The Communists’ victory at Dien Bien Phu in May 1954 marked the end of French involvement in Indochina. The Geneva Accords of July 1954 divided Vietnam into a Communist state in the North and an anti-Communist state in the South. The United States had supported the French army in Indochina through the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG), and U.S. advisers continued to train and organize the South Vietnamese Army to repel an invasion from the North. In 1955, MAAG numbered 342 officers and men--most of them Army personnel—rising to around 700 by 1960. In February 1962, the Joint Chiefs of Staff established the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV), appointing General Paul D. Harkins as the first commander. General William C. Westmoreland succeeded Harkins in June 1964. As MACV’s responsibilities expanded, U.S. military strength in South Vietnam increased to 23,000 by the end of 1964. Of these, about 15,000 were Army personnel. President Lyndon B. Johnson began sending U.S. ground troops to stave off the defeat of the South Vietnamese Army. At first, Army combat units played a defensive role, protecting Saigon, the South Vietnamese capital, and other important cities and bases. The president authorized the Army to send 20,000 support troops to establish a supply network that had to be built from the ground up. The newly formed U.S. Army, Vietnam managed the logistical effort. As the U.S. troop presence increased, Army combat units operated farther afield. In the fall of 1965, Westmoreland sent the 1st Cavalry Division—the Army’s first airmobile unit—to the rugged Central Highlands, where it defeated North Vietnamese regulars in the month-long Battle of the Ia Drang. By the fall of 1966, Westmoreland had enough forces, including 240,000 soldiers, to mount sustained offensives. For over a year, Army combat units conducted search and destroy operations against an elusive enemy. Whenever the Army could bring its superior firepower to bear, the results were often devastating. On 10 March 1967, a Viet Cong regiment mounted a night assault on Firebase Prek Klok, defended by a battalion of the 1st Infantry Division, resulting in 200 enemy dead at a cost of 3 U.S. fatalities. On 31 January 1968, the Communists launched a major assault known as the Tet Offensive. U.S. Army units helped to repel Viet Cong attacks at Saigon and other South Vietnamese cities. The fiercest battle occurred around Hue, where soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division and the 101st Airborne Division helped U.S. marines and South Vietnamese forces defeat North Vietnamese regulars. Although a tactical victory, Tet signaled a change in U.S. policy in Vietnam; henceforth, peace negotiations would play a pivotal role in ending the war. In 1969, President Richard M. Nixon introduced a program called Vietnamization, in which the South Vietnamese Army assumed an ever- larger combat role, as MACV began a phased withdrawal of over half a million U.S. soldiers and marines. Westmoreland’s successor, General Creighton W. Abrams, continued search and destroy operations, gradually reducing their frequency as the drawdown progressed. Notwithstanding their diminishing numbers, Army units and advisers supported South Vietnamese forces in the Cambodian Campaign (1970), Operation LAM SON 719 (1971) in Laos, and in the repulse of the enemy’s Easter Offensive (1972). The Army’s role in the Vietnam War officially ended on 29 March 1973, with a ceremony marking the deactivation of MACV. Source: Center for Military History JUNE 2013 ® C h a a e r p A t e n r o 3 s 8 r 8 a C Newsletter of the Carson Area Chapter - 388 of the Vietnam Veterans of America [email protected]388 TH THE U.S. ARMY IN VIETNAM, 1954-1973
Transcript
The Communists’ victory at Dien Bien Phu in May 1954 marked the end of French involvement in Indochina. The Geneva Accords of July 1954 divided Vietnam into a Communist state in the North and an anti-Communist state in the South. The United States had supported the French army in Indochina through the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG), and U.S. advisers continued to train and organize the South Vietnamese Army to repel an invasion from the North. In 1955, MAAG numbered 342 officers and men--most of them Army personnel—rising to around 700 by 1960. In February 1962, the Joint Chiefs of Staff established the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV), appointing General Paul D. Harkins as the first commander. General William C. Westmoreland succeeded Harkins in June 1964. As MACV’s responsibilities expanded, U.S. military strength in South Vietnam increased to 23,000 by the end of 1964. Of these, about 15,000 were Army personnel. President Lyndon B. Johnson began sending U.S. ground troops to stave off the defeat of the South Vietnamese Army. At first, Army combat units played a defensive role, protecting Saigon, the South Vietnamese capital, and other important cities and bases. The president authorized the Army to send 20,000 support troops to establish a supply network that had to be built from the ground up. The newly formed U.S. Army, Vietnam managed the logistical effort. As the U.S. troop presence increased, Army combat units operated farther afield. In the fall of 1965, Westmoreland sent the 1st Cavalry Division—the Army’s first airmobile unit—to the rugged Central Highlands, where it defeated North Vietnamese regulars in the month-long Battle of the Ia Drang. By the fall of 1966, Westmoreland had enough forces, including 240,000 soldiers, to mount sustained offensives. For over a year, Army combat units conducted search and destroy operations against an elusive enemy. Whenever the Army could bring its superior firepower to bear, the results were often devastating. On 10 March 1967, a Viet Cong regiment mounted a night assault on Firebase Prek Klok, defended by a battalion of the 1st Infantry Division, resulting in 200 enemy dead at a cost of 3 U.S. fatalities. On 31 January 1968, the Communists launched a major assault known as the Tet Offensive. U.S. Army units helped to repel Viet Cong attacks at Saigon and other South Vietnamese cities. The fiercest battle occurred around Hue, where soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division and the 101st Airborne Division helped U.S. marines and South Vietnamese forces defeat North Vietnamese regulars. Although a tactical victory, Tet signaled a change in U.S. policy in Vietnam; henceforth, peace negotiations would play a pivotal role in ending the war. In 1969, President Richard M. Nixon introduced a program called Vietnamization, in which the South Vietnamese Army assumed an ever-larger combat role, as MACV began a phased withdrawal of over half a million U.S. soldiers and marines. Westmoreland’s successor, General Creighton W. Abrams, continued search and destroy operations, gradually reducing their frequency as the drawdown progressed. Notwithstanding their diminishing numbers, Army units and advisers supported South Vietnamese forces in the Cambodian Campaign (1970), Operation LAM SON 719 (1971) in Laos, and in the repulse of the enemy’s Easter Offensive (1972). The Army’s role in the Vietnam War officially ended on 29 March 1973, with a ceremony marking the deactivation of MACV. Source: Center for Military History
JUNE 2013
®
Cha aer pA t en r o 3s 8r 8aC
Newsletter of the Carson Area Chapter - 388 of the Vietnam Veterans of [email protected]
388TH
THE U.S. ARMY IN VIETNAM, 1954-1973
Dac To Dac To Dac To
Quan LoiQuan LoiQuan Loi
SaigonSaigonSaigon
Vinh LoiVinh LoiVinh Loi
Da Nang Da Nang Da Nang
Chu LaiChu LaiChu Lai
Quang NgaiQuang NgaiQuang Ngai
Hoi AnHoi AnHoi An
Phan RangPhan RangPhan Rang
Phan Thiet Phan Thiet Phan Thiet
Xuan LocXuan LocXuan Loc
My ThoMy ThoMy Tho
Tan AnTan AnTan An
Dong HaDong HaDong Ha
HueHueHue
An Khe An Khe An Khe
Qui Nhon Qui Nhon Qui Nhon
Cam Ranh Cam Ranh Cam Ranh
Can ThoCan ThoCan Tho
North Vietnam
South
Vietnam
Pleiku Pleiku Pleiku
1st Bde, 5th Inf Div (Mechanized)
101st Abn Div (Airmobile)
XXIV Corps
Americal Div
173rd Abn Bde
4th Inf Div
I Field Force
5th Special Forces Grp
18th Engineer Bde
1st Cav Div (Airmobile)
1st Inf Div
3rd Bde, 82nd Abn Div
3rd Bde, 9th Inf Div
US Army Vietnam
1st Logistical Command
1st Aviation Bde
II Field Force
44th Medical Bde
18th Military Police Bde
199th Light Inf Bde
11 Armored Cav Regt
20th Engineer Bde
Nha TrangNha TrangNha Trang
MAJOR ARMY LOCATIONSIN VIETNAM
Allied Forces
NVA/VC Forces
Dinh TuongDinh TuongDinh Tuong
(Map positions are approximate)
th238 Anniversary - U.S. Army June 14,1775 - June 14, 2013
U.S. Army Vietnam Statistics1,736,000 Served in Country
38,179 Deaths (7 Women)527 Remain Unaccounted For
(as of 5/31/2013)
96,802 Wounded
When the American Revolution broke out, the rebellious colonies did not possess an army in the modern sense. Rather, the revolutionaries fielded an amateur force of colonial troops, cobbled together from various New England militia companies. They had no unified chain of command, and although Artemas Ward of Massachusetts exercised authority by informal agreement, officers from other colonies were not obligated to obey his orders. The American volunteers were led, equipped, armed, paid for, and supported by the colonies from which they were raised.
In the spring of 1775, this “army” was about to confront British troops near Boston, Massachusetts. The revolutionaries had to re-organize their forces quickly if they were to stand a chance against Britain’s seasoned professionals. Recognizing the need to enlist the support of all of the American seaboard colonies, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress appealed to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia to assume authority for the New England army. Reportedly, at John Adams’ request, Congress voted to “adopt” the Boston troops on June 14, although there is no written record of this decision. Also on this day, Congress resolved to form a committee “to bring in a draft of rules and regulations for the government of the Army,” and voted $2,000,000 to support the forces around Boston, and those at New York City. Moreover, Congress authorized the formation of ten companies of expert riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, which were directed to march to Boston to support the New England militia.
It was also in 1775 that the Army established one of the key corps, the Noncommissioned Officers Corps, or NCO corps. These officers became a crucial link in the Army command structure, taking responsibility for leading small units in the field. They also became well versed in technical aspects of warfare and served as trainers for the soldiering art. They have gradually, throughout the Army’s history, come to greater acknowledgment for their crucial part in its story.
George Washington rose to prominence in the Revolutionary movement when he took command of the Continental Army. He laid out a plan for the army consisting of a regular army at the ready that was supported by an organized militia. This is seen today in our current volunteer Army and the National Guard. Though at this time a very small force, others began to build and train it for readiness. Major General Jacob Brown did just this before the War of 1812 when he set up a special camp to supervise the training and outfitting of American soldiers. During this war, the size of the army was increased. Others generals such as Winfield Scott took this new army and led them on the field of battle, meeting the British as equals.
Training the soldiers that would lead the nation’s troops was given over in 1802 when West Point was established. Here cadets were, and still are, taught the intricacies of leading soldiers into battle and the various tactics that are required. The strict regimen of drill, discipline, academic and hands-on training prepared them for a variety of roles in the Army. These ranged from the infantry, artillery, cavalry to the engineers.
The Army’s importance to the new nation grew as it dealt with a growing population that was expanding into the west. They also
(Cont’d Page 3)
Source: The Center Of Military History (CMH)
“WAR DOGS” . . . THE OTHERSOLDIERS
NOTICE REGARDING ALL NEW AD AND CONTENT CONTRIBUTIONS
Effective with the next issue (June), all new
material to be included in the “388th” must be
submitted prior to the first of the month in
which it is to appear. .
Between the years 1964 and 1973, America had deployed an estimated 4,000 war dogs and 10,000 handlers to help defend South Vietnam from invasion from North Vietnam. During the ground war, Veterinarians and Vet Techs were also deployed throughout South Vietnam to help manage the diets and medial health of the war dogs.
The success of the war dogs and handlers walking point, tracking, guarding, patrolling, and protecting American lives and military assets, ultimately reduced the enemy's capacity for surprise attacks. As a result, the enemy placed a price tag on the heads of the war dog teams and hunted them with extreme prejudice.
1973 is significant because that was when the United States ceased ground combat operations and withdrew the last of its ground combat forces from South Vietnam. The several thousand surviving war dogs were crated and no longer performing their jobs in the field because their masters were ordered out of South Vietnam. South Vietnam fell to North Vietnam in 1975, which officially ended the war.
The decision to classify the war dogs as equipment and leave them all behind (several thousand) after the war remains the saddest chapter in America's military working dog history. Their final fate was either to be transferred to the South Vietnam Army or to be euthanized after each war dog unit was methodically and strategically deactivated throughout South Vietnam. Very few dogs were redeployed to U.S. bases outside of South Vietnam to live out their lives in peace.
were divided for a five year period of the Civil War when the northern and southern states took sides against one another. Both were led by exceptional individuals, many of whom were West Point graduates. George McClellan served the army in the beginning of the war by helping it to become an organized and disciplined fighting force. But it took aggressive leadership from Ulysses S. Grant to take it to the field of battle later in the war and fight front and ready. It was also during this time that African-Americans started to serve as soldiers in the field, showing their bravery in battle.
The Army served its part during the settling of the west from coast to coast by escorting the pioneers in their wagon trains and manning forts out on the prairies. African Americans, named the “Buffalo Soldiers” by the Native Americans, served bravely in the west. The Army not only helped to police the west, but also aided in exploring and mapping the wild country.With the coming of the twentieth century, the Army saw changes in technology and strategy as it evolved into a modern fighting force. With the country entering World War I in 1917, training the soldiers for battle fell on the shoulders on John J. Pershing. Having proven himself in past battles as apt leader, he was crucial is establishing and upholding strict training procedures for the recruits that would become soldiers. His battle strategy was also key in helping turn the tide of World War I. It was also during this time that the first Army planes took to the sky, becoming the precursors of the later Army Air Corps.
Fighting readiness was even more important with the advent of World War II. General William Catlett Marshall at Fort Benning established a new training program for officers that turned academics towards a more practical and efficient battlefield strategy. Another great, George Patton, brought new strategy and fervor to American tankers on the battlefield. The all out war effort of the nation set the army on a whole new footing, with massive campaigns on D-Day, Europe and in the Pacific. The Army was now truly a modern one.
As the latter part of the twentieth century dawned, the army took on new challenges in Korea and Vietnam along with helping to fight the Cold War.
Now, in the 21st Century, the Army has once again adapted to the new threats and challenges in the Middle East, distinguishing themselves in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. New weaponry, advanced battle tactics and changes in world events shapes the Army into the one we now know. From its early days on the battlefields with the British to the war on terrorism, the Army continues to grow and change as it defend s the country from harm and uphold liberty.
th238 Anniversary - U.S. Army (Cont’d. from Page 2)
“...as the Army Goes Rolling Along”
ONCE AGAIN THERE WERE AMERICAN AIRBORNE LANDINGS IN NORMANDY.
In 1944, the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne Divisions made night parachute drops early on D-Day - June 6, followed by 3,937 glider troops flown in by day. As the opening maneuver of Operation Neptune (the assault operation for Overlord) the American airborne divisions were delivered to the continent in two parachute and six glider missions.
To help commemorate the 69th Anniversary of the those historic Normandy jumps, Chapter 388 President - Rick Arnold joined 24 other former paratroopers and made three commemorative jumps into the same area. They jumped from WWII C47 aircraft similar to those used on D Day
The jumps were into Angoville-au-Plain on June 6 and 7 and then into La Fière on June 9. Angoville-au-Plain is home to a famous church used by 2 US Army Medics as an aide station during the Battle of Normandy. Robert Wright and Ken Moore of the 101st Airborne treated a mix of 80 injured American and German wounded Soldiers and a child. Blood stains are still visible on the pews. Two stained glass windows commemorate the 101st Airborne Division, the first one is dedicated to the two medics of the 2nd Battalion of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (101st Airborne Division). The second one honored the American parachutists.
La Fière was where the All American 82nd division parachuted into Normandy. The plan was that the exits from Utah beach should be secured by the time the invasion forces landed at dawn. They were also charged with securing the river crossings over the Douve and Merderet at "La Flere" and "Chef Du Pont". This would then give the American forces control of the road and prevent the Germans getting reinforcements to the beach area. Before the main drop "pathfinders" dropped to mark the landing areas with flares. Thick cloud and anti aircraft fire caused some of the pilots to drop their parachutists in the wrong area, and many pilots flew too fast for a safe drop. The 505th Regiment (part of the 82nd) dropped to the west of St. Mere Eglise landed on target and within three hours had captured the town. The other two regiments 507th, & 508th, did not fare as well and were scattered over both sides of the River Merderet. It should be noted that the Germans had flooded the land either side of the river and the area was more like a swamp, into which many men landed and drowned because of the weight of equipment. The fields still flood today and a marker just along the road indicates the level of the water in June 1944.
Sainte-Mère l'Eglise later became known to the world after the introduction of the 1962 film, “The Longest Day”. In the film paratrooper - Pvt. John Steele of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (played by actor Red Buttons) is depicted landing on the church's steeple where he pretended to be dead to avoid being shot by the Germans. Pvt. Steele was actually left hanging there for two hours and watched helplessly as his unfortunate companions were being shot all around him.
159 US Army soldiers received the Congressional 159 US Army soldiers received the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War
159 US Army soldiers received the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War
.
Chapter President Rick Arnold is holding the Prisoner of War Medal awarded to Vice President John Hussong’s father - WJ (Willie) Hussong, Sr. as a result of his being held a prisoner by the Germans during WWII. In his honor, Rick carried the medal on his jump into the Angoville-au-Plain area of France on June 6th of this year - the 69th Anniversary of D Day. Rick is pictured here standing in that famous WWII Landing Zone.
If there’s any truth to Grandma’s old saying that, “Busy Hands are Happy Hands”, then a lot of our Chapter members indeed had “Happy Hands” as they wiled away their waking hours making key chains!
One of the more popular “souvenir” items offered to members of the public as a thank you for their monetary support at our Chapter’s summer “Outreaches” is our beaded key chains. These simple items become a constant reminder of the service to our Country given by the countless veterans of the Vietnam Era.
Unfortunately we found our selves in short supply of three of the key chain patterns. Previously the Chapter obtained the them from a source that is now, no longer available. As a result, we’ve decided to try and make our own. Favorable prices were eventually found for the beads, split rings and lacing . . . all that then remained was assembly. Packets of enough materials to make 10 key chairs were made up and offered to our members. After just a “little” cajoling, all of the packets were taken up (many brave hearts took several).
Now our supplies are again adequate for the summer Outreaches. A little later in the year we may have to also replenish our supply of the POW/MIA pattern and the Agent Orange Pattern.
All American Pattern
Vietnam Ribbon Pattern
National Defense Ribbon Pattern
POW/MIA Pattern
Agent Orange Pattern
REMEMBERANCEKEY CHAIN PROJECT
"The reason the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos,
and the American Army practices it on a daily basis."
- from a post-WWII debriefing of a German General
Saturday, May 18th saw a number of 388 members out riding thestreets of Caron City’s historic west side as a part of the “Ride with a Vet - Family Bike Cruise, co-sponsored by 388 and Muscle Powered of Carson City. Among the “Vet” riders were Chapter Member and Mayor- Bob Crowell, Bob Lopez, Gary Armstrong, Lee Jackson, Gwen & John Hussong and Brenda & Verne Horton. Manning 388’s Outreach Booth were members, Nikka Filippi, Gary Lowry and Rick Ashley. It was a beautiful day for a bike ride and everyone had a great time! Our “Outreach” at the event netted over $175.00 in donations while sharing the VVA and Chapter 388’s “message” with the crowd.
Nikka represented Chapter 388 in the
grueling Trike Race “leaving lottsa rubber
on the road!”
“Ride with a Vet - Family Bike Cruise” “Ride with a Vet - Family Bike Cruise” “Ride with a Vet - Family Bike Cruise”
Memorial Day observations found me at the Soledad Correctional Training Facility in Monterrey County California housing 6,500 prisoners and home of VVA Chapter 1065 which held their 2cd annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Additionally on May 28 Ken and Betty Rodgers and I were able to screen their film, Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor. The packed gymnasium included Khe Sanh corpsman before a large group of incarcerated veterans including Michael “Doc” Piper, Commander of the Incarcerated Vietnam Veterans of America CTF Chapter. Warden Spearman and his staff were very supportive and the warden spoke at the Memorial Day ceremony concluding the two day event.
The first week of June was a VVA trifecta for western Nevada beginning with Chapter 388 meeting on Thursday night in Carson City. Region 8 Director Tom Owen from Lebanon, Oregon accompanied me to the meeting having arrived early for the Region 8 and 9 Pre Convention Meeting at the Silver Legacy. Friday began with an invitation to attend Senator Heller's roundtable Military and Veterans Forum in Reno. We are fortunate to have Dean Heller sitting on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee providing us with direct contact on Capitol Hill with a longtime friend of the VVA. Friday June 7th the Nevada State Council held their meeting at VFW Post 9211 at Moana Field. The meeting was attracted a few national officers and candidates for national and regional offices in the upcoming National convention. President John Rowan and Government Affairs Chair Rick Davidge spoke briefly. State Council presidents from California, Steve Mackey and Ohio, Tom Burke were also in attendance as well as Carson Area and the Sierra Nevada Chapter. The Convention was a major focus and Lee Jackson was approved to attend as the NSC At Large delegate. Chapter 17 will send four national delegates and fund the delegate for recently chartered Chapter 1076 in Henderson. It appears Reno will send one delegate at this time. Unfortunately it is an expensive undertaking to send a member to Jacksonville underscoring how cheap it was to our limited funds when the last national Convention was in Reno in 2011.
The NSC finances remain in limbo and a special meeting of the Finance Committee will be called in July. The proposed NSC Foundation a separate 501 C-3 is essential in developing a budget for NSC. The foundation board will include representatives from Nevada chapters excluding current NSC officers or board members. Chapter 17 presidents Richard Small is developing this and is recruiting board members. Richard Shuster and Mike Miller from the Sierra Nevada chapter have indicated their interest in serving on the NSC Foundation board. The next NSC meeting will be held in Tonopah on October 19th and hopefully NSC Finances will be solidified and a budget presented by Tom George.
Dick Southern and Region 8 Director Tom Owen put on a very successful Pre-convention at the Silver Legacy, the conference attended by VVA and AVVA chapter presidents and regional representatives from the west coast. Many national candidates and officers were present. The pre-convention focused on proposed national resolutions and constitutional amendments.
I Want You . . . I Want You . . . at Grandma Hattie’s at Grandma Hattie’s Saturday, June 15thSaturday, June 15th
at 9:00 amat 9:00 am
I Want You . . . at Grandma Hattie’s Saturday, June 15th
Will host anWill host an“Outreach” at this event!“Outreach” at this event!Will host an
“Outreach” at this event!
JULY 28, 2013 - 11am to 2 pm
Northern Nevada Military Appreciation Fair
’s Measurement & Control businessproudly presents the second annual GE
“Saluting Nevada’s Vietnam Veterans”A Free- Family Friendly Event
More Info as it becomes Available
The conference also provided a forum for the national candidates to speak about their platform and motivation to serve as officers or directors of our national organization.
The 16th VVA National Convention will be held August 13-17 and requires the State Councils and Chapters to be in good standing in that their Annual Elections and Financial Reports have been filed by July 15, 2013. I am looking forward to representing Nevada and our Chapter at the National Convention.
Respectfully, TP Hubert, presidentNevada State Council.
®
Happy 4th of July!
Don’t forget there is no monthlymeeting in July . . . however, we’ll see you at Breakfast on July 20th!
Cont’d.
NEVADA STATE COUNCILREPORT
by Terry Hubert, PresidentNevada State Council
Welcome toour ranks
New Pending VVA Members
New Pending AVVA Members
300 E. John St.Carson City, NV
775-882-2995
FORREST PORTER
Hairstylist
THE ALTERNATIVE IN HAIR DESIGN
Ron BlissGerald BowersBob CollinsRobert CumminsRich Garvey
Jeff JacksonGary LowryRon SmithRon StillwellDon Waller
Christine Cummins
With the addition of these new members, our Chapter now boasts a combined VVA and AVVA membership
of 90 veterans and supporters
June is PTSD Awareness month. Posttraumatic stress disorder can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like
combat, assault, or disaster. But there is help. To find out about symptoms, effects and solutions, visit www.ptsd.va.gov.
Take The First Step About PTSD
THE BUSY BEEBy Joe Matisohn, Service Officer
Welcome to the Debt Management Center
Veterans, members of the Armed Forces and family members who incur debts as a result of their participation in most VA compensation, pension and education programs as well as home loans closed before January 1, 1990 receive letters from DMC notifying them of their rights as well as their obligation to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you have a debt with the VA, you may have questions concerning payment plans, amounts offset from your benefit payments and what to do if payment of the debt would cause hardship.
DO NOT IGNORE THIS DEBT
Have you received a collection letter from the Department of the Treasury giving you 10 days to make payment in order to avoid further collection action? If Treasury has sent you this letter, sending a payment directly to VA will delay posting of the payment and will not stop Treasury from adding fees to the amount you owe. Questions regarding Treasury collection should be directed to the telephone number on the Treasury collection letter.
Don't get caught in this situation and contact your service officer as soon as you are notified of the debt or contact a VA Social Worker at the VA Center
IF YOU OWE THE VA
The Nevada Women Veterans Program addresses the unique needs of women veterans across the State of Nevada. The 2013 wellness events in Las Vegas, Reno. and Elko are designed to educate women of different generations about healthy life choices.
On June 29,2013 from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm Reno Women Veterans Wellness Event will be held at the Siena Hotel SPA Casino, Reno. NV. This event wil1 have a diverse offering of classes and information. Brunch will also be serve
Some of the informational classes being offered include:
Cooking - Cooking information and demonstration provided by VA nutritionist
Keeping your Cool - Hear about ideas and techniques for how to manage the stresses of everyday life.
Benefits - This class will focus on how to file claims and what benefits are available to female veterans.
Aging Gracefully - Class on Menopause, Osteoporosis and other gifts of aging.
Some of the fitness activities will include:
Tai ChiMassage
All classes and activities are subject to change but rest assured there will be something for everyone at this event to ensure our women veteran population is healthy, strong and well informed.
Space is limited to 80 people and is first come - first serve 80 please RSVP to: Yvonne Betron, Women Veteran Coordinator at 702-486-3830, 702-501-9432 (cell) or [email protected]
Pre Registration (until 8/18/2013) - $25.00 for Biker; $15.00 for rider (includes Registration, Pin, Food, Key Chain, and Ride Pouch). All Fees in cash, or check only.
Pre Register on-line at www.carsoncityhd.com
or pick-up a registration form at
mail to VVA-Chapter 388 P.O. Box 21614,Carson City, NV 89721
On Site Day of Event Registration at Harley Davidson - Carson City begins at 8:30 am - $30.00 for Biker; $20.00 for rider (includes Registration, Pin, Food, Key Chain, and Ride Pouch). All Fees in cash only.
Coffee, Juice and Donuts/Muffins 8:30 am
Run Starts at 9:30 am
BBQ Lunch 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Live Music - Raffle Prize Drawing and Best Poker Hand Drawing 3:00 pm
All net proceeds to benefit the Northern Nevada Adopt a Vet Dental Program, a non-profit organization that assists
low income veterans obtain needed dental treatment.
AAVDAAVDAdopt a Vet Dental ProgramAdopt a Vet Dental ProgramAdopt a Vet Dental Program
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REMEMBER TO SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT US!VIDEOS:
VA Disability Claims process: http://youtu.be/_QgfzRoHLjkVocational Rehabilitation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASPqtJWJ-KU&feature=share&list=UUBvOzPLmbzjtpX-Htstp2vw INFOGRAPHICSFully Developed Claims: http://benefits.va.gov/transformation/infographics/fdc_claims_cork_board.htmlSAH: http://benefits.va.gov/transformation/infographics/special_adaptive_housing.htmleBenefits: http://benefits.va.gov/transformation/infographics/ebenefits.html VA Hiring: http://benefits.va.gov/transformation/infographics/va_hiring.html
VA Announces New, On-line ToolsDesigned to help Veterans learn more about the benefits
A toothache or dental discomfort. Most of us have experienced one or both of these throughout the course of our life. The solution is a quick call to your dentist and a hasty appointment to quickly ease the pain and correct the problem. For many low-income veterans this is not a viable solution due to lack of funds, or insurance. The VA hospital/clinic is available to them to receive antibiotics and pain relievers, but not dental treatment. The problem doesn't go away and often times comes back with a vengeance.
Currently for eleven veterans in the Carson Area that situation has been alleviated due to the generosity of 18 area dentists who have contributed their time and professional skills to these veterans through the Adopt a Vet Dental Program.
The treated are ranging from the Korean War, Vietnam Era, Desert Storm to Iraq. Most are disabled in some degree but insufficiently to be 100% disabled by the VA administration to receive dental care.
My life has been touched by these veterans. From the one who couldn't believe there wasn't “a catch” to this free donated treatment, or the one who is raising his 2 small daughters by himself, or the veteran who needed a ride to the VA hospital for a consultation with the oral surgeon and our chapter member stepped forward to answer this veteran's need by providing transportation. They all have stories to tell but most of what I hear is how very much they are appreciative of this program and the Chapter 388's efforts in their support and area coordination of the AAVD,
We still need your help by speaking to your dentist regarding participation in the AAVD. There is not a lack of veterans who are waiting for dental treatment. If all area dentists accepted only one veteran a year, that would equate to 44 veterans receiving dental care. As always I am more than willing to go to their practice and answer any questions they may have.
Brenda Horton, AVVAVVA-388/Adopt a Vet Dental Program Area Coordinator
TUE 6-11-13Yerington Senior Center 117 Tilson Way, Yerington, Nv 9:00 Am – 2:00 Pm THU 6-13-13Hawthorne American Legion Post #19755 Sierra Way, Hawthorne, Nv 11:00 Am – 3:00 Pm TUE 6-25-13Douglas County Senior Center2300 Meadow Lane, Gardnerville, Nv10:00 Am – 2:00 Pm WED 6-26-13Dayton Senior Center320 Old Dayton Valley Road, Dayton, Nv10:00 Am – 2:00 Pm THU 6-27-13Silver Springs Senior Center2945 Fort Churchill, Silver Springs, Nv10:00 Am – 2:00 Pm
WED 7-3-13Wellington - East Fork Fire District - Station 41476 Albite, Wellington, NV 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM WED 7-10-13Winnemucca Armory735 West Fourth Street, Winnemucca, NV11:00 AM – 6:00 PM THU 7-11-13Lovelock - Pershing Community Center820 6th Street, Lovelock, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – WED 7-17-13Gabbs Senior Center699 Brucite Street, Gabbs, NV11:00 AM – 2:00 PM – WED 7-24-13Round Mountain Simpson Community Center650 Civic Drive, Round Mountain, NV10:00 AM – 4:00 PM THU 7-25-13Austin Court House122 Main Street, Austin, NV9:00 AM – 1:00 PM TUE 7-30-13Gardnerville - Douglas County Senior Center2300 Meadow Lane, Gardnerville, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Nevada Office of Veterans Serviceshttp://www.veterans.nv.gov/contact.html
ROVING VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS C H E D U L E F O R A P R I L
"Army: A body of men assembled to rectify the mistakes of the diplomats."
- Josephus Daniels
For more information, or to schedule an advanced appointment Contact Pamela Roberts (775) 688-1653 ext. 6 or Barbara at (775) 321-4880. Veterans are advised to bring their DD-214 discharge document and/or current VA claim(s) correspondence. If the claim involves their dependents, veterans should bring marriage and/or birth certifcates as wel l as soc ia l secur i ty numbers o f the i r dependents .
HAPPY BIRTHDAYVic Biskup June 6Ron Harper June 11John Lingar June 24Terri Hendry June 27Rick Conner June 27Nikka Filippi June 29
Nick Nicosia July 4Neal Davies July 6Tom Spencer July 10Brandi Spencer July 11Chris Cummins July 11Ron Moore July 25Terry Hubert July 29
JUNE - JULY CALENDAR
2013 EVENT SCHEDULEDate
Event Location August 1
August 3-4
August 13-17
August 17
August 17
September 5
September 7-8September 20
September 21
October 3
October 19
October 23-27
October 26
November 7
November 11
November 16
December 5
December 21
Breakfast/Coffee
Breakfast/Coffee
Breakfast/Coffee
Breakfast/Coffee
Chapter Meeting
Outreach
VVA National Convention
989/388 BBQChapter Meeting
OutreachPOW/MIA Recognition Day
Chapter Meeting
Battle Born Days
Nevada Day Parade
Chapter Meeting
Veterans Day Parade
Christmas Party
Place Wreaths 9AM (No breakfast)
Walmart N. Carson
Jacksonville, FL
Grandma Hattie's
TBA
Carson City
Carson City
Raley's South CarsonCapital
Carson City
Grandma Hattie's
Grandma Hattie's
Mills Park Carson City
Carson City
Carson City
Virginia City
Grandma Hattie’s
TBA
Fernley
July 4 Independence Day National
July 20 Breakfast/Coffee Grandma Hattie's
June 14 Flag Day National
June 15 Breakfast/Coffee Grandma Hattie's
June 22-23 Outreach Gardnerville Walmart
July 4 NO CHAPTER MEETING NO CHAPTER MEETING
June 15 Outreach Carson Airport
As you will note in the above calendar, we have five more “Outreach”events scheduled. Please keep these dates in mind. A couple of weeks prior to the each event, we will be sending out a “sign-up” sheet asking for volunteers to help man our Outreach canopy/kiosks. We typically work 10am to 4pm each day, in two hour shifts with a minimum of 6-8 volunteers per shift.
If you haven’t worked an Outreach, you’ve missed a great opportunity to meet and greet fellow veterans from Korea to Afghanistan, get to know your fellow Chapter members better and help to educate the public about the work of the VVA and especially our Chapter.
Custom Embroidery on Caps,Shirts, Jackets and Screen Printing
“2013-Flight Plan for the Future”Saturday, June 15, 2013
8 am till 3 pm
Free Admission, Fun for the entire family.
Put on your flight suit (if it still fits) and head on down to the Carson City Airport for an exciting day of aviation and aerospace adventure.
See historical military aircraft like the legendary P-51 mustang, Black Hawk helicopter, AH-1 Cobra and OV-10 Bronco. Join us for flybys, parachute jumps and static displays.
®
- CHEA AR P A TN ERO S 3R 8A 8C
388 will host an388 will host an“Outreach” at this event!“Outreach” at this event!
![[1961] A.C. 388](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/54310242219acdd64e8b521c/1961-ac-388.jpg)
