Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "veterans"

Are you too old to heal?

2012-01-31T04:18:17Z

Most of us have at least one person in our family who has served in the military during wartime. These men and women live amongst us, some suffering more than others, some not suffering at all. As they age their sense of self worth comes into focus, and they struggle to explain themselves to younger family members. Talking about traumatic events experienced during war is stressful and exhausting. So the question is “Should we dredge up old painful memories? Are our grandfathers and fathers too old to heal?”

Apparently Frazier Sheppard and Laverne Shimanek feel you are never too old to heal. Sheppard (US Army, Vietnam) and Shimanek (US Marine, Korea) are both veterans of war and now they reside at Carmichael Care and Rehabilitation Center where Sheppard is President and Shimanek is Vice President of the Resident Council.

Shimanek and Sheppard frequently meet together to decide what would be best for their fellow residents. They then present the idea as a vote, or just try an activity and see how it goes. For some time they have noted a tendency for veterans to huddle together in the facility lobby, family room, or courtyard and talk quietly amongst themselves. Semper Fi, Hoorah, and a sharp salute are shared up and down the hospital corridors. Sheppard and Shimanek brought the idea of creating a social time for vets to Tracy Haroldson, the Activities Director.

Tracy Haroldson’s training in group dynamics led her to suggest a semi-formal meeting once a month using a subject schedule. She named it 'The Fireside Chats' in honor of President Roosevelt who held frequent radio “chats”.

The first Fireside Chat brought 25 veterans down to the activity room. Once the door was closed Sheppard took over, since he had served as one the first presidents of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) group at Palo Alto in the 80’s. PTSD is a standard side effect for every military person serving during wartime. Firefighters, police officers, and first responders also typically will experience PTSD. He explained what the meeting would entail and then had each veteran introduce himself, state his military branch and the war arena he had fought in. Tracy introduced herself, and shared her experiences with being contained in her neighborhood by the military during the Rodney King Riots in Los Angeles. She recalls hearing gunshots, explosions, and screaming for two weeks. Sheppard felt it important for them to know Tracy’s history; otherwise they would not open up in her presence.

The next item on the agenda was to have each vet bring up any questions or feelings they had at this first meeting. One very dignified calm gentleman broke down in tears and couldn’t speak. Another man who has dysarthria, and therefore cannot speak well, stated his name and his war clearly, with pride. The facility class clown was completely silent and respectful throughout the hour-long meeting.

At the end of the meeting a unanimous decision was made to have the meetings weekly instead of monthly. The need at Carmichael Care far exceeded their expectations. These men desperately need to pour their hearts out at this time in their lives. They have held emotions in check for too long.

The Vietnam Veterans were especially hard hit. Resident, Harry Circle, former Executive Director of the Viet Vet House, explains; “With WWI, WWII, and Korean war, they came home on ships and had time to detox. With the Vietnam War, and since then, our military guys and gals are from jungle to the US in less then 17 hours. There’s no time to adjust. I repeated to myself for several years ‘I’m not in Nam.’ I just couldn’t figure out how to stand down. I still have room to heal. No matter how many classes you take you can always heal.”

Sheppard was deeply moved by the response to the meeting and states “You can share with people who have been in combat. It doesn’t matter how you served. We were all in it together. They taught us how to fight . . . how to kill, but they didn’t teach us how to come back into society. We only knew how to kill, but there wasn’t anyone to kill when we got back. Some guys just lived in the forest. They didn’t detox us! There was no one to talk to.”

Some of the men had careers in the military and believe that helped them recover from their experiences, as they had other military personnel with whom they could talk. They plan to attend the meetings to offer support to their fellow vets.

Shimanek has special expertise to bring to the table. He is a retired administrator of both hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. He hopes other facilities will create similar programs and offers advice; “The biggest problem will be getting the bed-bound men down for the meeting. This is where the administrator or director of nursing really needs to step in. The nursing staff needs to be excited about getting them up. The patient who takes a lot of work to get into a wheelchair will be very conscious of whether or not his nursing aid wants to get him up, and will often refuse. It’s not going to work unless it’s a team effort.”

The hurt experienced by Vietnam Vets is deep and slow to heal, but according to Sheppard he is still healing. Every time a stranger notices his Vietnam baseball cap and thanks him for his service he heals a little more. He recalls coming home from war thinking he would get a hero’s welcome. His father was honored with a parade when he came off the ship from WWII. Sheppard was stunned when the crowd waiting for him to come off the plane at Travis Air Force Base shouted “Baby Killers!” and they burned an American flag. “I couldn’t believe it. After all I’d been through to come back to people burning flags . . . I just couldn’t take that . . . I still can’t.” In the late 1980’s the PTSD group at Palo Alto had a parade for them through Redwood City. “We all marched together through the city and people cheered and shouted ‘Thank You!’ That was the first time anyone had ever said thank you.”

In the nursing home setting a lot of behavioral issues are treated with medications, or are “care planned” to accommodate the behavior. This group goes deeper to the root of the problem . . . to the anger, hurt, fear, shame, and their embedded desire to protect others from the dark side of war. Their pain won’t go away, but talking about it will validate their feelings and create alternate choices for expressing themselves and managing their emotions. Another bonus of this group is it elevates their self esteem. They see themselves as being important to the skilled nursing facility. They also feel honored as they are taken down to the meeting. It is hard to explain, but barbeques and picnic events held in their honor validate their military service, whereas this group setting acknowledges the depth of their sacrifice. This pulls it out from under the rug where it has been shoved for 35 plus years.

For advice on PTSD contact http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/help-for-veterans-with-ptsd.asp . (If you are feeling like hurting someone or yourself, call 911 or go the nearest VA hospital).

For advice on starting a group meeting at a skilled nursing facility near you, call Carmichael Care Rehabilitation Center (916-944-3100) and ask to speak to Tracy Haroldson.

Heidi Schussman Gilbert, PT

Disclosure: Gilbert is a physical therapist working in a skilled nursing facility. Her specialties are geriatrics, dementia, psychiatric disorders, and neurological injury. Gilbert is also a clinical instructor for the CSUS PT program.

Folsom Veterans Day Parade

2011-11-15T21:56:43Z

Folsom residents saluted its 11th annual Folsom Veterans Day Parade this past Friday. Parade participants gathered at the Target parking lot on Blue Ravine Road and made their way towards City Lions Park.

The theme for this year’s celebration was “Saluting our Newest Generation of Warriors: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.”

Thousands watched the parade as representatives from the armed forces, the City of Folsom, scout groups, community organizations and residents participated in honoring those who have served our country.

Over 2,000 participants were involved in the parade. Representatives from various JROTC, ROTC, beauty pageants, youth sports and high school marching bands were also included.

People along the route were given small flags and some brought their own to watch the parade. Many large bags of candy and other items were given out to the many spectators along the route.

Floats were created and shown off by several local businesses, schools and military groups.

Many of the scout groups also handed out thank you cards and came up to veterans along the route shaking their hand and thanking them for their service. This gesture made this Veterans Day parade a little bit more personal.

The City Lions Park hosted a reception at the Community Center and served hot dogs and soda after the parade.

Marshalls of the parade, city officials, veterans, military representatives and community members gathered at the Folsom Veterans Memorial for a special service.

Folsom Veterans Day Memorial honors those who have lost their lives serving their country. A plaque on the Veterans Memorial is simple and reads:

In remembrance of all who have served...
especially of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Folsom Veterans Day Parade honors those whose name is inscribed on the memorial and all those who have made an ultimate sacrifice.

Courageous Veterans of Old City Cemetery

2011-11-15T06:10:53Z

With Veterans Day landing on a Friday this year it was conducive for many events honoring those who have served.

Somewhat under the radar, Old City Cemetery (OCC) gave visitors a tour of a few of the grave sites of Military Medal recipients fought in the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Spanish-American War. Amongst them they were recognized with these medals:
    •    2 - Medal of Honor
    •    2 - Distinguished Flying Cross
    •    6 - Silver Star
    •    23 - Bronze Star
    •    5 - Air Medal
    •    44 - Purple Heart.

Three volunteer tour guides took turns telling the stories of the circumstances surrounding the dead soldiers.
.
As we started walking we were told that "at one point, between the first and second World Wars, the city decided we needed a place to bury veterans who were not able to afford their own plots. In addition to the various grave sites throughout the cemetery, the city contributed the land in the back."

And, that's where we headed.On our journey, we tried to find the grave of a young man who was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross.

We were not able to find it. Many older plots with flat monuments sink into the ground and are covered over.

Two Medal of Honor Recipients were Newton T. Gould and Lebbeus Simkins.Here's some information about Simkins:
He was a coxswain, a crew member who is in charge of navigation and steering of the ship. He served aboard the ships USS Brooklyn, Richmond, Lancaster, North Carolina and Princeton.

The Richmond, the ship Simkins was on, opened fire on all of the confederate steamers in range and a battle began.

Simkins was awarded the Medal of Honor "for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Coxswain Simkins performed his duties with skill and courage throughout a furious two-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan."

It was during this time that Admiral Farragut, aboard the Hartford, made his famous command - "damn the torpedoes…..full speed ahead."

After the war he was a member of the San Diego Odd Fellows Lodge until he died in 1884.

For information about upcoming tours, visit http://www.oldcitycemetery.com/calendar.htm

Belated High School Diplomas Available for Qualifying Veterans, Japanese American Internees

2011-11-14T18:47:20Z

There's a special way to honor veterans and Japanese American citizens who missed graduating from their home town high school due to wartime circumstances.

Through its Operation Recognition program, the Sacramento County Board of Education will provide high school diplomas to qualifying veterans (proof of honorable discharge required) who left high school to serve in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War.

Also eligible for belated diplomas are those Japanese American citizens who were forced to leave their local high school due to incarceration in a WW II relocation center.

Diplomas are awarded even if the honoree earned a G.E.D. or went on to college without having received his or her high school diploma. Persons who moved away from Sacramento County, but attended school or worked in Sacramento County, are eligible.

High school diplomas may be awarded posthumously, so families should consider applying on behalf of a deceased parent or grandparent who once lived within Sacramento County.

Honorees, their family members and friends will be invited to attend a diploma presentation ceremony and reception the evening of Tuesday, May 15, 2012 in the Mather area of the county.

The deadline to submit an application (with necessary materials) is April 25, 2012. There is no cost to participate in the Operation Recognition program.

Application forms are available for download. Completed applications, accompanied by the required paperwork, may be mailed or faxed to (916) 228-3917. They may also be hand-delivered to the Sacramento County Office of Education, 10474 Mather Boulevard, Mather, CA 95655. If scanned, forms may be submitted electronically to rsvp@scoe.net.

Since the program's adoption in 2001, the Sacramento County Board of Education has awarded 158 diplomas to U.S. veterans and Japanese American citizens. Eight of the diplomas were presented posthumously.

For answers to questions, call the Communications Office at (916) 228-2416.

Disclosure: Cathy Sapunor has coordinated the Operation Recognition diploma awards program in Sacramento County since 2001.

Veteran’s awareness week celebrated at Sacramento City College Nov.10

2011-11-13T22:52:57Z

The Quad at Sacramento City College was occupied Nov. 10 with approximately 350 students and faculty as guest speakers approach the stage to show their support and appreciation for the U.S military.

U.S Army veteran Kim Mack, served 3 years as a military police officer. She addressed the crowd by telling a personal story of the importance of veteran’s day.

“Service comes in all forms,” said Mack. “Service comes in many different ways. Today we honor our veterans and our people currently serving. Our young men and women who are putting their life on the line in Afghanistan and Iraq so you can go to school here, and get a job in a field that you want to work in.”

According to Mack, for over 200 years, the veterans have been making sure that Americans have the freedoms that to be enjoy in this country.

“Nobody has freedoms like we have,” said Mack. “You look at Egypt and what’s going on in the Middle East and look at what they’re going through. They want what we have. They’re risking their lives to get what we have.”

While honoring the veterans, Mack said to honor the parents.

“Our pain is real too,” says Mack. “Our support for our children is strong, and it hurts. Not even some of my closest friends would ask me how I was doing when my son was in a combat zone.”

District nine-assembly member Roger Dickinson, advocate for the dream act as well as the importance of education for students spoke from another perspective.

“You have a right to ask for whatever grieves you to be addressed by to that we elect to be in public office to serve us,” said Dickinson. “It is important that we remember those things that we often take for granted and don’t reflect on the fact that they truly have been purchased for over 200 years with the blood of our fellow Americans.”

There are thousands of American servicemen and women deployed around the world, said Dickinson. They defend the freedoms that Americans cherish and stand up for those that don’t have the capacity to defend themselves.

In response to the overall outcome of the event, Vets Club President Zach Pierce wasn’t impressed with the student turnout.

“I think that we did an ok job for the event being on such short notice,” said Pierce. “I wish that more students would get involved. I hope they understand why this sort of event is important. I’d like them to get a glimpse of the military culture.”

Sacramento parade to honor veterans

2011-11-07T04:54:31Z

Heroes past and present will be honored this Friday, November 11 at the Sacramento Veterans Day Parade.

The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. running eastward on Capitol Mall. A program is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. It will include resources for veterans, entertainment, and children’s activities.

The Grand Marshal is Brigadier General Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager.

Born in 1923 in Myra, W.Va., General Yeager enlisted in the Army Air Corps in September 1941. He was accepted for pilot training under the flying sergeant program in July 1942, and received his pilot wings and appointment as a flight officer in March 1943.

During World War II, General Yeager distinguished himself in aerial combat over France and Germany from 1943 to 1945. On March 5, 1944, he was shot down over German-occupied France, but escaped capture when elements of the French Maquis helped him reach the safety of the Spanish border. He returned to the United States in 1945.

Among his many accomplishments, General Yeager made world history on October 14, 1947 by becoming the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound. He became commandant of the Aerospace Research Pilot School in July 1962.

General Yeager’s military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal with "V" device, Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem with oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon.

He was promoted to the grade of brigadier general effective August 1, 1969 (date of rank June 22, 1969), is a command pilot and has flown more than 10,000 hours in 155 different types of military aircraft.

For more information about General Yeager, visit the U.S. Air Force or his official website.

The Sacramento Veterans Day Parade is organized by the City of Sacramento Neighborhood Services Division.

FREE CAR WASH FOR VETERANS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AT ALL QUICK QUACK CAR WASH LOCATIONS

2011-11-04T17:11:07Z

Sacramento, CA – November 3, 2011 – Quick Quack Car Wash, a growing chain of exterior-only, express car washes, has announced that it will be offering a free car wash to all veterans and active military personnel on Veteran’s Day in conjunction with the nationwide “Grace for Vets” program.

Veterans may visit any of Quick Quack’s car wash locations from 7am to 7pm on Friday, November 11, 2011 to receive a complimentary wash. Customers will only need to inform Quick Quack employees verbally that they are veterans in order to receive their free car wash. Quick Quack has six locations in the Sacramento area including the newest location in Roseville. Addresses and directions can be found at www.DontDriveDirty.com or via the Quick Quack mobile app available on iPhone and Android.

“We are excited to again participate in this effort to pay tribute to some of our heroes,” said Jason Johnson, President and CEO of Quick Quack Car Wash. “Quick Quack Car Wash believes that it is important to remember those who have served our country as often as we can and this event on Veteran’s Day provides us a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation.”

Started in 2004, the “Grace for Vets” program is designed to honor Veteran’s Day, to show the car wash industry’s support for our armed forces personnel and to reward veterans for their service. “Grace for Vets” happens each year on Veteran’s Day. In 2010, the program reported record numbers. More than 1,200 car wash locations, representing more than 500 companies, washed 101,537 cars. This year, there are over 1,450 participating locations representing more than 620 companies.

Disclosure: Travis Kimball is the Marketing Director for Quick Quack Car Wash

Sacramento County Executive Hosting Veterans Fundraiser

2011-05-05T16:17:42Z

A mixer will be held to honor local veterans and help provide meeting space for their activities. Join the fun on Wednesday, May 25, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at VFW Post 67, 2784 Stockton Blvd. Tickets are $35 and tax deductible. View flyer for more details.

Sacramento County Celebrates National County Government Month

2011-04-13T15:24:27Z

“Serving our Veterans, Armed Forces and Their Families”

Sacramento County is celebrating National County Government Month during the month of April to highlight essential county government programs and services. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Serving our Veterans, Armed Forces and Their Families.”

“Sacramento County is proud of our veterans and military service members,” said Interim County Executive Steven Szalay. “In fact, we are proudly displaying their names in the lobby of the County Administration building at 700 H Street through the month of April.”

Szalay is also working on the second annual fundraiser to honor and help maintain meeting space for Sacramento County Veterans Associations, in particular, VFW Post 67 on Stockton Blvd. Last year, working group raised more than $5,000 to help offset budget reductions. The $35.00 tickets can be purchased by calling 916-482-9474 or emailing Rose4834@comcast.net.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE ISSUES IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL

2010-10-13T18:14:21Z

SACRAMENTO , CALIFORNIA - Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Phillips issued a three-page worldwide injunction calling for the Department of Defense (DoD) to suspend all investigations and discharges related to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy. This development comes weeks after Phillips’ ruling that the policy is unconstitutional, going against the First and Fifth Amendments. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to appeal the decision which will carry the case up the Court of Appeals of the Ninth Circuit.

Sacramento Valley Veterans (SVV) member, Anthony Loverde, provided testimony in the bench trial held in southern California in July this year. The Log Cabin Republicans filed the lawsuit back in 2004. Loverde recently released “A Silent Force” which visually documents the impact of DADT on servicemembers.

SVV Vice President and retired Army veteran Tina Stidman provided the following statement upon hearing the news: “We’re extremely pleased with the judge’s decision; however, we have to keep in mind that this is a step in the lengthy process towards repealing this policy.”

“Judge Phillips’ decision is certainly welcome and needed,” said SVV President Tyson Redhouse, “this policy has taxed the nation and cut short the livelihoods of brave men and women who have willingly taken the oath to defend this nation. We cannot let our leaders take the easy way out on this issue. The thousands of silent serving need to hear that there is progress being made. Phillips’ injunction is one of the many important steps needed to bring this policy down.”

Sacramento Valley Veterans (SVV) is urging servicemembers currently serving not to come out but to wait until DADT is repealed.

Sacramento Valley Veterans is a chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), a nationwide association of active, reserve and veteran servicemembers dedicated to full and equal rights and equitable treatment for all present and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information on the Sacramento Valley Veterans, visit www.saclgbtveterans.org.

California Capital Airshow 2010

2010-09-13T05:04:21Z

Saturday was a big day for 4-year-old Ryan McCulloch of Roseville, and he knew it. He stood next to his father on the Mather Air Force Base tarmac, his eyes fixed, his hands tentatively gripping the barrier that kept him from getting closer to the object of his adoration: a 500 horsepower, hydraulically powered, 62,000-pound, fire-breathing robot dinosaur.

Ryan and his father, Marshall McCulloch, were two of an estimated 100,000 people to visit the California Capital Airshow this Patriot Day weekend, an annual two-day event that nearly doubled in size since last year. With more than 250 performers, 138 aircraft in the air and on the ground for close examination, and dozens of booths to visit, there was a lot for aviation fans to see and do.

Several days before the event, Marshall showed his son an Internet video of Robosaurus breathing fire and eating cars.

“He hasn’t stopped talking about it since I showed him that video,” Marshall said. “He never wakes up early. This morning, he was up at 6 a.m.”

Ryan didn’t speak — perhaps he couldn’t just then. He continued to stare, his face full of awe, at the 40-foot-tall dormant metal dinosaur.

The dinosaur isn’t remote-controlled. To pilot Robosaurus, a person must enter a cockpit located inside the head. Once inside, the pilot places his arms inside controllers that control the robot’s arms much like the “mechs” found in science fiction. If the pilot moves his arms, the robot copies the movement. At the tip of each of the pilot’s fingers is a two-way switch used to control other functions of the robot, including Robosaur’s hands and mouth, which have a combined crushing power of 68,000 pounds. It can also shoot fire from two hot-air balloon burners located near the robot’s mouth. It’s basically a giant toy.

Pilot of the beast Mark Hays said Robosaurus “gives the gift of imagination” by bringing to life something that most people can only dream of.

“That’s one of the great things about Robo,” he said. “It brings out the kid in all of us.”

At first look, the airshow appears to be little more than a spectacle, but to the pilots at the event, it’s an opportunity to impart something sacred. It’s a way for members of the military to meet with the public and give something to the community. The weekend’s events represent billions of dollars of research and development, though California Capital Airshow itself is non-profit and the cost to enter is comparable to a night at the movies. One of the less obvious premises to the event’s existence is one of culture and passion: to pass the torch to the next generation.

Airshows are indispensable because they inspire young people to join the field of aviation, said Dean Hudson, pilot of one of the aircraft on display, the KC-10A Extender, a tanker and cargo aircraft used to refuel other aircraft on-the-fly.

“When I was a kid and I dreamed of being a pilot, I went to airshows,” Hudson said.

Hudson always liked playing with model airplanes and things like that, he said. But it wasn’t until about seventh or eighth grade when he saw his friend’s pilot father donning full pilot gear that he was really taken away with the idea of becoming a pilot himself. That’s why the face-to-face interaction that happens at airshows is so important, he said. It puts a human face on the industry.

Highlights of the weekend included aerial performances from an F-22 Raptor, an out-of-production fifth-generation fighter jet considered by some to be the Michael Jordan of fighting machines for its speed, agility, stealth and unmatched fighting capabilities.

Also making a flight appearance was a U-2, a reconnaissance aircraft with a 103-foot wingspan originally spurred into development by the Cold War.

Event organizer Michael McCabe said performances like these made the airshow better than the Discovery Channel. McCabe was one of the people originally responsible for bringing airshows to Sacramento, several years ago.

“It requires so much support and it’s so complex—it’s not usually at airshows,” he said of the U-2. “The pilot inside is wearing a space suit.”

As the ominous-looking black craft quietly soared overhead, McCabe explained that it’s kept at the Beale Air Force Base in Marysville and they decided to bring it out for this show.

“It’s all about them showing their support and their thanks to the Sacramento community,” he said.

Aviation fans who were old enough to remember World War II were in for a special treat as four of the remaining seven operable P-38 Lightning aircraft were at the show.

When World War II veteran Robert Putnam, 90, saw a P-38 sail by the crowd, his eyes lit up.

“I saw a plane like that in a dogfight over North Africa,” he said, nearly laughing.

At 19, Putnam was called to active duty after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the 34th infantry division of the Army and saw action in the European Theatre as his division pushed North through Italy. After returning home safe, Putnam spent 35 years working for the Air Force as a jet mechanic including nine and a half years at McClellan Air Force Base, doing engine overhauls and engine testing on jets like the F-105, F-106, F-86 and the F-111.

Around 3 p.m. on Saturday, it began to get really hot on the airfield. The black, cracked tarmac bathed every observer staring up at the planes in waves of radiating heat. Many gathered beneath the shade of giant wings of aircraft parked near the flight line. Wing-shaped arrangements of people could be seen scattered about the field.

Putnam, for his age, seemed unperturbed by the heat and in apparent good health, quickly getting to his feet, removing his hat and placing his hand over his heart as brass horns began to play as part of a ceremony.

Putnam said he enjoyed the show and thought it was amazing. As he watched, he shared anecdotes from his youth, fighting from the ages of 19 to 25 in Europe: tales of violence and loss, nearly losing his own life to aircraft not unlike the seemingly innocent planes looping through the air, amusing the crowd at that very moment.

“But you’ve just got to laugh at stuff like that,” Putnam said. “It’s the only way to get through it.”

Photos by MaverickPhotography.us and SacMav.com

Sacramento Valley Veterans Reactivated

2010-05-26T06:19:40Z

SACRAMENTO VALLEY VETERANS REACTIVATED
Aims to Represent, Advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender (LGBT) Veterans & Servicemembers

SACRAMENTO , CALIFORNIA - The Sacramento Valley Veterans announces its new Board of Directors and aims to reach out to local LGBT veterans and servicemembers through activism, advocacy, and outreach.

The group was originally founded in March 2004 and sponsored the installation of a commemorative brick at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in May 2006. The brick honors the memory of all LGBT veterans. The Sacramento Valley Veterans held social events at local restaurants and participated in local patriotic events. This year, the group will take part in Sacramento Pride’s parade and festival on the Capitol Mall.

The new Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from all the services. Tyson Redhouse, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst, is the group’s President. Tina Stidman, a retired U.S. Army transport operator, is the Vice President. U.S Marine and Gulf War veteran Ray Allen is the group’s Secretary. The group’s treasurer is Charles Peer, a retired U.S. Navy storekeeper.

“This Board of Directors brings together a talented group from all services and all eras,” said Tyson Redhouse, the group’s President. “With our combined experiences, we will seek to represent and advocate for LGBT veterans and servicemembers. The contributions of our LGBT veterans will be honored and we will be there for those who are currently serving.”

###

Sacramento Valley Veterans is a chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), a nationwide association of active, reserve and veteran servicemembers dedicated to full and equal rights and equitable treatment for all present and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information on the Sacramento Valley Veterans, visit www.saclgbtveterans.org.

Nominate a Family Member for a High School Diploma

2010-04-30T23:14:16Z

There's a special way to honor individuals who missed graduating from their home town high school due to wartime circumstances.

Through its Operation Recognition program, the Sacramento County Board of Education will provide high school diplomas to qualifying veterans (proof of honorable discharge required) who left high school to serve in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War, as well as to Japanese American citizens interned in WW II relocation centers (proof of internment required).

High school diplomas may be awarded posthumously, so families should consider applying on behalf of a deceased parent or grandparent who lived in (or attended school in) Sacramento County. Diplomas are awarded even if the honoree earned a G.E.D. or went on to college without having received his or her high school diploma. Persons who moved away from Sacramento County, but attended school here, are eligible.

Honorees, their family members and friends will be invited to attend a diploma presentation ceremony and reception the evening of Tuesday, May 18, in the Mather area of the county.

The deadline to submit an application (with necessary materials) is May 3.

Consider doing some detective work ... perhaps someone in your family qualifies for this honor!

Application forms are available for download. Completed applications, accompanied by the necessary paperwork, may be faxed to (916) 228-3917 or hand-delivered to the Sacramento County Office of Education, 10474 Mather Boulevard, Mather, CA 95655. If scanned, forms may be submitted electronically to: rsvp@scoe.net.

For answers to questions, call the Communications Office at (916) 228-2416.

Saluting college veterans

2010-01-30T07:25:24Z

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, provides the base to build on."

A special forum, Veterans Cafe, begins this spring. Every other Monday on the CSUS campus, the cafe will hold workshops for all students. Topics will include health care, jobs and veteran women's rights. Each cafe session will feature a speaker who is an expert in their field.

"This is an outlet for questions," said Army veteran and club president Janelle Adams. "This brand new concept is a chance for faculty and students to receive an answers to their questions from the (authoritative) source."

Veterans Cafe is just one of the semester's activities. Plans also include a canned food drive benefiting homeless veterans in the community and fund-raisers such as a crab feed and car washes.

SVO also provides leisure activities. In addition to tailgating before every home football game, the club plans to tailgate before River Cats and Stockton Thunder games.

The administration at Sac State also offers programs for veterans and their dependents. The Veteran Advisory Council was designed to develop programs for returning veterans.

"Sac State realizes the growing issues facing veterans today," said Adams. "With an increase of returning female veterans, sexual assault and other abuse is possible. These are issues theSVO has addressed in the past and we will continue to address in the future."

Students who are veteran or their dependents are encouraged to join the club, as are students from Los Rios Community College. Though the club promotes veterans' rights and educates members about state and federal programs, it has other advantages as well.

"I have made so many lifelong friends here," said Vice-President Ryan Roebuck. "They are my friends, support group and most importantly, family."

The SVO can be reached through its website.

What's happening at the Capitol: November 10

2009-11-11T00:45:34Z

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.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 13, 14

2009-08-13T00:04:06Z

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.

What's happening at the Capitol: August 5, 6, 7

2009-08-05T03:40:46Z

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 Huge Battle to Eliminate 'Good Faith' Efforts & Save Tax Dollars

2009-08-04T17:06:50Z

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 and eliminating the GFE, taxpayers will save money and disabled veterans have greater access to State contract opportunity. The DVBE Alliance and many veterans organizations know many veterans were giving up in pursuing guaranteed State contract opportunity because of ‘false fronts’ in good faith programs and massive amounts of paperwork previously required for certification.

By eliminating the GFE more opportunity for DVBE is created and there are lower costs for taxpayers, saving thousands of hours wasted in preparing bids and reducing the waste in paperwork According to recent Federal reports, “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy in the United States. Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration documented that small businesses accounted for over 92% of the net new jobs created between 1989 and 2003.”

Other recommendations in the Alliance memo sent to DGS in early June 2009 include simplifying the legislation on Commercial Useful Function and eliminating the need for DVBE to submit tax returns for recertification annually. We need to make the Public Contracting Code and the Military and Veterans Code look alike so that laws and regulations for small business and DVBE are basically the same.

For more information visit www.cadvbe.org <http://www.cadvbe.org> , or call Rich Dryden, Executive Director, California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Alliance at 916-446-3510.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 25, 26

2009-05-24T23:29:16Z

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 will hold its third rally at the Capitol, for "thousands of Californians who have grown fed up with laws and policies that continue to undermine our freedoms and destroy the most valuable and humane of infrastructures called: FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS," says the flier. Three thousand people are expected on the north steps of the Capitol.

1-3:30 p.m. 9-1-1 For Kids will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol for 100 expected people.

6-7 p.m. A private wedding will be held near the rose garden.

7 p.m.* - All Night?* As explained in an earlier Sacramento Press article, if Proposition 8 is upheld, Equality Action NOW will lead a march from the Center to the Captiol's west steps, where another rally with entertainment and an open mic for speakers will be held. If the crowd remains engaged, there will be an all-night youth rally led by Enrique Manjarrez, Youth Program Coordinator of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.

*7 p.m.: This event is contingent on Prop 8 ruling.
*All Night: This depends on crowd interest.

Ruling postponed in Hmong conspiracy trial

2009-05-12T04:05:42Z

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 proceedings continued, thousands of ethnic Hmong, estimated at more than 5,000 by Sacramento police, rallied outside the federal courthouse to support the dismissal of the case against 79-year-old former Royal Lao Amy General Vang Pao, considered the "George Washington" of Hmong throughout the world, and 10 other defendants. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Harrison Jack is the only defendant who isn't Hmong.

The case has been a rallying point for Hmong throughout the world. Hmong communities from throughout the U.S. and as far away as France and Australia pooled money to send supporters to Sacramento Monday. Countless Hmong in Laos, Thailand, China, Vietnam, the United States and elsewhere in California tuned in via cell phones and radio stations that patched into the rambunctious yet peaceful rally via conference calls, said Wang Vang, national chairman of the Fresno-based Hmong-American Ad Hoc Committee, which organized the protest.

The defendants are charged with violating the federal Neutrality Act by planning a military attack to oust the Laotian government.
Defense attorneys led by John Keker, who once prosecuted Oliver North, asked for the case to be dismissed due to government misconduct -- which the judge said was an "unprecedented" motion.

The defense contends that an undercover agent from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) committed entrapment by telling the defendants he worked for the CIA and that the CIA would support a coup against the government of Laos.

"That's outrageous misconduct," said defense attorney Jim Brosnahan. "We're asking for a lot here (in asking for a dismissal). But after 15 years of fighting for this country, these gentlemen are entitled to it."

Prosecutor Robert Tice-Raskin said the agent did indicate to the defendants that the U.S. government would support a coup. But he also said that the defendants believed the man was an arms-dealing criminal, rather than a U.S. government agent. The agent was simply reacting to a question posed by Jack about how "world powers" would react to a coup, he added.

"Are you troubled by the fact that the agent said the U.S. government would back this?" asked Damrell.

"If that were indeed the situation, I guess I would find that somewhat troubling, yes," said Tice-Raskin.

The defense also contends that the ATF agent's testimony, which led to the indictments in June 2007, was not backed up by transcripts of wiretap recordings. Defense attorneys also said the recordings picked up Hmong discussions that haven't yet been translated into English.

Hmong protesters outside the court said they don't believe the defendants are guilty of the crimes they've been charged with. They also said they believe due process of law hasn't been followed for the Hmong -- in part because the case has taken so long. An estimated 15,000 Hmong veterans are believed to live in the U.S. after fighting under Pao for the U.S. during the Vietnam War.

"Americans came to Laos and asked Hmong to join the secret war to fight the Viet Cong," said Kou Vang, 27, of Taylorsville, N.C. He accompanied his 70-year-old father, Chi Vang, who served under Pao in Vietnam.

"Now the Americans have turned their backs on Vang Pao and they're making him out to be a bad guy," Kou Vang said. "That's why everybody's here today -- to say it's false accusations. Vang Pao is a hero to the U.S. and to the Hmong."

An estimated 85,000 Hmong now live in California, said Paula Yang, spokesperson for the Hmong-American Ad Hoc Committee in Fresno.

Thousands of protesters wearing white to symbolize peace shouted "Free Vang Pao! Free Vang Pao!" while hoisting American flags and signs such as, "Liberty and Justice for All."

American veterans also turned out for the hearing and rally. The Laotian government has been making war on the Hmong ever since the Vietnam War ended, said retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Jim Cook.

"We must send a strong message (to the Laos government and U.S. President Barack Obama) to stop the genocide against the Hmong, " said the 55-year-old Elk Grove resident, who served during the Vietnam War era.

"Veterans are saying, 'Enough of this garbage. Let's do what's right. They're human beings,' " said Korean War veteran Charlie Waters, a judge advocate for the California chapter of the American Legion. "If this goes bad, we are going to raise all kinds of hell."

A status hearing has been tentatively set for early October.

Military Veterans Need New Policies to Help Service-Related Asbestos Disease

2009-03-17T15:27:37Z

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 creating the largest naval fleet in the world. While they succeeded in their goals, asbestos use was large and rapid. Shipyard workers, sailors and tradesman aboard these ships were wrongfully exposed aboard navigation rooms, sleeping quarters and mess halls. These shipyards were vital in efforts to build and repair ships on the west and east coasts of the country. The military also used asbestos as insulation aircraft, vehicles and buildings.

Although asbestos exposure does not always lead to an illness, frequent and long term exposure will greatly raise those risks. Many veterans have been plagued by peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare but severe lung ailment contracted only through asbestos exposure. Factors that affect mesothelioma life expectancy include age of diagnosis, latency period and cigarette smoking. Many veterans do not develop their disease until they have reached middle age because asbestos-related illnesses typically have a latency period lasting 20 to 50 years. This has lead to mesothelioma lawyer firms protecting and advocating the rights of victims.

Asbestos manufactures have been heavily criticized for concealing and not acting enough to inform the public of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. The asbestos scandal has been one of the more formidable cover-ups that took place in the 20th century.

Asbestos exposure still remains a threat to soldiers who are stationed in countries throughout the world. In Iraq, over $194,000 worth of asbestos was imported into the country in 2003. Soldiers not only face daily threats while performing standard military operations, but also are at risk for potential exposure because fierce desert sands and winds can carry asbestos dust for miles.

At the present time, mesothelioma or asbestos-related diseases are not recognized as a service or job-related ailment. Veterans can still apply for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits for their wrongful illness, but must provide proof demonstrating that it happened at the time of their military service.

With the new presidential administration one month into their first term, many are hopeful for an adamant change in policies towards asbestos use and veteran compensation. With the recent Presidential address to congress, President Obama signaled a change in Veteran Affairs compensation.

It appears that until there is a vehement change in policies enforced on a federal level against the use of asbestos, it will continue to inflict damage and harm to yet another generation of innocent by standards.