News 2

VA BURIAL BENEFITS

Last month, we discussed burial benefits for eligible Veterans and reimbursed costs for burial. We talked about burial in a National Cemetery. Where are the National Cemeteries? Here is a listing of those in California....
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego . This cemetery has space available for cremated remains. They may be able to accommodate casketed remains in the same gravesite of previously interred family members.
Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno. This cemetery is closed to new interments. However, space may be available in the same gravesite of previously interred family members.
Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles . This cemetery is closed to new interments. However, space may be available in the same gravesite of previously interred family members.
Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside . This cemetery has space available to accommodate casketed and cremated remains.
San Francisco National Cemetery, Presidio of San Francisco. This cemetery is closed to new interments. However, space may be available in the same gravesite of previously interred family members.
San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine . This cemetery has space available to accommodate casketed and cremated remains.

The Sacramento area has been determined to be one of the areas in the United States that is the most need of a new National Cemetery. Congress has appropriated funds for the purchase of land. The 1133 acre tract of land has been chosen in Solano County. Negotiations for purchase of the land were to begin in the spring of 2003. After purchase of the land, a construction contract is to be awarded in January 2005.
The first California state-owned and operated Veterans Cemetery in California will be near Redding. This cemetery will be funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs State Cemetery Grant Program and is scheduled to be completed in December of 2004.
State cemeteries generally have the same requirements as National cemeteries as to eligibility for Veteran burial.
Several cemeteries in the Sacramento area do have Veteran areas. Of course, these plots must be purchased, and some of the expenses can be borne by VA as we discussed last month. One of these cemeteries we are familiar with is Sacramento Memorial Lawn. They do have a Veterans' Section. For interment, the Veterans' half of the plot is free. For information, call 916-421-1171.

See page six for Military Honors at Veteran Funerals.....

LEGISLATION and GOVERNMENT ISSUES

Several hearings are being held in July for various bills concerning Veterans. The Legislature Policy Committees only have until July 11, with a few exceptions, to wrap up action on bills in committee. If a budget bill is passed, (but don't hold your breath) the Legislature is scheduled to start their summer recess on July 18. Next month we will have a wrap up of the status of bills concerning Veterans.

ENROLLMENT WORKSHOP&JOB FAIR
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2003
2784 STOCKTON BLVD. VFW POST #67, ALSO IS WHERE THE VAC MEETS
TIME: 9AM-4PM

We have discussed in the newsletter the value of Enrollment into the VA Health System and the need for In-Country Vietnam Veterans to get Agent Orange Testing. We also receive several calls per week from Veterans who have no idea that they have service-related health problems and may be eligible for VA health care benefits or claims. So, Chapter 500 will be hosting a Enrollment Workshop & Job Fair. VA employees will be there to help veterans fill out the forms for enrollment, Agent Orange Testing. Find out about other benefits, such as help for P.T.S.D., Cal-Vet home loans, burial benefits, educational rehabilitation programs veterans homes and more. The event is for all veterans, not just Vietnam Veterans, is sponsored by VVA500 and endorsed by the Veterans Affiliated Council, Sacramento Veterans Resource Center and the Sacramento Vet Center. Bring your DD214 or call the office 481-6020 to find out how to get it. For VVA members, we have several on record. If we have yours we can make a copy for you. Make some copies of the enclosed flyer and pass it out to your veteran friends. No veteran should go without the benefits they deserve. Light refreshments will be served.

THE TRAVELING WALL

The Traveling Wall will be at the State Fair from 8/14 thru 8/19. The date set for the Military Day is 8/18. (Usually free admission for Vets) The Wall will be set up just outside the entrance to the Fair Grounds where there will free parking for visitors. Volunteers will be needed on a 24/7 basis to receive and answer questions for visitors. Docent volunteers will be needed for 3 hour shifts and three at a time. Volunteers will also be needed to help set-up the Wall on 8/14. So anyone with some time on any of those days, please call the office at 481-6020. We could use some help honoring our California Veterans that are on the Wall and to let Vietnam Veterans know that the Chapter is available for them.