Remember In Memory of Bill Wolf

Chapter Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 PM Speaker: Don Harper,
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!" June, 2003 "Be Proud"


President's Message


In reflection of Memorial Day and the weekend's activities, it brings deep feeling back to my soul. In preparation for the big weekend, I lost some sight of what the meaning (my personal) of what Memorial weekend was. On Sunday morning after our color guard posted the colors and as the Names were beginning to be read, my meaning of memorializing the Veterans was clearer in my mind. As the day went on and as faces appeared of those Veterans I knew, Veterans I was meeting, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers of soldiers who have lost their lives in a faraway country, my meaning of Memorial Day grew. Into the night and by flashlight until the final name was read and up early to work with friends (members and not) as a team in decorating and loading the float with wheelchair Veterans, celebrities and singers, to hear the cheers from crowds of citizens as our Color Guard marched by proudly, meeting at the Bunker (The Torch Club) to smile and host drinks to old friends and for old friends. That is what Memorial Day meant to me. The remembering and sharing those memories with friends and families because their lost sons and daughters can no longer do so. To work together as friends, veterans and citizens, and smile at flag waving kids and their cheering parents and feel the pride of America. Because those lost mothers and fathers no longer can do so. To let our hair down, hug a friend and drink to you and drink to them, remember now and remember when. And because those lost men and women no longer can, we must do so for them.


Reach Out to our Veterans, those gone and those here.
Your President, Gregory C. McNeill

Current News and Announcements

Our speaker for the June 17th General Meeting will be our new Legislative Chair, Don Harper. Don is President of the California Association of Veteran Services Agencies and one of the founders of the Vet Resource Center. He will speak to us on the importance of supporting or objecting to legislation regarding veterans. Don was called out of town last month just before the meeting, but he will be with us for the June Meeting.

EVENT UPDATES

Thanks to all who made the 2003 "Reading of the Names" a success. We received many positive comments on the event and the Memorial Ceremony. Thanks are due also to those who worked on the VVA float for the Parade. The float looked great as well as all the members who participated. Formal thank-you's will be on their way soon for both events.

WHAT'S COMING UP????

If you are interested in airplanes, the place to be is the Yuba County Airport on June 20, 21, and 22. This is where the Golden West Aviation Association will present the Golden West Experimental Aircraft Association Regional Flyin and Airshow. There will be special activities for youths, a warbird flyin, aerobatic airshow, a Saturday night balloon glow, way too much to mention here. You can go to the website: www.goldenwestflyin.org/gwaahome.shtml or call VVA member, Jerry Quint at 332-7752. There are also plenty of openings for volunteers to help and enjoy the show at the same time.

Check out some important events coming up on Page 2.

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

VA BURIAL BENEFITS

While no one likes to think about it, the mind of the Veteran can be eased if he knows what benefits are available for his spouse and/ or family upon death. The following is a listing of the benefits and eligibility requirements:
Burial in National Cemeteries - Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the gravesite, a headstone or marker, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care. An eligible veteran must have been discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable and have completed the required period of service. Persons entitled to retired pay as a result of 20 years creditable service with a reserve component are eligible. spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of service members may also be buried in a national cemetery. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Funeral directors or others making burial arrangements must apply at the time of death.
Headstones & Markers - A headstone or grave marker will be furnished by the VA for the unmarked grave of a deceased veteran. The eligibility criteria for a VA headstone or marker are the same as for burial in a VA national cemetery. Twenty-year reservists are eligible if they are entitled to military retired pay at the time of death. Headstones and markers are inscribed with the name of the deceased, branch of service, and the years of birth and death. Optional items that may be inscribed are military grade, rank or rate, war service such as (World War II), months and days of birth and death, and an emblem reflecting one's religion. Niche markers are also available for identifying cremated remains.
Burial Flag - United States Flags are issued to drape the casket of any former member of the armed forces who was not dishonorably discharged, and who had either wartime service or who served after January 31, 1955, or who served at least one enlistment during peacetime, unless discharged or released earlier for disability. Flags are also issued to "honor the memory" of someone who is missing in action, is later presumed dead, or when the veteran's next of kin is not aware of his/her death, and the next of kin requests the flag at a later date. Flags are available and issued by local post offices and can be obtained through the assistance of the funeral director.
Reimbursement of Burial Expenses: A VA burial allowance may be paid if any of the following conditions are met:
1. The veteran's death is deemed to be service-connected.
2. The veteran was receiving VA service-connected disability compensation or non-service connected disability pension benefits at the time of death.
3. The veteran was entitled to receive VA service-connected disability compensation or non-service connected disability pension benefits, but elected instead to receive the full amount of his/her military retirement or disability pay.
4. The veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract.


Continued in the next column >>>

LEGISLATION and GOVERNMENT ISSUES

Don Harper will explain at the 6/17 meeting the importance of being aware of legislation that concerns veterans as well as updating us on current bills. So we are going to use this space to let you know about a couple of events you should put on your calendar.

ENROLLMENT/JOB FAIR WORKSHOP

We have discussed in the newsletter the value of Enrollment into the VA Health System and the need for In-Country Vietnam Veterans to get Agent Orange Testing. We also receive several calls per week from Veterans who have no idea that they have service-related health problems and may be eligible for VA health care benefits or claims. So, Chapter 500 will be hosting a Enrollment/Job Fair Workshop on July 26, from 9-5. The location will be announced in the next newsletter. VA employees will be there to help veterans fill out the forms for enrollment. Put that date on your calendar, if you are not already enrolled in the VA Health System or have not had an Agent Orange Test. Find your DD214 or get a copy in between. You may be fine now, but who knows about tomorrow.

THE TRAVELING WALL

We have received word from Don Harper that the Traveling Wall will be at the State Fair from 8/14 thru 8/19. The date set for the Military Day is 8/18. (Usually free admission for Vets) The Wall will be set up just outside the entrance to the Fair Grounds where there will free parking for visitors. Volunteers will be needed on a 24/7 basis to receive and answer questions for visitors. A "Reading of the Names" is being considered at this time. Volunteers will also be needed to help set-up the Wall on 8/14. VVA Chapter 500 can also set up an information table on all of those days. So anyone with some time on any of those days, please call the office at 481-6020. We could use some help honoring our California Veterans that are on the Wall and to let Vietnam Veterans know that the Chapter is available for them.

VA Burial Benefits cont........
For a service-connected death, the VA will pay up to $2000. In some cases, the VA will also pay the cost of transporting the remains of a service-disabled veteran to the national cemetery nearest the home of the deceased veteran that has available gravesites. There is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims regarding a service-connected death.
For a non-service connected death, the VA will pay up to $300. toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300. plot interment allowance. In non-service connected deaths, claims must be filed within two years after permanent burial or cremation.
Information was provided by:
The Sacramento County Veterans Service Office
2007 19th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818 916-874-6811

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN...........June, 2003......... Page 3

ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED
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.
_______________________________________________
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
CALIFORNIA STATE COUNCIL
The CSC will be holding a Region 8 & 9 Conference in Sparks, Nevada, June 13-15. If anyone is interested in attending, call Carl Jensen, Northern District Director, at Day, 415-457-5261, Evening, 415-454-2737 or e-mail at: cjjensennam67@msn.com .


A SPECIAL THANK-YOU
We want to extend a special thanks to all of the interpreters form the Interpreter Training Program at American River College. Gail Simmons, coordinator for the Volunteer Interpreter Program arranged for interpreters to cover the entire day of the "Reading of the Names" and the Memorial Ceremony. A team of approximately 15 worked hard and long through the day and into the evening. ANOTHER SPECIAL THANK-YOU goes to Doc Kauffman, Past President, and all those who made the VVA500 float look nothing less than spectacular.

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.


WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Ron Menken
William C. Bailey
John L. Fitzke
Kenneth S. Kitchen
AVVA Member Grace Calles
WELCOME BACK
Lucio Lopez
Rocky Trejo

THANK-YOU

Thank-you to Gay Gilbertson from Sacramento Memorial for her ongoing support and generosity for the "Reading of the Names".
Thank-you to Grace Calles our new AVVA member who helped with the "Reading" before the event and stayed the whole day. Grace will also be taking part in our Veterans History Project.

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THE CAPITOL VETERAN................June, 2003........ Page 4

JUNE - 2003

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

1

2

3
VVA Board Meeting Roseville Veterans Hall 7:00PM

4
VAC Parade Committee Meeting 6:00PM

5

6
UVOR Monthly Dance Roseville Hall

D-Day Anniversary

7

8

9

10

11
VAC Meeting 7:00PM

12

13
CSC Region 8 & 9 Conference Sparks, Nevada

14
CSC Region 8 & 9 Conference Sparks, Nevada

Flag Day

U.S. Army Birthday

15
CSC Region 8 & 9 Conference Sparks, Nevada

Fathers Day

16

17
VVA General Meeting Roseville VeteransHall 7:00PM

18

19

20
Golden West EAA Regional Flyin and Airshow Youth Day Today

21
Golden West EAA Regional Flyin and Airshow Balloon Glow Tonight

22
Golden West EAA Regional Flyin and Airshow Warbird Day Today

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

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, the meeting room is to the left. 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.
See more information on calendared activities on Page 6

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

RECENT ACTIVITIES OF VVA CHAPTER 500

READING OF THE NAMES


Dave Bender, KOVR, Master of Ceremonies and wife Kelly



The California Cadet Corp from Rio Linda Junior High led the Pledge of Allegiance during the ceremony. In the background from left is Malenda Smith, VAC Chaplain and Dave Bender



Grace Calles, AVVA Member and volunteer for the "Reading" reads names.

READING OF THE NAMES


Members from the Interpreter Training Program at American River College signed each name.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE


Diana Titus, AVVA member and former USO entertainer up front entertaining the troops again.


Stan Atkinson and VVA members ride on the VVA 500 float.

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

CALENDARED EVENT DETAILS


3rd - VVA Chapter 500 Board Meeting - held at the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall -7PM -Board members please attend.
4th - VAC Memorial Day Parade Committee - 6PM - All parade volunteers welcome.
6th - UVOR Month Dance at the Roseville Veterans Hall
11th - VAC Meeting - VVA delegates are urged to attend. President Doc Kauffman represents VVA500 as Secretary, Installation of new officers.
13th -CSC Region 8&9 Conference - Sparks, Nevada
14th - CSC Region 8 & 9 Conference - Sparks, Nevada
14th - Flag Day, Proudly display those flags!
14th - U.S. Army Birthday - Happy Birthday Army!!!
15th - CSC Region 8&9 Conference Wrap up
15th - Fathers Day - Don't forget Dad!
17th - VVA 500 General Meeting - All members and guests come hear about Veteran Legislative Issues with Don Harper, speaker
20th - Golden West EAA Regional Flyin - Youth Day
21st - Golden West EAA Regional Flyin - Balloon Glow Night
22nd - Golden West EAA Regional Flyin - Warbird Day

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

July 26 - VVA500 Enrollment/Job Fair Workshop - Claim your Veteran Benefits - Find your DD214 NOW.
August 14-19 - Visit the Traveling Wall at the State Fair - Help out for a few hours to honor those who sacrificed their lives.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS FILLED

All of the committee chairs have been filled. Below are the listings. If any members new or old see a committee they would like to participate in, please call the office. Descriptions of the committees can be sent to you.

Community Service - Gregory C. McNeill
Constitution - Joe Cavanagh, Bill Wagner
Employment Training & Bus. Opps. - Jim Santianna
Government Affairs - Don Harper
Membership Affairs - Robert Jordan
Minority Affairs - Dino Gomez
Nominating - Doc Kauffman, Dino Gomez, Harry T. Meyers
Public Affairs - Gregory C. McNeill
Veterans Affairs - Dino Gomez
Veterans Benefits - Robert Jordan
Women Veterans - Mary Lou McNeill
CSC Representative and Nat. Conv. Rep. - Dino Gomez
AVVA Representative - Mary Lou McNeill
Veteran Service - Jesus Garcia
Helping Hands - Doc Kauffman
Scholarships - Doc Kauffman, Dino Gomez, Gerard Fields

BRING A COUPLE OF EXTRA BUCKS TO THE GENERAL MEETING ...... We will be raffling off a really nice hat. All proceeds will go to our "Helping Hands" fund.


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



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