONE OF OUR OWN

Major Kenneth S. Kitchen
Major, U.S. Army (Ret)

Born August 20, 1934, in Berkeley, Calif. Passed away April 26, 2007, in Fair Oaks, Calif. Kenneth graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute in 1956 with a B.A. in Business. A decorated career soldier in the United States Army, he served as an Officer, Airborne Platoon Leader, Secretary to Joint Staff, Interpreter, Physiological Warfare Team Leader, Army CIC, Military Advisor, Billeting Officer, Special Operations Staff, Field Operations Team Chief, and received an extensive education in the Japanese language. Some of the numerous medals and honors he earned during his distinguished military career include: The Purple Heart; Bronze Star Medal; National Defense Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster); Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star (2); Air Medal (2); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster); Combat Infantryman Badge; and Master Parachutist Badge.
     After retiring from the Army, he was active in numerous organizations: State Military Reserve (20 years, ret. Col.); the Military Order of Purple Heart; M.O.W.W.; A.U.S.A.; M.O.A.A.; American Legion; VFW; D.A.V.; V.A.C.; Scottish Rite (Tokyo); Noble Ben Ali Shrine; Rakkasan 187th Airborne I.R.A. VVA, 32nd Degree Master Mason Blue Lodge; Charter Docent for the California Military Museum; Veterans Memorial Plaza at Mather; Sacramento Civil War Round Table; and Indicator Fraternity for Sports Umpires with three national championships.
     He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Beatrice Kitchen and first wife Dorothy. He will be long remembered for his generous spirit and love of people and will be greatly missed by his wife of 19 years, Sharon, his children Karin, Kathryn, Kimberly (husband Jerry), stepchildren Ronald (wife Kathleen), Wendy (husband Dennis), and Robert (wife Delilah), grandchildren Jerry, Macy, Breanna, Brandon, Robert, Cody, Lindsey, Spencer, Chase, and sister, Ann Marie (husband Bill).
     Memorial Service on Thursday, May 10, at 10:00 AM at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, Calif. Internment on a later date at Sacramento Valley V.A. National Cemetery, Dixon, Calif. - From the Sac. Bee
     WE WILL MISS SEEING HIM AT ALL OF THE VETERAN      EVENTS HE FAITHFULLY ATTENDED!

THE CAPITOL VETERAN - SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENTS - MAY-JUNE 2007........Page 8

Please join us for

A very special part of the

Coast To Coast-Capital To Capital

National Military Appreciation Month Campaign

Friday May 4^th, 2007

Sacramento’s Grand Ballroom 1215 J Street

Cocktails (no host) at 6:00 P.M.

Dinner, awards and dancing to follow…

$125. per plate or $1,250. for a table of ten

All guests will additionally receive a ticket entering them to win a 2007 Deluxe Coast Line Manufacturing-American Dream Machine Motorcycle

Event profits to benefit Operation Homefront and the

Capital To Capital-Coast To Coast

National Military Appreciation Month Campaign

Semi formal attire with a patriotic theme suggested

Please reserve seating with

Kathleen DeSpain-Moore

916-628-3180

Freedom-America’s Promise Now & Forever…

Join Us For Capital To Capital Weekend 2007

In Sacramento, CA. May 19^th and 20^th

A special part of

National Military Appreciation Month/May

A GIANT Salute To Our Nation’s Military And Veterans!

     Saturday May 19^th 8:00-11:00 A.M. Breakfast Of Champions at the North Sacramento American Legion Hall 720 Santiago. Presented by Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) Feather River and Rebels With A Cause (R.W.C.). $10. includes all you can eat breakfast, commemorative pen and opportunity to win door prize. Raffle, t-shirts, patches and pins also available. Contact Scott Ivey at 916-613-4506.AND remember to be back on the South steps of the Capitol Sunday June 3^rd before 4:00 P.M. to welcome the ride home!
     ALSO Saturday May 19^th 6:00-9:00 P.M. American Heroes Capital To Capital Reception at the Sacramento Hard Rock Cafe’ 545 Down Town Plaza. Presented by Sacramento/Elk Grove H.O.G. and Rebels With A Cause (R.W.C.) minimum $10. donation includes complimentary appetizers, raffle and commemorative pin. Please R.S.V.P with Kathleen DeSpain-Moore at 916-628-3180.
     Sunday May 20^th Parade Of Patriots Rally starting 8:00 A.M. on the South steps of California’s Capitol. Presented by Operation Homefront Sacramento and Rebels With A Cause (R.W.C.)       Including 10:00 A.M. departure of the Capital To Capital Ride Across America. A family friendly gathering, please dress patriotic and bring support signs and flags. Refreshments included. T-shirts, patches and pins available. Contact Kathleen Despain-Moore at 916-628-3180.

Please plan on visiting the

National Military Appreciation MonthStar Spangled Store in

Sacramento’s Down Town Plaza during Plaza business hours throughout the month of May. This is the official National Military Appreciation Month Information Station!

www.nmam.org. www.rebelswithacause.us. www.ohsac.net.

                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS: President: Ted Adams
Vice President: Karen Anne Winnett, Secretary: Gregory McNeill
Treasurer: Jerry Quint. BOARD MEMBERS: Hank Davis, Don Harper and Monty Montoya
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!
MARCH-APRIL BIRTHDAYS!
MAY- ♫♫♫Thelma Warren - Army♫♫♫Carl Guimbellot - Air Force♫♫♫Marty Fjelstrom - Air Force♫♫♫Roger Smith - Army♫♫♫Francis Staley - Marines♫♫♫Gerard Fields - Army♫♫♫Rodolfo Rodriguez - Marines♫♫♫
JUNE- ♫♫♫Christopher Barsetti - Navy♫♫♫Pat Boltinghouse - Army♫♫♫Donald Bell - Navy♫♫♫William Dunnaway - Army♫♫♫Frank Greer - Navy♫♫♫Michael Callison - Army♫♫♫Charles Townsend - Marines♫♫♫Dennis White - Army♫♫♫Charles Peterson - Army♫♫♫

WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBER!
Rodolfo Rodriguez, Bill Thomas, AVVA

SICK CALL
Hank Davis recovering from surgery, Dennis White recovering from surgery, Chuck Townsend recovering from surgery

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

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

         ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DURING THIS MONTH OF REMEMBRANCE WE SADLY REPORT THE PASSING OF ONE OF OUR OWN

DURING THIS MONTH OF REMEMBRANCE
WE SADLY REPORT THE PASSING OF ONE OF OUR OWN