JOIN VVA and AVVA

The business session will begin immediately after the meal is finished. Topics to be discussed will include: Veterans' issues updates; Committee Reports; Legislative news; Fundraising ideas; Upcoming events; Planning for the "Veterans Information Fair" and 24th Annual POW/MIA Vigil;etc. We ask everyone to bring some non-perishable items for the "Heros Pantry."

Remember: Sunday, February 20 at 1:30 pm at the American Legion Post at 525 East Broad Street. We hope to see you there! This is your chapter, take part in it! Bring your ideas on what you would like to see this, your chapter, doing!

The business session will begin right after the meal. Topics to be discussed will include: Veteran's issues updates; Committee Reports; Legislative news; Fundraising ideas, Upcoming events; etc., etc.. We ask everyone to bring items for the Hero's Pantry!

Remember: Sunday, March 20 at 1:30 pm at the American Legion Post. We hope to see you there! This is your chapter, be part of it!    Together then - Together Now!

On December 31 several VVA # 278 members went to the Banshees MC Clubhouse to dedicate a new flagole for them. It was an honor to be asked and I for one truly enjoyed the brotherhood. Then on New Years Day several VVA # 278 members went to the Miller County Courthouse to observe the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected officials, especially one of our own, Larry Burgess as Miller County Judge. Congratulations to all!

Sadly, another local hero was killed in action. Sgt. Zainah C. Creamer was KIA in Afghanistan on January 16. A memorial service was held in Texarkana on Saturday, January 22. It was an honor to be a very small part of honoring her. We had several members take part in this moving service. Thanks to Don Ruggles who put it all together and thanks to all who participated. The Patriot Guard looked extremely good, as always.

We have two whose membership have become delinquent recently. They are: Terry Strong and John Webb. We really want you to remain in the VVA # 278 family. And we are still looking for: John Barros, Sidney Cooper, Gary Dorsey, Daniel Fedd. Timothy Fultz, Kathy & Rusty Hicks, Pamela Pierce,  Tom Powers, Billie Robinson, Tommy Rutherford and Edward Schanefish. We really do want you back!!

A reminder: To become a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc, you do not have to have served in-country Vietnam. You just have to have served in the United States military (for other than training purposes) between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975. If you served in-country: between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.

VVA has a program whereas the dues of a permanently hospitalized Vietnam era veteran is waived. If you know of a veteran in these circumstances that would like to become a member of VVA let us know. We need a copy of his DD 214 and a letter from the Doctor stating the veteran is permanently confined to a hospital and/or nursing home.

We want you, we need you!! Together then, together now!! Help us help veterans!!!

Join VVA & AVVA.

There are 3347 Americans unaccounted for from World War I (two more sets of remains have recently been identified).  There are now 74,064 Americans unaccounted for from World War II. There are now 8,019 Americans unaccounted for from the Korean War (108 from Arkansas; 151 from Louisiana; 152 from Oklahoma; amd 451 from Texas). There are 125 Americans unaccounted for from the Cold War. There is one American, Ahmed Altaie, unaccounted for from Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one American, Bowe Berghal, unaccounted for from Operation Eduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! WILL YOU?

VVA # 278's delegates  and alternates are: Billy Walker, Fisher Plymale, Ann Walker, Donna Carmeli, Freddie Weathers, and Greg Bischoff.  The TAVC meetings are open to all members of the member organizations. Other Veteran organizations in Bowie, Miller, Cass, and Little River Counties are invited to join the TAVC.

To observe "Salute to Hospitalized Veterans" the Council will make a trip to the Shreveport Medical Center to visit with the hospitalized veterans. We will be giving them fruit and backscratchers, and donating a $1200 check to the VAVS. We will be leaving the American Legion at 9:00 am, Tuesday, February 15. The 12th Annual Chili Cook-off is scheduled for Friday, February 18 at the Truman Arnold Center at Texarkana College.

To schedule a ride on one of the vans call the following numbers: To ride the van to Shreveport call: 1-800-863-7441 Ext 7025. To get a ride on the local van call 318-286-6735. Volunteer drivers are needed to drive these vans and provide this service for our veterans! You do not have to be a veteran to drive the van, just a clean driving record and be able to pass a VA physical exam.

Help us help veterans!

Borger Chapter # 440 will host the June TSC meeting on June 3 , 4, & 5, 2011.

Patterson said he is dropping the VLB's one-year residency requirement because too many deserving Texas veterans were not able to access the benefits they've earned. "Under the old rules, even Davy Crockett would not have qualified for VLB benefits had he survived the Alamo," Patterson said.

Crockett left his home in Tennessee in November 1835, telling his political rivals, "You may all go to Hell and I will go to Texas." He mustered into the Texas Army in January 1836 and was killed in March at the Alamo.

"Opening up the VLB's programs to all Texas veterans is one of the greatest privileges I've enjoyed as chairman of the VLB," Patterson said. "These benefits are no entitlement, they are earned and I am honored to be able to deliver them."

Texas is one of only five states to offer a veterans program, and VLB benefits are widely seen as the best in the nation. "The VLB offers Texas veterans more than just a land loan nowadays," Patterson said. "From low-cost land and home loans to long-term, high-quality nursing care and free burial in any of three Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, the VLB has grown and we want to get the word out."

Along with the expansion of who is eligible, the VLB has begun an aggressive marketing campaign to let veterans know what they have earned. A new logo and slogan are the most visible signs of this change, and both are featured prominently on a new website — www.texasveterans.com — and in a new ad campaign that began running on Texas TV and radio stations this fall. The VLB has embraced social media. Veterans may now share VLB news via their own social networks with easy links from the VLB's home page. Or veterans can keep up with VLB news via Facebook or Twitter.

The Texas tradition of taking care of veterans dates back to the Republic, when those who signed on to fight for independence from Mexico were rewarded with generous tracts of land. The VLB was created in 1946 after Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing $25 million in bonds to help World War II veterans buy land.

Since then, the land and home loan programs have funded more than $9 billion in loans and become popular options for veterans looking to buy the American Dream.

The VLB has also built seven — soon to be eight — Texas State Veterans Homes, where veterans and their spouses enjoy peace of mind in their golden years. The homes, in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple and soon Tyler, filled a need by offering comprehensive rehabilitation programs, special diets, recreational activities, social services, libraries, and a certified, secured Alzheimer's unit in each home.

In addition, the VLB has built three Texas State Veterans Cemeteries — in Abilene, Killeen and Mission — and is hard at work on another in Corpus Christi. Texas veterans are entitled to free burial with full military honors at each of these magnificent facilities.

For more information on VLB benefits, visit www.texasveterans.com.

Acute and Subacute Peripheral Neuropathy: A nervous system condition that causes numbness, tingling, and motor weakness. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of exposure to herbicides and resolve within 2 years after the date it began.

AL Amyloidosis: A rare disease caused when an abnormal protein, amyloid, enters tissues or organs.

Chloracne (or Similar Acneform Disease): A skin condition that occurs soon after exposure to chemicals and looks like common forms of acne seen in teenagers. Under VA's rating regulations, chloracne (or other acneform disease similar to chloracne) must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of exposure to herbicides.

Chronic B-cell Leukemias: A type of cancer which affects white blood cells. VA's regulation recognizing all chronic B-cell leukemias as related to exposure to herbicides took effect on October 30, 2010.

Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2): A disease characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body's inability to respond properly to the hormone insulin.

Hodgkin's Disease: A malignant lymphoma (cancer) characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia.

Ischemic Heart Disease: A disease characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart, that leads to chest pain. VA's regulation recognizing ischemic heart disease as related to exposure to herbicides took effect on October 30, 2010.

Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in bone marrow.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue.

Parkinson's Disease: A progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects muscle movement. VA's regulation recognizing Parkinson's disease as related to exposure to herbicides took effect on October 30, 2010.

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: A disorder characterized by liver dysfunction and by thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of exposure to herbicides.

Prostate Cancer: Cancer of the prostate; one of the most common cancers among men.

Respiratory Cancers: Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or Mesothelioma): A group of different types of cancers in body tissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph vessels, and connective tissues.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not associated with Agent Orange exposure. However, VA has recognized ALS diagnosed in Veterans with 90 days or more of continuously active service in the military was caused by their military service. Learn about benefits for ALS, including VA health care benefits and disability compensation and other non-health benefits.

We encourage all Vietnam veterans to get their Agent Orange exam through the VA. This is free, won't cost you anything but a trip to a VA medical Center. Call the VA or you County Veterans Service Officer to make an appointment.

Agent Orange Registry Health Exam: 1-877-222-8387 (Ask to speak to the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate)

Toll-free Helpline (General Info): 1-800-749-8387 Press 3

TDD (for hearing impaired): 1-800-829-4833

"With new technology and ongoing improvements, we are quickly removing roadblocks to processing benefits,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We are also conducting significant outreach to Vietnam Veterans to encourage them to submit their completed application for this long-awaited benefit.”

VA published a final regulation on Aug. 31 that makes Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam and who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease, or a B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia eligible for health care and disability compensation benefits.  With the expiration of the required 60-day congressional review on Oct. 30, VA is now able to process these claims.

Vietnam Veterans covered under the new policy are encouraged to file their claims through a new VA Web portal at www.fasttrack.va.gov.  Vietnam Veterans are the first users of this convenient automated claims processing system.

If treated for these diseases outside of VA's health system, it is important for Veterans to gather medical evidence from their non-VA physicians.  VA has made it easy for physicians to supply the clinical findings needed to approve the claim through the new Web portal.  These medical forms are also available at www.vba.va.gov/disabilityexams.

The portal guides Veterans through Web-based menus to capture information and medical evidence required for faster claims decisions.  While the new system currently is limited to these three disabilities, usage will expand soon to include claims for other conditions.

VA has begun collecting data that recaps its progress in processing claims for new Agent Orange benefits at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/agentorange/reportcard/index.html.

The Secretary of Defense shall determine the schedule of major events and priority of efforts for the commemorative program, in order to ensure achievement of the objectives specified in Law.

The commemorative program will include activities and ceremonies to achieve the following objectives:

(1) To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW), or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.

(2) To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.

(3) To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.

(4) To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.

(5) To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

At the center of the project is a website, "50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration,": www.vietnamwar50th.com, which will serve as a clearinghouse for information on commemoration activities once it is fully functional, expected this spring.

Information gleaned from the website is expected to be used for myriad purposes, such as to chronicle facts, provide educational materials, and offer resources for a commemorative partners program. The partners program will comprise guidance and materials for agencies, veterans groups, local government and nongovernment organizations to conduct their own Vietnam War commemoration activities. They hope it [the commemoration] will be a healing process for the veterans who were never recognized properly when they came home, noting the volatile political landscape that surrounded the war.  What do you think?

Your Senators Phone Numbers Here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Your Congressional Representatives Phone Numbers Here: http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/mcapdir.html

February 3: TAVC meeting

February 11-13: VVA Texas State Council meeting

February 15: TAVC Trip to Shreveport VA

February 18: TAVC Chili Cook-off

February 20: VVA #278 meeting

March 3: TAVC meeting

March 20: VVA #278 meeting

March 25-26: Governor Conway Day, Bradley

April 7: TAVC meeting

April 17: VVA #278 meeting

May 5: TAVC meeting

May 15: Peace Officer's Memorial Day

May 21: Veterans Information Fair

May 22: VVA #278 meeting

May 29 : TAVC Memorial Day Service

May 30: VVA # 278 Memorial Day Service

June 2: TAVC meeting

June 3 & 4: VVA TSC meeting - Borger

June 19: VVA #278 meeting

July 7: TAVC meeting

July 17: VVA #278 meeting

August 4: TAVC meeting

August 21: VVA #278 meeting

September 2 & 3: 24th Annual POW/MIA Vigil

COME TASTE SOME OF THE WILDEST, TANGIEST, AND MOST OUTLANDISH CHILI CONCOCTIONS IN NORTH EAST TEXAS - SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS. TASTE THEM ALL AND CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!

$5.00 GENERAL ADMISSION
$3.00 MILITARY & STUDENT (ID REQUIRED)

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE: TEXARKANA AREA VETERANS COUNCIL
P.O. BOX 5432
TEXARKANA, TX 75505-5432
AND ARE USED TO PURCHASE THE DAV VAN.

"SALUTE TO HOSPITALIZED VETERANS WEEK"

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 870/773-8279. 903/628-7216 OR 903/799-6828