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® Chapter 535 O incoming F A VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA AMERIC In Service to America

CHAPTER 535 "It Feels Good to Get Involved"

In Service To America and the Gold Country Volume 22 Issue 9 September 2012 President’s Message

September Speaker Rich Keene will speak at our next chapter meeting on September 6. A local attorney who specializes in estate planning, Rich will provide us with useful information on what each of us needs to do to prepare for our later years. As Rich points out, doing nothing isn’t a good idea. He will provide practical knowledge that we can all use including suggestions on where we can find model documents that can be used for a “do it yourself” will and various powers of attorney that we should have on file should we become incapacitated. and unscoped) and shotgun-trap. The teenager will shoot Constitution Day Parade a .22 rifle. As discussed at our last meeting, Nevada City will honor veterans at their Constitution Day Parade on September Participants bring their own weapons and ammunition. 9th. The veteran’s part of the parade will be organized into No hand cannons or large bore rifles (50 cal). You may five sections; World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and compete in one category or all four. Awards will be given Iraq& Afghanistan. We will form up at 1:30PM at the top for each category. To compete for the “Over All” trophy of Broad Street. As usual, our chapter will provide a color you will need to compete in all categories. The event in- guard for the parade. We are organizing transportation for cludes a BBQ lunch. those who would prefer to ride in the parade. So far, I have commitments for two 2 ½ ton trucks, a 1931 Chrysler We will organize our team at our chapter meeting on Sep- and four Model T’s. We are looking for more vehicles, so tember 6th. The deadline for entries is September 7. if you know anyone who would like to provide a vehicle, give me a call. I hope you will help us fill Broad Street with veterans on Continued on page 2 September 9th! Contents Page Message from the President...... 1 Firewood Raffle Military Dogs...... 2 We held our second drawing for Fire Wood at our August Speakers...... 2 board meeting. Louise Bock was the lucky winner. We are now selling tickets for the third drawing. Thanks to every- Chapter Information...... 3 one who has helped sell raffle tickets. The proceeds help Membership Facts...... 4 to boost our bank account. Toilet Paper...... 5 Constitution Day Parade: NC to Honor Veterans...6 CABPRO Invitational Shoot Off Calendar...... 7 CABPRO has invited Chapter 535 to participate in an Invi- VVA Application Form...... 8 tational Shoot-Off at the Nevada City Sportsman range on Saturday, September 29th. This will be a team event. Each team will be comprised of three adults and one teenager (age 12 to 17). The adults will shoot pistol, rifle (scoped Presidents Message Continued Speakers We’ve been working on lining up speakers for the next Stand Down several months. Here is what we have so far. If your wives Stand Down will be held October 5-6 at the Fairgrounds. are interested in any of these topics, they are welcome to Chapter 535 will serve breakfast Friday morning, October attend our meeting. 5th. Jose will need help cooking and serving breakfast. We’ll organize the team at our September meeting. If you September Rich Keene - Estate Planning and legal cannot make the meeting but would like to help with documents for vets breakfast, give me a call (265-4878) or send me an email October David Thomas - Financial Planning For Our ([email protected]). In addition to serving break- Retirement Years fast, we’ll have an information table at this event. November David Ray - Wildfire and Fire Safety In The Foothills Long Term Planning December Pete Conaty & Dean Gotham – VVA Legislative Issues I’ve been speaking with a number of you on how we might January Keith Royal – Public Safety Concerns in raise money going forward. We have two exploratory Our County committees looking into two events for next year. Harold February Nate Beason – UN Navy Operations in the Graves and Bart Ruud are looking into a bike run for next Horn of Africa fall. Dan Davis and Bill Holman are looking into organiz- March Gary & Page Brown – Welcome Home Vets ing a flea market for next spring. In addition, we will speak with the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce concerning a booth for next year’s “Hot Summer’s Night.” We think a booth selling hats, shirts and pins (we have about $4,000 in inventory that we need to move), raffle tickets and information on our organization would be successful. Any thoughts you have on what we might do next year are welcome.

California Wildfires As expected, wildfires this summer are showing a dramatic increase compared to last year. Total fires year to date for ily member, nine-year old Belgian Malinois Gizmo. To help 2012 compared to 2011 are up 48%. Acreage burned is up pay for Gizmo’s medical care, she had to take a second job 30%. However, comparing year to date 2012 to the recent at a civilian veterinarian clinic that gave her an employee five year average, total fires are up only 19% while acreage discount. But Gizmo was not just any dog; he was a retired burned is down 52%. The major fires in northern military working canine that needed special medical care. in recent weeks have been started by lightning strikes. We The Defense Department does not pay for medical treat- still have several weeks to go before fire season is over. ment nor is there a standardized process for people to do- Take care and stay safe. nate money for transport back to the United States. There are about 3,000 dogs serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Fred Buhler, President 265-4878 with about 300-350 retiring each year. Six-hundred ca- nines deploy to multiple war zones, including Afghanistan, Africa and Kuwait. When their time is up and any potential adoptee, if one volunteers, must shoulder huge transporta- Military Working Dogs tion bills in addition to lifetime medical care. This burden dramatically decreases the pool of applicants that would otherwise be interested in these dogs. Military Working Dogs are an irreplaceable asset; they keep Philips decided to do something about it. After she left the military members and civilians safe during times of peace Army, she researched the issue and wrote an essay on the and war. Un-like other military members, Military Working policy for her college English class. Her professor was so Dogs (MWDs) do not receive medical benefits when they impressed with her writing that she advised her to send it retire. In fact they are not even considered veterans. “The to Congress. Through her advocacy efforts in the military MWD is a highly specialized piece of equipment that sup- working dog community, she was connected to Rachel plements and enhances the capabilities of security police Lee, a Gold Star Mom to Cpl. Dustin Lee, a soldier killed in personal” (Air Force Manual). Like many military service action. Rachel adopted her son’s working dog and con- members, Army Veterinarian Technician Lisa Philips strug- gled to pay expensive medical bills for her four-legged fam- Continued on page 4 -2- Chapter 535 Information Center

Chapter 535 Officers & Board of Directors

Officers-Phone President Fred Buhler ...... 265-4878 Vice-President Pete Burelle ...... 274-3787 Secretary Network Real Estate Dave Johnson167...... S. Auburn Street 885-1230 Chapter 535 Web Page Grass Valley, CA 95945 Treasurer [email protected] Harold Graves [email protected]...... 470-8507 www.vva535.org Dick Corn Past President Broker Associate Kent Hawley...... Certi ed Residential Specialist432-3551 (530) 271-3858 O ce Directors (530) 272-8703 Fax Harold Graves [email protected](800) 421-5130...... Toll Free470-8507 Ric Sheridan [email protected]@direcway.com...... 274-1413 Dan Davis...... 272-4110 Pete Burelle [email protected]...... 274-3787 Jerry Molloy [email protected]...... 273-4804 Bill Holman [email protected]...... 265-8387 Fred Buhler ...... 265-4878 (530) 272-4110 eves. Kent Hawley…………………………………………….. 432-3551 Dave Johnson ……………………………………………885-1230 Backhoe Jose Gonzales…………………………………………….274-3559 TRACTOR WORK Rototilling Bill Holman 265-8387 Roads Graded CA State Council Delegates Land Clearing Pete Burelle, Fred Buhler (alternate) 265-4878 Berry Bushes Removed

Chapter 535 Committees Chairs Finance...... Jose Gonzales (Chair) Ric Sheridan Parade and Honor Guard...... Pete Burelle

Product Sales...... Pete Burelle Not licensed by the contractors state license board Food Sales...... Jose Gonzales (Chair), Jerry Molloy, Dan Davis Membership Affairs...... Margie Buhler 4th of July from page 1 Newsletter.... [email protected], 265-8387 Bill Holman Nominations...... Dick Corn Christmas Year Round...... Harold Graves Chapter Events...... Jose Gonzales Shredding Program...... Dan Davis NCCVC...... Margie Buhler, Pete Burelle Web Master...... Ralph Remick

Nevada County Veterans Affairs Rep. Eric...... (530) 273-3396

The Vinh Son Orphanage, has a new web site

www.friendsofvso.org - 3 - Veterans Directory Newsletter Submissions Congress Senate - Veterans Affairs Committee...... 202-224-9126 Please ensure that submissions for the newsletter reach us House - Veterans Affairs Committee...... 202-225-3527 no-later-than the 15th of the month before the meeting. Department of Veterans Affairs They may be mailed to: Board of Veterans Appeals...... 202-233-3001 Central Office...... 202-233-4000 VVA Chapter 535 Freedom of Information/Privacy Act...... 202-233-3616 Attn: Newsletter Editor Personnel Locator...... 202-233-4000 18455 Augustine Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959 Public Information...... 202-233-3056 Veterans Health Administration...... 202-535-7010 e-mail to [email protected] or VA Telephone Care Program...... 800-733-0502 call Bill Holman at (530) 265-8387 Cemetery, Burial, & Headstone Info...... 800-697-6947 Agencies The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not neces- Department of Defense...... 703-545-6700 sarily the views of Vietnam Veterans of America National, DEERS Information (California)...... 800-334-4162 State Council, or Chapter 535 or the newsletter editor, but CHAMPUS (California)...... 800-741-5048 those of the author of the comments. Office of Management and Budget Veterans Affairs..202-395-4500 Small Business Administration Office of Veterans Vietnam Veterans of America Chapters are hereby given Affairs...... 202-205-6773 permission to reproduce any locally produced articles Locator & Reunion Services published in this newsletter. Permission to reprint any- Army Worldwide Locator...... 317-542-4211 thing else must come from the original source. Navy Times Locator Services...... 703-750-8636 Service Reunions...... 703-998-7035 Has Your Address Changed? Vietnam Veterans Locator...... 319-388-9023 Veteran’s Locator Service...... 800-449-VETS Please let us know before the Post office quits forwarding your newsletters. If you find your not receiving your news- Miscellaneous Vietnam Women’s Memorial Project...... 202-328-7253 letter’s or hearing from us, please contact Bill Holman at Sons & Daughters In Touch CA...... 805-872-4035 265-8387. Retired Pay - Cleveland DFAS...... 800-321-1080 Navy Lodging...... 800-NAVY INN Membership Facts Chapter 535 Army Lodging...... 800-GO ARMY VVA M VETE Individual members 30 A R N A Military Dogs Continued Applications waiting T N

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for ( DD214) V nected Philips to Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC). Jones Life members 37 O ® F A took an interest in her cause and after reviewing her infor- C AVVA AMERI mation on a proposed solution, he agreed to sponsor a bill. Individual members 1 The bill is now known as H.R.4103, The Canine Members Life member 2 of the Armed Forces Act. It has a sister bill in the Senate in- Total 70 troduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) known as S.2134. The House bill is included in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2013. The bill costs no taxpayer dollars, sets up a charitable foundation to assist with transportation costs and allows people to donate frequent flier miles to pay for the working dog’s transport. And through the bill, the Secretary of Defense can create a special recognition for military working dogs killed in ac- tion or other exceptional meritorious service. Many hope to see it pass in the fall, but more co-sponsors are needed. Today, The United States War Dog Association, Retired Military Working Dog Assistance Organization and Military Working Dog Adoptions are providing support for retired

military canines, handlers and potential adoptees as well Y OU as working tirelessly to advocate for this bill. Philips’ story AR TEN E NOT FORGOT is noteworthy because it shows that no matter what your status is in life, you can make a difference. -4- Toilet Paper material, the SKIPJACK probably being low on the priority list. The following letter is a prime example of bureaucracy at 7. In order to cooperate in our war effort at a small local its best. It was written and sent in 1942 by the CO of the sacrifice, the SKIPJACK desires no further action be USS Skipjack in an effort to get re-supply of a most impor- taken until the end of the current war, which has tant commodity. It did, however, ultimately result in the created a situation aptly described as “war is hell.” desired delivery. Lt. Cmdr Coe was CO of the USS Skip- J.W. Coe jack when he wrote his famous “toilet paper” letter to the Mare Island Supply Office. On June 22, 1942 J.W. Coe was Here is the rest of the story: awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on the S-39. The letter was given to the Yeoman, telling him to type 77 it up. Once typed and upon reflection, the Yeoman went looking for help in the form of the XO. The XO shared it USS Skipjack (SS-184) near Mare Island in 1942 with the OD and they proceeded to the CO’s cabin and June 11, 1942 asked if he really wanted it sent. His reply, “I wrote it, didn’t From: Commanding Officer I?” The “toilet paper” letter reached Mare Island Supply To: Supply Officer, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California Depot. A member of that office remembers that all officers Via: Commander , Southwest Pacific in the Supply Department “had to stand at attention for three days because of that letter.” By then, the letter had Subject: Toilet Paper been copied and was spreading throughout the fleet and Reference: (a) USS HOLLAND (5148) USS SKIPJACK req. even to the President’s son who was aboard the USS Wasp. 70-42 of 30 July 1941. (b) SO NYMI Canceled invoice No. As the boat came in from her next patrol, Jim and crew 272836 saw toilet-paper streamers blowing from the lights along Enclosure: (1) Copy of cancelled Invoice the pier and pyramids of toilet paper stacked seven feet (2) Sample of material requested. high on the dock. Two men were carrying a long dowel 1. This vessel submitted a requisition for 150 rolls of with toilet paper rolls on it with yards of paper streaming toilet paper on July 30, 1941, to USS HOLLAND. The behind them as a band played coming up after the roll material was ordered by HOLLAND from the Supply holders. Band members wore toilet paper neckties in place Officer, Navy Yard, Mare Island, for delivery to USS of their Navy neckerchiefs. The wind-section had toilet SKIPJACK. paper pushed up inside their instruments and when they 2. The Supply Officer, Navy Yard, Mare Island, on blew, white streamers unfurled from trumpets and horns. November 26, 1941, cancelled Mare Island Invoice As was the custom for returning boats to be greeted at the No. 272836 with the stamped notation “Cancelled- pier with cases of fresh fruit/veggies and ice cream, the --cannot identify.” This cancelled invoice was received Skipjack was first greeted thereafter with her own distinc- by SKIPJACK on June 10, 1942. tive tribute-cartons and cartons of toilet paper. 3. During the 11 ¾ months elapsing from the time of This letter became famous in history books ordering the toilet paper and the present date, the and found its way to the movie (), SKIPJACK personnel, despite their best efforts to await and eventually coming to rest (copy) at the Navy Supply delivery of subject material, have been unable to wait School at Pensacola, Florida. There, it still hangs on the wall on numerous occasions, and the situation is now quite under a banner that reads, “Don’t let this happen to you!” acute, especially during attack by the Even John Roosevelt insured his father got a copy of the “back-stabbers.” letter. The original is at Bowfin Museum in . Three 4. Enclosure (2) is a sample of the desired material boats were used in the making of the movie: USS BALAO provided for the information of the Supply Officer, (SS-285), was painted pink and was used for exterior shots Navy Yard, Mare Island. The Commanding Officer, USS in and around Key West, Florida. USS ARCHERFISH (SS-311) SKIPJACK cannot help but wonder what is being used wore the standard colors of grey and black, and was used in Mare Island in place of this unidentifiable material, for interior and exterior shots. USS QUEENFISH (SS-393) once well known to this command. was used in opening and closing scenes, as well as for at 5. SKIPJACK personnel during this period have become sea shots and was filmed in and around San Diego. accustomed to use of “ersatz,” i.e., the vast amount of incoming non-essential paper work, and in so doing feel that the wish of the Bureau of Ships for the reduction of paper work is being complied with, thus effectively killing two birds with one stone. 6. It is believed by this command that the stamped notation “cannot identify” was possible error, and that this is simply a case of shortage of strategic war -5- Constitution Day Parade: Nevada City to Honor Veterans

Nevada City continues moving forward with plans to honor active duty military as well as veterans and their family and friends during the Constitution Day Parade on September 9th at 2PM. Chapter 535 member Chuck Shea and Friends of Nevada County Military director John Fuller are working with military bases in Northern California and Nevada to invite active duty families to join in the parade. Fred Buhler is working with veterans organizations in northern California. Fol- lowing is a poster that will be used in our community to advertise the event.

-6- 1 8 15 22 29 Saturday Kent Hawley Ric Sheridan i i 7 14 21 28 Friday 6 13 20 27 General Membership Meeting 6 pm 5 12 19 26 Wednesday Thursday T homas Reeves i 4 11 18 25 23 Tuesday Jim Reber i 3 10 17 24 Y Monday Glenn Frazier LABOR DA i 2 9 16 30 23 Sunday RADE Ronald Luchini Y PA September - 2012 i CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION DA -7- M VETE A R N A

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® Chapter 535 O F A A IC MER Vietnam Veterans of America In Service to America Chapter 535 Post Office Box 37 Grass Valley, CA 95945

Address Correction Requested

In Service To America

veterans, and other interested persons. interested other and veterans,

submit a copy of their DD-214 along with this application and dues payment. Associate participation is open to family, friends, all all friends, family, to open is participation Associate payment. dues and application this with along DD-214 their of copy a submit must members Individual

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Individual membership is open to all Vietnam-era veterans who served on active duty for other than training purposes between August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 and 1975 7, May – 1964 5, August between purposes training than other for duty active on served who veterans Vietnam-era all to open is membership Individual

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