Sacramento State has the second-highest veterans and their dependents student population of any California State University and University of California campus. With more than 1,200 veterans and dependents taking classes there, the Student Veterans Organization is one of the highest profile clubs on campus. Its first spring meeting is Monday. Active since fall 2007, SVO is dedicated to helping veterans and their families in every facet of college life. From class enrollment to complicated government forms, theSVO assists members every step of the way. "This is my version of a fraternity," Air Force veteran Dustin McMillan said of the group. "Commonalities we all share, like the military,

Wednesday, Nov. 10 1 - 2 p.m. In honor of Veterans Day, Mexican-American Veteran Memorial, Inc., will hold a memorial service at the California Veterans Memorial for about 50 people. No further events until Saturday, Nov. 14.  

Thursday, August 13 Noon - 1 p.m. California Women, Infants and Children's Association will be holding a walk for World Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The walk will begin at the south steps of the Capitol, and about 100 people are expected to participate. Friday, August 14 3:30 - 3:45 p.m. The U.S. Corps of Chaplains, a nonprofit group that provides aid to active military members and veterans, will be meeting to view a display at the Capitol's All Wars Memorial. About 20 people are expected.

Wednesday, August 5 No events are planned for this day. Thursday, August 6 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Blood Source Sacramento will be holding a blood drive for an expected 50 participants. Their "mobile blood van" will be parked near the fish pond. Friday, August 7 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A ceremony honoring veterans who have been awarded a Purple Heart will take place near the All Wars Memorial at the Capitol. It will include the laying of wreaths, posting of colors, and a 21-gun salute. About 50 people are expected to participate. The public is also welcome. No events are scheduled until Thursday, Aug. 13.

Disabled Veterans Win Battle in “Good Faith” Fight to Save Taxpayers Money Disabled veteran companies and taxpayers are both winners in recent changes promoted by California’s wounded warriors. The non-profit California Disabled Veterans Business Alliance has fought the Good Faith Effort (GFE) provision in State contracting as a useless diversion actually keeping business away from Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE). Now, the State has acted on the recommendations of the Alliance in coordination with DGS and other state agencies and has passed legislation to eliminate the GFE effective 28 July 2009. By promoting equality with the State of California’s Small Business preference

Monday, May 25 12-1 p.m. Elk Grove Civil War Round Table will be holding a Civil War Memorial walk and rally near the fish pond. Fifty people are expected to participate. 1-2 p.m. A 21-gun salute will be held in memorial of the Mexican-American War near the Mexican-American Veterans Memorial just north of the traffic circle on 10th Street and Capitol Avenue. Seventy-five people are expected to attend. Tuesday, May 26 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Happy Tails, a no-kill facility dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of homeless and abused animals, according to their website, will be holding a bake sale on the north and south entrances of the Capitol. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Caravan for Justice wi

A federal judge on Monday ordered prosecutors to turn over the remaining evidence against Hmong defendants charged with an alleged conspiracy to overthrow the communist Laotian government. Presiding over a packed courtroom in Sacramento, U.S. District Court Judge Frank Damrell Jr. of the Eastern District of California deferred ruling on the defendants' motion to dismiss the case until all evidence is in. "I much prefer to make my findings on a complete record, and that's what I intend to do," Damrell said. Prosecutors have provided the defense with about 70 percent of the evidence since the indictments were handed down in June 2007, said defense attorney Mark Reichel. As the court proc

Out of the millions of brave military veterans who have given service to their country, hundreds of thousands were exposed to asbestos. Used throughout the 20th century in many industries, asbestos gained immense popularity because of its innate flame resistant, durable and versatile qualities. It made it an ideal choice for many military applications. The value of asbestos was so high that did not get phased out until the 1970’s. Sacramento is no stranger to military bases, with the Navy, Army and Air Force all having bases in the city to some degree. Asbestos use greatly impacted the Navy. Prior to World War II, many shipyards in the country constructed their vessels in hopes of crea