October 2006

Remember In Memory of Bill Wolf

Chapter Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting: 3rd Tuesday each month 7:00 PM unless notified otherwise.
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!" OCTOBER, 2006 "Be Proud"

                              PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
     Well, as you can see by our After Action Report, the chapter has been busy with activities as usual. On a personal level, I want to thank all of those who expressed their sympathy due to the loss of my Mom back in August. And along with that, thank you to all who sent those good wishes to me while recuperating from my knee surgery. All went well and the doctor has given me an A+ for fast recovery.
     We had great representation at the 1st Responders Day at the State Fair. Many members came out to help man the table and enjoy the day. I must say the Veteran area was greatly improved over last year. The Get-A-Way once again was enjoyed by all that came. Too bad if you missed it, we really had a great time even with the rough start with my truck loosing it's clutch and having to have Greg tow me to the nearest repair shop.
     One thing I was a little disappointed, actually kind of angry about was back in August. I was asked to speak at the annual Golden Emblem POW/MIA ceremony at the Elks Club in Rancho Cordova. Two of the speakers paid tribute to all the veterans of all the wars EXCEPT the Vietnam War and the Vietnam Veterans. Member Lorna Perrigo also attended the ceremony and we both sat there not believing what we didn't hear. I almost left without speaking, but left immediately after, feeling really insulted and forgotten once again. But others are remembering, like Encina High School by dedicating a memorial to those who went to Encina and died in Vietnam and Placerville, CA who will be dedicating a Vietnam Veteran Memorial on Veterans Day this year. So we say "Thank you" to those who remember us.
     The Board decided to entice more members to participate in chapter activities. So, beginning with the July 4 Fireworks Sales members attending activities will be kept track of. A point system is being developed and the top three with the most points will be awarded something really special. So, I'll be looking forward to seeing more faces in more places.
     Speaking of that, let's not forget about the Veterans Day Parades! Gather your family and friends and come to Elk Grove on Nov. 11 and to Sacramento on November 12. These are the days to honor each other as Veterans and remember those Veterans who are no longer with us.
             "Welcome Home".........Your President, Ted Adams

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

VETERANS DAY PARADES

Saturday - November 11 - Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade
Time: Must be assembled by 10:15AM
Where to Assemble - Community Center Area on Elk Grove Blvd.
Parade starts at 11:00AM.
Vehicles will be available for those who cannot walk.

Sunday - November 12 - Sacramento Veterans Day Parade
Time: Assemble between 9:30AM and 11:30AM
Where to Assemble - Check in desk at 13th & O will tell you where the chapter is.
Memorial Ceremony at the Reviewing Stand at 12:15PM
Parade begins at 1:00PM.
Vehicles will be available for those who cannot walk.

VVA500 is hosting the parade this year. So, we are calling on support from the members. Yes, it's great to be in the parade, but we need people to help getting the show on the road. We need people to help in assembly, which consists of being at the check-in desk, directing parade units to their place in the parade lineup, just generally keeping everything in order. Helping in this area does not necessarily mean that you cannot still be in the parade itself, most of the pre-parade activity will be over by the time you would need to join the Chapter. So, let's step up to the plate and lend a hand. Call the office and let us know you will be able to help. Since we are hosting the parade this year, let's make the effort to make it a good one.

AND YES, THERE WILL BE A GENERAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21.
DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU GOES TO OUR
INCARCERATED VETERANS GROUP IN FOLSOM PRISON
SEE PAGE SEVEN

CHECK OUT OTHER VETERAN ACTIVITIES ON PAGE SEVEN

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN.........OCTOBER, 2006....Page 2

VA HEALTH SYSTEM

     Recently some questions have come up re: the service of the Outpatient Clinics in the VA system. These would be the clinics that Veterans go for services on an outpatient basis, not the actual VA hospitals, such as Mather, San Francisco, etc. Most of the questions had to do with who pays for what and under what circumstances. So, if you are a patient that uses the clinics for health care as opposed to going directly to a VA hospital, it would be wise to review these requirements, otherwise you may end up having to pay a bill from a non-VA entity. These issues really have nothing to do with the VA budget, which we all would like to see increased, but more with the law as it stands now.
    Question: If the issue of funding was taken off the table (that is, the VA had no concern about how to best stretch its dollars), would current law permit the VA to pay the entire bill for any 100% service-connected veteran who was treated at a non-VA provider, for any and all conditions that required medical treatment, when the local VA outpatient clinic is closed?
     Answer: No, current law would not permit payment for any and all medical care provided to a 100% service connected veteran, by a non-VA provider after the clinics are closed. Current law under 38 CFR Part 17 provides authority for VA to provide payment or reimbursement for care only when specific conditions exist: A. Care must be authorized in advance. If a patient requires care for an emergent medical condition, an authorization may be deemed a prior authorization if an application, whether formal or informal, is dispatched to VA within 72 hours of admission. This application may be made in the form of a notification by the patient, provider or other person authorized to represent that patient. Such care must be for emergent, not urgent medical needs. As interpreted, it is assumed that emergent would be a life threatening condition, and urgent as something that should be taken care of as soon as possible, but not life threatening. B. A VA medical center or other Federal facility is not feasibly available. A VA facility could be considered as not feasibly available if the veteran's emergent medical condition was such that the distance to travel to a VA facility would cause a delay in receiving medical attention which would endanger the veteran's health or age. If a veteran requires care for an urgent, non-emergent, condition and outpatient clinic would be considered feasibly available to provide that care, as such care could be provided during regular clinic business hours.
Note: For a 100% service-connected vet, the emergent episode of care does not need to be related to their service connection for VA to authorize payment. For non-service connected or partial service connected, if the emergent episode of care is not related to the veteran's service connected condition and the patient is not eligible under the Millennium Bill, VA will not cover the cost. (A good case and criteria under the Millennium Bill can be found here). http://www.va.gov/vetapp05/files3/0519111.txt.

VA HEALTH SYSTEM CONTINUED....

2nd Question: What would prevent the VA from contracting with a local provider(s) for all chemo treatments (and the medical oversight and care) for patients who by nature of distance use an outpatient clinic for their care? Is it only a matter of fiscal concerns by the VA (that is, the desire to stretch dollars by treating veterans as much as possible within the VA system of care), or are there also any constraints imposed by the law that would prevent the VA from using fee basis for any veteran who needed chemotherapy (and the related care from an oncologist and/or other staff) in the local community?
The question is essentially whether the VA could lawfully deem its services as not being "reasonably available" by virtue of the distance that would need to be traveled. Thus, the nature of the treatment, coupled with the distance would by definition make VA services no reasonably available.
Answer: For a variety of reasons, VA prefers to provide health care to veterans in VA-managed hospitals and clinics, including the fact that VA physicians and nurses are trained to treat the unique medical conditions of veteran patients. In addition, it is far more cost-effective for VA to build its own programs since we use our existing facilities and infrastructure. With the dollars spent for fee basis care in the community there is a large opportunity cost as we give up the potential of hiring our own employees. We currently spend $32 million for care in the community, which goes only to service-connected veterans; the care that we provide within our system is made available to ALL veterans. In our facilities, we can ensure the highest quality and cost-effective care through a rigorous credentialing and privileging process, implementation of evident-based medicine practices, utilization of leading technologies (including the finest electronic medical record), performance management program and culture of patient safety and, in addition, there is improved continuity of care when all health services are provided by one health system and all the medical information is part of a single health record.
VANCHCS provides an extensive array of services at the Sacramento VA Medical Center, the Center for Rehabilitation and Extended Care and seven outpatient clinics throughout northern California. There are instances where VA providers refer patients to non-VA health care providers for certain medical services. Typically, such referrals are made only when services are not feasibly available through a VA facility or when a patient is unable to travel for clinical reasons or when such travel would create an extreme hardship for the patient. Decisions regarding these matters are made on a case-by-case basis considering each patient's individual circumstances. Continued on Page Seven►►►

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........OCTOBER, 2006.........Page 3

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.

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

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISER

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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!

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CA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL UPDATE
Coming up in December of 2008 will be the 30 year anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial. A four day event is being planned by the California State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America. All organizations, Veterans and patriotic are invited to join in the planning. The plans are to recreate the format of the original dedication as closely as possible. Anyone interested in working on this project should contact Ken Holybee, President of the CSC at 707-887-8891 or e-mail holybee@comcast.net.

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

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Free Dinner Event for those 55 & older.
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9700 Business Park Dr., Suite 102, Sacramento, CA 95827
916-362-4107

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................OCTOBER, 2006........Page 4

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
15	16 Marine Corps League Meeting #940	17 NO VVA General Meeting	18	19	20	21 Young Marine Training Day WWII Veterans Appreciation Day***
22	23 Battle of the La Drang Valley Began - 1965	24	25	26	27 CSC Meeting Fresno	28 CSC Meeting Fresno
29 CSC Meeting Fresno Daylight Savings Time Ends - Set your clocks BACK Battle of Loc Ninh Began - 1968	30	31 Halloween Bombing of North Vietnam Ended - 1968

NOVEMBER, 2006

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
			1	2	3 Battle of Dak To Began - 1967	4 Young Marines Training Day
5 Marine Corps Ball***	6	7 VVA500 Board Meeting Election Day VOTE!	8	9	10 Marine Corps Birthday CDVA Golf Tournament***	11 Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade American GI Forum Dinner***
12 Sacramento Veterans Day Parade	13	14	15	16	17	18 Young Marines Training Day
19	20 Marine Corps League Meeting	21 VVA500 Board Meeting	22	23 Thanksgiving Day	24	25
26	27	28	29	30

***SEE PAGE SEVEN FOR MORE INFORMATION

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................OCTOBER, 2006........Page 5

REMEMBRANCES
We have lost a few of our good friends.

LUCILLE HARNESS
January 7, 1921 - July 27, 2006

Lucille was a Marine Corps Veteran of WWII and a member of the Women Marines Association. She was also part of the Stand Down for many years. She would take her place at the head of the women's tent each year and make sure that every-one minded their manners. She worked tirelessly for the homeless, helped women veterans get back on their feet, and was always there to listen and help sort things out. She was sorely missed at the 2006 Stand Down and will stay in the memories of all those who worked with her for some time. SEMPER FI MARINE!

KATHERINE ROBIN
January 31, 1925 - August 9, 2006

Katherine was a US Army Veteran and member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. She also had been the only woman Commander of the Veterans Affiliated Council thus far. She and her husband Georges, were always helping veterans in anyway they could as well as being active in their church. Katherine also participated in the Stand Downs, making sure that the participants had their choice of books to take with them to read. She had a kindly nature and will be missed by the many of all walks who new her.

MINNIE MAE ADAMS
November 21, 1923 - August 30, 2006

Minnie Mae wasn't a veteran, but she raised one special veteran, VVA500's President, Ted Adams. She was the mother of Dennis and Theodore and the wife of the late Theodore H. Adams. She had six grandchildren and a brother Byrum Bingham. Minnie Mae was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Minnie Mae went to her rest after a long illness.

LARRY C. IRBY
December 16, 1943 - September 10, 2006

Larry served in Vietnam as a communications specialist and was a member of Chapter 500. After returning from the service and graduating from CSU, he became a newspaper reporter for the Stockton Record, then the Union and the Bee's Neighbors section. He leaves behind his wife Lucy, and daughters Adriana and Jennifer, brothers, Almous, Warren and Rufus. We know that Larry had diabetes, and passed away due to congestive heart failure. Larry had come to us seeking information regarding filing a claim for his diabetes.

AFTER ACTION REPORT
7/6 - Treasurer Quint and E.D. McNeill did an inventory of fireworks and returned the balance to Phantom Fireworks.
7/10 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Board Meeting.
7/17 - Sec. McNeill attended the Marine Corps League Meeting.
7/17 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Task Force Meeting.
7/17 - Pres. Adams checked in for knee replacement surgery.
7/18 - VVA500 held the regular General Meeting with member and mold expert Doug Haney informing the members of the dangers of mold that exists in Vietnam affecting their long term health.
8/1 - VVA500 held their regular Board Meeting.
8/7 - Representatives Cavanagh and Montoya attended the Roseville Veterans Hall Board Meeting.
8/12 - Several members and the Young Marines attended the annual Purple Heart Memorial Ceremony at the Capitol.
8/13 - Several members and the Young Marines attended the annual Veterans Picnic hosted by the Roseville American Legion.
8/14 - E.D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Board Meeting.
8/17 - Pres. Adams speaks at Emblem Club POW/MIA Ceremony.
8/21 - Sec. McNeill attended the Marine Corps League meeting.
8/21 - E. D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Task Force Meeting.
8/23 - E. D. McNeill attended the services for Katherine Robin.
8/26 - VVA500 hosted their table at the 1st Responders Day at the CA State Fair. Several members assisted in manning the table. Two of the three scholarships awarded this year were presented.
8/26-27 - Sec. McNeill as state delegate attended the required quarterly meeting of the CA State Council
9/2 - Sec. & E.D. McNeill and Treas. Quint attended the funeral of Pres. Adams mother, Minnie Mae Adams.
9/5 - VVA500 held their regular Board Meeting.
9/10 - Several members attended the services for Lucille Harness.
9/11 - E. D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Task Force meeting on site at Camp Pollock.
9/14 - Sec. McNeill, members Boltinghouse, Feirl, and Kelly attended the dedication of a memorial to those Vietnam Veterans who died during the Vietnam War from Encina High School.
9/15, 16, 17 - Several members worked as volunteers at the 15th annual Sacramento Stand Down.
9/18 - Sec. McNeill attended the Marine Corps League meeting.
9/19 - VVA500 held their regular General Meeting. The new Placer County Service Officer, Rick Buckman was introduced and explained the services available to the members.
9/21 - E.D. McNeill attended the quarterly Service Representatives meeting held at Mather Hospital.
9/25 - E. D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Bd. After Action Meeting.
10/2 - E. D. McNeill attended the Stand Down Task Force After Action Meeting.
10/3 - VVA500 held the Regular Board Meeting.
10/4 - Several members attended the Stand Down Appreciation Dinner for the volunteers. Dinner was provided by AMVETS Capitol Post #1.
10/6-8 - Several members attended the VVA500 Annual Get-A-Way.

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THE CAPITAL VETERAN............SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2006........Page 6

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

     Each year the chapter awards scholarships to deserving students who will be attending college or vocational schools. The scholarships are given in the honor of B.T. Collins, Bill Wolf, and Gilbert Murray. The recipients of the scholarships must prove that they are a relative of a Vietnam Veteran and are judged on the merits of a 300-1000 word essay. The essay topic changes every year. This year's topic was: "How Vietnam Veterans paved the Way for a Psychological Definition, as well as Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for Themselves, Future Generations of Servicemen and Women, as well as the Public at Large."
     The method for choosing the scholarships is as follows: The Scholarship Committee is given all of the entries with no names, just numbers. After review of all of the entries, the committee indicates the winners by number. The numbers are then matched to the names and with the best entry first, then second and third.
     This year we were pleased to award three $500. scholarships to the following students in the order chosen.   Brandon Penrose, Jeff Cichocki, and Michael Mackenzie Callahan Williamson.
     We will be publishing the essays in the newsletter in the above order. This month we are publishing the essay of Brandon Penrose. Brandon is a Sacramento resident and attended C. K. McClatchy High School. His educational goals are to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a History Major from Sonoma State University.   Here is Brandon's essay:
     Post Traumatic Disorder (PTSD) has existed as far back as man can remember. What is recognized today as common symptoms of PTSD exist in written records of men and women all the way back to ancient times. Similar accounts, usually medical records and literature, note occurrence of this psychological disease through the Civil War (where it was called Da Costa's Syndrome). World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and the War in Iraq. While PTSD is by no means specific only to Veterans of war, it wasn't until its increased appearance in Vietnam War veterans that this disorder was truly studied, diagnosed as a psychological disorder, and treatment developed to help those who suffer, be they veterans, or the public in general.
     When veterans returned from Vietnam, they returned to a country deeply divided. More and more public demonstrations against the War were directed not so much at those who fostered, administered or supported it, but at those who went overseas to fight it. Veterans returned to be confronted, spat upon and reviled in public by those who were against the war. The days of tickertape parades for returning heroes were gone, to be replaced by screaming protesters, throwing eggs, vegetables and bags of excrement. Many of those who returned and admitted they were veterans were publicly confronted, humiliated and shunned. While it is true, "Those who go to war never come back unscathed"¹, Vietnam Veterans were presented with stresses unlike many others. Adjustment to life back at home was difficult for many. Signs of these difficulties showed up as depression, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, marital problems, difficulty getting or holding a job, temper and irritability. Some coped by abandoning their previous lives and families' altogether and fleeing to wilderness areas where they could be alone and try to cope.    Continued next column ►►►

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY, cont.

     In response to these significant impact to American veterans, in 1983 Congress mandated the National Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Study. The purpose of this research was to investigate post-war psychological problems, and obtain accurate rates and demographic data in order to better serve the needs of the nation's veterans. In 1990 the finding were presented in this report "Trauma and the Vietnam War Generation: Report of findings from the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study"².
     After seven years of analysis using a multi-method approach and over 100 life-adjustment indices, the NVVRS identified and coined the psychological term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, identifying the problem. The study concluded that approximately 15.2% of all male veterans and 8.5% of all female veterans currently had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and for those veterans having significant war-zone exposure, the numbers were over twice as high - 35.8% for men and 17.5% for women. It also estimated that those who didn't currently suffer from PTSD, an additional 15.7% of all male veterans and 18.4% of all female veterans would, at some time in their lives. Additionally, it was found that 11.1% of men and 7.8% of women veterans currently suffered from "Partial PTSD" (some of the effects of PTSD), and it was estimated that an additional 22.5% of men and 21.2%of women veterans would at some time in their lives. With a worse case scenario, the figures showed an 85.1% rate for some type of PTSD in men and 64.8% rate for women at some point in their lives.
     These startling figures generated significant scientific interest in the medical and psychiatric communities. The NVVRS study data was analyzed and re-analyzed by numerous other researchers³, who expanded upon it, detailing risk factors by ethnicity, pre-military factors, family factors, military factors, etc. Subsequent studies were also conducted, such as the Hawaiian Vietnam Veterans Project and the American Indian Veterans Project.
     Independent research and Psychiatric studies have confirmed the psycho physiological changes and impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and its tie to not just Vietnam Veterans, but to all people under stressed situations. In November of 2000 the National Center of PTSD released it's National Comorbidity Survey Report noting that the general public should be aware that PTSD can affect anyone witnessing a shocking event, such as a person being injured or killed, being involved in a fire, flood or natural disaster, being involved in an accident, rape of physical attack, or childhood neglect.
     All of this research began with, and expanded upon, the building blocks of the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study. Because of this, the medical and psychiatric community is now able to identify risk factors, identify who is most likely to develop PTSD, what the consequences of PTSD are, and how PTSD can be most effectively treated.
                  Continued on Page 7 .......................

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................OCTOBER, 2006........Page 7

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY, CONT.

     "You look healthy, so you must be healthy" used to be the view of medicine, psychiatry and the general public. We have learned that unseen (psychological) wounds are just as deadly as physical ones. It took years for the severity of Post Traumatic Disorder to show up and be recognized, but now thanks to the changes and research brought about by the pain, suffering and anguish of Vietnam Veteran, future generations of services men and women, as well as the public at large will be better able to address, avoid or eliminate it.
     References:
     ¹Erwin Parson, Psychologist, Perry Point, MD. VA Hospital
     ²Richard A. Kulka, William E. Schlengerk, John A. Fairbank, Richard L. Hough, B. Kathleen Jordan, Charles R. Marmar and Daniel Weiss.
     ³King, King, Foy, et al; King, King, Gudowski, et al: King, King, Gudowski & Vreven; King, King, Foy, Keane et al: Schnurr, Lunney & Sengupta.
     An interesting note....Brandon is the brother of Laurel Penrose who won a scholarship last year.
     Brandon graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School. He will be attending Sonoma State University. His educational goals are to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a History Major from Sonoma State University. After earning my Bachelor's of Arts Degree, I am going to look at my options and decide whether an additional certification, credential, or a post graduate degree will be needed.
                  CONGRATULATIONS BRANDON! GREAT JOB!
     Students can reapply each year as long as they are attending college or school.

                 VA HEALTH SYSTEM CONTINUED from page two.......
     When we make decisions about referring patients to community providers for specialty care, we carefully weigh all factors involved, including our responsibility to prudently manage our resources and ensure access to high quality care for as many veterans as possible. Oncologic care is just one of many specialty services provided by VA, and it is one of many specialty services that are provided to extremely ill or even fragile veterans. While the cost of referring one specialty, such as oncologic care, might be manageable on its own, it would not be judicious on our part to single out any one such specialty without viewing it in the context of the overall health system. The VA has no legal authority to provide oncologic care in the community for any veterans except those who are service-connected for cancer or who are 100% service-connected. Most veterans with cancer are elderly and hence developed their cancer long after their time in the service, thus are not service-connected for cancer.
     The Sacramento VA Medical Center is a state-of-the-art teaching facility, where we employ world-renowned specialists in a variety of areas, including our Hematology and Oncology Department. Further, in non-government health sectors, it is not uncommon for patients to travel several hours or more to obtain the highest quality care from such renowned specialists. W also offer a free shuttle service and other transportation assistance for veterans receiving oncologic care or other specialty services not available in outpatient clinics.
Chapter Note: These questions came from the Redding Outpatient Clinic and were answered by Karen Pridmore, Public Affairs Officer for the VA Northern California Healthcare System.

SPECIAL THANK-YOU TO OUR INCARCERATED MEMBERS

     All of VVA500 members may not be aware that we have several Incarcerated Veteran Members. The majority are in Yard "C" in Folsom Prison. We have a few located in other prisons in the State.
     Monty Montoya who has performed volunteer services in prisons in the State for some time is our Incarcerated Veterans Committee Chair. Through his efforts and the efforts of our Incarcerated Veterans Group, a fund raiser which consisted of a food sale took place recently. The net proceeds from that sale were donated by the Veterans in the group to the Chapter. The Chapter wishes to thank them all for their generous donation. The donation will definitely help us achieve our goals for scholarship funding, outreach and our Helping Hands efforts.
     The Veterans Group in Folsom consists of both Vietnam Veterans and Veterans that do not meet the National VVA time requirements for membership in VVA. All Incarcerated Veterans who qualify as Vietnam Era are provided with free membership by VVA for the length of time they are incarcerated and for one year afterward. AVVA membership dues used to be $7.00 annually for those members. The chapter paid for four of the original AVVA members of the group. However, AVVA is now charging the normal $20. dues for Incarcerated Veterans. Guess they don't have the same motto, "Never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another." We have never really received word as to why this increase was necessary. However VVA500 will still live by the motto and will pick up the dues of those Incarcerated Members that would be AVVA members from the funds we have received from the food sale. Next month, after all of the paperwork is complete, we will announce all of those members. Once again, THANK YOU! to ALL of Our Incarcerated Members in Folsom .

ACTIVITY DETAIL FROM THE CALENDAR

Saturday, October 21 - WWII Veterans Appreciation Day. 1:00PM. Held at AMVETS Post #1 - 7215 Lindale Ave. - Sacramento. You are requested to bring a dish of food. Inf. Call Jan Wald-874-6728.
Sunday, Nov. 5 - Annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball. 5:00PM. Held at the Folsom Community Center. $35. per person. Dinner, dancing, Silent Auction, Everyone invited. Inf. Call Scotty - 631-4145.
Friday, Nov. 10 - CDVA Annual VetFund Golf Tournament. 10AM. Held at Mather Golf Club. Inf. Call Ron Brand - 503-8094.
Friday, Nov. 10 - MARINES ONLY - Birthday Cruise. 8:00AM.
$40. per person for food, cruise. Info. Call Mark Holm-984-4449.
Saturday, Nov. 11 - American GI Forum Annual Fundraiser Dinner. 6:00PM. Pannell/Meadowview Community Center. Information - Call Richard Martinez 393-0347.
Saturday, Nov. 11 - We have word that a Veterans Monument will be dedicated on 11/11 in the City of Placerville, but were unable to get specifics on times, etc. as of this writing. Will update you later.

AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE ELK GROVE VETERANS DAY PARADE ON THE 11TH AND THE SACRAMENTO VETERANS DAY PARADE ON THE 12TH!!!

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................OCTOBER, 2006........Page 8

                                 OUR LEGISLATORS SPEAK

     Our veterans have done so much to protect this nation and all it stands for. They, and their families, have sacrificed a tremendous amount for our nation. No one has done more to ensure our freedom than our nation’s veterans.
     In turn, we owe them a heartfelt thank you and the fulfillment of the promises we made to them when they joined the Armed Forces. Regardless of the war they served in or our opinions on the policy behind that battle.
     I realize the importance of meeting this commitment each time I speak with a veteran or a current member of our military. This past August, I had the distinct honor of attending a California Purple Heart Day ceremony hosted by the local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and a welcome home ceremony for a Navy Reserve Unit at the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Station Sacramento. The similarities between veterans, young and old were clear – each had a profound commitment to this nation and their fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.
     And we as a nation need to be equally as committed. We know that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will face many challenges in the coming years – addressing the needs of an aging World War II veteran population, meeting the diverse needs of the veterans from the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Wars, as well as preparing for the unique requirements of the men and women returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Because we know what we are facing, it is unconscionable that the VA should face budget shortfalls. That is why I have sent letters to the President urging supplemental funding to make up for shortfalls and for the administration to submit budgets that accurately reflect the growing resource requirements of the VA and veteran’s health care needs.

I am an original cosponsor of the New GI Bill of Rights, which would not only improve the veteran’s healthcare, but also improves the mental health services available to returning soldiers and block increases in prescription drug co-payments for veterans. Most importantly, this bill would provide a significant and critical, infusion of funding for the VA healthcare system.

While healthcare is an important part of fulfilling the promise we made to our veterans, there is more to that pledge. We also need to ensure these men and women receive the benefits and support they are due. For example, concurrent receipt should be allowed. Whether or not you receive disability benefits should not affect your retirement pay. It is long past time for Congress to take up the legislation that would correct this.
As your representative in Congress, I will continue to work to make sure all veterans are honored and served, just as they have served us. If you have any concerns about veterans’ issues, please contact my office at (916) 498-5600 or visit my webpage at www.matsui.house.gov.
Congresswoman Doris Matsui, CA District 5.

Note: You may view the New GI Bill of Rights, HR 2131 in its entirety at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c109:1:./temp/~c109XwFgov::,
and you can find a summary from another link there. This bill was introduced by Rep. Chet Edwards from Texas May 5, 2005. It was referred to the House Sub-Committee on Military Personnel on June 21, 2005. The bill has 172 co-sponsors.

SACRAMENTO STAND DOWN 2006

     Early in February, for fifteen years now, an all Volunteer Task Force starts planning for the mini city formed for the three day event known as the Stand Down.   Homeless and at Risk Veterans and their families start arriving on a Friday usually in September to receive assistance and services from government, private organizations and individual volunteers. In addition to the services offered, the Veterans and their dependents are served three meals each day, receive clothing, personal items, and entertainment is provided.
     Many individuals and families are only one paycheck away from financial disaster and can quickly be on the street, especially with the cost of housing nowadays. True, some people will never want to live in traditional housing, but many have just ended up there involuntarily. In the case of some Veterans with serious PTSD, they are unable to hold a job, their families have abandoned them because of their unacceptable behavior, and they can't seem to get a claim through with the VA or don't know how, where or the fact that they should get help. This is what the Stand Down is all about; trying to help those who have fallen through the cracks for whatever reason.
     If you have never volunteered to work at a Stand Down, you are missing a gratifying experience. You might want to try it next year.

     Here are the statistics for this year:
394          Number of Veterans Registered
19          Were Women Veterans
65          Number of Dependents
10          Were Children
294          Overnight Saturday (Vets and Dependents)
166          Number Registered at VA (42 new registrants)
134          Seen at the Eye Van (VA Doctor manned)
169          Number Registered with the Court
511          Number of Cases Heard
175          Number seen by Service Officers
    6           Number of Veterans to Overflow Court
12           Number of Claims Filed
962           Community Service Hours at Camp Pollock
86           Number seeking EDD Services
502           Number of Volunteers
25           Youngest Veteran
80           Oldest Veteran
    5           Youngest Person on Site
4,086       Number of Meals Served
   20          Number Registered to Vote

A GREAT BUNDLE OF THANKS GOES TO ALL OF THE SERVICE
PROVIDERS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO VOLUNTEERED THEIR
TIME THIS YEAR!

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................OCTOBER, 2006........Page 9

YOUNG MARINES WITH GUEST SPEAKER, CONGRESSWOMAN DORIS MATSUI AT PURPLE HEART CEREMONY

MEMBERS GATHER AT THE STATE FAIR

MEMBERS HELPING AT THE FAIR TABLE WITH YOUNG MARINES TO THE LEFT

MEMBER PAT BOLTINGHOUSE AT ENCINA DEDICATION

INCARCERATED VETERANS CHAIR MONTY MONTOYA PRESENTS CHECK FROM FOLSOM INCARCERATED VETS TO E.D. MARY LOU MCNEILL

BARBARA ROSS PRESENTS STAND DOWN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR TO MIKE EVANS GRADUATE OF STAND DOWN

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN............OCTOBER, 2006........Page 10

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS!
SEPTEMBER- - ♫♫♫Lucio Lopez - Marines♫♫♫Kenneth Vander-Ploeg - Air Force♫♫♫Sarge Brookshire - Army♫♫♫Robert Sembach - Air Force♫♫♫Lorna Perrigo - Army♫♫♫Jim Morrison - Navy♫♫♫Phil Rios - Army♫♫♫
OCTOBER- ♫♫♫Jim Morris - Army♫♫♫Douglas Wright - Army♫♫♫David Kruger - Air Force♫♫♫Robert Jordan - Army♫♫♫Michael Kunda - Air Force♫♫♫Lemuel Murray - Marines♫♫♫Bill Wagner - Army♫♫♫Chris Miller - AVVA♫♫♫Karen Anne Winnett - Marines♫♫♫Marlaena D. Herbert - AVVA♫♫♫

If your birthday is in SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER and you don't see your name OR service here, the Chapter does not have a copy of your DD214. National VVA has 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 !!!

WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBERS!
Richard Wilkie, L. Irv. Cousin II, Rick Buckman

Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
           Chapter 500
P.O. Box 255484
Sacramento, CA 95865
916-481-6020
                                   vva500@sbcglobal.net

"NEVER AGAIN WILL ONE GENERATION OF VETERANS ABANDON ANOTHER"

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