VVA Chapter 1071
Vietnam Veterans of America - Chapter 1071    Denver, Colorado
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      • Judi Richer Peercy
VVA - who we are
VVA National Website
VVA Publications
VVA Web Weekly News
Chapter Facebook
Donate clothing-Household Goods-Vehicles

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Associates VVA Website
AVVA UPDATES NEWSLETTERS
AVVA BASICS FOR VVA MEMBERS

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High School Speakers Bureau Link
2022 Student Thank You Notes

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VVA Chapter 1071 Mission Statement

Our mission is to support the overall goals of the Vietnam Veterans of America organization.These goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.

Specifically, our Chapter will seek to assist veterans who are disabled or are in need of assistance, as well as to provide help for their families. This assistance may be in the following areas: 

1. Review proposed federal, state or local legislation rules or regulations that may affect the social, economic, educational or physical welfare of all veterans and their families. 

2. To act as an informational resource center to service all veterans with information regarding health care, benefits, employment and training, monetary assistance and other veterans issues. 

3. To participate in and support local community activities and to provide an open dialogue regarding the Vietnam War with students and the general public.
See Membership Page

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CHAPTER MEETINGS

Chapter 1071 meets on the third Saturday of each month.  Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, February 18 at 10:00 AM.  The meeting will be at the Elks Lodge #1777
in Lakewood Colorado.  The address is 1455 Newland St. Lakewood, Colorado
Please Join us for a breakfast at the Elks Lodge prior to the Chapter meeting.
​Serving time is from 8 AM until 10 AM.  It's a great breakfast for $6.00!!
Map to Elks Lodge
All guests are invited to our meeting.

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How to Donate

Chapter 1071 does not receive funding from federal, state or local government.  The Chapter relies solely on private contributions or donations for its revenue.  Thank you for your support.  Make checks payable to:
Vietnam Veterans of America
​      Chapter 1071       
PO Box 281023
Lakewood, CO  80228
​Chapter Phone Number: 303-870-2428

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King Soopers Rewards Fundraiser for
​Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1071

Please enroll your King Soopers Card for our chapter to receive benefits.
 Click how to enroll button below.
How to Enroll

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Chapter 1071 - January 21, 2023 Membership Meeting
Our January 2023 meeting included guest speaker Barb Lilly a former Donut Dolly. President Stan Paprocki and Steve Newton gave thanks to AVVA member Ashley Vogel who donated her Christmas money to our Chapter.  Our attendance for this meeting was a total of 69 members and guests.  Thank you to all who attended.
Members Meeting Minutes Page

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Vets to Get Free Emergency Care During Suicidal Mental Health Crises
Starting January 17, 2023, veterans experiencing an emergency suicidal crisis will be eligible for no-cost care, including inpatient treatment, at any Department of Veterans Affairs facility or non-VA hospital, regardless of whether they are enrolled with the VA.
Information on Free Emergency Care

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Wreaths across America Dec 17, 2022
VVA 1071 members participated in the wreath laying ceremony at
​ Crown Hill Cemetery on Dec 17, 2022.

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2023 VVA 1071 Tony Lopez Scholarship

Scholarship Page

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Army vs Navy Game
Army 20, Navy 17 (2ot) - December 10, 2022
Game Highlights

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Ponderosa High School visit on 12/8/22
On December 8th members of VVA Chapter 1071 shared their experiences with the students of Ponderosa High School. AVVA member and school counselor Christy Kidd said, “Such a memorable experience for our students, staff, and recruiters. So many compliments about the presentation, and the character of the men sharing their stories.”

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Quilts of Valor
Trini Rael was presented his Quilt of Valor at the Members Meeting on Nov 19th 2022. Ray Holtz was presented the Quilt of Valor from Stan Paprocki on the same day.

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Letter from Senator Bennet in support of our chapters Honors Burial Program
Senator Bennet's Letter

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Veterans Day Poppy Fundraiser 2022
Veterans Day Poppy Donation Fundraiser was a great success at the Green Mountain, Thornton, Arvada, Ken Caryl King Soopers and new store Safeway in Idaho Springs.

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Veterans Day at Ben Franklin Academy 2022
Stan Paprocki and Steve Newton attended the Veterans Day events at Ben Franklin Academy

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2022 Veterans Day BOD Breakfast
Once again, Arvada based Lantern Home Group Realtor’s owners, Christopher and Diane Howard along with staff/friends, Linda Arcos, Elizabeth Conable & Meredith Beasdell honored VVA Chapter 1071 Directors with a free catered breakfast at our November board meeting.  It was a wonderful delicious breakfast, with enough food to feed an army. The board greatly appreciates LHGR owners and these great ladies for their wonderful breakfast and for supporting veterans.
Happy Veterans Day.
Marty Chavez
VVA Chapter 1071 Secretary

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See Steve Newton‘s Woodworking Craftsmanship
Steve Newton's Photo/Bio page

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Honor Flight of Steve Newton
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Steve Newton visits the WWII Memorial while on his Honor Flight trip in October 2022

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Honor Flight of Jose Gonzales and Joe Dural
Jose Gonzales and Joe Dural on their Honor Flight trip in 2022

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West Metro Veterans Fair 10/20/22
We had a great turnout for our 9th West Metro Veterans Fair. It was estimated that there were around 200 Veterans that participated in the fair. Flu and Covid shots were given out to anyone that wanted one. Our guest speaker was our own John Thompson who spoke about Veteran suicide. The BBQ on the patio was a big hit as always. 
9 News Interview with Cliff Fajfar

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​Green Mt Military Appreciation Football Game 10/6/22
Chapter members attended the Green Mt Military Appreciation Football Game.  Green Mtn. pulled the victory out in a double overtime against Evergreen 24 to 23. Cliff Fejfer was asked to do the coin flip with the team Captains at the start of the game. Also Green Mt remains undefeated. 

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VA caregiver benefits expand to all vets on Oct. 1
VA caregiver benefits

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VVA Chapter BBQ Sept 10, 2022
AVVA BBQ was held at the Elks Lodge Sept 10, 2022.  VVA member Chef Brian Topkoff and his crew of Michelle and Chris did an amazing job of preparing the great meal and serving us.

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The Wall That Heals in Mead CO Aug 16-21
The Wall That Heals was in Mead CO Aug 16-21.  Members from our chapter Steve Newton and Jose Gonzales rang our chapters Honor Bell. John Thompson was one of the guest speakers.
TWTH Event Schedule

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​8/02/22 VVA Applauds Passage of PACT Act of 2022.  ​The bill adds hypertension, or high blood pressure, and Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) as a presumptive diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure.
PACT Act Press Release
More on PACT Act
VA Benefits for the PACT Act Information

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Were you Exposed to Toxic Water at Camp LeJeune?
If you were at the base from 1953 to 1987 - for 30 days or more - and developed a major illness you may qualify for compensation.
See if you qualify

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IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS FOR VETERANS AND THEIR LOVED ONES
Many Veteran families are ill- prepared for the ultimate event. The passing of a Veteran. This allows for needless confusion to be added to the grieving process.
The PAPER SAFE is a place to store information that will assist your family at the time of your passing.  These documents were created by the AVVA.
Click below for more information and to download necessary documents.
The Paper Safe

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Green Mountain H. S. Flag Pole Plaque was placed May 23, 2022
On May 23, 2022 the Flag Pole Plaque was put in place for Green Mountain H. S. The Flag Pole Dedication Ceremony took place on Nov 11, 2020.

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HONORS BURIAL April 14, 2022

PBS Story and Video
9 News Story and Video
31 News Story and Video
Our Chapters 6th Honors Burial was held at Ft Logan National Cemetery
​ on Thursday April 14, 2022 at 1:30 PM at Shelter A.
LINK TO HONORS BURIAL PROJECT PAGE

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VVA Applauds the VA for Adding Rare Cancers as Presumed Conditions; Calls for the Addition of Widespread Respiratory Diseases/ Cancers
Adding more Presumed Conditions

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Lakewood High School Visit May 11-12, 2022
On May 11th and 12th Our members Otto Smolik, David Steiner, Steve Newton, Don Stanton, Ernest Covington, Bill Robbin, Marty Chavez and Cliff Fejfar spoke to about 450 students at Lakewood H.S. Our teacher of contact was Anna Fryer and she took very good care of us. She provided a lite breakfast and lunch each day. They were glad to have us there and asked some very good questions. 

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Dakota Ridge High School Visit April 19-20, 2022
On April 19-20, 2022 our members L to R Rick Clagett, Steve Newton, Otto Smolik, Jim Higgins, Frank Riddle, and Doug Nunes, talked to the students of Dakota Ridge High School about their experiences in Vietnam.

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Faith Christian High School Visit April 18, 2022
On April 18, 2022 our members Phil Waters, Jim Topkoff, Terry Ritenour and Bill Robbins talked to the students of Faith Christian High School about their experiences in Vietnam.

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Mountain Range High School Visit April 7, 2022
On April 7, 2022 at Mountain Range H.S. members Otto Smolik, Cliff Fejfar and Phil Waters talked to the students about their experiences in Vietnam.

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Arvada West High School Visit April 5-6, 2022
On April 5 - 6, 2022 at Arvada West H.S. members Stan Paprocki, Bill Robbins, Otto Smolik, Cliff Fejfar and Phil Waters were greeted with open arms and spoke to over 400 students in two days.

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Red Rocks Elementary School Visit April 5, 2022
On April 5th Suzanne Sigona and Jim Topkoff did a presentation to about 30 5th graders who will be traveling to Washington DC in May to visit the Vietnam wall as well as other monuments. The children were very attentive and quite well versed in their knowledge about Vietnam, including TWTH. 

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Green Mountain High School Visit March 30-31, 2022
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Green Mtn. HS teachers on left is Clint Boston on the right is Dave Blyzes.  On March 30-31, 2022 our members L to R Otto Smolik, Cliff Fejfar, Doug Nunes, Jim Higgins and Bill Robbins, talked to the students of Green Mountain High School about their experiences in Vietnam.

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Vietnam War mass grave found thanks to US veteran tip-off
Vietnam War mass grave found Article

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VVA Applauds Swift Action of VA Secretary in Adding Bladder Cancer, Hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism to recognized Diseases
New Recognized Diseases

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VA will re-adjudicate claims for Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War
Re-adjudicate claims

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Veterans, Gold Star Families get free entrance to national parks, refuges, other public lands
How it Works

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FIRST PANEL OF THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
​ UNVEILED ON JULY 21, 1982
First Panel of Wall Unveiled

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Magic Carpet Ride - excellent history amazing pictures
Magic Carpet Ride

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Veterans: Stressed over coronavirus?
Here are VA's tips to manage your anxiety

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MEMBERSHIP FOR NOVEMBER 2022

WELCOME NEW VVA MEMBERS
Russell Keeler and Robert Myers
WELCOME NEW AVVA MEMBERS
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TRANSFERRED FROM STATE AT LARGE OR OTHER STATE
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      Our Chapter has 221 VVA Members and 42 AVVA Members for a total of 263 Members

Membership Affairs Report August 2022
List of VVA Membership Age Ranges

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​Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources
​​The guide provides information on locating military unit histories and individual service records of discharged, retired, and deceased military personnel. It also provides information on locating and replacing military awards and medals. Included is contact information for military history centers, websites for additional sources of research, and a bibliography of other publications, including related CRS reports.
Guide to Locating Sources

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Chapter 1071 Assisting other Chapters
Our chapter donated $3,000.00 to the VVA Kentucky State Council to help them after the devastating tornadoes hit their state on December 21, 2021.
KY State Council Thank You

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Our chapter in Jan. 2019 donated $2000 to VVA Chapter 582 to help with the wild fires in Paradise, California.

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Our chapter donated $1,000.00 to the VVA North Carolina State Council to help them after the disastrous Hurricane Florence hit their state last month.

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Our chapter donated $1,000.00 to VVA Chapter #223 in Santa Rosa, CA to help them after the disastrous fires that struck their area.  Chapter #223 sent us a thank you email and it details the aftermath of the fire and the excellent work that the chapter does for the Veterans in their area.  See Puerto Rico State Council Thank you Letter.
Chapter 223 Thank You Email
Puerto Rico State Council Thank You Letter

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Our chapter donated $1,000.00 each to the State Council's of Florida, Puerto Rico and Texas for Hurricane Maria relief.

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Disabled Veterans Free Access to State Parks
​ with DV and Purple Heart plate

​Colorado residents with current Disabled Veterans license plates may access Colorado State Parks free without a pass on the windshield.
Info on Free Access with DV Plate

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The Wall's 35th Anniversary
35 MOVIES AND 35 SONGS ABOUT THE VIETNAM WAR AND ERA
These links are from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website.


Link to 35 Movies
LINK TO 35 SONGS

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Vietnam War: Facts, Stats & Myths
Link to Facts, Stats & Myths

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WANTED: VIETNAM BOOKS TO DONATE TO SCHOOLS

About Vietnam Book Donations

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The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can Dial 988 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available. 

Link to Crisis line website

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Link to the Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for your county.
The VSO will assist you with your claim and submit it for you at no cost to you.
Link to Veterans Benefits page

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 Federal Benefits for Veterans
Dependents and Survivors 
2021 Edition

va 2021 benefits book
Veterans Benefits page

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Check out our section "MEMBER'S STORIES" under the Home page

This is a great opportunity for you to write that story that you have been thinking about for the last 40 plus years, or story you want to share!

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THE VIRTUAL WALL VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
Use this link to view the wall by last name, state and city, by military unit and many other ways

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CHAPTER 1071 MERCHANDISE

CHECK OUT THE MANY GREAT CHAPTER 1071 MERCHANDISE THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE AVAILABLE.

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3" & 4" Chapter Logo patch
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New Item Chapter Cup
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New Item Chapter Mug
link to merchandise page

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VETERANS TRANSPORTATION

Below is an options for transportation in the metro-Denver area for veterans

RTD Access-A-Ride. If you are disabled you can contact RTD at 303-480-2000 and tell them you are disabled and you need to be able to use Access-A-Ride. They will send you some paperwork for your Dr. to sign. You will then go to Easter Seals in Lakewood for an interview. If qualified you will receive a ID card in the mail which will allow you to use the regular scheduled buses at no cost to you. All buses are equipped to transport wheel chair riders. Or you can call for Access-A-Ride, which charges $5.00 local each way, at 303-292-6560.

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REMINDER:  If you saw a story, a picture or something else that caught your attention on this page and it is no longer here.....never fear....it has not been deleted but instead has been moved to the ARCHIVES (by year) section of the HOME page.  We don't delete anything....we just try to keep our information on the HOME page as current as possible.

LINK TO ARCHIVE PAGE

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SUGGESTIONS
Members now you can send our Board of Directors an e-mail for any suggestions you may have for our Chapter
Submit a Suggestion

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This website is dedicated in memory of Tony Lopez,
(Tony's Gallery)

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WEBSITE VISITS - From Oct 31, 2012 to Jan 1, 2023
​265,274

Thank you to all who visited our web site---Webmaster 
Website Total Visits

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2017 VVA Website of the Year Award
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Contact: Ray Holtz at   Webmaster@vva1071.org

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