a quarterly newsletter for members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 794

FLOFLOFLOFLORISSANT VALLEYRISSANT VALLEYRISSANT VALLEYRISSANT VALLEY

VVA CONNECTIONVVA CONNECTIONVVA CONNECTIONVVA CONNECTION

JUNE 2010 JUNE 2010 JUNE 2010 JUNE 2010 –––– VOL VOL VOL VOL 9999 –––– NO NO NO NO 2222

THE THE THE THE COMMANDANT’COMMANDANT’COMMANDANT’COMMANDANT’S COS COS COS COLUMN: LUMN: LUMN: LUMN: As your Chapter President for the next two years, I am going to do the best I can; but I can't do this alone. I will be asking members for help. We need a chapter that consists of people willing to volunteer. It isn't fair for the same people to volunteer year after year. If this chapter gets more members to participate, we will be able to do more for the community. We have the Relay for Life and a Boot and Helmet for Jerry's Kids in August. In order for these events to be successful, we need volunteers…..volunteers who will show up. In March for Vietnam Recognition Day, five people showed up. It was the same five that show up year after year. We have members who have great suggestions, but no one wants to follow through with them. So let’s all work together and see what we can do to make this chapter a great one. Respectfully yours, Rich Otten Semper Fi

Florissant Valley Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 794 www.vva794.org

Chapter President RICH OTTEN

Vice President FRANK DEMOS

Secretary

KIM OGLESBY

Treasurer GORDON (SKIP) BROWN

Calendar of EventsCalendar of EventsCalendar of EventsCalendar of Events

Flag Retirement Day, Am. Legion Post 444 . . . . . . . . June 12, 2010 Chapter Meeting – 1900, VFW Post 4105. . . . . . . . . . June 15, 2010 Chapter Meeting – 1900, VFW Post 4105. . . . . . . . . . . July 20, 2010 Relay for Life, Hazelwood Central High School . . . . . . July 31, 2010 Birds on A Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August, 2010 Chapter Meeting – 1900, VFW Post 4105 . . . . . . . . August 17, 2010 Boot and Helmet for Jerry’s Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August, 2010 Chapter Picnic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 26, 2010

Installation – May 18, 2010

MEMBER NEWSMEMBER NEWSMEMBER NEWSMEMBER NEWS

TheTheTheThe ChapterChapterChapterChapter lost one of its valued members. Wilbur “Skip” AlfredWilbur “Skip” AlfredWilbur “Skip” AlfredWilbur “Skip” Alfred died on Monday, April 19, 2010, at the age of 62. Condolences are extended to his daughter Denise and her family. Skip and Enid are together again. Denise commented that God must have needed Skip to help control Enid.

DonaldDonaldDonaldDonald and Sharon Merrittand Sharon Merrittand Sharon Merrittand Sharon Merritt welcomed two new additions to their family. Jeffery and Stephanie Merritt, son and daughter-in-law, of St. Peters adopted two boys from Ethiopia. The boys’ ages are 2 years 8 months and 3 years 8 months. Jeffery and Stephanie returned from Ethiopia on March 6th with the boys. They are a great blessing to the Merritt family.

John and Carmie Anglin John and Carmie Anglin John and Carmie Anglin John and Carmie Anglin were involved in a serious automobile accident.

JoAnn GoodhJoAnn GoodhJoAnn GoodhJoAnn Goodhart art art art was in the hospital but has been released.

Ron GoodhRon GoodhRon GoodhRon Goodhartartartart is in Christian Hospital NE with pneumonia.

Sharon OttenSharon OttenSharon OttenSharon Otten has been suffering with pneumonia also. BBBBIVOUAC OF THE DEAD IVOUAC OF THE DEAD IVOUAC OF THE DEAD IVOUAC OF THE DEAD By Theodore O'Hara Contributed by Frank Demos

Portions Of This Haunting Poem Are Inscribed On Placards Through-out Arlington and Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

The muffled drum's sad roll has beat The soldier's last tattoo; No more on Life's parade shall meet That brave and fallen few. On fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents to spread, And glory guards, with solemn round The bivouac of the dead.

The entire poem and it's history can be found at: arlingtoncemetery.net/bivouac.htm

‘‘‘‘HAS BEENHAS BEENHAS BEENHAS BEEN’ ’ ’ ’ OROROROR ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ONCE WASONCE WASONCE WASONCE WAS’’’’ By Dick Ellwanger

At one time, I belonged to a group that had discussions, on a regular basis, about the status of former officers. The ongoing question about someone leaving office was will they be a ‘has been’ or a ‘once was’?

A ‘has been’ was a former officer who essentially disappeared when their term of office was completed. They might occasionally attend a meeting, but they did not really participate. They would not help with projects, offer constructive advise or do anything that a productive (read: good) member would do. Often they would drop out of the organization. They had a multitude of excuses, the most common being “burn out”.

A ‘once was’ was someone who had ‘once’ been an officer. Now, they were ‘a member’ again. A productive member who did what they could to further the aims of the organization. They partici-pated as they could, shared their experience and knowledge, when appropriate, and generally made the organization better.

For the last several years, I have been privileged to sit at the head table during Chapter meetings. First, I served as your Secretary, then your Vice-President and

finally as your President. I would like to thank all of you for your support and allowing me these experiences. Now, I can sit on the floor again. My new task is to be a ‘once was’. BITE SUIT FOR KBITE SUIT FOR KBITE SUIT FOR KBITE SUIT FOR K----9 UNIT9 UNIT9 UNIT9 UNIT

The Chapter renewed their relationship with the Florissant Canine Unit. The Florissant Police unit was in desperate need of a bite suit to train with the canine officers. At the March meeting, the members unanimously voted to purchase the requested suit. It was ordered, shipped and arrived just in time for a presentation at the April meeting. Sgt. Mike Mahaffy, Officer Jarrod Coder, Officer Pat O’Fallon, and Officer John Riehm, along with their canine partners, Miko, Bach, and Arko, were all present at the meeting to accept the bite suit.

The Canine Unit demonstrated how the suit will assist the dogs in training. John Riehm reported back that the dogs are doing great with the new suit. All three of the dogs did well during the certifications held the week of May 2nd. Arko is now certified for the first time with the ATF, nationally recognized bomb detection K9. Only 5 out of approximately 12 dogs passed the ATF test.

DDDDDDDD 214’S NOW AVAILABLE 214’S NOW AVAILABLE 214’S NOW AVAILABLE 214’S NOW AVAILABLE ONLINEONLINEONLINEONLINE From “The Military Retiree” Contributed by Walter Kaiser

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following Web site for veterans to gain access to their DD-214’s online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/.

This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his 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 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 web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records center’s mailroom and processing time. Please pass this information on to former military personnel you may know and their dependents. MANY QUALIFY FOR VETERANS MANY QUALIFY FOR VETERANS MANY QUALIFY FOR VETERANS MANY QUALIFY FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS BENEFITSAFFAIRS BENEFITSAFFAIRS BENEFITSAFFAIRS BENEFITS From “The Military Retiree” Contributed by Walter Kaiser

Federal benefits for veterans, dependents and survivors introduction: Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are legislated in Title 38 of the United States Code. This booklet contains a summary of these benefits effective Jan. 1, 2009. For additional information, visit the VA Web page.

General Eligibility: Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service, other than active duty for training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey. Generally men and women veterans with similar service may be entitled to the same VA benefits. Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees must contact a VA regional office to determine eligibility. VA benefits will not be provided to any veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant.

Certain VA benefits require service during wartime. Under the law, VA recognized these war periods: • Mexican Border Period: May 9, 1916 through April 5, 1917

• World War I: April 6, 1917 through Nov. 11, 1918

• World War II: Dec. 7, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946

• Korean War: June 27, 1950 through Jan. 31, 1955

• Vietnam War: Aug. 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975

• Gulf War: Aug. 2, 1990 through a date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation. VA LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITEVA LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITEVA LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITEVA LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE From “The Military Retiree” Contributed by Walter Kaiser

VA recently launched a big Web site renovation project that will better serve our nation’s veterans. The conversion began Nov. 8, 2009 and was completed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11. VA asks visitors to the Web site to understand that as the new design is implemented across more than 500 VA Web sites there may be minor errors on some of the 80,000 pages. VA will monitor its Web pages after the conversion and make appropriate corrections. The new Web site is located at http://www.va.gov.

The chapter was well represented in the Valley of Flowers Parade. Thank you to Mark Behlmann for pulling the trailer.

RETIRE CHECKLIST: WHAT RETIRE CHECKLIST: WHAT RETIRE CHECKLIST: WHAT RETIRE CHECKLIST: WHAT SURVIVORS SHOULD KNOWSURVIVORS SHOULD KNOWSURVIVORS SHOULD KNOWSURVIVORS SHOULD KNOW (Adapted for all survivors) From “The Military Retiree” Contributed by Walter Kaiser

The Shift Colors publication periodically provides a checklist for retirees and their surviving family members. This checklist is designed to provide retirees and their loved ones with some help in preparing for the future. Create a personal document file that has copies of marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoptions and naturalization papers. Create an income tax file. Include copies of both of your state and federal income tax returns. Create a property tax file. Include copies of tax bills, deeds and any other related documents/information. Create an insurance policy file. Include life, property, accident liability and hospitalization policies.

In a secure location, maintain a list of all bank accounts (joint or individual). Include the location of all deposit boxes, savings bonds, stocks, bonds and any securities owned. In a secure location, maintain a list of all charge accounts and credit cards. Include account numbers and mailing addresses. Maintain a list of all associations and organizations of which you are a member. Some of them could be helpful to your spouse. Maintain a list of all friends and business associates who may be helpful. Include name, address and telephone number. Discuss your plans/desires with respect to the type and location of your funeral service. You should decide about cremation, which cemetery, ground burial, etc. If your spouse knows your desires, it will resolve some of the questions that might arise at a later date.

Visit a local funeral home and prearrange your services. Many states will allow you to pre-pay for services. Once your decisions have been made and you’re comfortable with them, have a will drawn up outlining all your wishes and store it in a secure location with your other paperwork. DONATIONSDONATIONSDONATIONSDONATIONS

• A check from the chapter for $250.00 was written to Cambridge Engineering to cover expenses incurred by family members of an injured soldier in Walter Reed Hospital.

• Joe Kavanaugh of Boy Scout Troop 749 asked for a donation to build an outdoor chess board for an Eagle Scout project. The chapter unanimously donated $400.

Located in New Halls Ferry Plaza

12775 New Halls Ferry Rd. Florissant, MO 63033

Phone: 314-839-3244

Frank's Home and Building Repair

Carpentry Painting

Small Electrical Small Plumbing

Frank Demos 314-322-7119

Chapter members joined VFW Post 4105 for a Memorial Day service on May 31st.

CONGRESSIONAL VOTESCONGRESSIONAL VOTESCONGRESSIONAL VOTESCONGRESSIONAL VOTES The following is information provided through emails dated

3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/19,

4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24,

6/1 by vva.org “MegaVote, How is Congress Voting”.

Recent Senate VotesRecent Senate VotesRecent Senate VotesRecent Senate Votes • Temporary Extension Act of Temporary Extension Act of Temporary Extension Act of Temporary Extension Act of 2010201020102010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (78-19, 3 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill that provides short-term extensions of a number of pro-grams that expired February 28, including unemployment benefits and federal health care subsidies for jobless workers. The bill was quickly signed by the President. Sen. ChristoSen. ChristoSen. ChristoSen. Christopher Bondpher Bondpher Bondpher Bond voted YESYESYESYES Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted YESYESYESYES

• Tax Extenders Act of 2009Tax Extenders Act of 2009Tax Extenders Act of 2009Tax Extenders Act of 2009 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (62-36, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill that would extend unemployment insurance and COBRA health care subsidies through Decem-ber 31 and would prevent a cut in physicians’ Medicare reim-bursement rates. The bill now goes to the House. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted YESYESYESYES Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted Not Not Not Not VotingVotingVotingVoting

• Hiring Incentives to Restore Hiring Incentives to Restore Hiring Incentives to Restore Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment ActEmployment ActEmployment ActEmployment Act - Vote Agreed Agreed Agreed Agreed totototo (68-29, 3 Not Voting) On Wednesday the Senate passed this job creation bill, which would provide tax relief to businesses hiring unemployed workers. The President signed it into law the next day. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted YESYESYESYES Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted YESYESYESYES

• Health Care and EducatioHealth Care and EducatioHealth Care and EducatioHealth Care and Education n n n Reconciliation Act of 2010Reconciliation Act of 2010Reconciliation Act of 2010Reconciliation Act of 2010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (56-43, 1 Not Voting) The Senate approved this bill that would make changes to the 2010 health care overhaul law and revise student loan proce-dures. The Senate made minor

changes to the bill, sending it back to the House. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted NONONONO Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted YESYESYESYES

• FAA Air Transportation FAA Air Transportation FAA Air Transportation FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Modernization and Safety Modernization and Safety Modernization and Safety Improvement ActImprovement ActImprovement ActImprovement Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (93-0, 7 Not Voting) The Senate passed this measure to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration through FY 2011 and expedite the transition to a new air traffic control system. The bill was sent to the House. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted YESYESYESYES Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted YESYESYESYES

• Continuing Extension Act of Continuing Extension Act of Continuing Extension Act of Continuing Extension Act of 2010201020102010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (59-38, 3 Not Voting) The Senate passed this measure that would extend for two months federal unemployment benefits, flood insurance programs, increased payment rates to Medicare providers and COBRA health care premium assistance. It was then sent to the House. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted NONONONO Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted YESYESYESYES

• Lael Brainard to be an Under Lael Brainard to be an Under Lael Brainard to be an Under Lael Brainard to be an Under Secretary of the TreasurySecretary of the TreasurySecretary of the TreasurySecretary of the Treasury - Vote ConfirmedConfirmedConfirmedConfirmed (78-19, 3 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed Lael Brainard as the Treasury Department’s under secretary for international affairs. Her nomina-tion had been held up over concerns that she allegedly failed to pay property taxes on time. Sen. ChristophSen. ChristophSen. ChristophSen. Christopher Bonder Bonder Bonder Bond voted NONONONO Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted YESYESYESYES

• Restoring American Financial Restoring American Financial Restoring American Financial Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010Stability Act of 2010Stability Act of 2010Stability Act of 2010 - Vote RejectedRejectedRejectedRejected (56-42, 2 Not Voting) The Senate failed for a third time last week to approve this procedural motion and begin floor debate on this legislation to overhaul financial regulations. However, it appears the Senate will proceed to floor debate this week and begin voting on amendments to the bill. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted NONONONO Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted YESYESYESYES

• ShelbyShelbyShelbyShelby----Dodd Amendment; Dodd Amendment; Dodd Amendment; Dodd Amendment; Restoring American Financial Restoring American Financial Restoring American Financial Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010Stability Act of 2010Stability Act of 2010Stability Act of 2010 - Vote Agreed toAgreed toAgreed toAgreed to (93-5, 2 Not Voting) The Senate voted to remove a part of the financial reform bill that would have created a $50 billion fund for the FDIC to cover the cost of liquidating failing financial companies. The Senate voted on several other amendments, and will continue its work on the bill this week. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted YESYESYESYES Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted YESYESYESYES

• McCain Amendment; Restoring McCain Amendment; Restoring McCain Amendment; Restoring McCain Amendment; Restoring American Financial Stability Act American Financial Stability Act American Financial Stability Act American Financial Stability Act of 2010of 2010of 2010of 2010 - Vote RejectedRejectedRejectedRejected (43-56, 1 Not Voting) The Senate rejected this amendment to the financial reform bill that would have established a time frame for ending the government’s support of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Senate con-tinues work on the bill this week. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted YESYESYESYES Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted NONONONO

• Durbin Amendment; Restoring Durbin Amendment; Restoring Durbin Amendment; Restoring Durbin Amendment; Restoring American Financial Stability Act American Financial Stability Act American Financial Stability Act American Financial Stability Act of 2010of 2010of 2010of 2010 - Vote Agreed toAgreed toAgreed toAgreed to (64-33, 3 Not Voting) The Senate adopted this amendment to the financial reform bill that would require the Federal Reserve to establish rules for "reasonable and proportional" fees that credit card networks, such as Visa and Mastercard, charge to mer-chants. The Senate continues work on the bill this week. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted NONONONO Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted NONONONO

• Wall Street Reform and Wall Street Reform and Wall Street Reform and Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection ActConsumer Protection ActConsumer Protection ActConsumer Protection Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (59-39, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill that would overhaul the nation's financial regulatory system. The bill must now be reconciled with the House version. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted NONONONO Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted YESYESYESYES

• Supplemental Appropriations ActSupplemental Appropriations ActSupplemental Appropriations ActSupplemental Appropriations Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (67-28, 5 Not Voting) The Senate passed this $58.8 billion bill providing additional funds for disaster relief and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The House will begin work on its version of the bill after the Memorial Day recess. Sen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher BondSen. Christopher Bond voted YESYESYESYES Sen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskillSen. Claire McCaskill voted Not Not Not Not VotingVotingVotingVoting Recent House VotesRecent House VotesRecent House VotesRecent House Votes • Preventing Harmful Restraint Preventing Harmful Restraint Preventing Harmful Restraint Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Actand Seclusion in Schools Actand Seclusion in Schools Actand Seclusion in Schools Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (262-153, 16 Not Voting) The House passed this legislation that would establish the first federal safety standards on seclusion and restraint in schools, allowing for restraints in cases when there is immediate danger to the student or others. The bill now heads to the Senate. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Hiring Incentives to Restore Hiring Incentives to Restore Hiring Incentives to Restore Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment ActEmployment ActEmployment ActEmployment Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (217-201, 14 Not Voting) The House approved this bill that would provide $13 billion in payroll tax relief over 10 years for employers who hire unemployed workers and extend through 2010 a law that allows small businesses to deduct up to $250,000 in qualified expenses. The bill goes to the Senate. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted NONONONO

• Impeaching Judge G. Thomas Impeaching Judge G. Thomas Impeaching Judge G. Thomas Impeaching Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. for high crimes and Porteous, Jr. for high crimes and Porteous, Jr. for high crimes and Porteous, Jr. for high crimes and misdemeanorsmisdemeanorsmisdemeanorsmisdemeanors - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (423-0, 7 Not Voting) The House impeached Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. of Louisiana with four charges: that he accepted gifts in exchange for official actions, falsified and withheld information during a bankruptcy proceeding, made false statements as part of his Senate confirmation and received money from lawyers involved in a case that he

oversaw. Unless the judge resigns, the Senate will hold a trial. A conviction on any of the four counts would remove Judge Porteous from office. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Afghanistan War Powers Afghanistan War Powers Afghanistan War Powers Afghanistan War Powers ResolutionResolutionResolutionResolution - Vote FailedFailedFailedFailed (65-356, 9 Not Voting) The House rejected this resolution that aimed to set a withdrawal timeline for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Patient Protection and Patient Protection and Patient Protection and Patient Protection and Affordable Care ActAffordable Care ActAffordable Care ActAffordable Care Act - Vote PassPassPassPassedededed (219-212) On Sunday the House passed this bill that would overhaul the nation's health insurance system and require most individuals to buy health insurance by 2014. The President is expected to sign the legislation into law on Tuesday. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Reconciliation Act of 2010Reconciliation Act of 2010Reconciliation Act of 2010Reconciliation Act of 2010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (220-211) The House also passed this bill that would make changes to the health care overhaul measure they just passed and revise student loan procedures. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Small Business and Small Business and Small Business and Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax ActInfrastructure Jobs Tax ActInfrastructure Jobs Tax ActInfrastructure Jobs Tax Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (246-178, 5 Not Voting) The House passed this legislation to provide tax incentives for small business job creation, extend the Build America Bonds program, and provide other infrastructure job creation tax incentives. It now goes to the Senate. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Disaster Disaster Disaster Disaster Relief and Summer Relief and Summer Relief and Summer Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010Jobs Act of 2010Jobs Act of 2010Jobs Act of 2010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (239-175, 1 Present, 14 Not Voting) The House approved this measure that would provide funding for disaster relief, summer jobs and small business programs. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• FAA Air Transportation FAA Air Transportation FAA Air Transportation FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Modernization and Safety Modernization and Safety Modernization and Safety Improvement ActImprovement ActImprovement ActImprovement Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (276-145, 8 Not Voting) The House passed this bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration through FY 2011 and expedite the transition to a new air traffic control system. The bill now heads to the White House for the President’s signature. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Health Care and Education Health Care and Education Health Care and Education Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010Reconciliation Act of 2010Reconciliation Act of 2010Reconciliation Act of 2010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (220-207, 3 Not Voting) On Thursday night, the House agreed to Senate amendments to this legislation that would make changes to the 2010 health care overhaul law and revise student loan procedures. It now goes to President Obama, who is expected to sign it on Tuesday. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Clean Estuaries Act of 2010Clean Estuaries Act of 2010Clean Estuaries Act of 2010Clean Estuaries Act of 2010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (278-128, 24 Not Voting) The House approved this bill that would authorize $50 million annually through fiscal 2016 for the EPA's National Estuary Program and would require the EPA to evaluate estuary management plans every four years. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Continuing Extension Act of Continuing Extension Act of Continuing Extension Act of Continuing Extension Act of 2010201020102010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (289-112, 29 Not Voting) On Thursday, the House passed this legislation that would extend for two months federal unemployment benefits, flood insurance programs, increased payment rates to Medicare providers and COBRA health care premium assistance. It was then sent to the President, who signed it into law later that night. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Accountability, and Divestment Accountability, and Divestment Accountability, and Divestment ActActActAct - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (403-11, 3 Present, 13 Not Voting) The House voted to move forward

with a bill to sanction Iran by approving this motion to appoint House members to a conference committee with the Senate. The House version of this bill focuses on imposing sanctions on multinational companies that deal with Iran's petroleum sector, while the Senate's broader version would prohibit the U.S. government from purchasing goods from companies that are subject to sanctions under existing law and expand sanctions on foreign companies investing more than $20 million in Iran’s oil and gas sector. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• IMPROVE Acquisition Act of IMPROVE Acquisition Act of IMPROVE Acquisition Act of IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010201020102010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (417-3, 10 Not Voting) The House overwhelmingly passed this measure that would require the Defense Department to develop a system with specific metrics, including targeted schedules and cost objectives, for the acquisi-tion of weapons, information technology and services. It would also direct Defense Department officials to set up a system by 2017 to reward organizations that meet objec-tives and penalize those that do not. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClaRep. Wm. Lacy ClaRep. Wm. Lacy ClaRep. Wm. Lacy Clayyyy voted YESYESYESYES

• Puerto Rico Democracy ActPuerto Rico Democracy ActPuerto Rico Democracy ActPuerto Rico Democracy Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (223-169, 1 Present, 37 Not Voting) The House approved this bill to establish a two-stage process to determine Puerto Rico's political status. The first step would be a referendum on the question of whether to maintain or change Puerto Rico's current status as a commonwealth. If a majority of Puerto Ricans were to vote for a new status, then a second vote would be held to ask residents whether they favor statehood, full independence, independ-ence with a special political association with the United States, or to retain the current

commonwealth status. The legislation goes to the Senate. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted Not Not Not Not VotingVotingVotingVoting

• Home Star Energy Retrofit ActHome Star Energy Retrofit ActHome Star Energy Retrofit ActHome Star Energy Retrofit Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (246-161, 23 Not Voting) The House passed this measure that would authorize a $6.6 billion rebate program for energy-efficient home renova-tions for households with incomes up to $250,000. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• Motion to Recommit; America Motion to Recommit; America Motion to Recommit; America Motion to Recommit; America COMPETES Reauthorization Act COMPETES Reauthorization Act COMPETES Reauthorization Act COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010of 2010of 2010of 2010 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (292-126, 12 Not Voting) The House voted to send this bill that would reauthorize science and technology research programs back to the House Science committee with instructions to freeze funding at fiscal 2010 levels and to only fund the bill for three years, rather than the original five. House leaders are planning to bring the measure to a vote again this week. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted NONONONO

• MotMotMotMotion to Suspend the Rules ion to Suspend the Rules ion to Suspend the Rules ion to Suspend the Rules and Pass; America COMPETES and Pass; America COMPETES and Pass; America COMPETES and Pass; America COMPETES Reauthorization ActReauthorization ActReauthorization ActReauthorization Act - Vote FailedFailedFailedFailed (261-148, 22 Not Voting) The House fell short of the 273 votes needed under suspension rules to pass this bill that would reauthorize science research programs. Republicans argue too many of the $48 billion bill’s programs are duplicative while Democrats argue the bill will increase economic compete-tiveness. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• PatrPatrPatrPatrick Murphy of Pennsylvania ick Murphy of Pennsylvania ick Murphy of Pennsylvania ick Murphy of Pennsylvania Amendment; National Defense Amendment; National Defense Amendment; National Defense Amendment; National Defense Authorization Act, FY2011Authorization Act, FY2011Authorization Act, FY2011Authorization Act, FY2011 - Vote Agreed toAgreed toAgreed toAgreed to (234-194, 10 Not Voting) During the defense authorization bill debate, the House adopted this amendment that would repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" law that prohibits openly gay men and women from serving in the military. The draft of the Senate version of the

authorization bill contains a similar provision. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• America COMPETES America COMPETES America COMPETES America COMPETES Reauthorization ActReauthorization ActReauthorization ActReauthorization Act - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (262-150, 20 Not Voting) This $85.6 billion bill would authorize a variety of science research programs over the next five years. The timetable for Senate action is unclear. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy ClayRep. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES

• National Defense Authorization National Defense Authorization National Defense Authorization National Defense Authorization Act, FY2011Act, FY2011Act, FY2011Act, FY2011 - Vote PassedPassedPassedPassed (229-186, 17 Not Voting) The House passed this $760 billion bill authorizing defense spending for the upcoming fiscal year. The Senate could take up its version of the bill sometime during the summer. ReReReRep. Wm. Lacy Clayp. Wm. Lacy Clayp. Wm. Lacy Clayp. Wm. Lacy Clay voted YESYESYESYES GET TO KNOW FELLOW GET TO KNOW FELLOW GET TO KNOW FELLOW GET TO KNOW FELLOW MEMBERSMEMBERSMEMBERSMEMBERS

We would like to revive the member profile articles. If you would like to share something about yourself, please email it to Barb. Everything is welcome. BBBBIRDS ON A WIREIRDS ON A WIREIRDS ON A WIREIRDS ON A WIRE

It is almost time again for the gathering of the “Birds on a Wire”. Attend the next Chapter meeting to have an input on the flocking date. If you are a new member and are not familiar with Birds on a Wire, ask one of the old timers. LADIES NIGHT OUTLADIES NIGHT OUTLADIES NIGHT OUTLADIES NIGHT OUT

Another Ladies’ Night Out is being looked at for October. Be sure that all wives or significant others are invited. It is a great opportunity to get to know each other.

Have an article for the newsletter? Please email it to bdaab@sbcglobal.net.

VVA Chapter 794 P.O. Box 2700 Florissant, MO 63032

Chapter meetings are held every third Tuesday Chapter meetings are held every third Tuesday Chapter meetings are held every third Tuesday Chapter meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month at:of the month at:of the month at:of the month at: VFW Post 4105VFW Post 4105VFW Post 4105VFW Post 4105 410 Rue St. Francois410 Rue St. Francois410 Rue St. Francois410 Rue St. Francois Florissant, MO 63031Florissant, MO 63031Florissant, MO 63031Florissant, MO 63031 314314314314----831831831831----6121612161216121