VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA, INC.
P.O. BOX 6608
TEXARKANA, TX 75505-6608
www.vva278.org

OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Gregory Beck
VICE-PRESIDENT: Harry Campbell
SECRETARY: Johnnie Gentry
TREASURER: Jimmy Smith
AVVA REP: Nancy Campbell

BOARD of DIRECTORS
Robert Brown
Carl (Butch) Hall
Kenneth Cosby

EDITOR: Gregory Beck

JOIN VVA and AVVA

VVA #278’S JULY MEETING

Vietnam Veterans of America #278’s March meeting will be held Sunday, July 17 @ 1:30 pm at the Elks Lodge at 3702 New Boston Road. The meal will be pot luck. We ask members to bring a covered dish and/or dessert. Topics to be discussed are: Committee reports; Updates on Veterans issues; POW/MIA Vigil; Upcoming events & activities.

Remember: Sunday, July 17 @ 1:30 pm at the Elks Lodge.

VVA #278’S AUGUST MEETING

VVA #278’s August meeting will be Sunday, August 21 @ 1:30 pm at the Elks Lodge at 3702 New Boston Road. This will be a pot luck meal, we ask members to bring a covered dish and/or dessert to share. Topics to be discussed will be: Committee Reports; Veterans’ issues updates; POW/MIA Vigil; Upcoming events & activities.

REMEMBER: Sunday, August 21 at 1:30 pm at the Elks Lodge.

Reminder: At our April 17 meeting we will hold elections for our chapter officers.

September's meeting will be held on Sunday, September 18 @ 1:30 pm at the Elks Lodge.

VVA #278 MEMBERSHIP

As of June 28, 2022, VVA #278 has 161 members: 158 Life; 3 IVI. We would like to encourage all Vietnam era veterans to join Vietnam Veterans of America! For $50 (Life Membership) you can belong to the organization that represents Vietnam & Vietnam era veterans as well as other eras! Membership is open to U.S. armed forces veterans who served on active duty (for other than training purposes) in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. We are very sorry to announce the deaths of 3 of our VVA #278 members: John Clay Brown (VVA), Merle Morris & Ann Walker (AVVA). REST IN PEACE.

New members: You must submit a copy of your DD- 214 form along with the application & dues payment! Life membership just cost $50.00. That's the only type of membership we have.

Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America # 278 (AVVA) has 31 members: 20 Life; 11 Annual and/or 3 year.

Together then, Together now.

We want YOU in the VVA #278 family!!! JOIN VVA and/or AVVA!

Remember to look for VVA #278 on facebook at: Vietnam Veterans of America #278 and on our website at: vva278.org

VVA's Founding Principle: Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another

VVA #278's ACTIVITIES

Since our last newsletter VVA #278 has hosted our 35th Annual "Veterans Information Fair' where we had 16 different agencies and 51 veterans and/or veteran's family members sign in. We hosted our 37th Annual "Memorial Day" services (went very well), and we helped put our over 2500 flags on veterans graves. We assisted a veteran whose house and belongings were lost in a fire. We participated in the VFW # 4562's Veterans Resource Fair and TAVC picnic. We are planning our 34th Annual "POW/MIA Vigil along with our 27th "Ride to Remember" on Saturday, September 17 (one day event this year), as well as our 5th Annual "Wagons for Veterans, scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2023. Mike McInturff VVA 278 member was awarded Volunteer van driver of the year for DAV Louisana. State commander for DAV gave him a plaque.

Please support your VVA #278 Officers! We work for you! Let us know of any suggestions/improvements/ideas you may have!

PRISONERS OF WAR/MISSING IN ACTION - POW/MIA - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

As of June 21, 2022 the number still missing (POW/MIA) and otherwise unaccounted-for (KIA/BNR) from the Vietnam War is 1,584. Of that number: Vietnam-1,244 (VN-442, VS-802); Laos-285; Cambodia-48; PRC territorial waters-7; AR-15. LA-24, OK_30 & TX-100. The total accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 999. A breakdown by country of these 999 Americans is: Vietnam – 674, Laos – 280, Cambodia – 42, and the PRC – 3. In addition, 63 US personnel were accounted for between 1973 and 1975, the formal end of the Vietnam War, for a grand total of 1,062. A total of 288 have been accounted for from Laos, 729 from Vietnam, 42 from Cambodia and 3 from the PRC. .There were 684 returned alive during and after the war and 27 escaped.

As of June 21, 2022, there are still 126 Americans unaccounted for from the Cold War 2 from AR; 1 from LA; 3 from OK; & 4 from TX.

As of June 21, 2022, there are still 7,541 Americans unaccounted for from the Korean War: 98 from AR; 142 from LA; 140 from OK; 409 from TX; 5720 from the USA; 908 from the USAF; 276 from the USN; & 641 from the USMC.

As of June 21, 2022, there are still 72,325 Americans unaccounted for from World War II, 843 from AR; 975 from LA; 1215 from OK; & 3613 from TX; 16,645 from the USA; 20,056 from the USAAC; 30,902 from the USN; 2686 from the USMC

There are 6 Americans unaccounted for from conflicts in the Middle East.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!

34th ANNUAL POW/MIA VIGIL

On Saturday, September 17, 2022, the Texarkana Area Chapter #278 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. will stage their 34th ANNUAL POW/MIA VIGIL at the Korea/Vietnam Memorial at 7th Street & State Line Avenue in downtown Texarkana. This Vigil is to Honor and Remember those who are/were classified as Prisoners Of War/Missing In Action (POW/MIA), both those who returned and those still unaccounted for, from all wars, to raise public awareness of this issue, and to let the families of these men and women know they are not alone in their quest of answers and for closure. We will spend 1/2 minute for Each American who is unnaccounted for from the Vietnam War (1584), and 1/2 minute for each American unaccounted for from the Korean War whose name is engraved upon this Memorial (38) plus 1/2 minute for each American unaccounted for from the Middle East Wars (6). As of now this is 815 minutes (13 Hours and 35 minutes).

OUR TENATIVE SCHEDULE IS:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17:
OPENING CEREMONIES....8:00 AM
"RIDE TO REMEMBER"....3:00 PM (LEAVES ARKANSAS WELCOME CENTER @ 2:40 PM)
POW/MIA REMEMBRANCE SERVICE...3:10 PM
CLOSING/CANDLELIGHT SERVICE...9:00 PM
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 903-556-1613, 903/628-7216 OR AT THE VVA #278 WEBSITE AT www.vva278.org OR ON FACEBOOK @ VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA #278.
ARKANSAS WELCOME CENTER @ RED RIVER ON HWY 71 NORTH OF TEXARKANA)

27th ANNUAL "RIDE TO REMEMBER"
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 34th ANNUAL POW/MIA VIGIL
SEPTEMBER 17, 2022

PROGRAM FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2022
FROM: ARKANSAS WELCOME CENTER @ RED RIVER (HWY 71 N) KICKSTANDS UP AT 2:40 PM
TO: KOREA/VIETNAM MEMORIAL (7th & STATE LINE AVENUE)
WHO: ALL STREET LEGAL MOTORCYCLES, CARS, TRUCKS, JEEPS & BIG RIGS
WHY: TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THE AMERICAN POW/MIAs! THOSE RETURNED AND THOSE STILL UNACCOUNTED FOR!
NO ATTITUDES - NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

HOSTED BY: VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA # 278
P.O. BOX 6608
TEXARKANA, TX 75505-6608

For more information call: 870-773-8279, 903-556-1613 OR 903/628-7216 OR EMAIL: USMCgreg@aol.com.
PLEASE REMEMBER OUR POW/MIAs!!

5th ANNUAL “WAGONS FOR VETERANS”
MARCH 11, 2023

WHAT: "WAGONS FOR VETERANS" A fundraiser to raise funds to assist local disabled and needy veterans of all eras. You can come out and see 12 or more chuckwagons, (and other displays) hear local bands, car show, Jeep show, Iron Munchers, antique tractors, etc. Gates open at 10:30 am, (looking is free) and for just $15 for adults, $8.00 for children 12 and under, eat from a varied menu of food cooked the old fashioned way – in cast iron pots over an open fire. Will start feeding at 11:30 am until all the food is gone. Live Auction @ 12:30 pm. Wine raffle.

WHO: Vietnam Veterans of America, Texarkana Area Chapter # 278

WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 2023. Gates open at 10:30 am, feeding starts at 11:30 am until all the food is gone!

WHY: To help local disabled and needy veterans & their families! All funds raised go to assisting veterans!

For more information: 903-908-2135, 903-748-0432, 903-556-1613, 903-824-2727 or USMCgreg@aol.com or Facebook: Vietnam Veterans of America #278

5th ANNUAL WAGONS FOR VETERANS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

$2000 SPONSOR...................................25 MEAL TICKETS
$1000 SPONSOR………….…….…….……….12 MEAL TICKETS
$500 SPONSOR………………..…………………6 MEAL TICKETS
$250 SPONSOR……………………………………3 MEAL TICKETS
$100 SPONSOR…………………………………….1 MEAL TICKET

Please make checks payable to VVA #278 P.O. Box 6608, Texarkana, TX 75505-6608

CHANGES TO DISABLED VETERAN LICENSE PLATES COMING IN 2022
Disabled Veteran Plates with the International Symbol of Access will be Available

(AUSTIN, Texas – August 26, 2021) A new state law will change the requirements for Texans with disabled veteran license plates who wish to park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. Senate Bill 792 requires that as of Jan. 1, 2022, anyone parking in a disabled parking space must have a license plate or a disabled parking placard that features the International Symbol of Access (ISA). Currently, disabled veteran license plates do not feature the ISA, and all Texans with these plates are permitted to use disabled parking.

Texans with disabled veteran plates wanting to use disabled parking spaces beginning in 2022 may apply for a disabled parking placard or for a new disabled veteran license plate with the ISA if the veteran meets the eligibility requirements for an ISA after Jan. 1, 2022. Applicants may submit their paperwork at their local county tax assessor-collector’s office. Current placards will remain valid; however, the new requirements must be met at time of renewal.

Eligibility for Disabled Parking Placards or License Plates with the International Symbol of Access

Placard and plate eligibility is based on a medical condition that meets the legal definition of a disability. "Disability" means a condition in which a person has:
• Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses.
• Visual acuity of more than 20/200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less.
• Mobility problems that substantially impair a person's ability to move around; these problems can be caused by: o Paralysis. o Lung disease. o Uses portable oxygen o Cardiac deficiency. o Wheelchair confinement. o Arthritis, neurological, or orthopedic condition. o Foot disorder. o Other medical condition causing a person to use a brace, cane, crutch or other assistive device.

A parking placard or plate with the ISA is only valid when being used by the person with the disability or someone who is driving the person with the disability. It is a violation of state law to use the placard or plates for a disabled parking spot without the person with the disability in the vehicle. People who misuse disabled parking placards are subject to fines of up to $1,250 and/or up to 50 hours of community service.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles registers and titles motor vehicles, licenses motor vehicle dealers, credentials motor carriers, issues oversize/overweight permits, investigates complaints against dealers and motor carriers, and awards grants to law enforcement agencies to reduce vehicle burglaries and thefts. Learn more at www.TxDMV.gov.

DD-214s NOW AVAILABLE ON LINE

It’s official; DD-214s are NOW Online. Please pass on to other vets. The National Personnel Records Center(NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/ or try www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service -records/. This may be particularly helpful when veterans needs a copy of their DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site. Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new webbased application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time. Please pass this information on to former military personnel you may know and their dependents.

USMC SOS RECIPE / READY IN: 40 mins / SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS:
*1 lb ground beef
*1 1⁄2 tablespoons butter
*3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
*1 cup beef broth
*1⁄2 cup evaporated milk
*salt and pepper to taste
*1 teaspoon onion powder
*1 teaspoon garlic powder
*1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS:
*Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat & set aside.
*Melt the butter or margarine in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.
*Slowly add the flour, stirring constantly, to form a brown roux.
*Pour in beef broth and milk, mixing well. Add ground beef, then season with salt and pepper to taste, onion powder, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce.
*Mix well and simmer for 5-10 mins, until desired thickness is reached. Spread over a piece of Texas toast.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 4: Independence Day
July 7: TAVC meeting @ 6 pm
July 16: Elks Breakfast
July 17: VVA #278 meeting @ 1:30pm
August 4: TAVC meeting @ 6 pm
August 18-20: New Boston Pioneer Days
August 20: Elks Breakfast
August 21: VVA #278 meeting @ 1:30 pm
September 1: TAVC meeting
September 17: 34th Annual POW/MIA Vigil & Ride to Remember
September 17: Elks Breakfast
September 18: VVA #278 meeting @ 1:30 pm
October 1: OktoberFest, DeKalb
October 6: TAVC meeting @ 6pm
October 15: Elks Breakfast
October 16: VVA #278 meeting @ 1:30 pm
October 21-23: VVA TSC meeting
November 3: TAVC meeting @ 6pm
November 5: Bloombur's Cullen Baker Days
November 10: Marine Corps 247th Birthday
November 12: Veterans' Day Parade
November 19: Elks Breakfast
November 20: VVA #278 meeting @ 1:30pm
December 1: TAVC meeting @ 6pm
December 17: Elks Breakfast
December 18: VVA #278 meeting @ 1:30pm
January 5, 2023: TAVC meeting @ 6pm
January 15: VVA #278 meeting @ 1:30 pm
January 21: Elks Breakfast
March 11, 2023: 5th Annual "Wagons for Veterans"