September 2010

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Chapter Members:
Thank you East Lawn for sponsoring and spearheading the bringing of the Moving Wall to our community. Thank you to all of the organizations and individuals, including ours who came together for the three great ceremonies we had. Thank you volunteers each and everyone for helping and guarding at the Moving Wall. Thank you to all fellow Vietnam Veterans fro being there with me both before and after my tour. Thank you most of all to all those heroes whose names are on the Wall; you will never be forgotten not by me nor any true American patriot. We will cherish each and every opportunity to salute you and until we have the next opportunity, we will wait with the thought of you in our hearts. Your President, Gregory C. McNeill

DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!!

Our member Dr. Simmons who is a chiropractor has a fabulous offer for Veterans and non-Veterans alike......a Complimentary Chiropractic Visit for our Veterans. His message is: Please join us in supporting our homeless vets by donating to the Sacramento Stand Down Association. In thanks to all of our existing veteran patients we will provide you with a complimentary office visit Sept 20th thru Oct 1st! Non-veterans donating $25. or more will also receive a complimentary office visit or new patient exam. Funds received will go to the Stand Down.
Call for your appointment at the Oak Point Chiropractic & Wellness Center located at 4362 Auburn Blvd. (right near the VVA500 office). 916-484-0321.

CURRENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

1st year anniversary of the
vva500 hall/service office

open house 1-4PM
BBQ and potluck - VVA500 will supply the hamburgers, hot dogs & Beverages
location:
4441 Auburn blvd. Suite J - Sacramento
Come help us celebrate the first year in our own Hall and office!
Members bring a dish or snack to share
with each other and our Guests
and
It's that time of the year again

GET YOUR GEAR TOGETHER AND GET READY FOR THE ANNUAL GET-A-WAY! FOR OUR NEW MEMBERS...YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS. THREE DAYS OF CAMPING AND GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS AT SCOTTS FLAT.

Date: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 8, 9, 10.
where: sCOTTS fLAT (http://www.scottsflatlake.net/)
COST: Chapter pays for meat. You will be assigned a food or foods to bring to share with the group. Bring your own tent, or RV, camping gear, supplies, etc.
SATURDAY: The Big Dinner takes place at 3PM. All spouses, significant others, AVVA members, are welcome to come up for the Saturday dinner. Only paid up VVA members are allowed to stay over any night of the Get-A-Way.
RSVP to the office BY: October 4th. You will then be assigned what food to bring. 916-481-6020

VETERAN BENEFITS, NEWS

AGENT ORANGE AND GRAVES DISEASE

A State University of New York at Buffalo study found in 2010 that Agent Orange was linked to an increased risk of Graves' disease. The research indicates that one of the chemicals found in the Agent Orange defoliant binds with cells in the body's immune system and may cause abnormal growth there. Overall, American veterans of the Vietnam War who were exposed to Agent Orange were three times more likely to develop Graves' disease than the general population.
Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition caused by overproduction of hormones in the thyroid. Normally it is an inherited condition, and is several times more likely among women than men. Untreated, it leads to a wide range of serious complications in the body, including weakened bones, heart damage, eye problems, and thyroid storms (rare condition in which the thyroid becomes so overactive that the effects become life-threatening and require urgent treatment). Neurological symptoms are also common, including serious mood swings. Proper therapy can reduce the symptoms, depending upon how far the disease has progressed, but the most effective option available to today's medicine may be surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland. From the RAO Bulletin.
►►►Chapter Note: While this disease is not a presumptive illness yet for VA purposes, it could become so in the future. So, if you were in Vietnam or exposed to Agent Orange elsewhere and have or had Graves' disease, you may want to file a claim for service connected illness. Even if that claim is denied and then it becomes a presumptive disease later on, you will have set the date for compensation purposes.

WERE YOU STATIONED IN FORT DETRICK???

A West Virginia man, who never set foot in Vietnam, is receiving compensation from the US. Department of Veterans Affaires for exposure to Agent Orange during military service at Maryland's Fort Detrick from Nov 1962-1964. Sixty-eight year old Gary Abram filed with the VA for compensation in 1007. Abram says he received a letter from the VA in Aug 08 that acknowledged his presence at Fort Detrick during a time when the Department of Defense told the VA it spray-tested 1, 410 compounds at Fort Detrick greenhouses, including Agent Orange. "Because you were stationed at Fort Detrick during the spraying of these compounds, we conclude the likelihood or exposure to Agent Orange," the letter from the VA states. Abram was treated for lymphoma, has diabetes and has had thyroid problems since the 1970's. - From the RAO Bulletin
►►►Chapter Note: Fort Detrick is on the Superfund list, but has not been scheduled for clean-up yet. From 1943-69, Fort Detrick was the leading site for biological warfare research. Obviously you did not have to be in Vietnam to be exposed to Agent Orange or other compensable service connected illnesses.

VETERAN LEGISLATION/NEWS

For Immediate Release
by: Pete Conaty, Veteran Advocate, CSC-VVA)

VETERANS FUNDING IN CALIFORNIA STATE BUDGET STILL ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK!

Dueling budget bills voted on during last day
of Legislative Session

     For those who care about our veterans and want them to have the opportunities and help to claim all of the benefits owed to them for their brave and honorable service to our country, the two budgets debated at the State Capitol on August 31 couldn't have been more different.
     The Republican budget proposal included the Governor's proposed $11,000,000. funding for Operation Welcome Home, which provided funding to county veterans service offices (CVSOs) and to veterans service organizations (VSOs).
     The Democrat budget proposal slashed the Governor's proposed $11,000,000. to only $3,400,000.
     When viewed against the enormity of California's $90 Billion budget, $11 Million is a miniscule amount yet would make such a great difference in the number of veterans that could be helped to receive federal veterans benefits. It is especially troubling that some members of the Legislature do not understand that by weighing the cost and benefit of veterans programs, funding Operation Welcome Home would actually lead to more money flowing into the California economy.
     Both versions failed to garner the number of votes needed for passage with Republicans voting for their version and against the Democrat version and the Democrats voting for their version and against the Republican version.
     The California Legislature remains unable to pass a budget with no end in sight.
     Operation Welcome Home (OWH) is an initiative proposed by the Governor to identify, outreach to, and direct to the CVSO's those young men and women veterans who have returned to civilian life after their military service. California has 2.1 million veterans and each year 30,000 military members are discharged in our state. OSH, utilizing the expertise of the CVSO's seeks to link these veterans up with the federal and state benefits which they earned by virtue of their military service.
     In light of the economic benefits to the state of the federal monies brought into the state in veterans benefits, four members of the ten member Legislative Conference Committee on the Budget have asked the Chair of the committee to re-open the discussion on OWH. If the Conference Committee decides to re-open the issue and votes to fully fund the OWH initiative at the $11 Million envisioned by the Governor, then that funding will be included in the next Floor vote on the entire budget.
             Continued on Page 7.............................

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

272 Mandalay Ct. smith8834@sbcglobal.net
Roseville, CA 95747 916-543-3390

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 CAPITAL VETERAN..........SEPTEMBER, 2010........Page 4

ACTIVITIES/EVENTS COMING UP/

►►Saturday, September 25th - 1st year Anniversary Open House - 1-4PM - VVA500 Hall, see front page.
►►Thursday, Friday, October 7, 8. - CALVET Women Veterans Conference. The purpose of the Conference is to:
     •Educate women veterans about their benefits and services.
     •Increase awareness of current issues that impact military
       women.
     •Provide a forum to facilitate networking opportunities
     •Facilitate discussions with legislative representatives from
       both Federal and State levels.
To see the draft program agenda and registration information go to: www.cdva.ca.gov/Resources/WWVConference2010.aspx. Registration deadline is September 24. Questions: contact Deputy Secretary Barbara Ward at 916-653-2511.
►►Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 8, 9. 10. The VVA500 Annual Get-A-Way. See front page for information. Don't miss a really good time, sign up ASAP.

      The personal stories of local allied veterans who served in the Vietnam War are the emphasis of our newest exhibit, "The Vietnam Experience, A Soldier's Story". The exhibition includes historical artifacts, photographs, and documents interwoven with remarkable oral histories. The exhibit opens September 16th and runs until November 28, 2010.
     VVA500 Board will consider a group trip down to Petaluma to see this exhibit. No date set yet. If you would be interested, let the office know.

NATIONAL GOLD STAR DAY
Remember all of the Gold Star Mothers, Husbands, Wives, Parents, etc. on September 26. We were honored to have a wonderful Gold Star Mom, Margaret Camp, Mother of Billie Camp, USMC, killed in Vietnam in 1968, serve as a docent while the Wall was here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LORNA
Member Lorna Perrigo, has been appointed by the WACVA President as the Corresponding Secretary for the National Board of Officers for the Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association. Lorna was formerly on the National Standing Committee as the Service Information Officer. She will hold her new office until July 2012.

                           VVA500 HALL SCHEDULE
►►Office hours are: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. 10-4PM.
                                           Wednesdays - Noon - 5:30+
►►Wednesdays - 5PM - Group for those spouses or significant others, relatives of those who have PTSD.
►►Thursdays 1-4PM - File Claims or develop your claim for filing. Best to call for an appointment.

        Of course you are always open to come into the Hall on the days that we are open to work on puzzles, play games, watch TV, movies, do some volunteer work, etc. You don't have to make an appointment or have any special activity. Grab your friends and just come on in. Evenings can be open for movies, games upon request at this time. We have been thinking about Bingo. Interested? Call the office.

     Any questions about any of the activities, office number to call is 916-481-6020.

LEADERSHIP CHANGE

Yes, there was a change in the Chapter Presidency since our last newsletter. Don Harper due to some personal conflicts has resigned. The current Board appointed Gregory McNeill to complete the 2010-2011 term of President and the membership at the August meeting approved the appointment. Jim Singleton has also been approved as the Chapter Vice-President.

MORE FUTURE CHAPTER EVENTS

     Thursday, November 11 - Veterans Day - There's the Parade in Elk Grove and possibly a small event at the Memorial. More information on that when it comes.
    Saturday, December 18 - Time for the annual VVA500 Christmas Party. This year will be a little different in that it will be the party plus our awards night. Awards will be presented to businesses who have donated funds to VVA500 and plaques will be unveiled that contain the names of our past presidents and the charter members of VVA500.
     Don't miss out, mark your calendars now!

                  HELP NEEDED FOR THE MARINE CADETS
      Greater Sacramento Cadets is looking for Adult Volunteer Staff to serve as Officers/Instructors over Marine Cadet youths. Former military experience if helpful, but not necessary for many positions. For former Military, your prior Service branch is not important. Commitment for full time Staff, two Saturdays per month, for part time Staff, if you can give one Saturday per month, and "Stand by Staff" for those who can't report regularly, but will be available should there be a shortage during a Drill or special event.
     Also, do you know or have a child or grandchild who might enjoy being a part time Marine Cadet? GSMC is open to youths male and female, ages, 11-20 years and train in Sacramento at the VVA500 facilities. If interested in any of the above, or for more information, contact: Karen Winnett at gyrette@aol.com.

MORE ACTIVITIES/EVENTS
JOHN STEINER, PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL PATRIOT GUARD PRESENTS A DONATION TO VVA500'S HELPING HANDS FUND AND TO DEBORAH GETZ, FOR HER NEVER FORGET OUR FALLEN ORGANIZATION.

MONUMENT DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF VETERANS LOCATED IN SIERRA HILLS MEMORIAL PARK, HOST OF THE MOVING WALL SEPTEMBER 1-6.

FOLLOWING ARE A FEW OF THE PICTURES FROM THE CEREMONIES AT THE MOVING WALL... BELOW ....FROM THE "READING" CEREMONY, THE POW CEREMONY, FROM RIGHT, DAVE BENDER, MC, MARCI VOLKMAN, INTERPRETER, TODD STENHOUSE, NARRATOR, GREGORY MCNEILL AS VISUAL INTERPRETER.

MORE MOVING WALL
BRIGADIER GENERAL MARY KIGHT WAS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY

PRESIDENT McNEILL PRESENTS ALAN FISHER, PRESIDENT OF EAST LAWN WITH MEMORIAL COIN IN THANKS FOR BRINGING THE WALL TO SIERRA HILLS.

MORE PICTURES OF THE MOVING WALL VISIT COMING NEXT MONTH. ALSO THANKS TO STEVE BARTELL OF EAST LAWN FOR SOME OF THE PICTURES.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVERTISER!!

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OWH FUNDING, CONT.

    The four legislator who asked that the Conference Committee re-open the issue are: Senator Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga), Senator Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar), Assemblyman Jim Nielsen (R-Biggs) and Assemblywoman Connie Conway (R-Visalia).
     All ten members of the Conference Committee had originally voted to reduce the OWH funding. The Conference Committee is tasked with making difficult decisions on complex policy issues in a $90 Billion budget. During this process, OWH funding for the CVSO's was almost completely deleted. However, in response to overwhelming support for the full funding of OWH from veterans organizations, county governments, individual veterans posts/chapters, and individual veterans; Conference Committee members Dutton, Huff, Nielsen, and Conway submitted their letter asking for the issue to be re-opened.
     Pete Conaty, Sacramento lobbyist, veterans advocate, and Vietnam veterans has coordinated the effort to urge California lawmakers to restore the full funding to OWH. According to Conaty "this shows what veterans can accomplish when we all work together". This issue has brought the major veterans organizations together to fight for this common cause which will benefit all veterans and their dependents. The American Legion, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, CA Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American GI Forum, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Student Veterans of America have been at the forefront of educating legislators and the public on the importance of Operation Welcome Home to California veterans who have served their country.
     Contact: Pete Conaty or Dana Nichol - 916-492-0550

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Chapter 500 awarded four scholarships this year. One for $1,000. for the Sarah Bonnifield Memorial Scholarship and three $500. scholarships in memory of all of the fallen brothers and sisters lost in the Vietnam War. One of the requirements to be awarded $500. was that the student must complete a substantial paragraph on his or her educational goals. We will be publishing those paragraphs in our newsletters. Here are the goals for Tyler Christian Ewing, graduate of John F. Kennedy High School:
"My goals, family, academics, athletics, and community involvement defines the great qualities that I possess and value in my short seventeen year lifetime. I have continuously showed individual accomplishments and personal achievement in academics, athletics, school clubs, and volunteer organizations from working with the homeless to assisting students with disabilities. The spiritual guidance and support I receive from my family members, good friends, and teachers play a huge role in how I live my life. For this essay, I have responded to my short and long term goals. These future goals will have a definite effect on my life that I ultimately exhibit in my current daily life routine. Continued in the next column.........................

EWING SCHOLARSHIP ENTRY, CONTINUED

The Vietnam Veterans of America Scholarship will assist with my tuition at the University of Redlands.
     Short Term: I continue to plan for my future by taking AP and Honors classes that will challenge and prepare me for college and the pursuit of becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in college and professional athletes. My AP Anatomy and Physiology class my senior year in high school has been the best class to solidify my decision in medicine. I have received an "A+" in the course and ultimately scored the highest grade in all AP Anatomy and Physiology classes with a 101%. I know my academic career will be tough; therefore success is not an act but a habit. I have been recognized academically and recruited athletically by many prestigious colleges on the West Coast. I have chosen the University of Redlands among the many universities interested to continue my education. I will start my college education beginning in the Fall semester (2010). I chose University of Redlands because of its number seven ranking in the nation for Universities Pre-Med program. It will also give me an opportunity to extend my athletic career by participating in football. These opportunities give me a chance to continue to develop my leadership, academic intellect, conflict resolution, and communication skills. I know I will need these traits throughout my lifetime. I see what I need to do. I set my goals high. I accomplish what I set out to do and do not settle for less. At the same time, I am continuing to set goals in other aspects of my life. It is never-ending. I wouldn't have it any other way.
     Long Term: As I enter adulthood and take on more responsibilities, the knowledge, leadership characteristics, and social interactions I have attained in college will assist me in my long term goal of becoming that Orthopedic Surgeon I truly desire to become. I have always had an infatuation of how the human body worked. When I was an adolescent, I would dissect small insects, look at cells and slides under a microscope, and would read many books on the human body. My high school education, emphasizing in Science, has started my journey. University of Redlands will set a foundation for medicine. Loma Linda Medical School in Southern California will develop me into a respected Doctor of Orthopedic Surgery. I will the take my expertise and give back to the University of Redlands or another local college by volunteering time to many of their athletic programs while pursuing my own private practice.
     My goals are my passions and they give me the focus for my future. Everything else is just a stepping stone to my success. I learn from my successes and failures, say a quiet "thank you", and now move on to the next chapter in my life. The chapter that hard work and perseverance has paved the way.
     Congratulations Tyler! We wish you success in achieving your goals.
     Thanks to our judges, Paul Copsey, Jurita Kilborn, and Marty Snezek for reviewing and choosing our scholarship winners.

CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS

     Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, MA, with $21. of their own money. Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. To a military family, a phone call home is priceless. Cell Phones for Soldiers address an everyday emotional need that everyone has experienced; the need to call home, to hear a familiar voice while far away. You can help out troops stay connected by donating your used cell phones. The phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phone for Soldiers for each donated phone. Proceeds from each phone are used to purchase calling cards for U.S. Soldiers serving overseas with an hour of talk time. Americans will replace an estimated 130 million cell phones this year with the majority of phones either discarded or stuffed in a drawer.
     Chapter note: There are several drop-off points in this area, too many to list here, but you can go to the following site, to find a place near you: www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/locateDropoff.asp. Or you can download a shipping label with prepaid postage for 1-3 phones here: www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/resource_center.html. And we will make some extra copies you can pick up at the VVA500 office. To send your phone/s, deactivate the phone and turn off the power, keep the battery attached to the phone. If the battery is not attached to the phone, place tape over the terminal ends. Place the phone in the drop off box or in an envelope or small box, affix the prepaid shipping label, seal and drop into a mailbox.   There's lots more information about the project on the website.
               THREE NEW PRESUMPTIVES PAYMENTS DUE
                                   AFTER OCTOBER 30!
     The VA has now published its final regulation August 31 for compensating Vietnam Veterans with ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease or B-cell leukemia, or their surviving spouses if a previous claim has been filed. The first batch of payments will be made immediately after Oct. 30,when a required 60 day review period for Congress will expire.
     Because of a 25 year old court ruling, Nehmer v. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA must review claims previously filed for these diseases and make payments retroactive to the claim date, or to the date of the Nehmer ruling, September 25, 1985 whichever is later. If the Veteran is diseased, the surviving spouse or other dependent will be awarded the back payment and possible other benefits.
     Veterans diagnosed with these diseases only will have to show they stepped foot in Vietnam sometime from January 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975, to qualify for service-connected disability ratings and compensation. So far 93,000 veterans have been identified as having filed a claim for one of those diseases.

ASSEMBLYMAN DAVE JONES REACTS WITH
LEGISLATION FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES
ATTEMPTS TO MAKE MONEY FROM KIA VETERANS
INSURANCE POLICIES

You may have been hearing news about how certain insurance companies are being sued because of how they are/were handling the proceeds from insurance policies held by Veterans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VA also seems to be somewhat complicit in how these funds were handled. There are several places where you can read several versions of the story. Here is one you can go to on the web:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-14/veterans-agency-arranged-secret-deal-with-prudential-over-soldier-benefits.html.
     On a state level Dave Jones has initiated legislation that will curb some of the greed of insurance companies at least by making clear to beneficiaries the terms under which they may accept the funds from the policies held. Assemblyman Jones has introduced AB786, co-authored by Senator Steinberg. In brief, per the Legislative Counsel's Digest, this bill has to do with Insurance: retained -asset accounts.
     Existing law prohibits any person from engaging in any trade practice determined to be an unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive act or trade practice in the business of insurance.
     This bill would provide that it is an unfair and deceptive act or practice in the business of insurance if an insurer uses a retained-asset account, as defined, and does not take certain actions. The bill would specify the penalty for this unfair and deceptive act or practice.
     Chapter note: You can read the entire wording of the bill by going to www.lefinfo.ca.gov , go to bills and then put in AB786 where it asks for the bill number.
     One of the really bad things about the insurance practice was that when they retained the funds, they could invest it. The funds were not covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., therefore all could be lost through bad investments and/or the company folding. Also, while the insurance companies received interest, they only shared a small amount with the beneficiaries.
     These practices were brought to light locally at a news conference held by Dave Jones re: the introduction of AB786. Thanks to the several VVA500 members as well as other supporters who appeared at the newscast in support of the bill. And thanks to Dave for introducing a much needed piece of legislation. However the bill died with the end of this year's session, but Dave will try to introduce it during the special session for the budget......The best advice that anyone could give at this point if they are unfortunate enough to have lost one of their loved ones, is to take the entire distribution immediately. For the small amount of interest the insurance companies were paying, it would be better off in a CD or savings account that is federally insured.

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PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS

SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS, ONE CARE PACKAGE AT A TIME. THE DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM, CALIFORNIA CHAPTER IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION (501c 3)FORMED SOLELY TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS ACTIVELY SERVING OUR COUNTRY TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE.

ACTION BUYS MILITARY ITEMS!

Sea Kayaking is a great, low-stress, outdoor recreation. After kayaking on the East Coast for many years, Steve Keller, Chapter 500 member, and wife Mary, discovered Penguin Paddlers, right in their town of Rocklin. The owner of Penguin Paddlers is a USAF Pararescue Veteran. Penguin Paddlers has an active, friendly club, with the average age in the 60's. They have local and road trips, with clinics and demonstrations. So it's an ideal recreation for VVA members. You can ask Steve at t meeting, or contact him at 916-791-6705, or e-mail: doublekayak@yahoo.com. The Penguin website is: www.penguinpaddlers.com.

                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS: President: Gregory C. McNeill
Vice President: Jim Singleton
Secretary: Ted Adams
Treasurer: Jerry Quint - is also Alternate State Delegate
BOARD MEMBERS: Monty Montoya, Marty Snezek, Karen Winnett                 State Delegate: Gregory McNeill
AVVA REPRESENTATIVE: Vacant at this time.
ADDRESS: Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Chapter 500
                                            P.O. Box 255484
                                           Sacramento, CA 95865
TELEPHONE:                 916-481-6020 FAX: 916-481-2609
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.
VVA500 HALL PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 4441 Auburn Blvd., Suite J
Hall is located at the corner of Auburn Blvd. and Orange Grove Ave. There are several ways of reaching the hall, Auburn Blvd. exits off I-80, Madison exit to Auburn Blvd., Watt Ave. to Auburn Blvd. When you get to the complex, the Hall is on the far end off Auburn Blvd.. Just look for the flag pole in the back corner.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
♫♫♫William Sullivan - Army♫♫♫Jack Arnold - Marines♫♫♫Jim Daniels - Air Force♫♫♫John Douglas - Marines♫♫♫Bruce Kaspari - Marines♫♫♫Howard Hoover - Army♫♫♫James Singleton, Jr. - Air Force♫♫♫Russell Hazelwood - Air Force♫♫♫Eugene Sukon - Navy♫♫♫Wm. R. De La Ossa - Army♫♫♫Rhona Nitsche - Air Force♫♫♫Dan Williams - Army♫♫♫Vernon Walker ♫♫♫William Kemp - Air Force♫♫♫Ed White - Air Force♫♫♫Ted Esrey - Navy♫♫♫Richard Frequez - Marines♫♫♫Ron Krueger - Army♫♫♫Ron Menken - Air Force♫♫♫Jerry Quint -
Air Force♫♫♫Paul Thomas - Navy♫♫♫Gary Reason - Air Force♫♫♫Nancy Hayashi - AVVA ♫♫♫ SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS - ♫♫♫Robert Sembach - Air Force♫♫♫Jim Morrison - Navy♫♫♫Phil Rios - Army♫♫♫Steven Jones - Army♫♫♫Gary Murawski - Army♫♫♫William Mason - Army♫♫♫James Yarrow, M.D. - Air Force♫♫♫Lucio Lopez - Marines♫♫♫Deborah Getz - AVVA♫♫♫Mark Brown - Army♫♫♫Eleno Castaneda - Army♫♫♫♫♫♫Sarge Brookshire - Army♫♫♫Charles Jezycki - Army♫♫♫Dennis Metzler - Navy♫♫♫Val Naisbitt - Army♫♫♫Buck Parham - Air Force♫♫♫Lorna Perrigo - Army♫♫♫Michael Placencia - Coast Guard♫♫♫Kenneth Vander-Ploeg - Air Force♫♫♫Carl Youngdahl - Marines♫♫♫Wayne Zivicky - Army♫♫♫Al Martin - AVVA♫♫♫Nick Desjardin - Army♫♫♫George Paige - Army♫♫♫Roy Hicks - Navy♫♫♫Ed Aki, Jr. - Marines♫♫

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