Remember                                                        In Memory of Bill Wolf                  

Chapter Board Meeting:  1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting:  3rd Tuesday, 7:00 PM  - Packages on PTSD and Diabetes will be distributed.  CUTBACKS at CDVA 
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!"                                                 September, 2003                    "Be Proud"

           
President's Message

     We miss you and we know you are out there because your membership dues are kept up to date as well as your donations, which both, along with our Household Goods Program, have allowed Chapter 500 to prove our viability to Veterans and our communities, and our commitment to the American way of life.  For example, the "Reading of the Names",  our Veterans" Enrollment Workshop, the Dutch Flat's 4th of July Parade, the Elk Grove Western Days Parade, the UVOR picnic, gathering docents for the "Moving Wall", scholarship awards,  and with other Veterans' groups, our nudging of the City of Sacramento to support the Memorial Day Parade and the Veterans Day Parade.  Still to come our "Living with PTSD" seminar, the Veterans Day Parade, Chapter 500 Get-A-Way, and with the Roseville Veteran Group,  the Oktoberfest,  and the Christmas Party.  What we are missing are your faces, your ideas and the brotherhood that we only have with you. Come meet with us, or rekindle old acquaintances, to tell us where we are wrong, what we are not doing or tell us what we are doing right and share in our community's appreciation.  Just come by and share the brotherhood of the Vietnam Veterans of America.  Any questions, just call 481-6020.
                                    Your President, Gregory McNeill

     GET-A-WAY - Don't forget to mark your calendars for Chapter 500's annual retreat at Scott's Flat.  The dates are October 10, 11, 12.  We need to know who is coming in order to plan for the food.  Call Bill Wagner, our Retreat Manager at 916-686-6752, and let him know if you are coming and for what you need to bring.  Note:  This retreat is for ACTIVE MEMBERS ONLY. (This means your dues are paid up.)  Take a break,  and spend a weekend with your brothers.


 

  

               CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
     general meeting 9/16 AT THE ROSEVILLE vETERANS hALL 7PM - Detailed packages will be passed out on PTSD and DIABETES.  Discussion on the cutbacks in veteran services in the California Department of Veteran Affairs.
     It's that time of the year again.  OKTOBERFEST!!!  All who attended last year had a great time.  You should have seen your Past President, Doc Kauffman dance.  Authentic German Food will be served, dancing and fun after dinner.  The date is:  September 27.  Social hour begins at 4PM, Dinner at 5PM.  Held at the Veterans Hall in Royer Park. Tickets are $15.00 per person, and they do go fast.  Call the office 481-6020 ASAP to reserve your tickets. There will be no tickets sold at the door. This is a FUND RAISER for the UVOR.  Chapter 500 President McNeill is chair for the planning committee this year. We need to replenish our scholarship fund for next year. We also need some VOLUNTEERS for the set-up at 9:00AM on the 27th,  for clean-up that night and next day at 9:00AM, and someone to sell beer and soda tickets that night.  PLEASE  participate.  Some free tickets are available for those who help.  Call the office for more information.  The public is invited, bring family and friends.
     REMEMBER 911- Sacramento Memorial Lawn at 6100 Stockton Blvd. will be holding a Memorial Service at 6:30PM on September 11.
    STAND-DOWN 2003 - Dates are September 26, 27, 28. Will be at Camp Pollock. If you want to volunteer to help Vets in need call 646-6004. 
    PTSD - He/she has it...How do I deal with it???  This is a question we are asked on a regular basis.  Spouses or significant others can attend the free seminar "Living with PTSD", sponsored by Chapter 500 on October 11 at 10AM, to find out how to interact with individuals with PTSD.  It will be held at VFW Post #67, located at 2784 Stockton Blvd.  There will be a question and answer period after the seminar. Call 481-6020 for reservations.  Refreshments will be served. 
    POW/MIA EVENTS - 9/19 - Dinner and Entertainment at VFW Post #4647. Call Ted Cadwallader at 685-5369.      9/14 - Dinner at the Roseville Elks Lodge- Call 791-3346.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN.........SEPTEMBER, 2003....Page 2

VETERAN BENEFIT UPDATES

     Another illness has been attributed to Agent Orange and has been added to the presumptively recognized conditions for service connection disabilities and compensation. VA Secretary Principi has declared:  "Compelling evidence has emerged within the scientific community that exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange is associated with CLL.  I'm exercising my legal authority to ensure the full range of VA benefits is available to Vietnam veterans with CLL."
     What is CLL?  CLL is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.  The Agent Orange Review describes CLL as the most common of the four types of leukemia.  It has many of the traits as lymphomas,  including immunohistochemical characteristics, B cell origin, and progression to an acute aggressive form of non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).  CLL is a disease that progresses slowly with increasing production of excessive numbers of white blood cells.  The chance of recovery from CLL largely depends on the state of the patient's health and general health.  Treatment plans depend on these factors. 

     ARE YOU CLAIMS BEING DENIED, TAKING FOREVER FOR DETERMINATION, BENEFITS BEING CUT???  WHY???  We need representatives that CARE about Veterans.  Check out the following.....

VETS2VOTE

     Received this from Chuck Jamison and Joe Cavanagh by e-mail.  Check out the website for more information on Veterans and voting....at www.Vets2Vote.org .
     Fellow Veterans:  VOTING IS A DUTY OF CITIZENSHIP!  Official polls reveal that, in some cases, only 15% of the Veterans vote in local, state and national elections.  No wonder the "Veteran Constituency" is being ignored by elected officials.  No wonder Military Recruiters are banned from hundreds of high school campuses in Northern California.  No wonder the State Assembly wants to reduce Veteran Benefits (e.g., the Cal-Vet Farm and Home Loan Program).
     VETS2VOTE is a campaign to get Veterans to REGISTER AND VOTE.  You can help by spreading the word...help lead the effort to get VETS to VOTE!
    Facts:  1.  Over 25 Million Armed Forces Veterans living in the USA, their spouses and their children have made significant sacrifices to preserve the freedoms we enjoy.  This "Veteran Constituency" (of Veterans, spouses and children) numbers more than 60 million potential Voters.
     2.  More than 10% of the Veterans live in California with a potential "Veteran Constituency" of over 7 million potential Voters!
     3.  On 7 October 2003, we have a chance to make a difference.  I ask you all to network with your Veteran cohorts...REGISTER and VOTE!


     Editor's note:  It's not just the recall vote that is important, veterans must hold all legislators feet to the fire in regard to the benefits and services promised to veterans.
    

 

LEGISLATION and GOVERNMENT ISSUES

     As of the writing of this newsletter, the CA Legislature returned from recess.  Following is the status of bills concerning Veteran issues as of 8/27.
     AB1736 - Re:  the Subject of development of the Veterans Homes.  Provides authorization for the Department of Veterans Affairs to use money from the Veterans Home Bond Fund to equip the homes to be constructed in West Los Angeles, Saticoy and Lancaster, and the existing home at Yountville.  It also commits some of the bond fund to expand these sites.  Status: Bill is waiting for a final Floor vote in the Senate, and then will have to go back to the Assembly for concurrence in the amended version.  Author:  Nicole Parra
     AB214 - Sets up a new designated fund on the income tax returns to receive donations from taxpayers.  The money in the fund would go to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Funds of the State Veterans Homes.  Status:  Bill has been amended again and placed on the suspense file by Senate Appropriations committee.  Author:  Shirley Horton, Chula Vista, states that there will be an attempt to have another vote by the Committee next January.
     AB890 - Adds requirement that one member of the California Veterans Board be an accredited Veterans Service Officer.  Status:  Has been on third, and final, reading for a Floor vote but bill was placed on hold by Senator Wes Chesbro, Santa Rosa. Authors:  Wesson and Parra.
     AB1036 - Increases the limits on amount of loans for mobile homes and for farms, and provides authorization for the Department of Veterans Affairs to give special assistance to first time home buyers in arranging Cal-Vet loans.  Status: Hearing scheduled for 8/29.  Author :Mullin
     AB1179 - Allows county recorders to provide certified copies of veterans' discharge papers or certificates of service only to the veteran, his or her family members, a legal representative of the veteran, a county veteran service officer or a United States official.  Status:  Has been amended and is up for a third reading. Authors:   Para and Maze
     AB189 - Absolves non-profit veterans' organizations of a sales and use tax reporting requirement.  Grants non-profit veterans' organizations beneficial sales and use tax treatment that is currently allowed to religious organizations, parent-teacher organizations, and several types of non-profit youth groups.  Status:  Scheduled for hearing on 8/29. Author:  Cogdill

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAYS

     This month we are publishing the first essay of our three scholarship winners.  Leslie Hardy, a graduate of Capital Christian School lives in Sacramento and will attend CSUS in the fall.  Her goal is to major in Liberal Studies to achieve her degree and teaching credentials in four years.  Leslie writes:               "THE WALL"
     Imagine.    You are in a foreign land with unfamiliar surroundings with war instead of a tour guide.  You do not know anyone besides a few of your fellow soldiers, who you are trying not to get too attached to in case they die that day.                           Cont. on Page 6

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........SEPTEMBER, 2003.........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)
_________________________________________

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@gosaccity.com
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 #836890.  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.
_______________________________________________
CHECK THE MAIL

     National VVA publishes a membership directory only every four years.  The forms just came in the mail last week.  Be sure to fill them out and return them so you will be included in the directory.  You can also fill out the online version at www.memberconnections.com/update.  But you must use the ID number located at the bottom of the questionnaire form you received in the mail.  The deadline was August 28, but try to submit ASAP anyway if you are late.

VETERANS AFFILIATED COUNCIL UPDATE

     VAC meeting will be held September 10 at 7PM.  Location is VFW Post #67 at 2784 Stockton Blvd.  The speaker for this month will be Sacramento City Councilman Dave Jones.  Councilman Jones has been instrumental in the planning of the VAC Veterans Day Parade in Sacramento on Nov 8th. Let's show our appreciation to him by attending this meeting.  The VAC Parade Committee, City of Sacramento and the Councilman's aide, Dave Gonsalves are meeting on a regular basis to work out details of the parade.

  

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS


FD 974 COA483

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.
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 WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBERS
 Ignacio A. Evangelista
 Joe Feirl
C.G. "Chip" Fong
WELCOME HOME RETURNING MEMBERS
Jeff Gardner
THANK-YOU
To all those who volunteered their time to be docents at the "Moving Wall".  To Tina from the State Fair who managed the whole thing.  To Don Harper who tirelessly put the whole docent program together.  Thank you to Gay Gilbertson, Sacramento Memorial for donating a beautiful wreath for the Chapter to lay at the Wall.
 POW-MIA DAY
     Take a few minutes on September 19 to remember those still missing and their families who wait for them to be found.

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 THE CAPITOL VETERAN................SEPTEMBER, 2003........Page 4
SEPTEMBER - 2003

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

1
Labor Day

2
VVA500 Board Meeting 7PM
VAC/City Parade Comm Meeting 10:30AM

3
UVOR Meeting Roseville Veterans Hall 7PM

 

4

5
Monthly Dance Roseville Veterans Hall 7-10PM

6

7
Grandparents Day

8
Roseville Veterans Hall Board Meeting 10AM


9
 

 

10
VAC Meeting 2784 Stockton Blvd. 7PM
Councilman Dave Jones to speak

11
See 9/25 for Job Training  REMEMBER 911
911 Memorial Service ***  See Page 1

12
California State Council Meeting Fresno Board

13
California State Council Meeting 9AM Fresno

14
California State Council Meeting Fresno
Elks Lodge POW/MIA Dinner

15
Begin Honor Hispanic Veterans Month thru 10/15

16
VVA500 General Meeting 7PM

17
UVOR Meeting 7PM
U.S. Constitution Day

18
Happy Birthday U.S. Air Force

19
POW/MIA Recognition Day

Post #4647 POW/MIA Dinner

20
Yountville Presentation 9AM at Roseville Veterans Hall

21

22

23

24

25
Job Training Workshop Roseville Veterans Hall 9AM - Call Jim at 774-4057

26
Stand Down Camp Pollock

27
OKTOBERFEST Veterans Mem Hall - Roseville

 9AM Set-Up 4PM - Event
Stand Down

28
Clean-up 9AM Oktoberfest
Gold Star Mothers' Day

Stand Down

29

30

MARK YOUR CALENDARS    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
October 3-5 - 1/52nd Americal Campout at Sly Park - All Vietnam Veterans and family invited call Mike Stroudt at 209-368-2091 or Jenny Jones at 916-203-8080
October 7 - VETERANS VOTE
October 10-12 - VVA500 Get-A-Way at Scotts Flat - call Bill Wagner at 686-6752 for information and to sign up.
October 11 - "Living with PTSD" -  Free seminar for spouses and significant others of those with PTSD.  Call VVA office for reservation and information.
October 18 - VAC Honor Guard Dinner - Fund Raiser for the Honor Guard - All invited - Tickets are $10. each.  Call VVA office for tickets and information.
October 25 - American GI Form Fundraiser - Honors Hispanic Veterans - Tickets are $15. each.  Call Sgt. Major Martinez for tickets and information at 393-0347.  Brig.Gen. Robert Cervantes will be the keynote speaker.

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 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 the 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.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................SEPTEMBER, 2003........Page 5


RECENT ACTIVITIES OF VVA CHAPTER 500 AND FRIENDS

 

AUGUST ACTIVITIES


VETERANS ENJOY A SUNDAY IN THE PARK AT THE ANNUAL UNITED VETERANS OF ROSEVILLE PICNIC

THE "MOVING WALL" COMES TO THE STATE FAIR


ATTENDEES AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "MOVING WALL".  2ND FROM LEFT, SGT.MAJ. RICHARD MARTINEZ, CDVA SECRETARY MAURICE JOHANNESSEN, PHIL RIOS, CHAIR OF VETERANS COMMITTEE, ASSEMBLYWOMAN NICOLE PARRA


CHAPTER 500 MEMBERS HONOR THOSE AT THE "WALL" AFTER LAYING A WREATH

  

MORE


CHAPTER 500 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS, FROM LEFT, LESLIE HARDY, KIMBERLY HOFFMAN AND KIMBERLY MILLER, WITH CHAPTER 500 MEMBERS


BEAUTIFUL WREATH DONATED BY SACRAMENTO MEMORIAL LAID AT THE WALL BY CHAPTER 500


ALL THOSE ATTENDING THE TAKE-DOWN CEREMONY OF THE "WALL" HELPED TAKE DOWN THE "WALL"

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................SEPTEMBER, 2003........Page 6

 

           SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY #1 - "The Wall" , cont.
      Imagine being enveloped by the enemy and death without very much hope to cling to.  Now imagine it is about thirty-five years later and the war is over.  You hear about a monument that is commemorating the soldiers who fought with you and survived, and also those who did not come home.  It would be hard to describe some of the feelings you would have.  I believe the Wall in Washington D.C. that honors all Vietnam veterans means different things to each veteran.  However three of the main feelings might include restoration, respect, and sadness.  Among many others, these few may be the most important.
     Restoration can be one of the most satisfying feelings that a person can experience.  Restoration is renewing what was old and making it clean, refreshed, and beautiful again.  The Wall brings restoration because it gives honor to the soldiers who were forgotten so long ago.  It makes those who are left behind remember the trying times.  In doing so, they can finally be free from the reoccurring memories that have been haunting them for so long.  Restoration is necessary for these veterans because war can bring so many feelings of resentment and anger.  Some of these men have had rough lives since the war, especially those who have had physical or mental injuries.  Their restoration might be most important.  Also, those who had friends or loved ones die in the war need restoration in order for the mourning process to be complete.  Many times, the feeling of half-heartedness is present when you lose a loved one.  The Wall helps to fill that void of emptiness by finally restoring what was lost.
     Although restoration is important, it cannot erase the feeling of sadness that is so often brought on by studying the Wall.  For veterans who visit the Wall, the questions must burn hot on their minds.  "Why did I make it and they did not?"  "Why isn't my name etched next to all the rest?" It must bring tears to their eyes to realize that their lives may have been spared because these soldiers gave their lives instead.  The feeling cannot be escaped.  Everyone who visits feels dismayed when they consider all of the men who were lost.  Thoughts of thankful sadness fill their hearts as they place themselves on the battlefields in their minds.
                                                                                             ►►►

   Essay, cont.
       It can be easy to believe that war should be avoided at all costs after seeing the Wall.  Why should more memorials like this need to be built?  Unfortunately, things are not always that simple, and war is necessary if it is for a righteous cause.  However, with the sadness of battle comes hope and understanding.  When you realize that these men gave up their lives to make our country, the United States of America, a better place to live and be free, it makes all the difference.  Because of those men's actions, our country's inhabitants respect their home more profoundly.
     Even if this Wall restored everything and gave feelings of sadness and understanding, it could not be called a true memorial if it did not shine with the light of respect.  The purpose of the Wall in Washington D.C. is to honor those who never made that final journey home.  Every soldier, both past and present, has respect for those who died in the service of their country.  I believe the Wall was built for the civilians as much as for the military men because it helps the American men and women understand the great amount of respect that should be freely given to everyone who has served in the military.  The damage that was done was severe and it cut our country deep.  Respect from everyone helped to heal the wounds we suffered during those long years, but it was not enough.  Respect needs to be given in an even more important way.  There are many warriors who came home from the gruesome fighting to find that many people hated them for going to war.  Even though it was not their decision, they received much of the blame.  They needed support, admiration, and thanks but many did not receive it.
     The Wall reminds us as Americans that we need to remember those who are still here as well as those who are gone.  It is easy to write some names on a wall and call the score even, but some remarkable damage has already been done.  Let the Wall remind us of how precious the United States really is.  Let the feelings of restoration, sadness, respect, understanding, and patriotism run over the walls of our hearts.  We must make sure that we are doing our part to thank the valiant men who served our country in our place and show them proper respect.  I know the Wall is important to those who fought with the men whose names are beautifully engraved there, but how important is the Wall to you?  I pray all Americans continue to realize its importance, as it stands tall for all posterity.

 



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

 
       

 

 


 

 

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