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Newsletter of the Carson Area Chapter - 388 of the Vietnam Veterans of [email protected]
388TH
AUGUST 2015
ANR SE OT FE V A MM EA RN IT CE AIV
A Drang is sometimes referred to as the first large battle of the Vietnam War. In fact, Starlite occurred three months earlier. Operation Starlite (also known in Vietnam as Battle of Van Tuong) was the first major offensive regimental size action conducted by a purely U.S. military unit during the Vietnam War. The operation was launched based on intelligence provided by Major General Nguyen Chanh Thi, the commander of the South Vietnamese forces in northern I Corps area. Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt devised a plan to launch a pre-emptive strike against the Viet Cong regiment to nullify the threat on the vital Chu Lai Air Base and Base Area and ensure its powerful communication tower remained intact.
The operation was conducted as a combined arms assault involving ground, air and naval units. U.S. Marines were deployed by helicopter into the designated landing zone while an amphibious landing was used to deploy other Marines.
The operation was originally called Satellite, but a power blackout led to a clerical error and a clerk working by candlelight typed "Starlite" instead. It was launched on August 18, 1965, involving 5,500 Marines. Regimental 2nd Battalion 4th Marines (2/4), 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) and 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines (3/3), and 3rd Battalion 7th Marines (3/7) the SLF - permission was granted by Admiral Sharp to use Special Landing Force (originally a reserve component) in an assault on the Viet Cong base near Van Tuong. The United States Navy's USS Galveston (CLG-3) and USS Cabildo (LSD-16) were available for naval gunfire support and 3rd Battalion 12th Marines was the artillery unit in direct support. USS Vernon County (LST-1161)embarked elements of the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines (Battalion Landing
OPERATION STARLITE
Cont’d. on Page 2
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Cont’d. from Page 1
Team) (BLT) 3, under Lieutenant Colonel Joseph E. Muir, USMC, at Chu Lai, and sailed south along the coast to An Thuong, where she put the troops ashore in one phase of "Starlite."
Viet Cong forces comprised the 1st VC Regiment made up of the 60th and 80th VC Battalions, the 52nd VC Company, and a company of the 45th VC Weapons Battalion. The total Viet Cong strength was around 1,500 men, and backed by several elite mortar units.
A MAG-16 helicopter evacuates casualties, while a Marine M48 Patton tank stands guard.
Mike Co., 3/3 was designated the blocking force and deployed on August 18, 1965 using LVTP-5s to the operational area. When it landed on the beach, it marched 4 miles (6.5 km) to establish their blocking positions. 3/3 made an amphibious landing and were tasked with driving the Viet Cong towards the 2nd battalion 4th Marines who were to be lifted by helicopter into three landing zones west of Van Tuong. Secrecy was paramount, and no ARVN commander or units were informed of the impending operation.
The Marines met light resistance moving into the attack, using their M14 semi-automatic rifles to repulse occasional Viet Cong raiders. Echo Company, 2/4 spotted Viet Cong in the open and called in artillery fire from 3rd Battalion 12th Marines. The artillery barrage was reported to have killed 90 Viet Cong, including crippling several of their mortar units. Hotel Company, 2/4 assaulted the 60th VC Battalion who put up a vicious fight, only being overwhelmed when attack helicopters swooped on their position, peppering it with rocket and machine gun fire. One prisoner was taken and 40 weapons were captured. India Company, 3/3 attacked An Cuong after receiving heavy fire from the hamlet and losing their company commander in the engagement.
India Company was ordered to join Kilo and Hotel companies and clean up any opposition but was caught in a crossfire from Nam Yen Dan Hill 30. Hotel Company established a defensive perimeter and were told to await reinforcements. The expected reinforcements, were diverted to assist the supply column that was ambushed west of their position. 37mm recoilless rifle fire from the VC positions tore into the 5 LVTs and 3 flame tanks, forcing the Marines to mount a rescue. The Marines were hit by intense mortar and rifle fire and suffered 5 dead and 17 wounded. They called in artillery and air support to suppress the mortar and automatic fire, F-4 fighter jets dropping cluster bombs, resulting in an avalanche on the hillside which wiped out many of the attacking rifle and mortar squads.
The developing engagement necessitated the deployment of Lima Company, 3/7 from the USS Iwo Jima to join India Company to assist the ambushed supply column. Part of Lima Company was caught in a horseshoe ambush in their attempt to rescue a downed LVT (amtrac) personnel, 4 marines were killed and 10 wounded. Come nightfall, the Marines hunkered down into defensive positions. Scout units of 3/7's Marines came ashore during the night and the battalion got ready for a morning assault on the Vietnamese positions. When they finally attacked they found the VC unit had already retreated from the encirclement during the night, though pockets of resistance continued from other Viet Cong fighters holed up in bunkers and caves. Fightings ceased at nightfall.
The various Marine units reported killing 614 Vietcong, capturing prisoners and 42 suspected guerillas. To the Americans, the battle
was considered a great success for U.S. forces as they engaged a Main Force Vietcong unit and came out victorious. The Marines sustained 45 killed and 203 wounded.[3] Corporal Robert E. O'Malley (3/3) and Lance Corporal Joe C. Paul (2/4) received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the operation.
Lessons learned from the battle include the knowledge that the daily allotment of 2 gallons of water per man was inadequate in the heat of Vietnam and that the M14 Rifle was too bulky for troops cramped into small personnel carriers.
Painting of the engagement between USS Maddox and North Vietnamese torpedo boats on August 2, 1964. (Credit: Naval Historical Center)
To gain intelligence as to the naval strength of the North Vietnamese, American naval destroyers were sent into North Vietnamese waters. On August 2nd 1964, three North Vietnamese torpedo boats fired on the ‘USS Maddox’ in the Gulf of Tonkin. ‘Maddox’ defended itself and fired back, hitting all three torpedo boats. One of them sank. The US destroyer then sailed back to international waters. On August 3rd, Captain Herrick, commander of the ‘Maddox’, was ordered back into the Gulf of Tonkin and he again radioed that his ship was under attack once it had sailed into North Vietnamese waters. However, a later message contradicted this and in the second radio message, Herrick claimed that his men had over-reacted and that freak weather action may have led his men to make mistakes. The final sentence in the second message was telling: “Suggest complete evaluation before further action.”
President Johnson and his advisors chose to ignore this second message. The President ordered the bombing of four known North Vietnamese torpedo-boat bases and an oil storage depot. What Johnson needed to do was to convince the US public that this was a deliberate attack on US forces. In this task he was supported by major media concerns. The ‘New York Times’ carried the headline:
‘US planes attack North Vietnam bases: President orders limited retaliation after communist’s torpedo boats renew raids. Reds driven off.”
Johnson’s decision to bomb military targets in North Vietnam received overwhelming backing from Congress in what was known as the ‘ G u l f o f T o n k i n Resolution’. In the House, 416 supported the P r e s i d e n t w i t h n o dissenters. In the Senate, 88 supported Johnson and only 2 did not. The resolution authorized the President to take all neces sa ry measu res against North Vietnam.
the Gulf of Tonkin and the Escalation . . .
GULF OFTONKIN - AUGUST, 1964
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CHAPTER ORGANIZATION
AD HOC COMMITTEES Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day
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 Rick Arnold
Membership Affairs Tom SpencerOutreach Verne Horton
Finance Committee** Frank Reynolds Executive Committee** Frank Reynolds
Women’s Affairs Lee Jackson
Adopt-a-Vet Dental Program Brenda Horton
VSO Joe Matisohn
ELECTED OFFICERSFrank Reynolds
Tom Spencer
Jack McQuirk
Lee Jackson
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Community Services Committee
Contact Information:
Newsletter Email: [email protected] Chapter 388 Website: http://vva388.com/
Chapter Facebook Page: VVA Chapter 388 Carson City Nevada
Chapter President: Frank Reynolds: [email protected]
Chapter Meetings:Veterans Hall - 2nd and Curry Streets, Carson City, NV 89701
1st Thursday of each month - 5:30 pmBreakfast Meetings
Grandma Hatties Restaurant - 2811 So. Carson St., Carson CityMid- Month - email [email protected] for specific date and time.
TH388
388th is a monthly publication of the Vietnam Veterans of America - Carson Area Chapter 388 and is published solely for the education of and communi-cation with it’s membership and other interested parties. Not for Sale.
Rick Arnold
Rick Arnold
A group of 21 veterans will receive a full military service and funeral after going for nearly 20 years without a final resting place. One soldier has been in the care of a mortuary for 18 years.
The Missing in America Project is honoring the veterans whose remains have been unclaimed in area mortuaries, the Standard Examiner reported. The Aug. 1 service will be held at the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bluffdale.
The Missing in America Project has interred 2,441 veterans across the country since it began.
Cedar City, Utah resident Roger Graves oversees the project in Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana.
"To put it in the simplest terms, we travel all over the country, going to funeral homes, crematoriums and coroner's offices searching out unclaimed cremated remains," Graves said. "Then we find out if they were veterans, and if they were honorably discharged, we honor them (with a military funeral)."
The group has estimated the remains of between 200,000 and 300,000 veterans are still unclaimed nationwide.
"There is a lot of work to be done," Graves said. "But we're not jumping in trying to recruit armies of volunteers, because it has to be done right."
UNCLAIMED VETERANS TO RECEIVE FULL MILITARY FUNERAL
Our mostsincere condolences
to our Comrade and FriendKevin Howell
on the tragic loss of his son,
Carl G. Howell
Carl, a Carson City Deputy Sheriff and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was gunned down in the early morning hours of August 15, 2015 while responding to a domestic violence call.
Carl was 35 years of age and a 9 year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.
Our thoughts and prayers go also to Carl’s family and all his brothers and sisters in uniform.
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Applebee'sBodine's Casino
Buffalo Wild WingsCAL Ranch Store
Capitol City DentalCarson City Harley-DavidsonCarson Valley Inn & Casino
Christensen AutomotiveCorner Bar
DC MotorsportsEmpire Ranch Golf Course
FastenalGMG Foreign Auto and Transmission
Genoa Bar & SaloonGlen Eagles restaurant
Grandma Hattie’s RestaurantHard Rock Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas)
Harley-DavidsonHarrah's - Lake Tahoe
King MotorsportsLowes
Motts Tavern & GrillMustang Sallies Corner Café
New Washoe BarO'Reilly Auto parts
Sam’s PlaceSan Marcos Grill
Sierra Gourmet GrillSilver Oak Golf Course
South Point Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas)Subway
Sunridge Golf CourseThe Cheesecake Factory
Tires For YouWalmart
ADOPT A VETPoker Run 2015 Supporters
Saturday, August 15, 2015 marked the running of the 3rd Annual Adopt a Vet Poker Run sponsored by VVA Chapter 388. The warm weather and blue skies brought out 67entrants! Each succeeding year garners ever larger participation as more and more area bikers hear of this fun event and the cause it supports.
The Run was again coordinated by Chapter Member Brenda Horton, who also serves as the Adopt a Vet Program’s Volunteer Case Manager for the Greater Carson and rural northern Nevada areas. Brenda was aided by a hard working crew comprised of both Chapter members and friends of both the Chapter and the Dental Program. The numerous volunteers manned each of the stops as well as the registration table and helped in soliciting the over 50 raffle prizes.
Bikers drew playing cards at each of the seven stops along the 70 plus mile out and back run attempting to put together the best five card poker hand out of the seven cards drawn. This year’s winning hand was drawn by a biker who immediately turned around and donated $200 to the Adopt a Vet Dental Program and joined with countless others by making a $200 donation to the family of Deputy Sheriff Carl Howell who had been killed the morning of the Run (see page 3).
Glenna E. Smith, Military & Veterans Regional Representative for Senator Dean Heller dropped by and presented a certificate, from the Senator, recognizing and honoring our Chapter’s support of the Adopt a Vet Program. The Certificate was accepted on behalf of the Chapter by President Frank Reynolds.
At the next scheduled Chapter Meeting, Linda Haigh, Founder and representatives of the Adopt a Vet’s Reno office will be on hand to accept the Chapter’s check for $2,400. This check represents the net proceeds from this year’s Run. As in the past, these funds will be specifically allocated to cover “lab costs” of treatment in the Greater Carson area. These costs are generated as part of dental treatment, by the area Dentists who volunteer their time and skill to provide needy veterans with quality dental care at virtually no cost to the veteran.
Please take a moment to go over the Supporter’s list on the left and as you have need of the services they provide, consider supporting them . . . and thank them for their support of the Adopt a Vet Program!
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It was shocking last year when hospitals operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs were caught falsifying data to hide the long delays endured by patients needing medical care.
What’s even more shocking is that despite strenuous efforts to improve the system, more veterans are facing long waits than before. As The Times’s Richard Oppel Jr. has reported, the number of veterans on waiting lists of one month or more is now 50 percent higher than at the height of last year’s crisis.
The problem may well get worse. The department, which operates a huge system of hospitals and clinics, expects a shortfall of about $2.5 billion in programs to treat veterans outside the department’s own facilities for the rest of this fiscal year, ending Sept. 30. It has asked Congress for permission to shift funds among various accounts to cover the shortfall, and leaders of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, though angry at the failure of the department to anticipate the problem, said they would work with other lawmakers to help cover the shortfall.
To address the waiting lists, the department has hired almost 1,100 doctors since April 2014, as well as more than 2,700 nurses and almost 4,700 other critical personnel like scheduling clerks. It has also greatly expanded the amount of clinical space. Those steps allowed the agency to handle an additional 2.7 million appointments over 12 months.
It has also authorized 1.5 million veterans to get care from hospitals and doctors in their communities in the past 12 months, a 36 percent increase over the previous period. With the internal and external care combined, the agency says it has increased its
capacity by more than seven million visits per year, double what it originally thought was needed to end the backlogs.
The trouble is, that wasn’t enough. The demand for medical care for aging veterans of the Vietnam War with chronic ailments and younger veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who are severely injured has soared. The workloads for doctors at V.A. facilities have increased by 18 percent to 21 percent in some regions, while the workload for doctors treating veterans outside the department grew by 50 percent in one region and 36 percent in another.
To help address the budget shortfall, the department is proposing to use unspent maintenance funds, reduce travel and training and impose furloughs or hiring freezes. It even considered rationing an effective but very costly drug for hepatitis C, a liver disease affecting 180,000 veterans. But it has wisely decided to provide it to every patient whose doctor deems it necessary.
Four major veterans groups said in a joint statement that the funding shortfall “continues a pattern of inadequate resources for rising demand.” Many veterans prefer to use the V.A., even when they may have other options. Congress needs to ensure that they can.
EVER-GROWING WAITS FOR VETERANS’ CARE
By the Editorial Board - New York Times
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Five decades after the Vietnam War began—and four decades after it ended— veterans exposed to the chemical brew dubbed Agent Orange are still fighting for compensation and benefits for themselves and their children.
Agent Orange is the name given to a mixture of toxins used during the Vietnam War to remove leaves from trees and bushes, leaving the enemy more exposed. (It got its name from the orange stripes on barrels containing it.)
All told, about 9 million military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam era, but most were not stationed in the country. Of those, some 2.6 million were potentially exposed to Agent Orange, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates.
The VA began receiving claims related to Agent Orange exposure in 1977. Congress passed the Agent Orange Act, which said that certain diseases tied to chemical exposure would be presumed to be related to a vet's military service and would make the vet eligible for benefits. The list has grown over time and now includes various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, peripheral neuropathy and heart disease, among others.
To get these benefits, though, veterans "must have actually set foot on Vietnamese soil or served on a craft in its rivers (also known as 'brown water veterans')," the Congressional Research Service wrote. Those who instead spent time on deep-water Navy ships (called "Blue Water Navy" veterans) do not qualify unless they can show that they spent time on Vietnam land or rivers, the report said.
Since 2002, more than 650,000 veterans have been granted benefits because of their Agent Orange exposure, the VA estimates. The VA's website says that: "For the purposes of VA compensation benefits, Veterans who served anywhere in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides, as specified in the Agent Orange Act of 1991. These Veterans do not need to show that they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides in order to get disability compensation for diseases related to Agent Orange exposure."
In June, the VA expanded benefits to Air Force and Air Force Reserve personnel who served as flight, medical and ground maintenance crew members on C-123 aircraft that were used to spray Agent Orange. These troops, estimated to number between 1,500 and 2,100, will be eligible for benefits if they have a health condition from the same list that applies to on-the-ground troops.
This followed a report earlier this year from the national Institute of Medicine, which found that "some reservists quite likely experienced non-trivial increases in their risks of adverse health outcomes."
The VA does not currently provide Agent Orange benefits to an estimated 90,000 "blue water" veterans who say they were exposed to the chemical in their drinking water while working on Navy ships off the coast of Vietnam.
In 2002, a VA report found there was insufficient evidence to connect health problems of blue water sailors with chemical exposure aboard ships, establishing the basis for denying benefits to vets who didn't set foot in Vietnam. That decision was upheld by a federal appeals court in 2008. A 2011 report by the Institute of Medicine, however, identified several "plausible routes" for Agent Orange exposure through the water distillation process aboard Navy ships, as well as through the air.
Such vets can only receive Agent Orange-related benefits if they
show "on a factual basis" that they were exposed to the chemicals during their military service.
In April, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims struck down VA rules that denied presumptive Agent Orange compensation for sailors whose ships docked at the harbors of Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay and Vung Tau. Those ports, the court determined, were in the Agent Orange spraying area. The VA is not appealing the ruling.
Veterans who served in or near the Korean demilitarized zone between April 1968 and August 1971 and who have a disease associated with Agent Orange are entitled to benefits under VA rules that took effect in 2011.
The VA acknowledges that vets stationed at Air Force bases in Thailand between 1961 and 1975 may have been exposed to Agent Orange, which was sprayed along the perimeters of the installations. But those who served at bases in Thailand must prove they performed duties that may have led to exposure.
For decades, Vietnam veterans have voiced concern that their Agent Orange exposure has led to health issues for their children and grandchildren. Over the past three years, Vietnam Veterans of America has recorded hundreds of testimonials from offspring of Vietnam veterans who believe their health has been affected by a parent's exposure. The VA, though, says there's insufficient research to make a scientific connection.
Despite that, the VA provides benefits for a limited number of birth defects in children of Vietnam veterans, including spina bifida for children of all vets (male and female) and 18 other health conditions solely for children of female vets. To date, about 1,200 children with spina bifida have received those benefits, along with 14 children of female veterans with other covered birth defects, according the VA.
In its most recent report to the agency, published in 2013, the Institute of Medicine concluded that "a connection between toxin exposure and effects on offspring, including developmental disruption and disease onset in later life, is biologically plausible." The report recommended further study.
Bills pending in the Senate and House would create a national research center to study medical conditions that arise in the descendants of those exposed to toxic substances during military service, not only in Vietnam, but also in the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq.
"When an individual serves their country in the military, I would assume that they recognize the challenges and the sacrifices that they may make," said Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., during a Committee of Veterans Affairs hearing last month. "When something happens to them, it's a terrible thing. But I cannot imagine the pain or concern that comes to a father or a mother who now sees the consequence of their military service now affecting their children or their grandchildren."
The legislation has the backing of many veterans organizations, but the VA opposes the bill. Rajiv Jain, a VA assistant deputy under secretary for health, told lawmakers last month that other federal agencies are better suited to research the effects of toxic exposure. Further, Jain testified, "a proposed center focusing solely on military toxic exposures would likely not have the statistical basis to support conclusive findings.”
For additional information on Agent Orange and Other Toxins, go to the Vietnam Veterans of America web page at:
http://www.vva.org/Committees/AgentOrange/index.html
The above article is composed of excerpts from and article byCharles Ornstein and Mike Hixenbaugh in the ProPublica and The Virginian-PilotPublished: July 20, 2015
THE AGENT ORANGE ACT WAS SUPPOSED TO HELP VIETNAM VETERANS . . .
- BUT MANY STILL DON'T QUALIFY
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DON’T BE A VICTIM:
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RECENT OUTREACHES
Our Fernley Volunteers wereDon Muscott, Dan Diridoni, Terry Burt, Frank Reynolds, Steve Louks, John Trammell, Jack McQuirk, Tom Spencer, Brenda and Verne Horton
Gardnerville volunteers wereNeal Davies, Jim Whiteside, Bob Guernsey, Bill Brazil, Steve Louks, Frank Reynolds, Griz Rogers, Johnny Feathers, Ben Swanson, Jack McQuirk,Darrol Brown, Don Bemis, Don Muscott, Dan DiridoniBrenda and Verne Horton
Gardnerville WalMart
Fernley WalMart
June 27 & 28, 2015
July 25 & 26, 2015
Our special THANKS to all of the Chapter members who came out and helped make our recent Outreaches such successes! It’s through their efforts and the generosity of our communities at these events that the Chapter has the funds to support its many programs!
The U.S. suffered over 47,000 killed in action plus another 11,000 noncombat deaths; over 150,000 were wounded and 10,000 missing.
Casualties for the Republic of South Vietnam will never be adequately resolved. Low estimates calculate 110,000 combat KIA and a half-million wounded. Civilian loss of life was also very heavy, with the lowest estimates around 415,000.
Similarly, casualty totals among the VC and NVA and the number of dead and wounded civilians in North Vietnam cannot be determined exactly. In April 1995, Vietnam’s communist government said 1.1 million combatants had died between 1954 and 1975, and another 600,000 wounded. Civilian deaths during that time period were estimated at 2 million, but the U.S. estimate of civilians killed in the north at 30,000.
Among South Vietnam’s other allies, Australia had over 400 killed and 2,400 wounded; New Zealand, over 80 KIA ; Republic of
CASUALTIES IN THEVIETNAM WAR
The demographics of troops deployed to Vietnam were close to a reflection of the demographics of the U.S. at the time. 88.4% of troops deployed to Vietnam were Caucasian, 10.6% were African-American and 1% were of other races. The 1970 census estimated the African-American population of the U.S. at 11%.
While 76% of those who served did come from working-class backgrounds this was a time when most troops had at least a high school education, compared with enlisted men of wars past, among whom only half held a high school diploma.
The truth is less like Lt. Dan and more like Gary Sinise the actorwho played the role.
SOME VIETNAM WARDEMOGRAPHICS
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Adopt a Vet Dental ProgramAAVD
®
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Brenda Horton, HLMVVA-388/Adopt a Vet Dental Program Volunteer Case Manager
In addition to the Poker Run this month, there have been 3 veterans
accepted by dentist to begin their treatment and 9 veterans are in
different stages of their treatment. The summer months tend to be
slower due to vacations by the dentists and their staffs. Now that I
have a little breather, I will again endeavor to place veterans who
are on the waiting list with a dentist and catch up on my telephone
messages. If you talk with a veteran in need of dental treatment
please give him my phone number or e-mail address and let
him/her know I will get back with them.
As always we are looking for dentists who are willing to
participate in the program. I appreciate those members who have
spoken to their dentist, who is not currently participating in the
program, but require more information before making that
commitment. I am always willing to stop by their office and speak
to them personally.
On some occasions a veteran requires a ride to and from his
appointments. If you are interested in providing that transportation
please contact me.
I would like to say a special Thank You to all the members who
actively participated by manning stops, obtaining raffle prizes,
assisting at Carson City Harley Davidson the day of the run, or
coercing a fellow biker to join in the Poker Run. This year we had
great weather, great raffle prizes, and an enjoyable time was had by
all.
Thank you for your support with this event and I am proud to be a
member of VVA – Chapter 388!
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2015 TENTATIVE CALENDAR
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
2811 So. Carson St., Carson City
Family Restaurant
Great ServiceGreat ServiceGreat FoodGreat Food
Great PricesGreat Prices
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Catering
(775) 882-4900
Date Event Location
September 3 Chapter Meeting Carson City
September 18 POW/MIA Recognition Day TBA
September 19 Breakfast 9AM Grandma Hattie’s
October 1 Chapter Meeting Carson City
October 17 Breakfast 9AM Grandma Hattie’s
October 31 Nevada Day Parade Carson City
November 5 Chapter Meeting Carson City
November 11 Veterans Day Parade Virginia City
November 21 Breakfast 9AM Grandma Hattie’s
December Christmas Party TBA
December 3 Chapter Meeting Carson City
December Christmas Shopping for
Families Walmart -Topsy Ln.
December Wreaths Across America Fernley
The below events and dates with the exception of Chapter Meetings, Breakfasts and National Holidays are tentative and subject to change.
George Allison Aug 1Brenda Horton Aug 1Marvin Weissberger Aug 1 Sharon Urban Aug 6 Norm Whitney Aug 11
Jim Smiley Aug 16Don Muscott Aug 19Craig Horn Aug 24Tom Scholl Aug 25
Hugo Gruner Aug 30
John MacBride Sep 1
Terry Burt Sep 9Craig Timmermann Sep 10Jan Smith Sep 12Mike Billow Sep 15Darrol Brown Sep 18Tom Baker Sep 22Jack McQuirk Sep 26
VVA Chapter-388 Fellowship Breakfast Location
A limited number of VVA POW-MIA Challenge Coins are available for a $10.00
or more donation to the Chapter!
To Order, Contact:
AUGUST FACTOIDAugust 23, 1972
The last U.S. combat troops depart Vietnam.
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USEFUL CONTACTS
WebsitesVVA 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
Local Veteran Services
Reno Veteran Center 5580 Mill Street Reno, NV 89502 Office: 775-323-1294 Fax: 775-322-8123
F.I.S.H. 138 Long Street Carson City, NV 89706 Office: 775-992-3474 email: [email protected]
State of Nevada Department of Veterans Services
Veterans Service Officers
Reno, NV 89511 Office: 775-321-4880 Fax: 775-321-4848
Reno- 5460 Reno Corporate Dr. Ste. 104 Fallon- 458 W. B Street, Ste. 103 Fallon, NV 89406 Office: 775-428-1177 Fax: 775-423-9371
Nevada Job Connect 775- 4684-0456 1929 N. Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701
Veterans Healthcare USA 145 Esmeralda Drive. Washoe Valley, Nevada 89704 Office: 887-338-8807
Veterans Employment Services State Dept. of Employment, Training &
Rehabilitation
1933 N. Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701Office: 775-684-0400
US Veterans Employment Services 500 E 3rd Street Carson City, NV 89713 Office: 687-4632
Nevada Dept. 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
50th Anniversary - Vietnam War www.vietnam50th.comEvents, Photos, Interactive Timeline
Western Nevada College Veterans Resource CenterWestern Nevada CollegeCedar Building 3272201 West College ParkwayCarson City, NV 89703(775) 445-3000
419 W. Plumb LaneReno, NV 89509775-284-8387
305 N. Carson St., Suite 201Carson City, NV 89701(775) 283-4838(775) 360-2157 - fax
General Military www.military.com - Benefit Info, News, Stories, Buddy Finder
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans 350 Capitol Hill Reno, NV 89502 Office: 775-324-6600
Northern Nevada Veterans Resource Center
Reno
CarsonCity
Caleb Cage, Director of Military and Veterans Policy - Nevada Governors Office(775) 684-5670
Carson Area Chapter - 388, Vietnam Veterans of America website ; email: [email protected]
Joe Matisohn, Veterans Service Officer
(775) 835-3181 email: [email protected]
®
Katherine Miller, Director - [email protected]
