THE SPIRIT OF ‘776

J U LY 2 0 0 9 N E W S L E T T E R
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 776
“ I N S E RV I C E T O A M E R I C A . ”

Service Officers
Clarke Barnes
309 944-3674 Delegates Report from Larry Loots
Vietnam Veterans of America 2009
Ed Gaudet National Convention
563 343-9456
Louisville, KY
David Woods July 29 – 30 – 31 August 1, 2009
563 391-3702
attended the Veterans Benefits
Service Coordinators Committee along with Art
Wednesday July 29, 2009. Heyderman. The committees
R. Ernest Ledjte
The opening session mostly met to retire several
563 785-6182
was very interesting. The convention resolutions. VB
delegates were welcomed by a - 1 - 9 5 J u d i c i a l R e v i e w,
Larry Loots patriotic musical review from VB-2-95 Board of Correction
563 212-8351 “Blue Eyed Soul.” An honor of Military Records, VB-3-95
guard presented the colors Less Than Honorable
from Ft. Knox. Lt. General Administrative Discharges,
Russel L. Honore was the VB-4-95 DVA Overpayments,
Iowa City VA Hospital is in need
of a Service Coordinator. The open speaker for the VB-5-95 Civil Liberties of
individual will be trained to help ceremony and he provided the Active Duty Military
veterans and their family work members with a very Personnel, VB-17-95 Criminal
through the process with the inspiring speech. After the B a c k g ro u n d C h e c k s f o r
VA, for benefits with the VA. It
is an unpaid position, but travel opening ritual there were I n c o m p e t e n t Ve t e r a n s .
expenses will be provided. committee reports. Larry Resolutions that stayed as is
Contact Ed Gaudet.
(563) 343-9456 Officers and Board of Directors
President Greg Paulline 388-9068 Dir. Mike DeGeeter 391-8427
Vice-President Marlene Marolf 391-9621 Dir. Ed Gaudet 659-5421
Treasurer Harold Hansen 391-7776 Dir. Ed Gilmore 762-2415
Secretary John Lavelle 355-4213 Dir. Art Heyderman 359-4186
Web Master Roger Granbois 650-4958 Dir. Larry Witt 388-7179
were: VB-6-95 Just Compensation for Injuries Sustained by Active Duty Military Personnel,
VB-7-95 Class Actions At U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Decision, VB-9-95 DVA
Implementation of U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Decisions, VB-10-95 Veterans
Benefits and Services, VB-11-95 Veterans Benefits System, VB-12-95 Department of Veterans
Affairs Service Connected Disability Payments and Military Retirement Payment Offset,
VB-13-95 Preservation of VVA Service Representation at the National Level, VB-14-95 Attorney
Representation at the VA, VB-16-95 Copy of Military Records Upon Discharge, VB-18-95 The
Department of Veterans Affairs VAVS Program, VB-19-95 Veterans Environmental Health Effects,
VB-20-95 Participation in the process of accrediting DVA medical centers, VB-21-95 Military
Health Care. Resolutions shifted to another committee were: VB-22-95 Sexual Harassment,
VB-23-95 Hours of Operation of DVA Medical Facilities, VB-24-95 DVA Hospice Care, VB-25-95
Proper Use of Real Estate for the West Los Angeles DVA Medical Center.
Later in the afternoon Larry attended the Homeless Veterans Committee meeting. This
committee dealt with HTF-05-07 Homeless Veterans HUD/VA Supportive Housing Funding. Also
on the agenda was HTF-6-07 VA Homeless Grant and Per Diem Funding. Sandra Miller,
chairperson, was the featured speaker. She first explained her function and stated that she was
“hands on” in her approach to the issues of homeless veterans. She said that congress was
attempting to turn over the reintegration of homeless veterans to the VA and that VVA opposes
this because the Department of Labor has the responsibility for training and employment of the
homeless. The HUD/VASH voucher program was also explained in detail. It was approved by
congress several years ago, however no funding was approved until last year. $75M was approved
to provide vouchers for 10,000 veterans, a drop in the bucket, but a start. Another $75M was
approved just last week for another 10,290 veterans. Local housing authority controls HUD/
VASH. A veteran must provide proof of military service, agree to enter into treatment programs,
be monitored by a caseworker and undergo drug testing. A case manager also assists family
members.
Larry felt that resolutions should be sent to the delegates several weeks in advance so that
they may be reviewed by them and discussed at a chapter meeting for more comprehensive
representation at the convention. The Veterans Benefits Committee meeting had a great deal of
material to cover with only a few hours to review the material. The Homeless Veterans Committee
was more organized and had fewer resolutions that needed to be reviewed. Day one of the
convention ended.
Thursday July 30, 2009.
Day two began with a general session were the reports from various committees were
discussed and the Credentials Committee indicated that 657 registered delegates were to receive
the official ballots for voting on day three. Various awards and recognition ceremonies followed
the opening of day two. After the awards the delegates acted on the Constitutional Amendments
and read and acted on the resolutions that came out of the committees the previous day. A few
resolutions were referred back to committee for verbiage and clarification. After a lunch break
the session reopened for a short period of time. Those committees that had resolutions referred
back to them were to take them back and work on them while those who were no involved in this
work were given the rest of the day on our own.
 Larry felt that he learned a great deal about how our resolutions come to fruition from
committee to final approval. It was important to see how just one word could be interpreted in
different ways. He was quite pleased to be part of this process and hope to take part in many
more to come.
Friday July 31, 2009.
The day began with election of National Officers and the National Board of Directors. This
lasted from 0800 until 1000 hours. The general sessions reconvened with the committee reports
and the announcement of the “Mike Nash Scholarship” awards. The readings of and acting on of
the resolutions that had been returned to committee were read. The convention adjourned for
lunch. After lunch members were offered the opportunity to attend the showing of “Taking
Chance.” It is an HBO special that was very emotional with a crowd of over 500 veterans. The
sniffling and quiet tears were deafening. Every veteran in attendance received a DVD of the
movie from HBO. Larry also attended the POW/MIA ceremony at the Belvedere Riverfront
Plaza; the Kentuckiana Post that hosted the convention presented this ceremony. It was a
beautiful setting and a solemn ceremony. The strong winds kept blowing out the candles.
Unfortunately only about 100 veterans were in attendance for this program. Later in the evening
delegates were treated to a music performance by “Blue Eyed Soul.” These two ladies had been
part of Dean Martins Golddiggers as well as the Dingalings. They had participated in two of the
Bob Hope Christmas Shows. They have dedicated their lives to presenting USO type shows for
Veterans Groups across the country and visitations to Veterans Hospitals. Larry said it was hard
to believe that these two lovely creatures were the same age as many of the vets who were
entertained by them. At the invitation of the girls, Art Heyderman and a few others joined them
on stage to perform the chicken dance. Larry has some video and pictures that show Art in all of
his glory.
Larry was disappointed that there were only 5 delegates from Iowa taking part in the
convention and hopes that this will change at the next convention.
Saturday August 1, 2009
The final day Convention General Session convened at 0900 with reports from the various
committee members. The election committee said there was no need for a run-off election as the
results were clear. Larry included a copy of the results with the report. Several guest speakers
followed. Two Congressmen spoke, Chet Edwards and Bob Filner, who are both members of the
Veterans Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives. Both of them outlined and
highlighted the new legislation for the new G.I. Bill. These two men were quite obviously strong
proponents of the veterans and act as advocates for veteran issues. The next speaker was Heather
French. A former Miss America. She started the Heather French Foundation for Veterans,
because as she explained to the crowd she has seen the suffering first hand of two of her loved ones
because of prostrate cancer related to Agent Orange. She got a laugh from the crowd when she
said, “I’ll bet nobody in this room expected to hear from a petite, former Miss America about
prostate exams.” Her foundation also works on making a difference with Type II Diabetes, Spina
Bifida, and Vietnam Veterans with Hepatitis C. The next speaker was Jose Ramos, the founder of
“Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” This is a non-profit 501©3 organization that has
campaigned since 2000 to organize a day once a year to celebrate and properly recognize Vietnam
Veterans. In 2007 Congress passed a resolution proclaiming March 30 as “National Welcome
Vietnam Veterans Day.” They began celebrating in 2008 and 2009 in Whittier, California with
festivals.
Jose rode his bicycle from California to Washington D.C. visiting Veterans Hospitals and
Veterans Organizations along the way trying to get support for this effort. He did not get much
support. Recently he received support from actor Jon Voight whom he met at a USO function. He
introduced Mr. Voight to the delegates and he gave an inspiring presentation to the audience. He
spoke about his own life during the war years and also apologized for not being more involved in
the issues of Vietnam Veterans back then. After his presentation he spoke with individuals for a
lengthy period of time, signing autographs and providing photo opportunities. He has become a
strong advocate of the issues Vietnam Veterans face. The 2010 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
Day will be observed on Sunday March 28th, as March 30th is a weekday.
The closing event for the convention was the swearing in of the officers and board of
directors. The honor of doing this fell to Jon Voight. The retiring of the colors followed and
President Rowan adjourned the convention. The next convention will be held in Reno, Nevada in
2011.
Larry felt that the convention was a wealth of information. He brought back several
brochures and informational packets from the various organizations that were present. Larry will
be willing to answer any questions at the August meeting on the events that took place at the VVA
National convention. He thanks the chapter for the opportunity to attend and take part in this
convention and hopes to be able to take part in future events of this nature.

Larry Loots speaks with actor Jon Voight at the VVA National Convention closing.
LEFT. When “Blue
Eyed Soul” asked for
volunteers, Art
Heyderman knew that
his time to shine was at
hand. Soon he was
dancing like Fred
Astair to the roar of
the crowd. BELOW.
Larry Loots, John
Bishop, and Art
Heyderman all
attended the POW/
MIA ceremony in
Louisville on Saturday
morning. The solemn
gathering
commemorates those
who have not yet been
reunited with their
loved ones back home
for over forty years
their plight is still
unknown.
Fellow squad members from 3rd
Platoon Co. B 4/31 196th Infantry
Brigade join Lyle Peterson and Mike
DeGeeter. These men were joined
together in the jungles of Vietnam 40
years ago. Today they enjoyed the
Quad City area and a dinner cruise
on the Mississippi river. They all were
here in Davenport nine years ago to
reminisce and catch up on the current
lives they live. They talk about some
of the guys from the bush and about
what they know of those who were
unable to make the trip and as always
they remember the tasty C-rations
and laugh. They talk about their lives
today and their families.
Welcome Home Boys.
 Minutes for Membership Meeting July 22, 2009
President Greg Paulline called the meeting to order at 1900 hours. The members recited the pledge of
allegiance followed by a moment of silence observed for all POW/MIA and all those still serving our
great nation in harms way. The members each introduced themselves by name, as is our practice.
Present were Secretary John Lavelle, and Treasurer Harold Hansen. The minutes for the June meeting
were accepted as published in the newsletter. Harold Hansen informed the membership that two checks
are outstanding and have yet to be deposited, a check to the Iowa City VA hospital for $200 and a check
to Vets Day Iowa for $150. Larry Witt, membership chair informed the group that we have 114 VVA
members and 18 AVVA members. Martha Lavelle is now a life member of AVVA. The honor guard
continues to work with Chapter 299 for funerals and this month there were no parades scheduled. Ed
Gaudet told the group that the VSO have worked on 4,500 claims this past month and right now it takes
approximately 90 days for adjudication. In Scott County 270 claims were completed in the past quarter
for a total of $90,000 for veterans and $58,000 in back pay. As of July 1, every county in Iowa will be
required to have a certified VSO. The population of veterans in that county will determine the hours for
each VSO to work. Hours will range from 20 hours per week to 40 hours per week. Ed Gaudet and
Dave Woods both attended the St. Ambrose G.I. Bill workshop and felt that it was very informative; the
bill is a cast improvement for veterans. Art Heyderman, the public relations chair, said that the North
Scott Press would publish information about our chapter projects. He also spoke about having the
chapter investigate the memorial stones at the R.I. Arsenal Veterans Cemetery. Cost for a stone would
be somewhere in the neighborhood of $2,655. This was tabled for future discussion. Bill Pinault spoke
about the new G.I. Bill and also about finances for veteran’s small business assistance. Information on
this can be obtained at vetsuccess.gov and also any vet who is considering starting a business can
contact Bill directly. Work Force Development is doing a shoe drive; slightly worn or new shoes can be
donated by calling 445-2319 and through either Craig Norris or Jason Kerr. Lyle Peterson asked for any
ideas for community service for the coming year. If you have an idea on how we can positively impact
the community contact Lyle. Members in distress included Mike DeGeeter. Mike had four stints
implanted to help open his blood vessels and also Bill Pinault recently with some heart concerns. Honor
Flight has 650 WWII veterans and 300 guardians signed up. There will be two flights in October; each
will take 162 veterans and their guardians. At present 45% of the veterans have asked for specific
guardians to accompany them on the trip to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials. The October flights
will be on the 9th and 10th of October and will have four brothers, all WWII veterans going together.
There is a possibility of a November flight and further down the road a possible June flight as well. The
orange clover sales were very successful and we broke last year’s record. We would have done even
better, but we ran out of clovers on Sunday. Art Heyderman and Sam Jones were the top money
gatherers. Richard Hawkins had an additional $26 from clover sales that he turned in during the
meeting. Discussion for next year’s fundraiser already began with the suggestions that we approach the
new Aldi’s on 53rd for next year. This is all good, but as Roger Granbois accurately pointed out we need
more volunteers more than we need more locations. On August 15th the chapter honor guard will
present the colors for the River Valley Car Club at North Park Mall and members will assist with a 50/50
raffle. Art Heyderman made a proposal that our share of the 50/50 go to support Honor Flight and Arlen
Beck seconded that proposal, after a brief discussion the motion passed. Further discussion and
investigations for a location for future meetings continued and are yet to be resolved. Bill Pinault spoke
to the members about the On-Line Silent Auction and read the letter of solicitation for items from local
businesses to auction on the site. Roger Granbois said the site will be ready and asked that members
help him with testing of the site on a future date. Bill Pinault, David Woods, Steve Bredar, and Greg
Paulline will work as a committee to meet and iron out more on the project. The members discussed the
request by Illinois VVA Chapter 299 to set up donation cans on the Iowa side to fund raise for a
memorial to be located in the parking lot of Jumer’s Casino. The members rejected the request. Chapter
776 feels it is more important for us to assist veterans and our community than to construct memorials.
It has been the purpose of this chapter since its inception to find ways to positively impact the veterans
in our community and our community in general through fund raising projects. Last year this chapter
actually paid out more money to these types of projects than we raised. Our legacy is to be remembered
as those veterans who served. Art Heyderman set the date for the next Iowa City VA Hospital visit for
Wednesday September 23rd. Those attending will meet at The Machine Shed at 0700 hours. The
meeting was adjourned. Minutes submitted by John P. Lavelle, chapter secretary.