ANNOUNCEMENTS
     Please contact the office when you have a change of address,  phone or e-mail.  Save us some postage and be able to be reached with announcements in between newsletters.

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CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS:  President:  Gregory C. McNeill
      Vice President:  Stan Bollinger
              Secretary:  Robert Jordan
                               Treasurer:  Dennis "Doc" Kauffman
CHAPTER 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, Honor Guard and Library of Congress Veterans Stories Project will be gratefully appreciated.  You may earmark your donation to the project you wish to support.
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UPDATE ON THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.....10/04 UPDATE
As we understand, balance of contracts are still being worked on, but things should start soon.  In another matter, evidently a Veterans' Group whom we shall not name here had a midnight vigil at the Memorial and left candle wax all over the Memorial that the Park Maintenance Crew is in the process of cleaning up.  It's amazing to us how some groups profess to honor Veterans and then leave a mess.  Where on earth is the "honor" in that?? 

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
by advertising 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.
☻☻☻☻☻☻☻☻☻☻
WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBERS
Chris Miller, AVVA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!              
     Chet Fong - Navy♫♫♫Bill Bailey - Marines♫♫♫Johnny Kinder - Army♫♫♫Robert Jordan - Army♫♫♫Lorna Griess - Army♫♫♫Michael Kunda - Air Force♫♫♫Lemuel Murray - Marines♫♫♫Bill Wagner - Army♫♫♫Chris Miller - AVVA

If your birthday is in October,  and you don't see your name here, the Chapter does not have a copy of your DD214.  National VVA would have it.  If you have a copy, send us one for our files and we can wish you Happy Birthday too!  AVVA members we also need your Birthday Dates !!!

ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

October 1, 2, 3rd - 1/52nd Infantry Reunion (Americal) - Sly Park.  For information contact Jenny Jones, 916-529-8878 or e-mail CoinsBunny@aol.com.
October 6-10 - Michael Bertini asked that we announce a Reunion Date for the U.S. Marine Security Guards, American Embassy, Saigon, Vietnam will be held in Charleston, South Carolina.  For information, call Michael at 910-363-7377.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

November 2 - Election Day.  Get out there and VOTE!
November 6 - VAC Honor Guard Dinner - VFW Post #67 - A fundraiser to support the VAC Honor Guard who perform Honor Guard services at Veteran burials.  Tickets are $10. each.  Call 481-6020 for reservations.
November 6 - Veterans Day Dinner Dance by the American GI Forum.  Call 393-0347 for reservations.
November 7 - Marine Corps Ball - Held at the Folsom Community Center annually to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday.  Tickets are $35. each.  Dining, dancing, a real ball. Call 985-7911 for reservations.
November 11 - Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade
November 12, 13, 14 - California State Council Meeting. 
November 13 - VAC Veterans Day Parade - downtown Sacramento.  Assembly 8:30-10AM. Parade 11AM.

DIRECTIONS TO ROSEVILLE VETERANS 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 signs on the right & that say "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 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.

VOTER REGISTRATION DAY
A REAL WINNER FOR CHAPTER 500
This story is about a combination of things.  Doing Community Service, Being at the Right Place at the Right Time, Promoting the National VVA's "Vote for America 2004 Campaign", promoting VVA and Chapter 500. 
     Early in the morning on September 11, we set up the VVA500 table at Sam's Club off El Camino and Watt.  We though this would be the perfect date to remind people how important it is to use their right to vote.  President McNeill, ED Mary Lou McNeill, Doc Kauffman and Ted Adams started of the day.  Jerry Quint came to help in the early afternoon.  We were able to register 21 voters and passed out several registration forms for completion later.  Several Vietnam Vets came to the table to chat and are now on our newsletter list as potential members. And we even collected around $30. in donations. All in all, it  really was a great day!  Continued in next column.............

AFTER ACTION REPORT

9-7 - The VVA500 regular Board Meeting was held.
9/8 - The regular VAC meeting was held with Commander McNeill (VVA500 President) presiding.  Incoming Sacramento City Councilman Kevin McCarty addressed and answered questions from the members.
9/9 - ED McNeill attended a Veterans Town Hall Meeting held at the CDVA offices along with many other Veterans organizations.  The main focus of the meeting was to get the Veterans Organizations' input on whether the California Veterans Board should be eliminated.
9/10 - ED McNeill met with Stand Down Director Barbara Ross and Volunteer Coordinator Donlea Lozano to discuss the Volunteer Schedule for the Stand Down.
9/11 - VVA500 Voter Registration Day at Sam's Club.  See the story in the previous column.
9/13 - ED McNeill attended the Roseville Veterans Hall Board Meeting for Board Member Joe Cavanagh who was unable to make the meeting.  A new Board Chair was elected for the year.
9/15 - President McNeill attended the UVOR meeting where planning was discussed for the upcoming Oktoberfest.
9/16 - ED McNeill met with East Lawn's Rebecca Lee to discuss the discount program for Veterans burial fees.
9/18 - President McNeill and ED McNeill attended a POW/MIA ceremony and dinner hosted by the Roseville Emblem Club.  President McNeill was one of the speakers.
9/20 - ED McNeill attended the regular Stand Down meeting held at Mather Hospital.
9/20 - President McNeill attended the regular Marine Corps League meeting held at the Folsom Joint Veterans Hall in Folsom.
9/21 - The regular General Meeting of VVA500 was held.  Preparations for the upcoming Get-A-Way and Halloween Dance were among the items discussed. Veterans Data Packages were provided to those attending.
9/25 - The UVOR annual Oktoberfest was held at the Roseville Veterans Hall.  There was a great turnout.  A good time was had by all with great food and dancing available.  Many members and old friends attended.
9/27 - ED McNeill attended the last meeting before the Stand Down held at the Stand Down site, Camp Pollock.  All preparation were going well.
9/27 - 29 - ED McNeill worked on calling the volunteers for the Stand Down schedule.

SICK CALL
Robert Jordan is successfully recovering from surgery.
Think good thoughts and say a few prayers for those that are ill and their families! 

       Sam's Club, cont. .... But one thing better happened.  A Sam's club employee who is responsible for distributing grants came by the table and indicated that we might be eligible for a grant.  To make a long story short, yes she called a few weeks later, and Chapter 500 will be receiving a $500. grant from Sam's Club.  So you see, it really does pay to do "our" civic duty.  

PARADE ORDINANCE INFORMATION, CONT....

      4.  It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or possess any length of metal, plastic or other similar hard or stiff material, whether hollow or solid; provided that hollow plastic pipe that does not exceed three-quarters inch in its thickest dimension, does not exceed one-eight inch (1/8") in wall thickness and is not filled with any material, liquid or solid, may be used to support a sign, banner, placard or other similar display; however, both ends of the length of plastic material shall be blunt.
WHY WILL THIS EFFECT VETERAN EVENTS???
    This directly effects the poles that the flags are attached to.  Ever tried to attach and carry a flag on a plastic pole?
      9.  It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or possess any projectile launcher or other device which is commonly used for the purpose of launching, hurling or throwing any object, liquid, material or other substance..............etc.
WHY WILL THIS EFFECT VETERAN EVENTS???
    While blanks are used, this could possibly effect the 21 gun salute and certain Civil War Representative Groups from firing their muskets.
     There are many more items in this ordinance that would primarily restrict activists whether peaceful or not as well as timing for acquiring permits for assemblies, etc.  But the above are the concerns of Veterans.  Please be aware, that the Council staff or Sacramento City Police Department has never consulted groups, city personnel, or anyone actually involved with hosting or arranging parades for input before passing, reviewing or revising this ordinance.  This reflects a considerable lack of concern for the time of the Council, and the public as well as the use of taxpayer funds.  While most members of the City Council themselves seem appear to want accommodation for Veterans, Council Staff does not appear to be willing to seek that avenue.

Mary Lou McNeill, the Parade Chair for the Veterans Affiliated Council Memorial Day and Veterans Day Parades, 2004-5, and Executive Director of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 500 spoke before the Council on record, on September 14 in opposition to this ordinance. The following is content of that objection:

    "Good evening Mayor and members of the City Council.  My name is Mary Lou McNeill; I am the Veterans Affiliated Council Parade Committee Chair for 2005 and the Executive Director of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 500.
     First of all, the Veterans Affiliated Council would like to thank the City of Sacramento, and especially Councilmember Dave Jones and Mayor Fargo for their support for the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day Parades.  However, we must object to the passing of the Ordinance for Parade and Park Use as it is currently written.  Continued in the next column..........

  PARADE ORDINANCE INFORMATION CONT....

     1.  The only piece of evidence used that indicated the possibility of violent events occurring in the Sacramento area, was the Seattle event.  And this was used as evidence in regard to demonstrations, not for normal parades.  We know of no violent events occurring in Sacramento scheduled parades.  We feel you are lumping these items together.  Scheduled parades are an item unto themselves.  They are events that require no objection from the public.  If the public doesn't like the purpose of the parade, they just don't go.  Demonstrations are normally where contention between two groups or differing opinions has the possibility to create violence.  While there may be some need for the permitting process, spontaneous demonstration rules, etc. , to be changed, this is merely an administrative chore and should not be part of the same ordinance as parades.
     2.  It would appear that most of the public opinion is against this ordinance or at the least major portions of it for various reasons.  So, why does the Council Staff consistently draft rules and regulations that you voters are against?  It also appears that Council Staff has not attended many of the parades that honor Veterans, as there does not appear to be any consideration of items used in these types of parades in the ordinance.
     3.  We don't find using ordinances from other cities justification for this ordinance.  Sacramento is it's own city.  Being the capital of the state, Sacramento should be a leader, not a follower.  An ordinance should be drafted that does not punish all of the people of Sacramento, but puts teeth in enforcing laws already on the books.
     4.  Representing the Veterans Affiliated Council in regard to the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day Parades, we object to item #1 in the Ordinance re:  what is considered a weapon.  While an exemption is made for Law Enforcement, Service members and the National Guard, we see none made for parades honoring Veterans.  Combined with #4 (metal prohibitions), and #9, (projectile launchers) this would not allow many normal activities in a Memorial Day or Veterans Day Parade.  We would like you to consider that this means.  Flags are on metal poles.  Color Guards carry rifles, ROTC groups and their drill teams carry rifles, patriotic groups and representational groups carry rifles.  While many of these are representational of real weapons, they can be considered a rifle or weapon under the Metal or other type of weapon rules.  A Civil War representation group we have, has representational firing of their muskets.  And what are we do to about the 21 gun salute to honor Veterans that have passed on?
     In closing, many of the Council Members have attended our Parades, and we think that you can see the weapons (per se) that are used in the parades are no danger to the public.  So, we ask that either exemptions be made for parades to honor Veterans or that you not pass the ordinance in its entirety."  Continued on Page Eight.................

President McNeill and member Jerry Quint man the VVA500 Voter Registration Table on September 11.

 

President McNeill (lower front) was one of the speakers at the POW/MIA Dinner/Ceremony for the Roseville Emblem Club at the Elks Hall in Roseville.  John Schance, American Legion member of UVOR is second from left.

 

Member Jerry Quint and wife Nellie enjoy themselves at the UVOR Oktoberfest.

Get your pictures in for the Oldies but Goodies picture of the month.  Also Get-A-Way participants,  bring your pictures to the Get-A-Way to share with all.

Member Ray Case, third from left attends the Oktoberfest

Merlin Knittle and wife Gen attend the Oktoberfest.  Merlin on the left  is our dedicated sound man for the "Reading of the Names" each year.

Oldies  but Goodies!  Member William "Easy" Smith. Co. A 1st Bn 27th Inf 25th Div 2nd Platoon in Chu Chi, Vietnam 2/67-9/67

     PARADE ORDINANCE INFORMATION, CONT....

     VETERANS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF VETERANS, you must take action in order to preserve your right to continue the parades as they have been.  While the City Council or Sacramento Police did not enforce this ordinance  at the Memorial Day Parade, the ordinance is still in effect and could be enforced at any time.  Contact the City Council immediately while the review and rewrite is still going on.  They are intent upon having an ordinance.  It must be rewritten to accommodate Veterans. And this does not mean carrying foam rifles as one Councilman suggested.  Let them know you are paying attention.  Contact information is below.  Call, fax or e-mail your objections to them.  It doesn't make any difference if you live in the city or not.  These parades take place in the Capitol City of California and are for the honor of all Veterans living and past.

Mayor & Council Offices:  City Hall
                                                  730 "I" Street  Suite 321
                                                  Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax Number for all:               916-808-5407
Mayor Heather Fargo:          916-808-5300
                 e-mail:   hfargo@cityofsacramento.org
Ray Tretheway                       916-808-7001
                 e-mail:  rtretheway@cityofsacramento.org
          Continued next column........................

 COUNCIL MEMBERS CONTACTS, CONT.

Sandy Sheedy                            916-808-7002
                e-mail:  ssheedy@cityofsacramento.org
Steve Cohn                                 916-808-7003
                e-mail:  scohn@cityofsacramento.org
Jimmie R. Yee                           916-808-7003
                e-mail:  jyee@cityofsacramento.org
Lauren Hammond                     916-808-7005
                e-mail:  lhammond@cityofsacramento.org
Dave Jones                                  916-808-7006
                e-mail:  djones@cityofsacramento.org
Robbie Waters                           916-808-7007
                e-mail:  rwaters@cityofsacramento.org
Bonnie J. Pannell                      916-808-7008
                e-mail:  bpannell@cityofsacramento.org

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

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