Remember In Memory of Bill Wolf

Chapter Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Chapter Membership Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 PM
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, 2002 "Be Proud"
President's News Brief
by: Dennis "Doc" Kauffman
We have exciting news. Mary Lou McNeill, AVVA member that has been so active with Veterans Affairs, essential in aiding Phil Rios and organizing readers and participating groups for the "Reading of the Names" at our CA Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. She also organized the ceremonies at "The Moving Wall" at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi. She has accepted our Chapter's offer to be our answering service, newspaper editor, help with membership recruitment, and our social secretary. She comes to us with the highest of regard from her husband Greg. They have been doing our Chapter minutes together and I look forward to a long relationship with our Chapter.

" GET THERE" It's that time of the year again. Time for your in-country R& R! We are planning the annual trip to Scott's Flat Lake. Check the calendar page for more information.

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN
If your workplace has automatic deductions for the United Way, you may designate all or a portion of your donation to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 500. Use our non-profit number, 836890 and support our scholarship fund.

WILL THIS BE YOUR LAST NEWSLETTER???
Several members need to get their dues paid. Don't lose out on the benefits of belonging to VVA such as:
>VVA is the leading advocate for recognition of health issues still affecting veterans.
>Group Insurance Programs
>Community Representation through Color and Honor Guard Support
>Scholarship funding for family members
>Resource Center for Veteran Issues

Current News and Announcements
Since the 2002 Get-A-Way, October 11,12,&13, falls on the weekend before the normal General Meeting night, the General Meeting will be held at the camp-out. More on the Get-A-Way inside.
BE SURE to check out the new Chapter website. You can find it at http://www.norcaltrav.com . The first time you log on, scroll down to the Veteran area, click on the "500" link and the Chapter page will come up. Then, save the page in your favorites and you will be able to go directly there for future visits. In addition to the Chapter information, you will also find information for all veterans as well as the newsletter each month. Those of you who have e-mail addresses will be receiving an e-mail each month notifying you of when you can view and/or print your newsletter from online. Just click on the "Current Newsletter" link in the VVA site. Submission deadline for the newsletter will be the General Meeting date each month. You can e-mail submissions to vva500@accessbee.com , mail to the Chapter address (see page 3) or call Mary Lou with your suggestions. The Chapter phone duties have been turned over to Mary Lou. We were able to keep the same phone number, 916-481-6020. Please call her with any suggestions, questions, problems.

NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS
Pg. 2 Legislative Update
Pg. 2 Benefits Update
Pg. 3 Chapter Activities
Pg. 3 Chapter Contacts
Pg. 4 Calendar and Coming Events

HELP YOUR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT THE VVA
by advertising in the Capitol Veteran. Call or e-mail for information on our reasonable rates, 916-481-6020, vva500@accessbee.com .

THE CAPITOL VETERAN.........October, 2002.... Page 2

BENEFITS
Lost Your Medals
? In a previous newsletter, we promised to tell you how to obtain another set of medals from the government. Veterans who have lost or misplaced their medals, and in some cases did not receive them before or upon discharge are entitled to another set. This is how to do it. First of all, of course, you need a form. The form number is SF180, "Request for Military Records". Make sure you have an updated SF180. Knowing the government, they may not accept an outdated form. Download SF180 from the site, www.nara.gov/regional/mprsf180.html . On this site, there is also a "fillable" form. You can actually fill in all of the blanks online. But you then must print it, sign and mail it in as this form MUST be dated and have a handwritten signature. Another way to obtain the form is to contact Chapter 500 for copies, or pick one up at a meeting. The next step is to fill out the form. If you have a copy of your DD214, this will help and you will want to enclose it with your request. Keep in mind, only the service member, guardian or next of kin can sign for a request for records. However, if you are next of kin, for example, for a deceased relative, you could make a request for that person's records and/or medals.
The SF180 can also be used to just obtain records and also health records. So it would be wise to make several copies without a signature or date for future use. Then if you need to send for other types of records, such as health records, the form itself gives instructions on where to send.
Now for the medals; sign and date your SF180, include a letter requesting your medals and also a copy of your DD214 and mail it all off to your service branch. The following addresses are from the website military. com:
ARMY AIR FORCE
U.S. Army Reserve Personnel National Personnel

Att: ARPC-VSE Records Center
9700 Page Ave. (Military Personnel Records)
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
NAVY, MARINE CORPS AND COAST GUARD
U.S. Navy Liaison Office
National Personnel Records Center
Room 3475
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63132
Be patient as the average time stated for turnaround is 14 to 16 weeks. Depending on how difficult the research is, it could be much longer, especially if your records were included in the 1973 fire.
It would be a good idea to go ahead and send for your health records at the same time. Should you need to file a claim for health problems due to military service in the future, the time factor waiting for records in order to file the claim could be essential if you need benefits or medical attention.

LEGISLATION and GOVERNMENT ISSUES
Next Month
...After the governor has completed signing bills for this session, we will review the status of veteran related legislation. This month, we are introducing several members of the Assembly Committee on Veterans' Affairs. We will continue this list next month and start on the Senate Committee. These are the individuals who will initially determine the future of any bill submitted that concerns veterans on the state level.
Committee Chair - Dick Dickerson - District 2
Represents counties of Colusa, Glenn, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity and parts of Butte and Yolo.
Prior Experience: Former law officer for 30 years.
Phone: 916-319-2002
Committee Member - Phil Wyman - District 34
Prior Experience: Attorney - Serviced in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, won the Air Force Commendation Medal for his service in the U.S. Embassy, Manila, Philippines. Currently a member of the American Legion.
Phone: 916-319-2034
Committee Member - Tom Harman - District 67
Represents cities of Huntington Beach, Cypress, Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, La Palma, Rossmoor and Fountain Valley.
Prior Experience: Local businessman and civic volunteer for 41 years.
Phone: 916-319-2059
Committee Member - Dennis Mountjoy - District 59
Represents Arcadia, Bradbury, Claremont, Covina, Duarte, Glendora, LaVerne, Monrovia, San Dimas, Sierra Madre and portions of Azusa, Pomona, Temple City and West Covina.
Prior Experience: Construction Management and his own construction business.
Phone: 916-319-2159
Committee Member - Mark Wyland - District 74
Represents Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido.
Prior Experience: 25 years and local businessman.
Phone: 916-319-2074
Committee Member - Barbara Matthews - District 17
Represents Tracy, Stockton, Merced, San Joaquin areas.
Prior Experience: 21 year career in grocery business.
Phone: 916-319-2117
Committee Member - Sarah Reyes - District 31
Represents Fresno Area
Prior Experience: Mostly public service in relation to boards and commissions regarding colleges.
Phone: 916-319-2053

Only one veteran in this group and none from the Sacramento area.

THE CAPITOL VETERAN............October, 2002......... Page 3

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES - August thru September

Veterans Picnic - The United Veterans of Roseville held a picnic in Royer Park for veterans, their families and friends on August 11. All American favorites were served, including hot dogs, hamburgers, salads and desserts. Those attending all brought a favorite potluck dish. The picnic was a great success and gave the members of the United Veterans an opportunity to meet each other and their families.

Salute to Courage Day
Normally the California State Fair Committee sets aside a day during the State Fair to honor the Armed Forces. Because of 911, the day was set aside to honor all police, fire and service agencies along with the Armed Forces. Since Chapter 500's regular General Meeting day fell on this "Salute to Courage Day", several members met at the fair on August 20th. The troop had a great time and enjoyed the Lee Greenwood concert in upfront seats.

Sacramento Stand Down
The 2002 Stand Down took place September 6, 7, and 8. Homeless veterans were offered a "Hand Up, not a Hand Out". Counseling services as well as medical and legal services, food, assistance information were offered homeless veterans at this annual event. Chapter 500 members, Stan Bollinger and Tracy Doll volunteered their time for this year's event.

Veterans Affiliated Council
On September 11, a special meeting of the VAC was held to commemorate those who lost their lives because of 911. President Kauffman, Gerard Fields, Dino Gomez and Gregory McNeill Chapter 500 delegates to the VAC, served an All American meal of hot dogs, apple pie and ice cream to all VAC members attending.

YOU MAY have already been contacted regarding the updating of your address, phone, etc. We are updating the roster and especially want your e-mail address if you have one. If you have not yet been contacted, please call in or return a message that has been left.


HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND ********
CALL THE NEXT TIME THRIFT STORE FOR PICK UP OF YOUR USED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.
916-331-0555

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
Chapter 500 attends the State Fair

Waiting for the Lee Greenwood Concert
Salute to Courage Day


CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS: President: Dennis Kauffman, Sr.
Vice President: Stan Bollinger
Secretary: Gregory C. McNeill
Treasurer: Bill Wagner

CHAPTER ADDRESS: Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
Chapter 500
P.O. Box 255484
Sacramento, CA 95868

TELEPHONE: 916-481-6020

E-MAIL: vva500@accessbee.com

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

THE CAPITOL VETERAN................October, 2002........ Page 4

OCTOBER - 2002

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

1
BOARD MEETING

2 3

4 ***
ARMY REUNION/52ND

5 ***
ARMY REUNION/52ND

6 ***
ARMY REUNION/52ND

7 8

9
VAC MEETING

10

11
GET-A-WAY

12
GET-A-WAY

13
GET-A-WAY

14

15
GENERAL MEETING AT GET-A-WAY

16
UNITED VETERANS MEETING

17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27
Daylight Savings Time Ends

28 29 30

31
Halloween

SCOTT'S FLAT GET-A-WAY : There's still time to plan on going to the Get-A-Way. You'll need to bring all of your own camping gear, plates and utensils for your food. Call Bill Wagner at 916-686-6752, or Gerard Fields at 916-722-4437 to reserve your place and find out what you need to bring in the way of food. The theme this year is "GET THERE".
SOME DATES TO REMEMBER FOR NOVEMBER
November 8
: USMC 227th Birthday Party and Ball - Held at the Folsom Community Center - No Host Cocktails, Dinner and Dancing with the John Skinner Band. Tickets are $35. each. Ticket information: (916) 278-3112 (Henry)
November 11 : Veterans' Day. VVA Chapter 500 will be marching in either the Elk Grove Parade or downtown Sacramento. There will be a free concert for veterans at 3:00PM at the Veterans' Memorial Hall. Also don't forget the traditional gathering at the "Bunker" (Torch Club - across from the Veterans' Memorial Hall) after the parade.
November 13 : California Mexican American Memorial, Inc. will be holding a banquet saluting all Mexican American Veterans. Featured speaker will be Navy Cross Winner, WWII Veteran, Marine Guy Gabaldon. Tickets are $20. each. Call Al Martinez at 916-921-2124 or Phil Rios at 916-310-6586 for information and tickets.
***There will be an reunion of the 1st Battalion of the 52nd Americal Division at Sly Park, Oct. 4, 5, 6. The Northern California Helicopter Association will also be there with the Helicopter. Call Mike Stroud at 209-368-2091 for information or you can just show up.

Vi etnam Veterans of America, Inc.
Chapter 500
P.O. Box 255484
Sacramento, CA 95868
916-481-6020
vva@accessbee.com

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