Happy Veterans Day - a day to thank veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty. Full Equity Now!

I had a meeting with the Veteranos this evening and as usual, I checked in with them to find out how they are doing. There are a little over 100 Veteranos left in the Sacramento area, with only 38 registered in the local organization, and of those, only 20 that make it to events regularly. The rest are unable to make it due to health issues, primarily, and transportation issues. In speaking with the few Veteranos present tonight, they really want the family reunification bill to pass, so that they can see their families again. They also spoke of the equity bill and how they do not have much faith in Congress to pass it in time. They said that there will be five Veteranos left when they finally pass the bill, an echo of what happened to the Buffalo Soldiers.

It is hard to say what the best course of action is for us. Many people want the equity bill to pass. However, the Veteranos that I speak to want the family reunification bill to pass, so they can reunite their families here in America. Others do not want to deal with the politics and want to provide direct services to the Veteranos.

What is the right course of action? All of them. There are enough supporters to make this happen on all levels. Write the letters to Congress, get others to write letters, do the direct service work. Not just on special days, but EVERY day.

I hope others share my desire to make the remaining years in the lives of Veteranos as special as possible. It does not take much for us to give them memories that they will not forget. There are large concentrations of Veteranos in Sacramento, San Francisco, the Central Valley, and in Los Angeles. These individuals set the stage for us and I have taken a personal vow to make sure that I recognize them for their deeds. This Sunday will be one of those ways to recognize them.

The Veteranos are participating in a Veterans' Day Parade in Elk Grove the morning of November 11, 2007, and then will be brought to the Magellan Hall Post 604 for a celebration afterwards. Volunteers should be at Magellan Hall at 11:00 AM to help set-up the food, separate the jackets and blankets, and get the inoculation station ready for the the Bayanihan Clinic, which will be there administering flu shots. We are expecting the Veteranos to arrive at 12:00 PM and the event will last as long as the Veteranos can handle it, no later than 4:00 PM.

If you have any further questions regarding the event, please contact me at (916) 224-8244.