NOVEMBER 2013

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

388TH

The U.S. Marine Corps provided ground, air, supply, and logistic support in the Vietnam War for over two decades as part of III Marine Amphibious Force. Initially in Vietnam as advisors, the Marines forces grew with the need to protect the key airbase at Da Nang. After the Gulf of Tonkin incident, more troops arrived and the Marines began to engage in the counterinsurgency effort with small-scale pacification units. Combined Action Platoons – U.S. Marines and Vietnamese soldiers – were a novel concept that the Marines brought. By 1966, there were nearly 70,000 Marines in Vietnam. In addition to ground combat, the Marines Corps provided air support from helicopter squadrons and fixed-wing aircrafts striking targets in South and North Vietnam. In 1967, the Army leadership in Saigon advocated that the Marines concentrate their efforts on large unit search and destroy operations. The Marines’ mission was split, with fighting against the North Vietnamese Army along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) toward the north, and a counterinsurgency operation waged against the Viet Cong in the villages in the south. In the north, the Marines engaged in heavy fighting between Khe Sanh in the West and Leatherneck Square in the Eastern DMZ. They also began to create the McNamara line, a series of strong points, sensors and obstacles meant to detect communist forces crossing the DMZ. The North Vietnamese focused much of their firepower on destroying the McNamara line in its early stages, resulting in many conflicts, most notably Con Thien. The McNamara line ultimately failed to materialize, but the Marines were largely successful in stemming the flow of communist forces across the DMZ, although at a large price. 3,461 Marines were killed in action in 1967 and another 25,525 were wounded. On January 31, 1968, the Tet Offensive – the massive offensive the North Vietnamese launched against South Vietnam in 105 cities on the Tet Lunar Year – was largely repulsed by U.S. Marines and South Vietnamese forces. This was not the case at Hue, a city where Marines fought for 26 days before expelling the North Vietnamese. The Marines also defended Khe Sanh in a 77 day siege, under fire by as many as 1000 shells per day, until the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division broke the siege. In 1969, President Nixon began to bring troops home. Few Marines units were involved in the U.S. military actions in Cambodia or Laos, and while 1st Marine Division fought in major engagements around Da Nang, 3d Marine Division was heading back to base at Okinawa. By 1971, the 1st Division and 3d Marine Aircraft Wing departed for the United States and Japan. Marine advisors, fire support personnel, and air units fought during the 1972 Easter Offensive supporting the Vietnamese Marine Corps. A peace treaty was signed in Paris in January 1973. The U.S. agreed to withdraw all of its forces from Vietnam and in turn the North Vietnamese returned its U.S. prisoners of war, 26 of whom were Marines. In 1975, Marines led Operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind to evacuate the American embassies in Phnom Penh and Saigon. Immediately after saving hundreds of American lives in the embassy evacuations, President Ford ordered the Marines to rescue the crew of the USS Mayaguez, which had been taken by the Khmer Rouge. A joint task force completed the mission and recaptured the ship, but not without Marine and U.S. Air Force casualties. The Vietnam War was costly to the U.S. Marine Corps. From 1965 to 1975, nearly 500,000 Marines served in Southeast Asia. Of these, more than 13,000 were killed and 88,000 wounded, nearly a third of all American causalities sustained during the war. Source: United States Marine Corps History Division

U.S. Marine Corps - VietnamU.S. Marine Corps - Vietnam

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1988 2013

Cont’d on Page 4

A Brief History of the U.S. Marine Corps

A Brief History of the U.S. Marine Corps

On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution, stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces. With this resolution the Continental Marines were established marking the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, these first Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in 1776, under the command of Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas. Nicholas, the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, remained the senior Marine officer until the end of the American Revolution and is considered to be the first Marine Commandant. The Treaty between England and the new American nation in Paris in April 1783 brought an end to the Revolutionary War and as the last of the Nations Warships were sold, the Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence.

Following the Revolutionary War and the formal re-establishment of the Marine Corps in July 1798, Marines saw action in the quasi-war with France, landed in Santo Domingo and took part in many operations against the Barbary pirates along the “Shores of Tripoli”. Marines participated in numerous naval operations during the War of 1812, as well as participating in the Defense of Washington at Bladensburg, Maryland. On another front, Marines fought along side Andrew Jackson during the defeat of the British at New Orleans. The decades following the War of 1812 saw the Marines protecting American interests around the word, in the Caribbean, at the Falkland Islands, Sumatra and off the coast of West Africa, and also close to home in the operations against the Seminole Indians in Florida.

During the Mexican War (1846-1848), Marines seized enemy seaports on both the Gulf of Mexico and along the Pacific coasts. A battalion of Marines joined General Scott's Army At Pueblo and fought their way to the "Halls of Montezuma" near Mexico City. Marines also served ashore and afloat during the Civil War (1861-1865). Although most service was with the Navy, a battalion fought at Bull Run and other units saw action with the blockading naval squadrons and at Cape Hatteras, New Orleans, Charleston, and Fort Fisher. The last third of the 19th century saw Marines making numerous landings throughout the world, especially in the Orient and in the Caribbean area.

Following the Spanish-American War (1898), in which Marines performed with valor in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, the Corps entered an era of expansion And professional development. It saw active service in the Philippine Insurrection (1900) and the Boxer Rebellion in China (1899-1901) and in numerous other nations, including Nicaragua, Cuba, Mexico, and Haiti.

In World War I the Marine Corps distinguished itself on the battlefields of France as the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines earned the title of "Devil Dogs" [Teufelhunden] for heroic action during June 1918 at Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Michiel, Blanc Mont, and in the final Meuse-Argonne offensive. Marine Air, which dates from 1912, also began to become an active fighting Arm of the Corps and played a gallant part in the war effort as Marine pilots flew day recon and fighter missions over France and Belgium. More than 30,000 Marines had served in France during the War and about one-third were killed or wounded in six months of intense fighting.

During World War II the Marine Corps began to develop a war fighting doctrine, the equipment to implement it and the support organization needed to fight an amphibious war. The success of the amphibious doctrine sealed the future fate of the Corps as Marines fought their way across the South Pacific and to the very shores of Japan. The battles fought and the high price paid with the lives of United States Marines on Guadalcanal, New Britain, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa wrote our history with the blood and guts of American Marines. By the end of the War, the Marine Corps had grown to include six divisions, five Air wings, and support troop strength in World War II peaking at 485,113. The War cost the Marines nearly 87,000 dead or wounded, with 82 Marines earning the Medal of Honor.

While Marine units took part in the post-War occupation of Japan and North China, innovative studies were undertaken at Marine Corps Schools Command, Quantico, VA that worked on attaining a ‘vertical envelopment" capability for the Corps through the use of helicopters. Landing at Inchon, Korea near Seoul in 1950, Marines proved that the doctrine of amphibious assault WAS still viable and necessary. After the recapture of Seoul, the Marines advanced to the Chosin Reservoir only to see Chinese Communists enter the War. After years of offensives, counter offensives, seemingly endless trench Warfare, and occupation duty, the last Marine ground troops were withdrawn during March 1955. More than 25,000 Marines were killed or wounded during the Korean War.

In July 1958, a brigade-size force landed in Lebanon to restore order. During the Cuban Crisis in October 1962, a large amphibious force was marshalled in the waters off South Florida but not landed. In I965, an amphibious brigade of Marines landed in the Dominican Republic intervention to protect Americans and evacuate who wish to.

The landing of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade at Da Nang in 1965 marked the beginning of large-scale Marine involvement in Vietnam. By the summer 1968 after the enemy's February Tet Offensive, Marine Corps strength in Vietnam rose to a peak of approximately 85,000. New battles, Dewey Canyon, Meade River, Hue, Khe Sanh, Hill 881, Bold Mariner, were fought and won by Marines. Marine bases, like Marble Mountain, Da Nang, Chu Lai, Quang Tri, Dong Ha, Vandergrift, The Rock Pile, Phu Bai and Hill 55 were manned and defended. The Marines began to withdraw "with honor" in September 1969 as the South Vietnamese began to assume a larger role in fighting; the last ground forces were out of Vietnam in June 1971. The Vietnam War, in the history of the Marine Corps, exacted a high cost with over 13,000

With our Chapter growing by leaps and

bounds, so much more can and must be done.

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

Committee List above and pick out one you’d

like to be a part of! Most Committees can

definitely use more help . . .

CHAPTER ORGANIZATION

AD HOC COMMITTEES Battle Born Days

Wreaths Across America

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

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

Scholarship Darrol Brown/Bruce Bertram

Health/Transportation Neal Davies

Darrol BrownGovernment Affairs Chaplain’s Bruce Bertram

STANDING COMMITTEES: CONTACT

POW/MIA Darrol BrownCommunications Verne Horton/John Hussong

Special Events Jack McQuirk/Ron Moore/Stuart Miller

Welcome Home Robert Talbert/Rick Arnold

Membership Affairs John HussongOutreach Verne Horton

Finance Committee** Rick ArnoldExecutive Committee** Rick Arnold

Women’s Affairs Lee Jackson

Adopt-a-Vet Dental Program Brenda Horton

VSO Joe Matisohn

ELECTED OFFICERS

Rick Arnold

John Hussong

Jack McQuirk

Lee Jackson

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Community Services Committee Vacant

Charles Barton "Bob" Sperry

January 12th, 1933 - October 16th, 2013

Wednesday, October 16th, 2013 marks the date our friend,

Bob Sperry was so needlessly taken from us. Our prayers go

out to his family, his comrades, and friends.

A retired Marine Corps Major, Bob was also a long time member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and Past President of it’s Reno Chapter - 989. Bob devoted a large portion of his life to his Country, his community and was a strong advocate for the betterment of his fellow veterans. As such, Bob truly epitomized the motto . . . Semper fidelis.

He will, indeed, be greatly missed.

:

Contact Information:

Newsletter Email: commmobunker388@charter.net Chapter 388 Website: http://vva388.com/

Chapter Facebook Page: VVA Chapter 388 Carson City Nevada

Chapter President: Rick Arnold: vva388@gmail.com

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 vva388@gmail.com for specific date and time.

TH388

388th is a monthly publication of the Vietnam Veterans of America - Carson Area Chapter 388 and is published purely for the education of and communi-cation with it’s membership and other interested parties. Not for Sale.

Cont’d from Page 2

A Brief History of the U.S. Marine Corps

A Brief History of the U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines, grouped in fours and fives in outboard motor boats, approach the beach in an amphibious assault in the Rung Sat Zone, 35 miles from Saigon, South Vietnam. Rung Sat, infested with Viet Cong, was the target of Operation Jackstay, involving 1,200 Marines

Marines killed and more than 88,000 wounded. In the spring of 1975, Marines evacuated the embassy staff, other U.S. citizens, and refugees in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Saigon Republic of Vietnam. In May 1975, Marines played an integral roll in the rescue of the crew of the SS Mayaguez that had been captured off the coast of Cambodia.

The mid 1970s the 2nd Marine Division participated in joint War game operations throughout northern Europe. The Marine Corps also played a key role in the development of the Rapid Deployment Force, a multi-service organization created to insure a flexible and timely response around the world when needed. The Maritime Pre-positioning Ships (MPS) was developed to enhance this capability by pre-staging equipment needed for combat operations close to the vicinity of the designated area of operations to reduce response time as Marines trained to link up by air transportation with MPS assets.

In August 1982, Marines landed in Beirut, Lebanon, as part of a multi-national peace-keeping force. In October 1983 they took part in the highly successful, short-notice, intervention in Grenada. As the decade of the 1980s came to a close, Marines were called to respond to instability in Central America. In December 1989, at the head of the spear of Operation Just Cause in Panama Marines protected America interests and restored Panama's democratic process.

Less than a year later, in August 1990, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait set in motion events that would lead to the largest movement of Marine Corps forces since World War II. Between 1990 and January 1991, 24 infantry battalions, 40 squadrons, and more than 92 Marines support units deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Desert Shield. Operation Desert Storm was launched 16 January 1991, the day the air campaign began. The main Attack overland began 24 February when the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions breached the Iraqi defense lines and stormed into occupied Kuwait. By the morning of 25 February, 100,000 Iraqi troops had been neutralized as either killed or captured. Within 100 hours, the entire Iraqi Army in the Kuwait theater of operation had been encircled, with 4,000 tanks destroyed and 42 divisions destroyed or rendered operationally ineffective.

Overshadowed by the events in the Persian Gulf during 1990-91, were a number of other significant Marine deployments that again demonstrated the Corps' flexible and rapid response when the nation's leaders call. A new nom guerre was added to the lineage of the "Old Corps" with the term "America's 911 Force" describing these 21st century Marines. In December 1992 Marines landed in Somalia marking the beginning of a two year humanitarian relief operation in the famine-stricken and strife-torn nation. In another part of the world, Marine Corps Aircraft supported Operation Deny Flight in the no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina. In April 1994, Marines again demonstrated their ability to protect Americans in remote parts of the world when a Marine task force evacuated U.S. citizens from Rwanda, responding to civil unrest in that country. Closer to home, Marines went ashore in September 1994 in Haiti as part of the U.S. force participating in the restoration of democracy in that country. During this same period Marines were engaged in providing assistance to our Nation's counter-drug enforcement efforts.

During the late 1990's, Marine Corps units deployed to several African nations, including the Central African Republic, Zaire, and Eritrea, in order to provide security and assistance in the evacuation of American citizens. During periods of political and civil instability in those countries, humanitarian and disaster relief operations were also conducted by Marines during strife in Kenya, and in the Central American nations of Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. In 1999, Marine units deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Allied Force. Soon after the September 2001 terrorist Attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. Marine units deployed to the Arabian Sea and in November 2001 set up a forward operating command in southern Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. This is traditionally marked as the beginning of the War on Terror. Within months, the Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorist governments were history and 25 million Afghans were able to experience their first freedom in over 20 years.

When the President calls, the Marine Corps answers that call.. After the question, "Where are the carriers?" the next query is often, "Send in the Marines!" On March 19, 2003 the president called and American and allied forces responded as they launched Operation Iraqi Freedom that in a matter of three weeks demolished the government of Saddam Hussein and his Baath political party. During the ensuing months, New York USMCR units [2nd Bn, 25th Mar (2/25), 8th Tank Bn, VMGR-452, 6th Comm, and 6th Comm Bn] with other Marine and allied American and foreign military forces have worked to rebuild the Iraqi infrastructure and to return the war-torn nation to the Iraqi people. Today, Marines continue to serve their nation in Iraq, Haiti, and countless other places. May God continue to Bless them and our Nation.

The Marine Corps has continued its tradition of innovation to meet the challenges of a century. The Marine Corps War Fighting Laboratory was created in 1995 to evaluate and assess the impact of new techno1ogies on war fighting, and expedite the introduction of modern capabilities into the operating forces of the Marine Corps. Exercises such as "Hunter-Killer" and "Urban Warrior" were designed to explore future tactical concepts, and to examine military operations within urban settings.

In 1776, the device consisted of a fouled anchor (tangled in its rope) of silver or pewter. In 1834, it was prescribed that a brass eagle be worn on the cover. An eagle clutching a fouled anchor with thirteen six-pointed stars above was used on uniform buttons starting in 1804. This same insignia is used today on the buttons of Marine dress and service uniforms, with the six-pointed stars changed to five-pointed stars.

In 1859, the first version of the present color scheme for the officer's dress uniform insignia appeared on an elaborate device of solid white metal and yellow metal. The design included a United States shield, half wreath, a bugle, and the letter "M."

In 1868, the Commandant, Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin, appointed a board "to decide and report upon the various devices of cap ornaments of the Marine Corps." On November 13, 1868, the board recommended the modern insignia and it was approved by the Commandant four days later, and by the Secretary of the Navy on November 19, 1868.

The emblem recommended by the 1868 board consisted of a globe (showing the continents of the Western Hemisphere) intersected by a fouled anchor, and surmounted by a spread eagle. On the emblem itself, there is a ribbon, clasped in the eagle's beak, bearing the Latin motto "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful). The uniform insignias omit the motto ribbon.

The globe on the U.S. Marine emblem signifies the Corps' readiness to service in any part of the world. The eagle represents the United States. The anchor, which dates back to the founding of the Corps in 1775, acknowledges the naval tradition of the Marines and their continual service within the Department of the Navy.

There are some differences between the uniform insignia for enlisted Marines and that of officers: The Enlisted Marines' Dress Blue uniform insignia is die-struck from a single sheet of brass and annodized a gold color. The Service Uniform insignia is coated a flat black color.

The Officers' insignia is assembled from four parts: a die-struck silver colored globe with eagle, and gold colored anchor with silver colored fouling rope, and gold colored continents.

Eagle,Globeand Anchor . . .

Eagle,Globeand Anchor . . .

NEVADA DAY 2013388 again participated in the Nevada Day Parade on Saturday October 26th. Joined by Chapter 989 and three of veteran Cur t i s McLachlan’s classic cars, the stout h e a r t e d / d i e - h a r d s marched the parade route while the “wiser” ones rode either 989’s trailer or in one of the cars.

This year’s parade cele-brated the 75th year of the Nevada Parade and was made up of 195 entries. In this year’s parade from 388 were: R i c k A r n o l d , J o h n Hussong, Tom Spencer, Joe Matisohn, Bruce Bertram, Terry Hubert,B e n S w a n s o n , Stu Miller, Don Muscott, Neal Davies, Darrol Brown, Dave Heckman, Dennis Wooten, Verne Horton, Randy Roth and Randy friend and potential member Rick Knight. Chapter member Roger Diez served as one of the Parade announcers. It was a moving and rewarding experience for all of us as we were met throughout the Parade route with standing applause and “thank you’s” from the crowd for our having served.

In addition to the parade, Chapter 388 participated with several other users of the Veterans Hall, in opening the Hall to veterans and their families - offering free coffee and doughnuts. Each of the groups had a “booth” with literature and memorabilia as well. Serving as our hosts were 388 members Rick Ashley, Jan Smith and Brenda Horton.

Bea Arthur was one of the first members of the Marines Women’s Reserve.

Before she was a Golden Girl, Arthur was a Devil Dog! She enlisted in the Marines at age 21 in 1943 and spent 30 months in the Women’s Reserve as a truck driver and as a typist.

When enlistment spots opened up for women, she decided that joining was the right thing to do. She hoped to get a job in ground aviation, but was content in doing what was needed until positions in aviation were available. She was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank Staff Sergeant.

During her enlistment she married a fellow Marine, Private Robert Arthur. She changed her first name to Bea when she began her acting career.

“Golden Girl”Bea Arthur

Veteran’s Day, 2013 Marks

the Silver Anniversary of

Carson Area Chapter 388!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 388!

Photos Thanks to AVVA Member Jan Smith

IT’S HERE . . .

That’s right, after a long agonizing delivery our new website is born! The new site can be found at the same URL as before (vva388.org).

The new site has many new and some more familiar features. Hover your curser over “HOME” and you’ll see pages with our Officers, our Committees and also meeting information.

Move your curser slightly to the right and hover over “MORE” and you’ll find pages with: information about us, News, Up-coming Events, the Adopt a Vet Program, Resources, our Newsletter (with downloads), Membership (with application forms), a Contact page, an area for Member Contributions, Pictures including: general photos/the Vietnam Memorial/Vietnam/the Wall and member photos. Lastly there is a page for those wishing to make contributions to the Chapter. Many of the above pages have sub pages and several have Contact Forms which will go directly to the appropriate parties.

While we’re proud of this initial offering, the website is a “work-in-progress”. We’ll be making changes and additions as the months and years go by . . . and we solicit your suggestions, comments, contributions and yes, even criticisms. Not everything will be implemented, but everything will be given very serious consideration.

John Hussong and I are committed to making this the best site we possibly can and will strive to keep it current and relavent.

Verne Horton - Communications

November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of World War I - “the war to end all wars”.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service . . .” The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

An Act (52 Stat. 351) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation". He went on to name the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee.

The Uniform Holiday Bill was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-9, which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

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by John Hussong, Chapter Vice President/Membership ChairAbout Our ChapterAbout Our ChapterAbout Our ChapterIn Service to America . . .

The national organization describes belonging to the VVA as:"Membership in the VVA offers a community of fellowship with the people that share your experiences, needs and hopes for the future."

I believe it is more than that...membership in this organization and more specifically, your local chapter (388), offers us an opportunity to be a proud part of the community in which we live. A community of veterans that reaches out to other veterans in order to assist them in any way we can. We enjoy the companionship of fellow veterans and on occasion, can discuss things that only other veterans can understand and appreciate...

The fulfillment of helping other veterans with small deeds or guiding them toward more definitive measures is what the members of this chapter do... We can stand tall during our efforts to raise public awareness of veterans in need, thus fulfilling our duty to our generation and paving the way for our newer returning vets.

We believe that "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another”

If you know of a fellow veteran and think that he or she might benefit from joining the VVA, please contact me via email at:wjhussong@me.com

John

LIFE MEMBERSHIPDUES CHANGE

A new category has been added to the list of dues for Life Memberships! As we’re all “creeping up there”, it just might make a nice difference to some.

56-60: $200.0061-65: $175.0066-71: $150.00

72+: $100.00(And, there is a convenient time payment plan with$50.00 down and $25.00 per month until

paid in full.)

Regular Dues remain the same:One Year: $20.00Three Years: $50.00

The above dues rates are for either VVA, or AVVA Memberships

®

A S S O C I A T E S

®

Military members stand at attention as service flags are raised at the U.S. Military Working Dog Teams National Monument on Monday Oct. 28, 2013, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. JBSA-Lackland is home to the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Program and where the U.S. Armed Forces have been training its military working dog teams since 1958.

"”These incredible warriors have saved countless American lives since they were first officially recognized by the U.S. military in World War II," said Larry Chilcoat, an Air Force veteran who partnered with a German shepherd named Geisha during the Vietnam War.

MILITARY WORKING DOG TEAM NATIONAL MONUMENT DEDICATED AT LACKLAND

Chapter 388 has always made it a policy to put back into the

communities that support our Outreach Program, a portion of the

donations received. As a result, the Chapter gives a percentage of

the monies received to charitable organizations in our “host”

communities who make a significant contribution to the health and

well being of the veterans in the area and those just passing

through.

At our October monthly

meeting, the Chapter

presented checks to the

Carson City Salvation

Army and to Carson City’s

F r i e n d s i n S e r v i c e

Helping (F.I.S.H.). Both

the “Army” and “F.I.S.H.”have over the years made a

considerable difference in

the condition of our needy

veterans and their families

by providing food, clothing, shelter, transportation assistance,

school supplies and medical care. The checks presented represent

a p o r t i o n o f t h e

proceeds received from

our Outreach at the

North Carson City

Walmart.

Over the years, 388 has

been most fortunate in

the way the members of

o u r s u r r o u n d i n g

communi t i e s have

stepped up to help us

and our many veterans

support programs. As a result, it is our priviledge to be able to share

this bounty with others in our area who join with us in “caring for

those who stood with us”.

388’s President Rick Arnold presents the Chapter’s check to Lt. Mark Cyr of the Carson City Salvation Army Corps.

Chapter member Gary Armstrong joins President Rick Arnold in presenting theChapter’s check to Jim Peckham of F.I.S.H.

CHAPTER 388 SHARES WITH CARSON CITY CHARITIES

A new VA program will soon allow all enrolled veterans and

CHAMPVA beneficiaries to purchase private dental insurance at a

reduced cost. Created by the Caregivers and Omnibus Health

Services Act of 2010, this three year pilot program known as the

VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) will offer a wide array of

affordable plans to veterans and eligible dependents through Delta

Dental and MetLife. Monthly premiums will range from $8.65 to

$52.90, depending on level of coverage selected. Participation in

this program is entirely optional and dental service connection is

not required. Enrollment begins on Nov. 15, 2013, with coverage

beginning on Jan. 1, 2014. For more information, visit:

http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip/

VA TO PILOT DENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAM

"Am Vet's shutter Nevada Operations"

Effective immediately, the service organization Am Vet's has ceased to continue operation in Nevada. Due to the lack of funding the decision was announced and verified by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services this week. The status of current and pending claims is unknown at this writing.

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

This past month has been busy for the Adopt a Vet Dental Program with the completion of three more veterans for a total of 15 veterans that have completed their dental care since April with a total value of $97,956.99 which has been donated by our 21 listed dentists. HATS OFF TO THE DENTISTS! Within the next two weeks another three veterans will have completed their treatment and four more are currently in some stage of treatment.

The Veterans Dental Clinic being held on November 8th by Drs. Holmes, Mannikko and Beglin has been supplied with a list of 25 veterans who will receive dental treatment varying from extractions, to composite fillings, and hygiene. I will be in attendance that day to counsel with any veteran who qualifies for AAVD and has need for further treatment.

With a constant list of AAVD pre-approved veterans waiting for dental care there continues to be a need for more active dentists to participate in the program. A list of area dentists who had not replied to our March invitation to participate has been compiled and an effort will be made this month to contact them in hopes of obtaining their participation in the program.

As to the waiting list, the Carson area AAVD list has 10 veterans from 2012 and 24 veterans as of 2013. Their needs range over a variety of treatment from dentures to full restoration.

This past month I was able to finally be processed as an “official volunteer” with Adopt a Vet Dental Program and had gone to Reno for my picture and background check. So now that I am “legal”, I need to start wearing a name badge!

One cannot get involved in such a program without being touched by veterans. I listen to their stories, hear about their families, or lack of families, their hopes, their needs, but also the appreciation voiced by them for the privilege of being accepted in such a program and the gratitude for the dental work that’s been provided them. I also hear from the dentists as they verbalize why they are participating, often because they too are a veteran, or have/had a close family member in the Armed Forces. One dentist I was talking with recently, proudly displays his military medals from the Vietnam War on the wall of his office along side his father’s from WWII.

With Chapter 388 support we will continue to “march” forward until we can process a needy veteran and assign him to a dentist within no more than 6 months of being approved for the AAVD program.

YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE AT THE CHAPTER BREAKFAST

NOVEMBER 16TH AT 9:00AM

GRANDMA HATTIE’S RESTAURANT

2811 SO. CARSON ST., CARSON CITY

BE THERE!

Nevada Office of Veterans Serviceshttp://www.veterans.nv.gov/contact.html

ROVING VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS C H E D U L E F O R A U G U S T

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

For more information, or to schedule an advanced appointment Contact Pamela Roberts (775) 688-1653 ext. 6 or Barbara at (775) 321-4880. Veterans are advised to bring their DD-214 discharge document and/or current VA claim(s) correspondence. If the claim involves their dependents, veterans should bring marriage and/or birth certifcates as wel l as soc ia l secur i ty numbers of the i r dependents .

WED 11-6-13Winnemucca Armory735 WEST FOURTH STREET, WINNEMUCCA, NV9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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

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

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

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

TUE 12-3-13Yerington Senior Center 117 TILSON WAY, YERINGTON, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

THU 12-5-13Hawthorne American Legion Post #19755 SIERRA WAY, HAWTHORNE, NV 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM TUE 12-10-13Silver Springs Senior Center2945 FORT CHURCHILL, SILVER SPRINGS, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM THU 12-12-13Dayton Senior Center320 OLD DAYTON VALLEY ROAD, DAYTON, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM TUE 12-17-13PRE-SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS ONLY – NO WALK-INS AT THIS OUTREACHDouglas County Senior Center2300 MEADOW LANE, MINDEN, NV10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Finding Purpose Living with PTSD

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

STRUGGLING WITH PTSD?KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS?

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

A VETSTHOUGHTS ON “RETIREMENT”

A veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased, and others, who may have already retired, wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.

1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie, that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.

2. We know in the Military life, that there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.

3. We know that, even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life.

We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart, still is. These are the burdens of the job.

You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see, or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the Military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty. So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known !

From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your company. Thank you for your service to our country and defending the freedoms we enjoy.

Brother John MacBrideChapter 388 Member

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER CALENDAR

Date Event Location

November 7 November 11 November 16

December 14 December 5

Breakfast/Coffee

Chapter MeetingVeterans Day Parade

Christmas PartyPlace Wreaths 9AM

Carson CityVirginia CityGrandma Hattie’sTBAFernley, NV

(No breakfast)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BeautifulVVA

Color Map ofWartime Vietnam

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

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

Contact Verne Horton @ commobunker388@charter.net

Gary Lowry

Dave Pierson

Lee Jackson

Bruce Bertram

Bob Crowell

Charles Epperson

Nov 11

Nov 15

Nov 17

Nov 17

Nov 28

Nov 28

Rich Garvey

Ben Swanson

Don Waller

Bob Lopez

Rick Ashley

John Warden

Dec 2

Dec 14

Dec 16

Dec 18

Dec 19

Dec 31

DECEMBER5TH

CHAPTERCHRISTMASPARTY

5:30 pm at The San Marcos Grill

260 E Winnie Ln, Carson City, NV

Watch for Email Details

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

Service Records www.archives.gov

Memorial Wall Research www.virtualwall.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

Veterans Employment Services State Dept. of Employment, Training &

Rehabilitation

1933 N. Carson Street

Carson City, NV 89701

Office: 775-684-0400

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

USEFUL CONTACTS

Websites

Local Veteran Services

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

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

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

State of Nevada Department of Veterans Services

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

Western Nevada College Veterans Resource Center(775) 445-3000

Nevada Job Connect Nick Lazzarino 775- 4684-0456 1929 N. Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701