OCTOBER 2013

®

Cha aer pA t en r o 3s 8r 8aC

Newsletter of the Carson Area Chapter - 388 of the Vietnam Veterans of Americacommobunker388@charter.net

388TH

The U.S. Navy performed a wide array of missions in the Vietnam War. In the air, it was a key partner with the U.S. Air Force during the Rolling Thunder and Linebacker air campaigns against North Vietnam, and in other air operations in Laos and Cambodia. On the coast, it developed a highly effective blockade to prevent the resupply of enemy forces by sea, engaged in naval gunfire support missions against enemy targets in the littoral areas of Vietnam, and provided amphibious transport for Marines operating in I Corps. On the rivers, it stood up several task forces designed to protect commercial traffic, assist allied ground forces in pacifying these areas, and interdict enemy troops and supplies moving on these inland waterways. The U.S. Navy also supported the war effort with a massive sea and riverine logistics operation, built and managed shore facilities throughout South Vietnam, and provided extensive medical support for the allied military operation. U.S. Navy advisors first arrived in South Vietnam in the fall of 1950, and by 1969 numbered 564. These advisors assisted the Republic of Vietnam in developing the Vietnam Navy (VNN) that grew from 5,000 sailors and 122 vessels in 1959 to over 42,000 men and 1,500 vessels in 1972, making it the fifth largest navy in the world. Naval advisors worked throughout the war to train this indigenous navy, and experienced many hardships and much danger serving on VNN ships and craft.

The U.S. response to the North Vietnamese attack on USS Maddox (DD 731) in the Gulf of Tonkin in August 1964 marked the beginning of the Navy’s air and surface bombardment against North Vietnam. During the course of the war, Seventh Fleet aircraft carriers supported allied air campaigns by bombing fuel and supply facilities, power plants, bridges, and railroads in Laos and North Vietnam, and after 1970, in Cambodia. Navy surface vessels steamed up and down the coasts of both North and South Vietnam, raining down shells on a variety of targets. Rolling Thunder air and naval gunfire attacks, however, did not prove decisive. The 1965–68 interdiction campaign neither resulted in a peace treaty nor altered significantly the ground situation in the South. Linebacker attacks in 1972, by comparison, were more effective, especially in blunting the Communist Easter Offensive. During Linebacker I, the Navy flew an average of 4,000 sorties a month, which

U.S. Navy - VietnamU.S. Navy - Vietnam

Cont’d

represented 60 percent of the air effort; Navy surface ships fired over 111,000 rounds at targets on the North Vietnamese coast. Navy aircraft also closed North Vietnam’s major ports in a highly successful mining operation, code-named Pocket Money. In December 1972, peace negotiations with North Vietnam stalled, compelling President Nixon to resume the air offensive. Linebacker II was a maximum effort air campaign, focusing heavily on strategic military targets in Hanoi and Haiphong. Air Force B-52s performed the brunt of the bombing missions during the operation, but Navy aircraft played a vital role in air defense suppression missions and also reseeded North Vietnam’s major ports with mines. The discovery of a 100-ton enemy trawler in Vung Ro Bay in February 1965 led to the establishment of a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard patrol force to complement the existing VNN anti-infiltration program along the 1,200-mile coast of South Vietnam. The purpose of this deployment, which became Operation Market Time (Task Force 115), was to halt the seaborne infiltration of supplies to Communist troops. Market Time represented the Navy’s most successful interdiction program during the war, all but eliminating infiltration by North Vietnamese steel-hulled freighters and significantlyreducing North Vietnamese resupply by sea. In December 1965, the U.S. Navy initiated Operation Game Warden to patrol the major rivers and canals in the Mekong Delta and Rung Sat Special Zone. Consisting of a fleet of 31-foot patrol boats augmented by attack helicopters and SEAL units, this naval inshore force (Task Force 116) imposed a curfew in the region, interdicted enemy troop and supply movements, curbed Communist taxation of peasants, and hindered large-scale Viet Cong operations. Minesweeping forces and harbor defense units kept the vital waterways to Saigon and Hue and South Vietnam’s major ports open for allied use. In performing these varied functions, Game Warden helped secure the major rivers in the area for commerce and extended government control to the "breadbasket" of South Vietnam, home to over six million people. The Mobile Riverine Force was a joint Army-Navy river assault force designed to search out and destroy Viet Cong units operating in the Mekong Delta. In 1967, elements of the U.S. Army’s 9th Infantry Division operating from a flotilla of armored Navy riverine craft (Task Force 117) launched a series of daring amphibious assaults in the region, achieving a 15 to 1 kill ratio against the Viet Cong. During the Tet Offensive, the Mobile Riverine Force, assisted by Task Force 116, saved the Mekong Delta by helping South Vietnamese troops defeat Viet Cong attacks on provincial capitals and other major towns in the Delta. Other riverine units based in I Corps (Task Force Clearwater) proved instrumental in keeping the Perfume and Cua Viet rivers open for supply traffic during the Tet Offensive. Southeast Asia Lake, Ocean, River, and Delta Strategy (SEALORDS) combined elements of Task Forces 115, 116, and 117 with the VNN to halt the infiltration of enemy troops and supplies into South Vietnam from Cambodia. Beginning in late 1968, riverine forces established new patrol barriers near the border of Cambodia and established a military and South Vietnamese government presence deep in the heart of the Mekong Delta. This campaign reduced overall Viet Cong activity in the Mekong Delta and deterred the enemy from launching a major offensive in the area during the 1972 Easter Offensive. The merchant ships of the Military Sea Transportation Service delivered 95 percent of the military equipment and supplies consumed by allied forces in Vietnam. Navy Seabee construction units built enormous support bases at Danang and Saigon to supply all Navy and Marine Corps forces in the field as well as some Air Force and Army units. Naval Support Activity Sailors administered these logistical hubs and operated a fleet of supply craft and barges that plied the waters of the Mekong Delta and beyond. The Navy also operated two hospitals at Danang and Saigon and two hospital ships, Sanctuary (AH 17) and Repose (AH 16), staffed by Navy doctors, corpsmen, and 425 female members of the Nurse Corps. Amphibious readiness was a unique capability shared by the Navy and Marine Corps team in Vietnam. The Marine Corps took advantage of the fleet’s amphibious assault ships to launch large and small assaults along the coast of South Vietnam. In Operation Starlight of August 1965, U.S. and South Vietnamese units wiped out the 1st Viet Cong Regiment. Subsequently, Viet Cong units generally shied away from combat with amphibious forces, ceding control of much of the coastline to allied forces. The naval command also utilized the amphibious forces as a floating reserve that could rapidly transport reinforcements to any hot spot on the coast. This was especially valuable during several set-piece battles near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of the 1967–68 period. A total of 1.842 million Sailors served in Southeast Asia. The Navy provided the allied effort with many unique capabilities, the most significant being the projection of U.S. combat power ashore and control of the seas to support a land war in Asia far from the United States.

Overall, the Navy suffered the loss of 1,631 men killed and 4,178 wounded during the course of the war.

U.S. Navy - VietnamCont’d

©The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration

With our Chapter growing by leaps and

bounds, so much more can and must be done.

If you would like to help, take a look at the

Committee List above and pick out one you’d

like to be a part of! Most Committees can

definitely use more help . . .

CHAPTER ORGANIZATION

AD HOC COMMITTEES Battle Born Days

Wreaths Across America

Others ( as called for by the President)Veterans Day Committee

** Membership established by Chapter By-LawsChapter President is a member of all Committees

Scholarship Darrol Brown/Bruce Bertram

Health/Transportation Neal Davies

Darrol BrownGovernment Affairs Chaplain’s Bruce Bertram

STANDING COMMITTEES: CONTACT

POW/MIA Darrol BrownCommunications Verne Horton/John Hussong

Special Events Jack McQuirk/Ron Moore/Stuart Miller

Welcome Home Robert Talbert/Rick Arnold

Membership Affairs John HussongOutreach Verne Horton

Finance Committee** Rick ArnoldExecutive Committee** Rick Arnold

Women’s Affairs Lee Jackson

Adopt-a-Vet Dental Program Brenda Horton

VSO Joe Matisohn

ELECTED OFFICERS

Rick Arnold

John Hussong

Jack McQuirk

Lee Jackson

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Community Services Committee Vacant

Navy Day is the original day to celebrate the U.S. Navy, and though this celebration officially was replaced by Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May for the U.S.) in 1949, the celebrations of Navy Day continue on, especially within the Navy itself. Additionally, research undertaken in the 1970s showed the ‘true’ birthday of the US Navy to be October 13th, and the date was officially changed – however, the entrenched celebration still holds sway, and October 27th is still generally celebrated instead.

The 27th October was suggested as a date to recognize the birthday of one of the Navy’s supporters who was Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1897, Theodore Roosevelt.

Before 1949 the U.S. Navy would send its ships to various ports for Navy Day, with 1945 having a large celebration; the current President (President Harry S Truman) reviewed the fleet in the New York Harbour, and there are pictures of ships docked along the Hudson River for the celebrations.

Navy Day was last officially observed on October 27th 1949 when Louis A. Johnson directed that the U.S. Navy’s participation in such events would occur in May, On Armed Forces Day. He was the secretary of the newly created Department of Defense.

NAVY DAYOCTOBER 27

The United States Navy recognizes October 13, 1775 as the date of its official establishment, when the Continental Congress passed a resolution creating the Continental Navy. With the end of the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Navy was disbanded. Under President George Washington threats to American merchant shipping by pirates in the Mediterranean led to the Naval Act of 1794, which created the U.S. Navy. The original six frigates were authorized as part of the Act. Over the next 20 years, the Navy fought the French Navy in the Quasi-War (1798-99), Barbary states in the First and Second Barbary Wars, and the British in the War of 1812. After the War of 1812, the Navy was at peace until the Mexican-American war in 1846, and served to combat piracy in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas, as well fighting the slave trade. In 1845, the Naval Academy was founded. In 1861, the American Civil War began and the U.S. Navy fought the small Confederate Navy with both sailing ships and ironclad ships while forming a blockade that shut down the Confederacy's civilian shipping. After the Civil war, most of the its ships were laid up in reserve, and by 1878, the Navy was just 6,000 men.

In 1882, the U.S. Navy consisted of many outdated ship designs. Over the next decade, Congress approved building multiple modern armored cruisers and battleships, and by around the start of the 20th century had moved from twelfth place in 1870 to fifth place in terms of numbers of ships. After winning two major battles during the 1898 Spanish-American War, the Navy continued to build more ships, and by the end of World War I had more men and women in uniform than the Royal Navy. The Washington Naval Conference recognized the Navy as equal in capital ship size to the Royal Navy, and during the 1920s and 1930s, the Navy built several aircraft carriers and battleships. The Navy was drawn into World War II after the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, and over the next four years fought many historic battles including the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, multiple naval battles during the Guadalcanal Campaign, and the largest naval battle in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Much of the Navy's activity concerned the support of landings, not only with the "island-hopping" campaign in the Pacific, but also with the European landings. When the Japanese surrendered, a large flotilla entered Tokyo Bay to witness the formal ceremony conducted on the battleship Missouri, on which officials from the Japanese government signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. By the end of the war, the Navy had over 1,600 warships.

After World War II ended, the US Navy entered the Cold War and participated in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. Nuclear power and ballistic missile technology led to new ship propulsion and weapon systems, which were used in the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and Ohio-class submarines. By 1978, the number of ships had dwindled to less than 400, many of which were from World War II, which prompted Ronald Reagan to institute a program for a modern, 600-ship Navy. Today, the United States is the world's undisputed naval superpower, with the ability to engage in two simultaneous limited wars along separate fronts.

On December 18, 1965, for the first time since the American Civil War, the United States Navy formalized the new brown-water Navy in Vietnam. Its primary mission would be to interdict enemy re-supply, and any contraband which might contribute to the enemy's war effort. In the beginning, the brown-water navy patrolled the inland waterways, primarily with South Vietnamese river craft (RAG—River Assault Groups) which had been received from the US, as military aid, during the French fight against the Viet Minh (Communist-led Vietnamese alliance). As the new fiberglass PBR (Patrol Boat, River), using water jet propulsion, became available, it became the main interdiction vessel for the inland waterways. For close coastal waters during the war, more seaworthy South Vietnamese Navy water craft were used, until replaced by newer Navy Swift Boats (PCF - Patrol Craft Fast, aluminum 50 footers) and United States Coast Guard Point-class cutters. By the late 1960s, the Swift Boat would commence operations alongside the PBR's in the inland waters, as well as maintaining operations along the coast line.

The brown-water navy was a joint venture between the Navy and the Army, modeled after the earlier French Riverine and coastal patrols in the First Indochina War (1945–1954). In the beginning this force consisted of mostly modified surplus US WWII Landing craft. The only entirely new riverine boat from the French Indochina War had been the French designed STCN (an all-steel "V" hulled boat, approximately 40 feet in length, whose design had been influenced by the US LCVP). This particular craft influenced the design of the US Navy's only original riverine boat built for the Vietnam War; the 50-foot all-steel hull, aluminum super-structured ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat, better known as the "Alpha Boat"). The "Alpha" boat was built by the Gunderson Company, in Oregon, USA, and was of reinforced construction, in order to survive exploding mines. As a consequence, the ASPB earned a reputation as the "mine-sweeper" of the riverine forces. Other riverine craft included were the Patrol Air Cushion Vehicles (PACVs), Coast Guard Point-class 82-foot patrol boats, and the Monitors (modified LCMs). Together these craft formed a Mobile Riverine Force, that utilized various supporting facilities, such as the Yard Repair Berthing and Messings, advance bases, LSTs, helicopter and Seawolf units. The brown-water navy was largely successful in its tactics to combat infiltration and weapons smuggling during its existence between 1965 and 1970. The units were formalized in January 1967. In 1970, for the last time since the Civil War, the Navy stood down the last of its brown-water navy units; as they were turned over to the South Vietnamese and Cambodian Governments under the Vietnamization policy.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY

“RIVERINE FORCE”BROWN WATER NAVY

-Wikipedia

-Wikipedia

300 E. John St.Carson City, NV

775-882-2995

FORREST PORTERHairstylist

THE ALTERNATIVE IN HAIR DESIGN

MAJOR NAVY BLUE WATER BATTLES OF THE VIETNAM WAR

ACTION OF 1 MARCH 1968The Action Of 1 March 1968 refers to a co-ordinated attempt by four North Vietnamese trawlers to resupply the Viet Cong and the efforts of Operation Market Time elements to stop them during the Vietnam War. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_of_1_March_1968

OPERATION CUSTOM TAILOR Operation Custom Tailor was an American cruiser and destroyer strike force that conducted a daring raid on Haiphong, North Vietnam, in May 1972. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Custom_Tailor

BATTLE OF DONG HOI The Battle of Đồng Hới was a clash between United States Navy warships and three North Vietnamese air force MiG-17F fighter bombers, several torpedo boats and shore batteries on April 19, 1972 during the Vietnam War.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_%C4%90%E1%BB%93ng_H%E1%BB%9Bi

GULF OF TONKIN INCIDENT The Gulf of Tonkin incident (or the USS Maddox incident) is the name given to two separate confrontations involving North Vietnam and the United States in the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Tonkin_incident

MAYAGUEZ INCIDENT The Mayaguez incident, which took place between the Khmer Rouge and the United States from May 12–15, 1975, was the last official battle of the Vietnam War. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayaguez_incident

EAST SEA CAMPAIGNThe East Sea Campaign was a naval operation which took place

during the closing days of the Vietnam War in April 1975. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Sea_Campaign

VUNG RO BAY INCIDENTThe Vũng Rô Bay Incident refers to the discovery of a 100-ton North Vietnamese naval trawler attempting to unload supplies and munitions on a beach in South Vietnam's Vũng Rô Bay on 16 February 1965. The incident spurred further United States Navy involvement in the Vietnam War. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vung_Ro_Bay_Incident

" No event in American history is more misunderstood than the Vietnam War. It was misreported then, and it is misremembered now. Rarely have so many people been so wrong about so much. Never have the consequences of their misunderstanding been so tragic." - President Richard Nixon in “No More Vietnams”

On September 20, VVA Chapter 388 held a POW/MIA Recognition Day Observance on the plaza of the Nevada State Veterans Memorial located on the grounds of the Nevada State Capitol Complex.

Colors were posted by the Carson High School JNROTC Color Guard. After the Pledge of Alegence, the invocation was offered by Chapter Chaplain Bruce Bertram. Bruce also introduced our special guest, Doreen Portch whose father is an Air Force MIA from the Vietnam War.

Guest speakers, introduced by Master of Ceremonies - member Darrol Brown, were Chapter member Bob Crowell, Mayor of Carson City and Caleb S. Cage, Director of Military and Veterans Policy for the State of Nevada. Caleb also

POW/MIA Recognition Day

Cont’d

®

- CA HE AR PA TEN RO S 3R 8A 8C

The US Coast Guard was active in the Vietnam War beginning May 27, 1965 with the formation of Coast Guard Squadron One consisting of Divisions 11 and 12. While assigned the Coast Guard was under operational control of the Navy. Seven Coast Guardsmen were killed during the war in combat and search and rescue operations.

presented to Chapter Secretary, Lee Jackson a Proclamation by the Governor declaring September 20th, 2013 to be POW/MIA Recognition Day in the State of Nevada. The Chapter also received Recognition Certificates from Senator Dean Heller and Congressman Mark Amodei for its efforts in honoring POW/MIA Recognition Day .

The Observance was brought to a close with the solemn presentation of a “Missing Warrior Table and Honors Ceremony” by Chapter members Tom Spencer - US Army Veteran, Kevin Howell - US Air Force Veteran, Ron Stillwell - US Coast Guard Veteran, Don Bemis - US Navy Veteran, Chapter 989 member Kevin Burns a US Marine Corps Veteran and narrated by Verne Horton.

Who can be a member of VVA ?

Per the National Organization of Vietnam Veteran of America:

“Anyone who served on active duty (for other than training

purpose*) in the U.S. armed forces between February 28, 1961 and

May 7, 1975, in the Republic of Vietnam (in-country) or in any

duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.”

Basically, if you had what is called, “feet on the ground” between

02/28/61 and 05/07/75, you are considered a Vietnam Veteran. If

your service dates are between 08/05/64 and 05/07/75, the veteran

is considered a Vietnam Era vet.

There are veterans in our chapter that fall into both categories.

Qualified VVA members in good standing have full voting rights

and may hold elected offices within the chapter. They may either

“chair” or serve on a committee.

Note that the standard of 180 days of “total active service” applies

and a chapter may not accept a membership application if the

applicant’s DD214 shows fewer than 180 days of active duty.

Who can belong to the AVVA?

“AVVA members include families, friends and supporters of

Vietnam Veterans. Included in this category are veterans from before and after the

Vietnam era. VVA members can hold dual membership in the

AVVA and the VVA. VVA members would not have voting rights

within the AVVA.”

AVVA members that belong to a local chapter, may chair a

committee, serve on a committee but do not have voting rights and

may not hold an elected office.

Types of membership

VVA:

IND - Individual member - one year or three year membership LMP - Life member - paid in fullLMT - Life member - time payment planPHV - Permanently hospitalized veteranIVI - Veteran - incarcerated member

by John Hussong, Chapter Vice President

(775) 885-05001179 Fairview Drive, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89701

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About Our ChapterAbout Our ChapterAbout Our Chapter

AVVA:

ASC - AssociateALP - Associate Life memberALT - Associate LIfe member - time payment planOTH - Other - an AVVA member - paid in fullOLT - Other LIfe member - time payment planOLP - Other Life member - paid in fullIVA - Veteran incarcerated (other than Vietnam era) associate

It is important to note that the national organization issues a

“current roster” of ALL types of memberships. We receive the list

each month so as to keep current, our records of mailing addresses,

phone numbers, membership number and date of membership

expiration. This information allows us to issue reminders to

members that have a membership that is soon to lapse, check

addresses and phone numbers and make corrections as needed.Our

chapter has forms for renewal, new membership, membership

upgrades, change of address/phone, etc. These forms are available

on the national site as well (www.vva.org) In the future, this

information will be available on our new website with direct links

to the appropriate site.

If you are considering an “up-grade” to LIFE member, or a three

year membership, please contact me for details, costs, etc.

Fraternally,John Hussong - Vice PresidentMembership Chair

YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE AT THE CHAPTER BREAKFAST

OCTOBER 19TH AT 9:00AM GRANDMA HATTIE’S RESTAURANT

2811 SO. CARSON ST., CARSON CITY

BE THERE!

From the 1950s through the 1980s, people living or working at the

U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were

potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated with industrial

solvents, benzene, and other chemicals.

Veterans and family members who served on active duty or resided

at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between Jan. 1, 1957 and

Dec. 31, 1987 may be eligible for medical care for 15 health

conditions:

Esophageal cancer Breast cancer Kidney cancer Multiple myeloma Renal toxicity Female infertility Scleroderma Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

VA published a proposed regulation Sept. 11, 2013, which

discusses how they will improve health care to eligible Veterans

and the VA is working on regulations for family member care and

will publish these separately.

You can receive care now if you’re eligible. You don’t need to wait

for the proposed regulation to become final.

Lung cancer

Bladder cancer

Leukemia

Myelodysplastic syndromes

Hepatic steatosis

Miscarriage

Neurobehavioral effects

POSSIBLE PRESUMPTIVE BENEFITS FOR

SOME CAMP LEJEUNE VETERANS

In Appreciation of all our veteran members and in honor of Veterans Day - November 11, 2013, all attending members (VVA & AVVA) will be treated to a light dinner prior to our monthly Chapter Meeting on November 7th.

The dinner will be served prior to the meeting starting at 5:00pm.

The light dinner will consist of soups, sandwiches, beverage and desert! “Bring you appetite!!”

The Department of Veterans Affairs clarified itself Saturday, saying that if a government shutdown occurs, and lasts at least a month, not all compensation and pension payments would continue.

“Those benefits are provided through appropriated mandatory funding, and that funding will run out by late October. At that point, VA will be unable to make any payments,” spokeswoman Victoria Dillon said.

The agency earlier this week said all payments would be handled.

She said the agency has excepted certain workers - meaning they can work if there is a shutdown. That means claims can be processed and beneficiaries can receive payments during a shutdown that lasts less than a month.

VA says veterans' benefits would stop in long shutdown

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Adopt a Vet Dental ProgramAAVD

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Brenda Horton, AVVAVVA-388/Adopt a Vet Dental Program Area Coordinator

“I’ve got teeth !!!”

Over the past 7 months the VVA Chapter 388 – Adopt a Vet

Dental Program has continued to process veterans through our

program. The result has been that now, 10 veterans have

completed their “start to finish” dental treatment, 10 additional

veterans are currently undergoing their treatment plan and 16

veterans have been listed for treatment at one level or another at the

Veteran’ Dental Clinic to be conducted by Drs. Holmes, Mannikko

and E. Beglin here in Carson City on Friday, November 8th.

Plans should be finalized by mid-October for the completion

and printing of the Chapter’s new AAVD Brochure which can he

handed out to inquiring veterans who need dental care.

Additionally, Carson City FISH, Douglas County Senior Citizens

Center and Veterans Advocate Nick Lazarim have requested

materials and information pertaining to the program. With the

recent media releases, more veterans are becoming aware of the

program along with many VA physicians.

A milestone event occurred this past month as the original list

of approximately 15 veterans, who had been pre-approved and

were placed on the waiting list in 2011, no longer exists! All those

veterans on that list, that I’ve been able to contact, have now

completed their treatment, or are currently undergoing dental

treatment. Unfortunately our joy was short lived as Fernley has

now been added to the Carson City Area and there are still 5

veterans on that list from 2011. Fernley is limited in dental

providers, but I am hopeful that 1 or 2 out of the 4 will agree to

participate.

The number of veterans contacting us to see if they qualify for

the program continues to grow and therefore my immediate

priority is to re-contact dentists in this area who were non –

respondent to our March letter of invitation. I hope to determine

that they may now be willing to participate in the program as a

provider. Some dentists who originally indicated that they would

see only 1 veteran per year have now agreed to accept a 2nd one

within the same year.

It is wonderful and rewarding to see the change in the veterans

between their start photo and their completed photo. Their

gratitude to all who have made this possible is overwhelming.

Each of these veterans has given an earlier part of their life for

our Nation and now their obtaining their recent dental treatment

has allowed us to help make definite, positive changes in the rest of

their life.

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 U G U S T

http://www.veterans.nv.gov/rover.html

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 of the i r dependents .

TUE 9-3-13Winnemucca Armory735 WEST FOURTH STREET, WINNEMUCCA, NV9:00 AM – 4:00 PM WED 9-4-13Pershing Community Center820 6TH STREET, LOVELOCK, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM TUE 9-10-13Carson City Senior Center911 BEVERLY DRIVE, CARSON CITY, NV10:00 AM –2:00 PM THU 9-12-13Dayton Senior Center320 OLD DAYTON VALLEY ROAD, DAYTON, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM TUE 9-24-13Douglas County Senior Center2300 MEADOW LANE, GARDNERVILLE, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM WED 9-25-13Topaz Ranch EstatesEAST FORK FIRE DISTRICT – STATION 4 1476 ALBITE, WELLINGTON, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM WED 11-6-13Winnemucca Armory735 WEST FOURTH STREET, WINNEMUCCA, NV9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

THU 11-7-13Lovelock - Pershing Community Center820 6TH STREET, LOVELOCK, NV 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WED 11-13-13Carson City Senior Center911 BEVERLY DRIVE, CARSON CITY, NV10:00 AM –2:00 PM

TUE 11-19-13Douglas County Senior CenterPRE-SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS ONLY – NO WALK-INS 2300 MEADOW LANE, GARDNERVILLE, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WED 11-20-13Eureka Fire House290 N MAIN STREET, EUREKA, NV10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Everyone who is at least 6 months of age and 65 years and older should get a flu vaccine this season. During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older. The "seasonal flu season" in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will spread it to others. The dates for the walk-in clinics in Reno are: Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm on October 1-4 and 7-11. Another walk-in clinic will be held January 13-17, 2014. The walk in clinic will be in the lobby of the Ambulatory Care clinic. Also, you can get the vaccine during your regular appointment as well.

FLU SHOTS?THE SEASON IS ALMOST HERE

Finding Purpose Living with PTSD

For Veterans, their families, and friends. Grand Sierra Resort Casino 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (registration begins at 8:00 am) For more information visit www. reno .va .gov o r ca l l ( 7 7 5 . 7 8 6 . 7 2 0 0 X 3 9 0 1 o r X6564)Sponsored by the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System - Mental Health Service and the Spiritual Diversity Committee

STRUGGLING WITH PTSD?KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS?

NEVADA DAY PARADEOctober 26th

Once again, Chapter 388 will participate in the parade. We will be joined by Chapter 989 from Reno. We will have a float, “color guard” and a “marching unit”. Everyone is invited to participate.

WATCH YOUR EMAILS FOR MORE INFORMATION

We'd like to help. Join us November 15, 2013

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER CALENDAR

2013 EVENT SCHEDULEDate

Date

Event

Event

Location

Location

October 3 October 19

October 23-27

October 26

November 7 November 11 November 16

December 14

December 5

Breakfast/Coffee

Breakfast/Coffee

Chapter Meeting

Battle Born Days

Nevada Day Parade

Chapter MeetingVeterans Day Parade

Christmas Party

Place Wreaths 9AM (No breakfast)

Carson City

Grandma Hattie's

Mills Park Carson City

Carson City

Carson CityVirginia CityGrandma Hattie’s

TBA

Fernley, NV

HAPPY BIRTHDAYJohn McBride Sept 1

Jan Smith Sept 12

Nick Gillen Sept 17

Darrol Brown Sept 18

Denise Scarr Sept 21

Tom Baker Sept 22

Jack McQuirk Sept 26

Gary Lowry

Dave Pierson

Lee Jackson

Bruce Bertram

Bob Crowell

Charles Epperson

Nov 11

Nov 15

Nov 17

Nov 17

Nov 28

Nov 28

BeautifulVVA

Color Map ofWartime Vietnam

This large 27” x 39.5” color map is lithographed on high quality, heavy, gloss paper and is available in a

very limited quantity as a “thank you” for your donation of only $10.00!

Contact Verne Horton @ commobunker388@charter.net

The November issueof “The 388th” willfocus on the United States Marine Corps

VVA www.vva.org - Programs, News, Forms, Services, Applications Benefits, Publications/Forms, LSO Listings 1-877-222-8387 (Help Line) 1-800-237-8255 (Crisis Line) 1-877-424-3838 (Homeless)

Service Records www.archives.gov

Memorial Wall Research www.virtualwall.org

Agent Orange Website www.lewispublishing.com - FAQ’s, Maps, VA Compensation & Claims

General Military www.military.com - Benefit Info, News, Stories, Buddy Finder

Reno Veteran Center 5580 Mill Street Reno, NV 89502 Office: 775-323-1294 Fax: 775-322-8123 Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30

F.I.S.H. 138 Long Street Carson City, NV 89706 Office: 775-992-3474 email: www.info@nvfish.com

Healthcare for Homeless Veterans 350 Capitol Hill Reno, NV 89502 Office: 775-324-6600

Nevada Office of Veteran Services www.veterans.nv.us - Benefit Info, News

Army Times www.armytimes.com - Online Publication, News, Benefit Info

Navy Times www.navytimes.com - Online Publication, News, Benefit Info

Marine Corps Times www.marinecorpstimes.com - Online Publication, News, Benefit Info

Air Force Times www.airforcetimes.com -Online Publication, News, Benefit Info

Veterans Healthcare USA 145 Esmeralda Drive. Carson City, Nevada Office: 775-657-9699

Veterans Employment Services State Dept. of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation 1933 N. Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701 Office: 775-684-0400

US Veterans Employment Services 500 E 3rd Street Carson City, NV 89713 Office: 687-4632

USEFUL CONTACTS

Websites

Local Veteran Services

50th Anniversary - Vietnam War www.vietnam50th.comEvents, Photos, Interactive Timeline

Mike Mader, Veterans Service Officer Reno- 5460 Reno Corporate Dr. Ste. 104 Reno, NV 89511 Office: 775-321-4880 Fax: 775-321-4848 Fallon- 458 W. B Street, Ste. 103 Fallon, NV 89406 Office: 775-428-1177 Fax: 775-423-9371 email: madem@veterans.nv.gov

Scott Fincher, Veterans Service Officer Reno- 5460 Reno Corporate Dr. Ste. 104 Reno, NV 89511 Office: 775-321-4880 Fax: 775-321-4848 Fallon- 975 Kilman Ave. Ste. 1B Fallon, Nevada 89406 Office: 775-786-7200, Ext. 2544 Fax: 775-321-4884 email: finchers@veterans.nv.gov

State of Nevada Office of Veterans Services

American Legion / VVA Chapter 388 Member Service Officer Joe Matisohn - 775- 835-3181

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