November 2007

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

Chapter Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting: 3rd Tuesday each month - 7:00 PM - November Meeting - Roger Tyson
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!" NOVEMBER, 2007 "Be Proud"

                           PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
     Here we are again, almost at the end of another year with Veterans Day coming up and all of the holidays.
     If you missed the Get-A-Way, you missed a great time. Lots of good company and good food always makes for a great weekend. I was also glad to see many of our members step up and volunteer at the Stand Down, helping our brother and sister Veterans get a hand up. And talk about food, there certainly was an abundance at the Family Picnic in September. The weather was perfect. The Young Marines and parents joined us and all had a good time with the adults relaxing and the Young Marines keeping themselves busy with exploring and playing games.    The weather was perfect, and many received those great prizes we have been collecting all year for their attendance at VVA functions.
     What's next? Well, you know VVA500 always has something going on. Be sure to check out all of the activities for the Veterans Day weekend on Page five. We'll be participating in the Elk Grove Parade on the 11th and you sure don't want to miss "The Shadow of the Blade" on Saturday the 10th along with several other opportunities to honor all Veterans. And don't forget the General Meeting on November 20th. Hope to see you all soon!                                  Your President.....Ted Adams

             WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY!
     It may soon become a reality. Jose G. Ramos has been working tirelessly for years to make March 30 the official and permanent "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day"! A resolution has been signed by the House and sits on the President's desk to be signed. The Senate Resolution also needs to be signed. We'll be receiving some postcards soon for you all to sign to encourage the President to sign the Resolution and make March 30 the permanent day honoring Vietnam Veterans. We hope to have these available at some of the Veterans Day events.
     If the resolution is signed soon, we will start making plans for an event in the area as we did a few years ago that will mark the day for all Vietnam Veterans to be remembered.

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL MEETING

TUESDAY, November 20TH
7:00PM At the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall
Directions on Page 10

GUEST SPEAKER
Roger Tyson
Human-Powered Enterprises

One day Vietnam Veteran Roger Tyson woke up with congestive heart failure. Now, ten years later, he's outlived his cardiologist's prognosis through a positive mental attitude. Today he motivates, inspires, trains and coaches others. As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach ("life coach"), Certified Hypnotherapist and motivational speaker, Roger believes many veterans can benefit from life coaching. Life coaching can help them get "unstuck" and move forward with their goals and dreams.

     Chapter Note: We met Roger volunteering at the Stand Down. In addition to the above, here is a little of his background: After graduating from Army Officer's Candidate School, he trained new recruits on landmines and booby traps and soldiers in advanced infantry. He was a Combat Infantry Platoon Leader in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star.
     He has motivated and trained many in several different fields, and excels as a motivational speaker and definitely holds your attention. If you feel you are "stuck" in life with problems and very little to look forward to, Roger can change that.   You will want to hear Roger explain the "Chuckles" success for life concepts: Curiosity, Being, Energy, Fun, Like, Trust Value, Tools, Skills, Listening, Purpose and Confidence.
     With the holidays coming on, and maybe some of those "blues" that come with them, or life just doesn't seem to be any "fun" anymore, come and listen to a Brother Vet and get inspired to make some changes in attitude.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN........NOVEMBER, 2007.......Page 2

VETERAN BENEFITS AND MORE

     VA FLU SHOTS - Flu season will soon be here and veterans, especially the more elderly, are encouraged to get their shots. Most VA Medical Centers are making preparations to administer these shots at no charge to enrolled veterans. If enrolled, contact the VA to see when your Medical Center will be scheduling the shots. If you are not enrolled in the VA Medical System, we encourage you do so. You may not need the services of the system now, but if you do in the future, it will save you some time and possible delay of treatment. Call the VVA500 office if you have some questions regarding enrollment.
     VA OBESITY INITIATIVE UPDATE - There is a growing problem that's troubling the Department of Veterans Affairs. Namely, why are so many military veterans becoming obese and developing diabetes? The VA is looking into possible causes and promising cures. Former VA Secretary James Nicholson was shown saying, "We have an epidemic of diabetes among veterans in our country, and it's mostly adult-onset Type 2 diabetes, which is preventable." On the food front, research is being done on veteran-specific nutrition. VA researcher Dr. William Yancey has said, "We've specifically looked at low-carbohydrate diets and found pretty profound effects that their blood sugar's improved dramatically and they can come off some of their diabetes medications." VA health providers as well as many other health providers say diet and exercise are important to preventing obesity and the diabetes that often comes with it, but they also say there are factors that might make veterans ore susceptible to these diseases. A key worry - stress... The VA says it is adding stress-reduction therapy to weight loss programs and doing what it can to encourage vets.. Nicholson was also shown saying veterans are being urged to be more conscious of how they're eating and we're giving the prescriptions of how to do this better too."
     Chapter note: While many Vietnam Veterans may have diabetes due to their exposure to Agent Orange, the same holds true in regard to diet and exercise and the stress factor. Even if you have diabetes due to Agent Orange exposure, extra weight does not help the situation, nor does a bad diet. It is also true that the condition can be improved by following a regular exercise program and choosing the proper foods.
     JUST WHO IS RESPONSIBLE??? - In regard to VA Medical Services and Claims Compensation, there exists a "priority list". This list dictates the order of who will be served first. The elderly, POW's , then the Iraqi/Afghanistan Veterans. After that comes everyone else. Both the medical system and benefits system has said that Congress has mandated this priority list. However, in researching for where this "bill" or mandate is in print, none appears to exist and we find then that this appears to be a VA "directive" and Congress is getting the blame. Not to begrudge service to those who should come first with critical issues, but other than that, it should be first come first served. We will working on this issue. More to come later.....

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES RE: VETERANS

On the state level, Governor Schwarzenegger has signed the following bills that address Veteran issues:
AB7 - Lieu - Provides armed service members and their families a number of consumer credit protections against predatory and deceptive lending practices and unlawful financial and investment schemes and allows California to enforce federal law.
AB392 - Lieu - Requires employers to allow the husband or wife of a soldier serving to take up to 10 days of unpaid leave while their husband or wife is home on leave.
AB1528 - Committee on Banking and Finance - Prohibits false and deceptive marketing of financial services or products to service members, veterans and their families.
AB282 - Cook - Makes it a crime for any person to falsely represent himself/herself to have been awarded any military decoration or medal with the intent to defraud.
AB223 - Runner - Allows a person called for military service after the absentee ballot application deadline to vote absentee by fax.
AB950 - Salas - Extends the period of time in which non-California members of the Armed Forces are entitled to pay the lower in-state fees at CA State University and the University of CA.
SB14 - Negrete/McLeod - Allows members of the CA National Guard to qualify for membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and to purchase additional PERS service credit.
SB272 - Runner - Gives members of the armed services priority enrollment for CA State University and CA Community Colleges classes and requests the University of CA to do the same.
SB386 - Cogdill - Waives various fees on vehicles owned by the surviving spouse of a former prisoner of war (POW) or Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and allows the family to keep a special interest license plate as a remembrance of the deceased.
While the above are the shortened versions of the bills signed, you may go to http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/ to read the full versions of the bills.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

In light of the increased numbers of suicide and stress related disorders among veterans and especially those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, Congresswoman Matusi co-sponsored HR327 called the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and carry out a program that will:
• Provide mandatory training for appropriate staff and contractors of the Department of Veterans Affairs who interact with veterans.
Continued on Page Seven.................

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........NOVEMBER, 2007.........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.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN CALENDAR................NOVEMBER, 2007........Page 4

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
SEE PAGE FIVE FOR DETAILS ON VETERANS DAY EVENTS!				1	2	3 Young Marine Training Day Sunrise Mall Armed Forces Appreciation Day
4	5	6 VVA500 Board Meeting	7	8	9	10 "Shadow of the Blade" and RVMH Ceremony
11 Elk Grove Parade and Marine Corps Ball	12 Mather Ceremony and City of Roseville Ceremony	13 Homeless Task Force Meeting	14	15	16	17 Young Marines Training Day
18	19 Marine Corps League Meeting	20 VVA500 General Meeting	21	22 Thanksgiving Day	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30

DECEMBER, 2007

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
						1 Young Marines Training Day
2	3 RVMH Board Meeting	4 VVA500 Board Meeting Hanukkah Begins	5	6	7	8
9	10 2008 Memorial Anniversary Meeting	11 Homeless Task Force Social	12	13	14	15 Young Marines Training Day
16	17 Marine Corps League Meeting	18 VVA500 Christmas Party	19	20 VAC Meeting at Mather	21	22
23	24 USAF Began Strikes on Laos 1964	25-Christmas	26	27	28/29/30	Monday 12/31 New Years Eve

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................NOVEMBER, 2007........Page 5

VETERANS DAY MONTH ACTIVITIES

Saturday, November 10
Where: Franklin Library - 10055 Franklin High Rd. in Elk Grove.
What: The full length showing of "The Shadow of the Blade". This film was shown on PBS but broken up into parts.   This (film) project was inspired by the 10,000 mile journey of a battle-scarred UH-1 "Huey" helicopter into America's backyards to hear the untold stories of Vietnam War veterans and the families who waited for them to come home. The Huey has landed, but the stories will live forever. "When you talk to people who served in Vietnam--soldiers, nurses, medics--you'll find that most have a Huey story: the ride into the landing zone, filled with fear and anticipation, and the ride out, exhausted and relieved. How the Huey brought the wounded, the ammunition, a rare treat o chocolate bars or beer. Like any good icon, the Huey was always there, and its ubiquitous presence still hovers in the collective memories of Vietnam Veterans, whose lives, years later, are tinted by the shadows of the blade."
     Rev. Bill McDonald, local author of many books, after returning from serving in Vietnam became a counselor and help to many Veterans and was part of the making of the film. Rev. Bill will be there to introduce the film. Another short film by Tony Lazzarini will be shown called the "highest Traditions" about Hueys in Vietnam. Both Rev. Bill's and Tony's books will be for sale at the event. VVA500 will also be at the event to provide information as needed to all Veterans. Veteran Counselor will also be on site. VVA500 members are encouraged to come and see this important film as well as help with the VVA500 table.
Saturday - November 10
Where: The Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall - 110 Park Dr. - Roseville (In Royer Park)
What: Veterans Day Ceremony - Veterans Organizations from the Hall will participate in a ceremony honoring all Veterans. All Veterans, families and friends are invited to attend.
Time: 11:00AM
Sunday, November 11
Where: City of Elk Grove - Parade begins from the corner of Elk Grove Blvd. and Elk Grove/Florin Rd. (Watt Ave. to the North)
What: The annual Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade. This is a great parade. The whole community of Elk Grove and the surrounding area supports this parade to honor all Veterans. VVA500 and the Nor-Cal Young Marines will be participating in the parade. Vehicles will be available for those who cannot walk.
Monday, November 12
Where: Mather VA Hospital - Veterans Memorial Plaza
What: Veterans Day Ceremony hosted by he hospital and the City of Rancho Cordova.
Monday, November 12
Where: City of Folsom - Near Mervyns
What: Veterans Day Parade
Time: 9:00AM                  Continued, Next Column..........

AFTER ACTION REPORT

9/4 - VVA500 Board held their regular Meeting.
9/5 - Color Guard performed services at the Memorial Auditorium.
9/8 - VVA500 held the first annual Family Picnic at Camp Pollock.
9/10 - E.D. McNeill and member Lorna Perrigo attended the last Stand Down Task Force Meeting at Camp Pollock.
9/14, 15, 16 - Several VVA500 members volunteered at the 16th Annual Sacramento Stand Down held at Camp Pollock.
9/15 - Young Marines held their regular Training Day.
9/18 - VVA500 held their regular General Meeting. Nick and Michelle Petrazzelli gave a presentation on travel opportunities.
9/19 - E.D. McNeill attended the quarterly meeting of the Veterans Advisory Council at Mather Hospital.
9/22 - Several members attended the Oktoberfest held at the Roseville Hall hosted by the American Legion there.
9/28 - Bd. Member Don Harper and E.D. McNeill attended "The Road Home" program presented by Sierra College. The program detailed the problems and opportunities for the current returning Veterans re: their personal lives and returning to school.
9/29 - The Young Marines participated in the annual Marine Mud Run.
10/1 - Joe Cavanagh attended the Roseville Veterans Hall Board Meeting. Joe will preside as chair of the Board in the coming year.
10/2 - VVA500 held their regular Board Meeting.
10/3 - Several members attended the Stand Down Volunteer Appreciation Dinner hosted by AMVETS Post #1.
10/5,6/7 - VVA members attended the annual Get-A-Way held at Scotts Flat.
10/9 - E.D. McNeill attended the monthly Interagency Committee Council to End Homelessness.
10/13 - VVA500 Budget Committee Members held their meeting.
10/16 - VVA500 Audit Committee Members held their meeting.
10/20 - Young Marines held their regular Training Day.
10/27/28 - Secretary and CSC Delegate attended the quarterly CA VVA State Council Meeting in Fresno.

                  VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES, CONT.
Monday, November 12
Where: WWII Memorial - 114 Vernon St. - Roseville
What: Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 11:00AM - VVA500 Public Affairs Chair, Chip Fong will be speaking for Vietnam Veterans.
     If you happen to be spending the weekend in San Francisco, the Veterans Day Parade is on November 11 and begins at 11:00AM at 2nd and Market St. and will end at City Hall.
    Chapter Note: There are lots of opportunities to honor Veterans throughout the Veterans Day weekend. If you are a Veteran, and want to be honored as a Veteran, remember it's a two way street. Be there to honor your Brother and Sister Veterans, and to thank those who are currently serving.

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THE CAPITAL VETERAN..........NOVEMBER, 2007........Page 6

SGT. SAM NICHOLS, USMC

Left: Sam and Julie at 2005 Reading of the Names
Right: Sam and his wife Erin
     Miracles can happen and the prayers of many are working! Updating Sam's condition.....from not being expecting to live, and in a coma, Sam is improving daily. Still in the Palo Alto trauma center, he is able to use his hands, and is being taught sign language to communicate. He has had the trach tube removed and while not yet speaking, is definitely communicating and showing emotion. He definitely knows what he likes and dislikes.
     Mother-in-law Julie Neria and her husband Tony will be the guests of the Marine Corps League in Folsom on the night of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Julie will play taps after the ceremony. Julie called and wanted to perform that night. She just felt that was the place to be, with the Marines, on their birthday, honoring all Marines who have served their country.
     You can keep up with Sam's progress and send your best wishes to him and the family at: http://tneria01.wordpress.com/

PRESIDENT BUSH FINALLY ANNOUNCES
NOMINEE FOR NEW SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

     On October 30th, President Bush finally announced his nominee for the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Former Secretary James Nicholson left the post on October 1, 2007. It may not be all smooth sailing for the nominee, Dr. James Peake. While a decorated Vietnam Veteran who served as a platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Div., and a retired Lt. Gen. in the US Military Medical Corps, it appears that he has been criticized for being part of the problem of the poor care provided to our Veterans while serving as the Surgeon General of the Army.
     After retiring Peake became an executive with QTC the company headed by former VA Sec. Anthony Principi that is in charge of performing the C&P exams for Veteran claims. After Principi left the office of VA Secretary, he went on to head QTC which received a contract from the VA to perform CP exams. The contract is said to worth well over a billion dollars.
     Peake will have to undergo some extreme scrutiny before being appointed the caretaker of a broken system. Will he be the one to straighten it out and be a true advocate for Veterans? Or is it as Larry Scott from the VA Watchdog's opinion states: "This is just another "pat on the a__" for another good ol boy!"

STAND DOWN 2007

     It is always with mixed emotions that we can say that an event such as the Stand Down was a success. The good part of the success is that thanks to the many volunteers and providers of services, the Veterans' needs were served; the bad part is that more were served than last year. It is increasingly apparent to all those who serve Veterans that the basic needs of food, shelter and services are increasing, not diminishing each year. While we still have older Veterans that need to be taken care of, our new Veterans are coming home with their own issues and needs and affordable housing for them will prove to be a challenge.
     Here are some of the statistics for the 2007 Stand Down:
Total Participants:      468      Total Veterans Registered: 407
Total Dependents:          61       Veterans Overnight:             335
Veterans for just days: 72       Overnight Dependents:           50
Dependents for days:     11       Male Veterans:                      387
Male Dependents:             9       Female Veterans:                    52
Female Dependents:       52      Children (under 18):               12
Seniors (over 64):           31      Youngest Veteran:                  28
Oldest Veteran:               85      Average Age Veterans:          50
Youngest Person:              1      Total Meals Served:            4031
Total Volunteers:          450      Air Force Veterans :              55
Army Veterans:             217      Coast Guard Veterans:          10
Marine Veterans:            55      Navy Veterans:                         64
Nat. Guard Veterans:         2     Did not state Service                 4
*Total Registered with the Courts               145
*Number of Cases Heard                                400-500
*Total Hours to Overflow Court                    783
*Community Service Hours Assigned by the Courts      2580
*Community Service Hours Performed at Camp              1797
     *All Court statistics are subject to audit and verification by the Courts.
     The following Providers assisted at the Stand Down by either providing information regarding their services or provided actual services on site. AIDS Housing Alliance, CA Department of Veterans Affairs, Chiropractor, Dr. Michael Simmons, Crossroads, DMV, EDD, Frederico Beauty College, Harm Reduction/Sac County Public Health, Housing First, HVRP (Menlo Park), Sac County Dept. of Human Assistance, Sac County (OARC), Sac County Service Officer, Social Security, Sac Veterans Resource Center, VA Dental Services, VA Vision Services, VA Medical, VA Mental Health, VA Social Services, VA (Vet Center), Voter Registration. All of these providers with the help of several Veteran, Community organizations Bands, and private individuals helped provide three days of food, shelter, entertainment, and services for the often forgotten and neglected segment of our population. Thanks to all for a great job done!

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................NOVEMBER, 2007........Page 7

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

     Each year the Chapter gives scholarship awards to relatives of Vietnam Veterans who will be attending college or a vocational school in the fall. These scholarships are given out in honor of all of our fallen Vietnam Brothers and Sisters. It has become tradition to present the scholarships at the State Fair Veterans and/or 1st Responders Day, which once again, we did this year. The applicants along with being a relative of a Vietnam Veteran must also write an essay on various topics that are chosen by the Chapter Scholarship Committee. The winners are chosen along with the other criteria on the merits of that essay. The topic this year was: "Why Should We Honor All Veterans and What are the Opportunities for Doing So?" The winner's essays are published in subsequent newsletters in alphabetical order. This year's winners are: Michelle Schmidt and Micaela Torres-Gil. They received scholarships of $500. each.
     This month we are publishing the essay of Macaela Torres-Gil. Micaela graduated from St. Francis High School in Elk Grove. Her goal is to become an architect. In her words, "In order to do so I have many educational goals. To be a successful architect, I must be accomplished in art and math. I plan to take many art and art history courses, along with advanced math. In addition, it is my goal to study architecture one year abroad, so I will have a well-rounded education and global perspective. I want to understand the environment and people around me, so that I know how to design living space that meets one's needs and that of their community. To accomplish this, I will take required and elective courses in cultural diversity, environmental studies and social science that will teach and enrich. All of this will ultimately lead me to my goal: to be a successful and accomplished architect. " Here is Macaela's essay:
     "Veterans are the living history of the United States. They are the real proof of this country's accomplishments and the embodiment of the core of the United States: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As Americans, we pride ourselves in being a country of freedom, a country where we have the ability to speak our minds with the knowledge that we have the protection to do so. However, freedom is not free, and it is the men and women who have willingly given their lives in this country to protect our right to freedom who we are to honor and thank.
     An Army ad once said. "[Being in the army] is not just a job, it's an adventure." While the adventure part is surely true, entrusting one's whole self to the protection of a country is not just a job--it is a commitment to protecting that country's fundamental values. It is a physical symbol of loyalty and dedication to one's country and the citizens who live there. In a way, by honoring their country, veterans honor the citizens, and as citizens, we should return the act and honor our veterans.
                                     Continued in the next column.........

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY, CONT.

     There are many ways that we can honor veterans, and no matter how big or small, they show our gratefulness to those who have served our country. For example, participating in Veteran's Day parades and festivities, initiating a bake sale or car wash to raise money for veteran funds and scholarships, flying our flag, or a simple "thank you" to the veterans in your life and community are meaningful. We can vote, and with each vote we honor them by exercising one of the most precious rights for which they have so courageously fought and worked. And it is through our vote we can thank veterans in a real way by supporting services to them. These are all simple, but important acts that make an impact on the veterans, their families and the community as a whole.
     However, the most significant and selfless way to give back to our country and honor the veterans who have come before us, is by enlisting in the Army, Air Force, [Marines], Navy, or National Guard. This gesture is more than symbolic. This gesture shows one's recognition and appreciation of our armed forces and honors the history and tradition of our veterans. By joining the military force, one displays not only admiration of veterans and their contributions, but the willingness and commitment to help one's country in the same courageous way past veterans have done.
     We tend to take for granted all that we have in this country. However, it is important to remember how and why we are here: freedom and liberty as prescribed in our Constitution. We have these unalienable rights in great part because of our veterans, who have worked and fought for this country's freedom and well-being. Veterans of the armed forces proved (and members of the today's armed forces continue to prove) their loyalty to the United States and its people, in the most honorable ways that anyone can. Therefore, let us admire and honor our veterans in whatever way, and never take them, or our freedom and rights for granted.
     GREAT JOB MICAELA! CONGRATULATIONS AND OUR BEST WISHES TO YOU IN ACQUIRING ALL OF YOUR GOALS!

FEDERAL LEGISLATION, CONT.

• Conduct screening for suicide risk factors in veterans who receive medical care at a Department facility.
• Effectively track veterans and conduct outreach to veterans and their families.
• Refer at risk veterans to counseling and treatment.
• Designate a suicide prevention counselor at each Department medical facility.
• Research and explore the best practices for suicide prevention.
• Provide mental health care options for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while in military service.
• Create a toll-free hotline, 24 hour mental health care options, and a peer counseling support system.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN - NOVEMBER, 2007........Page 8

VIETNAM VETERAN MEMORIALS TO
CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARIES

As you may have read this will be the 25th Anniversary of the dedication of the "Wall" in Washington D.C. Washington will be the scene of thousands of Veterans coming to take part in a march and events that will take place celebrating the anniversary throughout the weekend of Veterans Day. VVA500 members attending will be Don Harper, and "Easy" Smith. Don will lay a wreath from the Chapter for us.

CALIFORNIA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
ANNIVERSARY TO BE CELEBRATED

ACR 64 - Lieu. This resolution was passed. " It commemorates 2008 as the 20 year anniversary of the CA Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It encourages all Californians to take part in the ceremonies commemorating the 20 year anniversary, on December 10, 2008, and urges that all steps necessary to inform all Californians of the date of these ceremonies and locations of these events be taken, so that all Californians may have the opportunity to remember and honor the service, efforts, and sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans, and to pay homage to those Veterans who are still alive."....The CA State Council of VVA is currently making plans for several days of events and celebration to commemorate the dedication. If you would like to help in this endeavor, there will be a meeting in Sacramento on December 10. Details of time and where to come. One other thing, if anyone has any pictures of anyone on the CA Wall, please call the VVA500 office. A "Reading of the Names" is being planned with pictures shown for each name if possible.

               ALLIANCE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
It has come to our attention through our chair of Veterans Services, Jesse Garcia and the VA Rehabilitation Service Department that there are many Veterans that are visually impaired or blind that are not taking advantage of the benefits they can receive through the VA. Therefore, VVA500 will become part of the "Alliance for the Visually Impaired" which will be developing ways of making these Veterans aware of those benefits.
     Many of our Vietnam Veterans who have contracted diabetes due to Agent Orange or other causes have become visually impaired. Along with diabetes, there are other causes for visual impairment, such as macular degeneration and with our more recent Veterans, causes due to explosions and other related combat injuries. Over time, these impairments can become worse and the Veteran may no longer be able to function in their current capacity of employment or find it hard to continue some of their basic living skills.
     We have found that many Veterans are unaware of the benefits and help they may receive through the VA. These benefits are much easier to receive through the Rehabilitation Programs offered than through the normal claims process for compensation. The extent of the benefits will depend on the extent of the disability. It could mean computer training, job training, various pieces of equipment, life skills training and much more.
     The Veteran need not feel that he or she cannot be productive any longer because their sight is failing or has failed. The Veteran's family will also benefit as the Veteran can be taught the skills necessary to be independent. Another important aspect is that the Veteran DOES NOT have to be service connected to receive benefits as visually impaired. If you are a visually impaired Veteran, call the VVA500 office for further information re: benefits.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................NOVEMBER, 2007........Page 9

OUR OWN V.P. KAREN WINNETT' S CAT McCARTHY BAND ENTERTAINED AT THE FAMILY PICNIC

AT THE FAMILY PICNIC JOE CAVANAGH WON THAT GREAT PICTURE OF THE HUEY DONATED BY THE REV. BILL MCDONALD

SEVERAL MEMBERS ATTENDED THE OKTOBERFEST HOSTED BY THE AMERICAN LEGION HELD AT THE ROSEVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES EXPLAINED TO MEMBERS AT
SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEETING

MOST OF THE ANNUAL GET-A-WAY CROWD

FOOD ALWAYS TASTES BETTER AT THE GET-A-WAY

MORE OF THE GET-A-WAY CROWD!

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN............NOVEMBER, 2007........Page 10

                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS: President: Ted Adams
Vice President: Karen Anne Winnett
Secretary: Gregory McNeill
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. 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., again and a left will go back to the freeway and whichever direction you need to go from there..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS!
♫♫♫Pete Conaty-Army♫♫♫Bud Lee-Army♫♫♫Eugene Cirillo-Air Force♫♫♫Roger Sharrer-Navy♫♫♫
Special Birthday Wishes to Michael Kunda-Air Force and Edward Riddle. We missed their birthdays last month.

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

LAST MINUTE NEWS!
DO YOU NEED TO GET IN SHAPE?

     One of our members, Leonard Cousin let us know that 24 hr. Fitness has a special deal going for Active Military and Veterans. There is no initial membership fee or processing fee and a reduced monthly fee.
      You do need to produce some type of military ID though. For active duty and retired, I.D. cards, a VA card, and a DD214 will also work.
      This might be a good way to work off some of those pounds we talked in Page Two. Leonard is working out at the 7th and "K" facility. Grab a friend. It might be more fun going together.

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"

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