Remember                                          In Memory of Bill Wolf  and all of our fallen brothers.....       

Chapter Board Meeting:  1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting: Tuesday,  May 20, 7:00PM  - CA TELEPHONE ACCESSS- HELD AT THE ROSEVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL
                                                                                                                                           ***AWARD WINNING NEWSLETTER***

CAPITOL CITY
VETERAN

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

"We remember!"  MAY, 2008 "Be Proud"

               
            PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

     Dear VVA Chapter 500 members, this is of course, my first letter to you all as the Chapters New President.  I would like to express how much I appreciate the honor and privilege of being elected to represent the Chapter as President for the next year.  How does one follow a terrific newly Past president such as Ted Adams?  I don't know, but he set a wonderful example and I will just do the best I can for the Chapter.  There are many great and important events coming up soon, such as the "Reading of the Names" and much more.  I would love to see you all at these events and also encourage all of you who are members, but do not attend General meetings or events to please do come on out and say "Hello" to your chapter brothers and sisters.  There are a lot of great folks in this chapter, so please come and reconnect or meet old and new friends!  I, for one, look forward to meeting and seeing you all! 
     Welcome Home!   Your President, Karen Winnett

CONGRATULATIONS TO VVA500'S NEW OFFICERS

     The Annual Meeting and Elections of VVA500 were held on April 15th.  The following officers, board members and other positions were elected and/or appointed:
President:  Karen Anne Winnett
Vice-President:  Gregory C. McNeill
Secretary:  Ted Adams
Treasurer:  Jerry Quint
Board Members:  Hank Davis, Don Harper, Monty Montoya
CSC Delegate:  Gregory McNeill
Nominating Committee:  Joe Cavanagh, Dale Kehoe and
                                              Jim Santianna
AVVA Representative:  Kris Hollinger
Color Guard Captain:  Hank Davis

      Thanks to all for stepping up to the plate and to lead the chapter for the 2008-2009 year!

 

        CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL MEETING
MAY 20, 2008 - 7:00pm
CA TELEPHONE ACCESS
HELD AT THE ROSEVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL

     Anyone with visual or hearing problems should not miss this meeting.  All of the new technology will be demonstrated to enable visually impaired or those with hearing problems to use their phones and other communication devices.  And don't forget, if there is something you need, those items are provided free by the CA Telephone Access System.  You only need to fill out a simple application and have your doctor sign it.
     If you have relatives or friends that may be able to use these services, please invite them to attend the meeting also.  All are welcome.

                               COMMITTEE OPENINGS
     Now that all of our officers have been elected for the 2008-2009 year, we need to complete our choices for committees and members of the committees no later than the May 20th General Meeting.  Committee details were distributed at the April Meeting.  You can see a list of the Committees and members so far on the VVA500 website, www.norcaltrav.com/vva500.htm or we can e-mail or mail the list to you.  Choose something that interests you.  After all members have signed up, your President will appoint the chairs of the committees.

IN MEMORY OF

     We are sorry to report the death of Steve Rivera, on Tuesday, May 6.   He was well known and loved by many in the Veterans Community.  Steve had been ill for several years due to his service in Vietnam and Agent Orange exposure.  May he Rest in Peace We extend our sincere condolences to his family.  We will miss him.

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

 

THE CAPITOL VETERAN........MAY, 2008.......Page 2

VETERAN BENEFITS

     WAITING FOR A CLAIM DECISION???

     From the RAO Bulletin...Due to an influx of new claims and the antiquated rules by which the Department of Veterans Affairs must process claims the average processing time has risen from 174 days in 2006 to 188 days in 2007.  As of April, 08, the number of claims outstanding was 650,000.  The Department of Veterans Affairs projects that the number of claims will surpass one million by the end of fiscal year 2008.  In an effort to reduce the backlog, Congressman Hall from New York on April 23 introduced HR 5892, the "Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008".  This bill is to amend title 38, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to modernize the disability benefits claims processing system of the VA to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of compensation to veterans and their families and survivors, and for other purposes.
     ►Chapter note:  Of course we have heard for several years now that the system is being modernized, improved, etc., but so far it has just been lip service.  And then any improvements that have been made seem to only benefit new veterans.  For instance check out the next article from Larry Scott the VA Watchdog:
     Washington - On May 1, the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin contacting nearly 570,000 recent combat veterans to ensure they know about VA's medical services and other benefits.  "We will reach out and touch every veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to let them know we are here for them," said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  "VA is committed to getting these veterans the help they need and deserve."  A contractor-operated "Combat Veterans Call Center" will telephone two distinct populations of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.  In the first phase, calls will go to an estimated 17,000 veterans who were sick or injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.  VA will offer to appoint a care manager to work with them if they don't have one already.  Care managers ensure veterans receive appropriate care and know about their VA benefits.
     For five years after their discharge from the military, these combat veterans have special access to VA health care.  The Department screens combat veterans for signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.  VA personnel have been deployed to the military's major medical centers to assist wounded service members and their families during the transition to civilian lives.
     For the new call center, the second phase will target 550,000 OIF-OEF veterans who have been discharged from active duty but have not contacted VA for services.  Once contacted, veterans will be informed about VA's benefits and services.  The initial calls will be made by a private contractor, EDS, which specializes in technology.  "We will leave no stone unturned to reach these veterans," said Dr. Edward Huycke, chief of the Veterans Affairs - DOD coordination office. Continued on Page five........

  

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR VETERANS AND MORE

     From the CA State Commanders Veterans Council.  The State Legislature passed another calendar deadline on May 2, which was the final date for policy committees to pass any bills that originated in their own house.  This has had the effect of pushing a large number of bills through the committee hearings in the past few weeks.  There are two more important deadline dates coming up this month:  May 23 is the final date for the Appropriations Committees to complete action on the fiscal bills that originated in their own house; May 30 is the final date for floor votes on all bills that originated in their own house. 
     Here are a few of the bills re:  Veteran issues that are up for consideration in the State Legislature:
     ►AB 1814 - Veterans Claims - DeVore, Irvine, Cook, and Yucaipa - This is a VFW sponsored bill to permit Ca Dept. of Veterans Affairs to contract with veteran service organizations.  Scheduled for hearing May 14.
     ►SB 1455 - Specialized License Plates - Cogdill, Denham - Authorizes the CDVA to sponsor a Gold Star Family specialized license plate.  The Department would be authorized to establish a fund which would receive donations to offset the costs of the Dept. of Motor Vehicles for issuing the plates.  The applicants for the special license plates would not be required to pay fees for issuance, renewal, replacement, or transfer of the plates.  After great difficulty in getting the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing to even consider the bill, that Committee finally did pass the bill unanimously.  There is a similar bill in the Assembly, AB 2896, which has also passed the Transportation Committee of that house.  However, the Assembly bill would require that the Gold Star family member to pay for the license plates
     ►AB 2671 - Prisoners:  veterans - Salas - Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to establish an Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program to assist honorably discharged incarcerated veterans in successfully obtaining federal and state benefits.  Requires the CA Department of Veterans Affairs and other appropriate state departments to provide staff assistance necessary to effectuate and operate the program.  Also requires each county sheriff and the Secretary of the Department of Corrections to ascertain whether a newly committed prisoner is a military veteran.  If the person is a veteran, the county sheriff or the Secretary shall report the veterans status to the County Veteran Service Officer.  The bill had now been passed by the Assembly Committees on Public Safety and on Veterans Affairs, and will go to the Committee on Appropriations.
     ►SB 1572 - Veterans Bond Act of 2008 - Wyland - Provides for a Bond Act to be submitted to the voters at the November 4, 2008 General Election to authorize a State General Obligation Bond issue of $900 million for funding of the Cal-Vet Farm and Home Loan Program.  This bill has passed the Senate.
     ►►More next month on the final votes for bills concerning Veteran issues.

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

 

THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........MAY, 2008.........Page 3

 
___________________________________________________


___________________________________________________
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


"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.

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

 

THE CAPITOL VETERAN CALENDAR................MAY, 2008........Page 4

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT
18 19
MCL Meeting		 20
VVA500 General Meeting		 21 22 23 24
Memorial Ceremony Old City  Cemetery
25
"Reading of the Names"
See Page 7
 26
Memorial Day
See Activities on Page 7
 27 28 29 30
31
Sac Homeless Connect - One Day Stand Down for all Homeless Information below

     ►VVA500 will give out four $500. scholarships this year.  Three in honor of our fallen brothers and sisters and one in honor of benefactor, Sarah Bonnifield.  Essay title this year is:  "Detail the roles that women played in the Vietnam War".  For criteria requirements, check out the VVA500 website or call the office for information.

 HONOR THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR ALL THIS MONTH BY ATTENDING MEMORIAL EVENTS

    ►Sac Homeless Connect will host a one day Stand Down at Cal Expo for all Homeless.  This is part of the Sacramento Homeless Connect and the 10 year City/County Plan to end Homelessness.  For more information  or to volunteer, check out the site www.sacconnect.org  or call 916-447-7064 X 334.

 

JUNE, 2008

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

1

2

3
VVA500 Board Meeting
VOTE
TODAY!!

4

5

6
CSC Convention Fresno

7
CSC Convention Fresno
Young Marines Training Day

8

9

10
VCSN Meeting

11

12
Memorial Anniversary Meeting

13

14
Flag Day
U.S. Army founded 1775

15
Father's Day

16

17
VVA500 General Meeting

18

19

20

21
Young Marines Training Day
Summer Solstice

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

          

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

 

THE CAPITOL VETERAN................MAY, 2008........Page 5

WAITING FOR A CLAIM DECISION?..CONTINUED

     Comment from Larry Scott on this new outreach effort by the VA:
"This new program is proof positive that veterans of service prior to OEF/OIF (Afghanistan and Iraq) are just "Old and in the Way".  The VA is giving priority healthcare to the new vets.  They get first priority when it comes to claims.  Now, the VA will be calling them and telling the of their benefits.  This is a callous political move to make the public think that our politicians "Support our Troops".  But, the 570,000 vets mentioned in the press release (on page 2) represent a little more than 2% if the veteran population.  What about the other 98%?  Are they going to get calls to let them know about their benefits, too?  Don't count on it.  Older vets are waiting in long lines for care and for rulings on disability claims.  Many of them don't even know they have benefits because the VA has never told them.  I hope our service organizations jump into this with both feet.  If they don't stand up to defend their members, almost all of whom servied prior to OEF/OIF, then they should turn in their cute little caps and admit that they are powerless to help their membership."
     ►Chapter note:  While this may look to some that older vets do not want to see the newer vets taken care of, this cannot be further from the truth.  Many veteran organizations have embraced the younger generation of veterans and are trying to help them transition back into the world.  But the priority of service schedule for the VA is unfair and unacceptable and we think you will find that many of our new veterans feel the same.  Funny that none of this outreach was being performed until the Walter Reed scandal hit the news.  All of a sudden, the politicians took some notice and almost immediately the new veterans became priority over the old.  They were placed behind the new in regard to appointments and claims.  Everyone seems to be amazed at the amount of PTSD cases and suicides in the new vet population.  Now, all of a sudden, they are counting.  It took years before PTSD was even recognized for Vietnam and prior vets.  Meanwhile, many of those vets who needed treatment, used drugs and alcohol to self medicate.  Many families were broken up; many vets went to jail; and yes, many committed suicide and still are.  The priorities should be those in serious need get served first, then clear the decks of all of those who have been waiting so long and handle all services on a first come, first serve basis.  Old vets want to help new vets and want to see them get help from the VA, but the old vets served also, and many were drafted and were not volunteers.  Don't they deserve some consideration instead of being kicked to the side because the politicians and the VA want to make themselves look good in an election year?  In addition, the VA is unable to handle the volume they have now, what are they going to do with hundreds of thousands of new people entering the system.  Since they are going to call all of the new vets, maybe all of the old vets should start calling them and demanding to be informed of every benefit available to them. 
     We believe that the majority of the VA centers are attempting to do their best at serving all veterans.  But the incompetence and mandates from their superiors over the years make it impossible to truly serve those in need in a timely manner.   

 

                                       AFTER ACTION REPORT

4/5 - Young Marines and Marine Cadets held their regular Training day.
4/15 - VVA500 held their Annual Meeting and Elections.
4/17 - Members Harper, Kauffman and McNeill attended the monthly meeting for the 20th Anniversary of the Memorial.
4/19 - Young Marines/Marine Cadets held their regular training day.  Several members attended the BBQ fundraiser for the "Never Forget Our Fallen Memorial".
4/25-26 - Vice-President McNeill and Treasurer Quint attended the quarterly meeting of the CA State Council in Fresno.
5/1 - Several members attended a town hall meeting for Charlie Brown and were able to meet former Senator and former Administrator of Veterans Affairs, Max Cleland.

                           UPDATE ON SGT. SAM NICHOLS
 sam-and-julie-at-vietnam-vet-memorial-ii.jpgimageLeft:  Sam and Julie Neria at the "Reading of the Names" 2005.
Right:  Sam and his wife Erin.

     Sam's progress from father-in-law Tony's blog at:  www.tneria01.wordpress.com. 

     Sam is back at Kentfield after his illness, and is continuing to progress. .  He is starting to speak words and phrases.  And this will warm your heart....(After a visit by Tony and Julie in late April), Julie tells us:  "I was holding Sam's hand when I decided to kiss it.  Sam immediately pulled my hand to his mouth and kissed it.  I held back tears, but barely.  I then went to hug him good-bye, and I kissed him on the cheek.  Sam pulled my face to his and kissed my cheek too.  Erin told Sam to mess up my hair, and he reached his hand over my head and messed my hair all up.  That really took a lot of coordination!  When we got in the car to leave and on our way out, I began to cry.  I couldn't hold it in any longer.  Tears came flooding out. I was overcome with hope.  This trip to see Sam and Erin was really special."
     VVA500 has tried to help Julie and Tony a little with their trips to see Sam and we appreciated Tony's kind words about the chapter in his blog of April 14.
     Sam is communicating by using a alphabet board that Erin created.  Sam's father  Eric, relates that Sam has indicated in answer to Erin's questions that he would like to travel and tell his story to other brain injured patients, (especially other Marines and Soldiers) when he is able...He included that he would like to meet and tell his story to all those that have and are continuing to pray for him.   
     Sam is making such good progress, we know we will see him home again in the not too distant future.  Whenever that happens, we hope to be able to honor him and his service.  Check out Tony's blog above to always see some new pictures of Sam and Erin.

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

 

THE CAPITAL VETERAN..........MAY,  2008........Page 6

DID YOU KNOW???

     Here are some interesting Census Stats from the RAO...
►1,713,823 of those who served in Vietnam were still alive as of the August 1995 census figures.
►In the August 1995 census 9,492.958 Americans falsely claimed to have served in-country.
►As of the August, 2000 Census, the surviving U.S. Vietnam Veteran population estimate is:  1,92,511.  If this loss of 711,000 veterans between '95 and '00 is accurate, it equates to 390 deaths per day.
►During this Census count the number of Americans falsely claiming to have served in-country is 13,852,027.  By this census, four out of five who claim to be Vietnam vets are not.
►The Department of Defense Vietnam War Service Index officially provided by the War Library originally reported with errors that 2,709,918 U.S. military personnel as having served in-country.  Corrections and confirmations to this errored index resulted in the addition of 358 U.S. military personnel confirmed to have served in Vietnam not originally listed by the Department of Defense.  (All names are currently on file and accessible 24/7/365.
►Atrocities:  Americans who deliberately killed civilians received prison sentences while Communists who did so received commendations.  From 1957-1973, the National Liberation Front assassinated 36,725 Vietnamese and abducted another 58,499.  The death squads focused on leaders at the village level and on anyone who improved the lives of the peasants such as medical personnel, social workers, and school teachers per the Nixon Presidential Papers.
                               AND NOW SOME MYTHS AND FACTS

     ■Myth:  Common Belief is that most Vietnam veterans were drafted.  ►Fact:  2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers.  2/3 of the men who served in WWII were drafted.  Approximately 70% of those killed in Vietnam were volunteers.
     ■Myth:  The media have reported that suicides among Vietnam veterans range from 50,000 to 100,000 - 6-11 times the non-Vietnam veteran population.  ►Fact:  Mortality studies show that 9,000 is a better estimate.  The CDC Vietnam Experience Study Mortality Assessment showed that during the first 5 years after discharge, deaths from suicide were 1.7 times more likely among Vietnam veterans than non-Vietnam veterans.  After that initial post-service period the rate of suicides is less.
     ■Myth:  Common belief is that a disproportionate number of blacks were killed in the Vietnam War.  ►Fact:  86% of the men who died in Vietnam were Caucasians, 12.5% were black, 1.2% were other races.  Black fatality figures were proportional to the number of blacks in the U.S. population at the time and slightly lower than the proportion of blacks in the Army at the close of the war.
     ■Myth:  Common belief is that the war was fought by the poor and uneducated.  ►Fact:  Servicemen who went to Vietnam from well-to-do areas had a slightly elevated risk of dying because they were more likely to be pilots or infantry officers.  Vietnam Veterans were the best educated forces our nation had ever sent into combat.  79% had a high school education or better.

 

DID YOU KNOW, CONT.

      ■Myth:  The common belief in the U.S. is that the domino theory was proved false.  ►Fact:  The domino theory was accurate.  The Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand stayed free of Communism because of the U.S. commitment to Vietnam.  The Indonesians threw the Soviets out in 1966 because of America's commitment in Vietnam.  Without that commitment, Communism would have swept all the way to the Malacca Straits that is south of Singapore and of great strategic importance to the free world.  The Vietnam War was the turning point for Communism.
     ■Myth:  The common belief is that the fighting in Vietnam was not as intense as in World War II.  ►Fact:  The average infantryman in the South Pacific during World War II saw about 40 days of combat in four years.  The average infantryman in Vietnam saw about 240 days of combat in one year thanks to the mobility of the helicopter.  One out of every 10 Americans who served in Vietnam was a casualty.  58,148 were killed and 304,000 wounded out of 2.7 million who served.  Although the percent that died is similar to other wars, amputations or crippling wounds were 300% higher than in World War II...75,000 Vietnam veterans are severely disabled.  MEDEVAC helicopters flew nearly 500,000 missions.  Over 900,000 patients were airlifted (nearly half were American).  The average time lapse between wounding to hospitalization was less than one hour.  As a result, less than one percent of all Americans wounded, who survived the first 24 hours, died.
     ■Myth:  Kim Phuc, the little nine year old Vietnamese girl running naked from the napalm strike near Trang Bang on June 8, 1972 was burned by Americans bombing Trang Bang.►Fact:  No American had involvement in this incident near Trang Bang that burned Phan Thi Kim Phuc.  The planes doing the bombing near the village were VNAF (Vietnam Air Force) and were being flown by Vietnamese pilots in support of South Vietnamese troops on the ground.  The Vietnamese pilot who dropped the napalm in error is currently living in the United States.  Even the AP photographer, Nick Ut, who took the picture, was Vietnamese.  The incident in the photo took place on the second day of a three day battle between the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) who occupied he village of Trang Bang and the ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) who were trying to force the NVA out of the village.  Reports in the news media that an American commander ordered the air strike are incorrect.  There were no Americans involved in any capacity.  The Commanding General of TRAC at that time said Americans had nothing to do with controlling VNAF.
     ■Myth:  The United States lost the war in Vietnam.  ►Fact:  The American military was not defeated in Vietnam.  The American military did not lose a battle of any consequence.  From a military standpoint, it was almost an unprecedented performance.  General Westmoreland said the war was a major military defeat for the VC and NVA.  The United States did not lose the war in Vietnam, the South Vietnamese did.


 

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

 

THE CAPITOL VETERAN................MAY, 2008........Page 7

  VVA500 MEMORIAL WEEKEND EVENTS

  
VVA500 HOSTS THE ANNUAL "READING OF THE NAMES" ON SUNDAY, MAY 25TH.  BEGINS AT 7AM.  THERE WILL BE A MEMORIAL CEREMONY AT NOON.  BG MARY J. KIGHT, IS GUEST SPEAKER.  TO READ NAMES CALL 916-481-6020.

 

THE NO EXCUSES RACE TAKES PLACE MONDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 26. REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 7AM.  VVA500 RECEIVED A GENEROUS DONATION LAST YEAR FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THIS RACE AND ARE THE BENEFICIARIES AGAIN THIS YEAR.  BUT WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP REGISTER THE RUNNERS AND STAND ON CORNERS TO DIRECT THE RUNNERS.  IT ONLY TAKES A FEW HOURS AND YOU ARE FREE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.  CALL THE OFFICE TO VOLUNTEER.  IF YOU ARE A RUNNER OR A WALKER, THE CHAPTER WILL SPONSOR YOU FOR THE RACE.  CALL 916-481-6020.  CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE FOR ALL OF THE DETAILS:  www.noexcuses5k.com

 

 MORE MEMORIAL WEEKEND EVENTS

     ►Saturday, May 24 - 10AM - Memorial Ceremony at the Old City Cemetery.
            ALL TAKING PLACE ON MEMORIAL DAY BY TIME
     ►9:45AM - Convention Center - Annual Jazz Society Memorial Ceremony.  This year honoring National Guard Veterans.  Veteran organizations are asked to bring their organization flags to the Convention Center by 9:15AM.  Those participating will have their organization names announced during the ceremony  Call to register your attendance by May 21st, 916-481-6020.
     ►10:00AM - Mather Hospital - Annual Memorial Ceremony.  Held on the Veterans Memorial Plaza in front of the hospital. 
     ►11:00AM - Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Lane - 41st Annual Memorial Day Tribute. 460 Large American Flags will be posted.  MG Wade, Adjutant, National Guard will be the keynote speaker.  CA National Guard Color and Honor Guard, Musical Salutes, Jet Flyover, Skydiver, and more.  For more information call 916-969-1251.
     ►11:00AM - Sierra Hills, Greenback and I-80 - Memorial Ceremony.
     ►11:00AM - East Lawn Elk Grove -  I-99 and Bond/Laguna Rd. - Memorial Ceremony
     ►Mexican-American Memorial Ceremony - Middle of 10th, across from the Capitol.
      ►All Day - Towe Auto Museum - 2200 Front Street, Sacramento Free admission for Veterans and members of the Armed Forces.  Show ID card for admission.  For information call:  916-442-6802.
     ►►If anything else comes up we will e-mail the information.

UPCOMING IN JUNE

     "OUTRAGEOUS HERO:  THE B.T. COLLINS STORY".
From the Press Release:  "Irascible, irreverent, and annoyingly politically incorrect, B.T. made you laugh when you wanted to cray and made you cry when you had never cried before over things like the "Stars and Stripes" or the "Star Spangled Banner."  He inspired.  He bullied.  He cajoled.  He ruled.  Brutally honest and unyielding when it came to principles, he had enemies as well.  No one was blasé about B.T. Collins. "
     A Vietnam Veteran and double amputee because of the Vietnam War, B.T. was a hero to many people.  He was one of the most influential in getting the CA Vietnam Veterans Memorial built.  B.T. was unique, the likes of him will probably never be seen again in the halls of our California government.  We are sure that many people have a personal story to tell about B.T.
     B.T.' S sister Maureen Collins Baker has written a book about this "Outrageous Hero".  Maureen will be in Sacramento to sign books and talk about B.T. at Borders, 2339 Fair Oaks Blvd., Sacramento, on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 7PM.   Come listen to Maureen talk about her brother.  Those who did not know him can purchase the book and read about a true "American Original".
     

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

 

THE CAPITOL VETERAN - MAY, 2008........Page 8

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW CAREER FOR STAN ATKINSON

     We happened to run into Stan Atkinson a month or so ago, and he happily announced that we was now a travel columnist for SENIOR MAGAZINE.  Stan traveled extensively while working as a broadcaster for 30 years at KCRA and KOVR.  His extensive documentaries on Vietnam, Afghanistan, Somalia, just a few countries that he visited,  were memorable.  You just don't see his in depth style of reporting  any more.  Stan still continues to travel with his wife with the international marketing organization, Virtuoso Travel Specialists.  Now, we can read about his travels and experiences in the Senior Magazine every month.  Pick it up at newsstands, information areas in stores, and bookstores.

HANK DAVIS RECEIVES AWARD FROM THE VA

     If you don't know already, Hank Davis, VVA500 Board Member and Color Guard Captain is a Volunteer Patient Advocate at Mather Hospital.  He spends his days resolving problems for VA patients and the families of patients.  Most people don't realize the extent that the VA uses volunteers.  It varies from reception work to transportation and a myriad of other chores.
     On May 9, the VA held a Volunteer Awards Ceremony and luncheon at the Lion's Gate Garden Pavilion in McClellan Park  honoring all of those volunteers. Dr. Brian J. O'Neill was the keynote speaker and presented the awards.
     Our very own Hank Davis received an award for his 5,000 volunteer hours.  Last year, when Hank reached 4,000 hours, he received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
     Congratulations Hank!  Thank you for your service to veterans.

 

KSV REUNION (Kaison Veterans)

     Member Dave Dutton asked us to announce the upcoming reunion and elections of the KSV.  Reunion takes place in Reno, Nevada, July 28th thru August 3 this year.  Elections will be held for Treasurer, and Members at Large.  For information re:  the Reunion and/or elections, contact Thomas J. Eichler, President at 773-625-2101 or e-mail him at:  TEIC1448@aol.com.

STIMULUS PAYMENT, CONT.

     You can still file for the Stimulus Payment.  If you need help, just call the office.  If you don't normally need to file a return, you should file for the stimulus payment at least by October 15, 2008.  Even if you qualify, but you don't file, you will not receive the payment. 
    
 


 272 Mandalay Ct.                      smith8834@sbcglobal.net
 Roseville, CA 95747                    916-543-3390

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

 

THE CAPITOL VETERAN................MAY, 2008........Page 9

PICTURES FROM THE APRIL 19TH
"NEVER FORGET OUR FALLEN"  EVENT

HOSTESS/GOLD STAR MOM, DEBORAH GETZ IN THE MIDDLE, TODD STENHOUSE, LEFT, CHARLIE BROWN ON THE RIGHT

PART OF THE VVA500 CROWD

VVA500 PRESIDENT KAREN WINNETT MEETS FORMER SENATOR AND VA DIRECTOR MAX CLELAND ON MAY 1

COLOR GUARD GETS READY FOR ELK GROVE PARADE

BOARD MEMBER HANK DAVIS RECEIVES AN AWARD FROM  VA MATHER HOSPITAL DIRECTOR, DR. O'NEILL FOR 5000 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500

 

THE CAPITOL VETERAN............MAY, 2008........Page 10

                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
 OFFICERS:  President:  Karen Anne Winnett
Vice President:  Gregory McNeill
Secretary:  Ted Adams
Treasurer:  Jerry Quint
BOARD MEMBERS:  Hank Davis, Don Harper, 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.  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! 
MAY BIRTHDAYS           
     ♫♫♫Thelma Warren♫♫♫Francis Staley - Marines♫♫♫Roger Smith - Army♫♫♫Gerard Fields - Army♫♫♫Rodolfo Rodriguez - Marines♫♫♫David Perrin - Navy♫♫♫William Schlotz - Air Force♫♫♫Joe Feirl - Navy♫♫♫Martin Snezek - Air Force♫♫♫


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

 WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBERS!
James H. Yarrow, M.D. - Air Force
James Farmer - Army

BUILDING UPDATE
Not much new.  Owner still working with the City. Chapter is waiting to hear from Planning re: a special use permit.  Slow Process

 



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
      

 


 

 

"NEVER AGAIN WILL ONE GENERATION OF VETERANS ABANDON ANOTHER"

 

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO VVA500