VVA500 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

     This is the second essay of the three scholarships awarded this year by the chapter.  The winner, Lucio Tolentino is from Corona, Ca. and is attending Cornell College in Iowa.  Lucio tells us that his father signed up voluntarily for ROTC while he was a sophomore in college, and then went into the service after he graduated with a degree in chemistry.  His father's family received American citizenship after Lucio's grandfather fought for the United States in World War II as a Filipino scout.  Lucio's father felt it right to show his gratitude for his country and fight again when the cause was called for.  He served as a communications officer in Vietnam and was honorably discharged.
     Lucio will be graduating after this year and applying to graduate schools across the United States.  He is undecided in which field specifically to pursue as he will graduate with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science.  He hopes to earn  a PhD in one of the two, and go on to work in the industry.  The following is Lucio's essay...The topic this year was "Explain in Detail the Many Roles Women Played in the Vietnam War".
     Unsung Heroes.....The ideal concept of a Hero is not limited to the strength, bravery, or courage of an individual; rather it is a general definition encompassing bold actions and daring overcoming of difficult trials--and it is not bound to one gender.  During the Vietnam War, in which the United States aided the Vietnamese in their struggle against Communism, women played a significant and often overlooked role.  The women of the Vietnam War personified heroism through their voluntary services to the military and exemplified a bold spirit.  Though the military kept intricate details of the number of captured enemy weapons and other odd details, they failed to count the number of women who volunteered to be nurses, photojournalists, clerks, typists, intelligence officers, translators, and flight controllers--even though there women were crucial to the events that took place in Vietnam.
     The "women of the Vietnam War" were most commonly thought of as the nurses that provided voluntary care for the soldiers that were wounded in battle.  Often nurses lack their rightfully earned glory, but the families of soldiers that came home because of the superb medical treatment of the volunteer nurses understand the nurses' true worth.  Arguably the toughest job in Vietnam, the nurses everyday had to deal with victims of gun shots, mortar bombs, and other Vietnamese devices.  Even without necessary supplies and medical tools the nurses did everything they could to save the victims.
     The soldiers on the field were not the only ones who suffered during the war--the Vietnamese children were growing up in a harsh world with explosions and gun shots happening all over the place.  The nuns that ran the Catholic schools and orphanages created a home for these children displaced by the war.  Their compassion towards the youth went beyond the children's need for a home and food, it extended to offer a sense of family, an education, and a loving environment.  These women aided the generation that would be inheriting the war torn country:  Those that were innocent in the conflicts of the day.
                    Continued in the next column.....

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY, CONT.

     The contribution of the women of the Vietnam War were widespread, extending out their hands to help everyone that needed their care.  At that time, as women were not allowed to serve in combat roles, they took it upon themselves to help in the war efforts in other ways.  They took a bold action to help the hurting, and daringly overcame the hard obstacles that faced the.  Everything from taking g care of wounded soldiers to taking care of innocent children the women of the Vietnam War were heroines for the United States. ..... Thank you Lucio and Congratulations!

                        CDVA SECRETARY'S CONFERENCE
     Lorna Perrigo, member of VVA500 and Treasurer of the WACVA, Sacramento Chapter 96 attended the conference early and October and this is her report:
     On October 3, 2008, I attended the CDVA Secretary's Conference at the "Medal of Honor Hall", CDVA Headquarters.
     After the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocations Secretary Tom Johnson's opening remarks were regarding the support needed for Proposition 12 Bond Act of 2008.  Secretary Johnson also mentioned the importance of SB 1345 Gold Star Plate Fund which would be signed by the Governor in the near future.
     The agenda began with speakers giving the updates on the National Guard Troops', College Education and Careers.  Updates on the facilities for nursing homes and home assistance for our handicapped veterans followed.  We were informed about plans for new locations for National Cemeteries and the CA Vietnam Veterans Memorial 20th Anniversary event beginning December 10-14, with Veteran Reunions, Reading of the Names and a Parade to the Memorial.
     We received a long list of Senate and Assembly Bills that have been signed with the changes in the laws governing the administration of Veterans Homes, support for housing, improvements in Veteran Memorials, Compensation benefits, loans for the CAL-VET Home and Farm Loans programs and other authorized provisions for veterans.  The New Federal GI Bill overview boasts the best comprehensive education benefits package since the original GI Bill signed into law in 1944.  This new benefit will go into effect August 1, 2009.
     The Division of Veteran Homes updates were on Homes in Yountville, Barstow, and Chula Vista.  The recent growth and accomplishments in these Homes and the future Homes in Redding and Fresno are in the program design phase.
     Veteran Support Opportunities for Communication and Marketing and Website Outreach Programs were explained.  This new outreach program for Veterans will update the website, Title 38 updating for Veterans Courts for all veterans, incarcerated veterans and others with legal problems.  There is a new outreach "Dial 211" phone number for services for veterans that is now being used in some cities.  Each organization needs to register for the "211" phone line, to place your organization as a lead for services.  The conference adjourned at noon.  This Conference was a great opportunity for me to attend.  There was a great overview of updates and information on the latest progress being made to assist our veterans.