Return to the Main Menu

First 1 1/2 Years of Activities – 6/1999 – 11/2000 

• June 29, 1999 - AOWAC founded by Genevieve Douglass and Karen Olszewski at Stand Down 1999, Long Beach, Ca.– an outreach to homeless veterans.

• August 1999 - AOWAC Founders asked to be guest speakers at LA Vets –spoke at the Homeless Outreach for Vietnam Veterans Forum.

• August 1999 – Met with Supervisor of Social Worker Services at LB VA Medical Center to discuss issues related to Vietnam Veterans, Agent Orange Registry, illnesses, diseases and treatment of veterans and their families. The Supervisor suggested some educational forums with staff were needed and to write a letter to the Director of the VA Medical Center of Long Beach requesting a meeting.

• Oct. 1999- 1st AOWAC Awareness Event and Fundraiser for The Lymphoma Research Foundation of America with the Long Beach Ice Dogs Hockey Team and LB VA Medical Center.

• Oct 31, 1999 - Long Beach Press Telegram Article about AOWAC and LB Veterans Day Parade participation.     

• Nov. 7, 1999 - Long Beach Veterans Parade Article in Editor’s column, recognizing AOWAC and VWIN, (Veterans Widows International Network), participation as parade entries.

• Nov. 6, 1999 – Participated in the Long Beach Veterans Day Parade and sponsored an AOWAC information booth.

• Nov. 11, 1999 – AOWAC spoke at Cerritos College at an educational “Open Forum” Discussion on Vietnam, hosted by Bob Kreger, professor and Vietnam Veteran.

• Nov, 1999 until present – Supporting efforts to add an “In Memory Plaque” to the DC Vietnam Veterans Wall, recognizing the over 1 million veteran post-war deaths associated to Vietnam service.  Genevieve was asked to be an Advisory Committee Member for the “In Memory Plaque" organization.  Website: http://members.aol.com/VietWarMem/plaque.htm

• Nov. 1999 – Attended a Grief Seminar in Costa Mesa, CA.

• Dec. 1999 – AOWAC attended a LB VA Medical Center Event called Women Veterans Recognition Day.  AOWAC sponsored an information table with our outreach materials.

• Dec, 1999 – Genevieve Douglass asked by the Lymphoma Research Foundation of America, to present written and public testimony before the House of Representative’s Appropriations Sub-Committee on Veterans Affairs Programs, for the 2000-2001 Presidential Budget Hearings to be held in April 2000.  We requested $10 million in DOD, (Dept of Defense), funds for lymphoma research for Vietnam Veterans and their post-war children. Lobbying efforts needed in support of the request; check www.aowac.org in the Current News section for sample support letters.

• Jan, 2000 – The Lymphoma Research Foundation of America printed an article in their January newsletter about Agent Orange, Lymphoma and AOWAC efforts. We received many responses for assistance from their article, a distribution of over 14,000, plus the article was added to their website at www.lymphoma.org in their newsletter and advocacy sections.

• Jan, 2000- AOWAC offered assistance to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Long Beach Chpt.756, and LB City Councilman Jerry Shultz, with the planning process for the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial project. We offered to assist with fundraising efforts and the family search efforts for the over 100 service members from LB, who died in Vietnam. Genevieve Douglass organized and is chairperson of the Friends of the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial, (FLBVVM), a support  and fundraising committee, including Diane Bowles.  Since June 2000, this committee of thirty-four (34) members became an affiliate of the non-profit organization Partners of Parks in Long Beach for fundraising purposes. Other members are assisting with the family search efforts with the VVA, Chapt.756.

• Jan. 16, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting.

• Jan. 23, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting.

• Jan. 28, 2000 – AOWAC attended VVA Chpt. 756 meeting for Vietnam Veterans Memorial project.

• Jan. 30, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting.

• Feb. 4, 2000 – AOWAC attended a VVA Chpt.756 Memorial Project Meeting.

• Feb. 6, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting.

• Feb. 17, 2000 – AOWAC attended a VVA Chpt.756 Board Meeting.

• Feb. 22, 2000 – AOWAC attended a VVA Chpt.756 General Membership Meeting.

• Feb. 23, 2000 – Genevieve Douglass attended a Grief Training Seminar to assist others with their grief process.  Seminar was hosted by Stricklin/Snively Mortuary and presented by Bill Hoy, of Grief Resources, an author and grief support expert.

•  Feb. 28, 2000 – AOWAC attended a VVA Chpt.756 Memorial Project Meeting. 

•  Feb. 25-27, 2000 –Genevieve organized and hosted a 3-day Widows Retreat in the San Bernardino Mountains for rest, renewal and grief education supports.  Sue Beeney, R.N., of New Hope Grief Support Community, who shared compassion and information for our attendees. 

•  March 1, 2000 – AOWAC attended a VVA Chpt.756 Meeting. 

•  March 6, 2000 – AOWAC attended a VVA Chpt.756 Memorial Meeting. 

•  March 12, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting.  

•  March 19, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. 

•  March 24, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. 

•  March 27, 2000 – Strategy planning meeting with Jack Shainline, Veteran Representative of Congressman Steve Horn for AOWAC interaction with LB VA Medical Center and Congressional testimony. 

•  March 27, 2000- AOWAC attended a VVA Chpt.756 Memorial Project Meeting. 

•  March 28, 2000 – AOWAC meeting with LB Councilman Jerry Shultz regarding the memorial project and the Friends Support Committee, (FLBVVM). 

•  March 28, 2000 – DC Testimony research meeting with Dr. Moran, Cancer registry Director of LB VA Medical Center. 

•  March 29, 2000 – Interview with LB Press Telegram Columnist Tom Hennessey with Genevieve about her planned trip to Washington, DC for Public Testimony in the House Appropriations Sub-committee on Veterans affairs for the 2000-2001 Presidential Budget Hearings.  Genevieve was asked to represent the Lymphoma Research Foundation of America before the Congressional Committee.

•  March 30, 2000 – Participated at a Cambodian Community Event for networking purposes. 

•  March 31, 2000 – AOWAC attended non-profit seminar by the LB Non- Profit Partnership, with Nini Horn, Congressman Steve Horn’s wife, networked and shared AOWAC info. 

•  April 2, 2000 – AOWAC Article by Tom Hennessey appeared on the front page of the LB Press Telegram. 

•  April 5, 2000 – Written testimony for Congressional Hearing presented to Congressional Committee. 

•  April, 2000 – AOWAC spoke at Cerritos College for Bob Kreger’s Vietnam class on the effects of Agent Orange and related chemical used during the Vietnam War. 

•  April 8, 2000 – AOWAC attended Parliamentary Procedure Certificate Training Program. 

•  April 11,2000 – Genevieve was guest on LB Councilman Jerry Shultz cable program with Leanna Marshall, discussing AOWAC, DC Congressional Public Testimony and the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial project. 

•  April 12, 2000 – AOWAC, Co-Founder Genevieve Douglass and team members, traveled to Washington, DC for the public testimony before the House Appropriations Sub-Committee.  

•  April 13, 2000 – Genevieve testified for the LRFA, (Lymphoma Research Foundation of America), before the House Sub-Committee.  Congressman Steve Horn of Long Beach, Ca introduced her before the Committee and scheduled four-minute presentation, received over 8 minutes time and a heart-felt applause by Committee Hearing attendees. Lobbying support efforts are still in  process. Check www.aowac.org for copy of the written testimony and sample support letters. 

•  April 18, 2000 – Requested and gained support from Senator Diane Feinstein for the “In Memory” plaque project before the House and Senate, recognizing the over one (1) million veteran post-war deaths associated to Vietnam service. 

•  April 17, 2000 – AOWAC, Co-Founders, Genevieve and Karen, and AOWAC Chaplain Ron Beckham, attend the “In Memory Ceremony” held at the DC Vietnam Veterans Wall for the post-war deaths associated to Vietnam service. Friends, Jennie LeFevre, director of the “Quilts of Tears” organization and Gary Chenett, Founder of the Silver Rose organization, also attended  the emotional ceremony. 

•  April 14, 2000 – Meeting in DC with Congressman Elton Gallegley staff, in supporting the “In Memory Plaque” proposed legislation, authored by the Congressman. 

•  April 18, 2000 – Attended LB Area Chamber of Commerce event with keynote speaker, Senator  Diane Feinstein. Requested and received her support for the “In Memory Plaque” Bill legislation  

•  April 20, 2000 – The House “In Memory  Plaque” Bill passed unanimously. 

•  May 4, 2000 – Held Friends of the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial Planning Meeting at LB VA. 

•  May 21, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. 

•  May 22, 2000 – Dr. Carol Adams hosted a workshop fundraiser for AOWAC to assist with the Washington, DC Public Testimony expenses. 

•  May, 24 & 27, 2000 – Grief Support Training Courses through Sue Beeney, RN, New Hope Grief Support Community.  AOWAC Genevieve Douglass and Chaplain Ron Beckham were trained. 

•  May 25, 2000 – Held Friends of the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee Meeting. 

•  May 26, 2000 -  The Senate “In Memory Plaque” Bill passed unanimously. 

•  May 29, 2000 – AOWAC attended the Riverside National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony. 

•  May 29, 2000 –AOWAC sent a Memorial Day Wreath to the Washington DC Vietnam Wall. 

•  May 31, 2000 – Meeting with Charles James of Davis Associates to discuss the “How’s Your Health” program project and shared idea and request on how AOWAC can assist in seeking additional research data for veterans within the project.  Planned strategy to communicate with the LB VA Medical Center and LB Councilman Frank Colonna. 

•  June, 2000 – President signs “In Memory Plaque” Bill. Memorial plaque design in process through the National Parks and Memorial Committee. 

•  June 1, 2000 – FLBVVM and VVA Chpt.756 Memorial Meeting. 

•  June 7, 2000 - AOWAC attended a VVA Chpt.756 Memorial Project Meeting. 

•  June 9, 2000 – Meeting with LA County Supervisor Don Knabe staff about “How’s Your Health” Program, health care issues and other AOWAC activities. 

•  June 10, 2000 -  AOWAC attended Grief Seminar by Sue Beeney, RN, of New Hope Grief Support Community. 

•  June, 2000 – Assisted Vietnam Veteran Christopher Mastrianglo and his family with support in his health challenges related to his Vietnam service, and offered advocacy work with the LB VA Medical Center and VA benefits. Assisted with access to hospice care, copy of  medical record, second opinion consultants, VA benefits, forms and filing claim, autopsy resources and funeral support. 

•  June 11, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. 

•  June 13, 2000 – FLBVVM Sub-committee meeting held with Councilman Jerry Shultz. 

•  June 14, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. 

•  June 19, 2000 - FLBVVM Sub-Committee and VVA Chpt.756 Memorial Meeting. 

•  June 21, 2000 -  Held FLBVVM Committee Meeting. 

•  June 22, 2000 – Genevieve Douglass, Diane Bowles, AOWAC Board Members and Chaplain Ron Beckham, attended the Long Beach Stand Down Reception held at the LB Marriott. Genevieve spoke on behalf of AOWAC and Friends of the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial, (FLBVVM).  

•  June 24-25, 2000 – Genevieve Douglass, Diane Bowles, AOWAC Board Members and Chaplain Ron Beckham, attended the Long Beach Stand Down, supporting the homeless veteran outreach efforts, speaking with veterans and sharing AOWAC information. 

•  June 27, 2000 – Assisted in the planning of a military ceremony and participated in Christopher Mastrianglo’s funeral service. 

•  July 2, 2000 – AOWAC meeting. 

•  July 12, 2000 – Held FLBVVM Committee meeting. 

•  July 14, 2000 – AOWAC attended an event with guest speaker Elizabeth Dole and was able to get AOWAC information to her and her staff. 

•  July 22, 2000 -  AOWAC meeting with LB VA regarding past research information. 

•  July 24, 2000 – Meeting with Leana Marshall and Veterans Day Parade and Memorial Dedication Coordinator, Mary Lou Heins, and VVA Chpt.756 to coordinate plans for the Memorial Groundbreaking event. 

•  July 25, 2000 – FLBVVM meeting with Councilman Jerry Shultz. 

•  July 26, 2000 – AOWAC meeting with LB Congressman Steve Horn’s Veteran’s Representative, Jack Shainline, and LB VA Medical Center Director of  Physicians, Marketing director and Agent Orange Office Manager to discuss experiences and issues listed in the AOWAC introductory letter to the LB VA Director. Excellent meeting with follow-up needed with the     exchange of issues and ideas. 

•  July 28, 2000 – AOWAC and FLBVVM speak at LB Women’s Council Breakfast Meeting. 

•  July 29, 2000 – Participated in the City of Long Beach Groundbreaking Ceremony for the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial project. 

•  Aug. 2, 2000 – Genevieve Douglass was guest speaker at the LB Rotary Club Luncheon to discuss AOWAC and the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial project. 

•  Aug. 9, 2000 – Held FLBVVM Committee meeting. 

•  Aug. 14, 2000 – AOWAC guest, Diane Bowles on LB Cable Show with Laura Mathews to discuss AOWAC activities and the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial project.  

•  Aug. 14, 2000 – Genevieve Douglass spoke at the LB Community Advocates Meeting on AOWAC activities and the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial project. 

•  August 18, 2000 – Attended and presented Public Testimony at the Dioxin Conference with the National Institute of Health Environmental Services, (a panel of 20 scientists and international leaders in Dioxin research). 

•  August 2000 -  Follow-up with contacts made at the Dioxin Conference to plan additional meetings and coordinate work to do better, more effective outreach to Vietnam Veterans and the related health risks due to their service in Vietnam.  An Oct. meeting is planned with several scientists. 

• Aug. 26, 2000 – AOWAC and FLBVVM sponsored an information booth at the LB Ramona Park Health and Safety Fair. 

• August 2000 – Assisted in setting a meeting with How’s Your Health program representative, Charles James, with the LB VA Medical Center for implementing a health assessment program with special attention to veterans. We requested the assistance and support of LB Councilman Frank Colonna in arranging the meetings as well. 

• August 28, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. 

• Sept. 2, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. Sept. 13, 2000 – Held FLBVVM Committee Meeting.

• Sept. 17, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. 

• Sept. 18, 2000 – AOWAC guest, Diane Bowles on LB Cable Show with Laura Mathews. 

• Sept. 25, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. 

• Sept. 26, 2000 – Attended a “How’s Your Health” forum with LB community medical representatives. 

• Sept. 26, 2000 – FLBVVM Memorial Meeting with VVA Chpt.756, Leana Marshall and Mary Lou Hein. 

• Sept. 27, 2000 – Attended a AOWAC special planning meeting with James Charles and John for  implementing the idea “How’s Your Health Vets” with the current city-wide project “How’s Your Health.”  Plans to meet with LB VA Healthcare System were made.  We requested  assistance from Councilman Frank Colonna to help in setting and appointment with the LB VA. 

• Sept. 28, 2000 – AOWAC attended a Grief Training Seminar hosted by Brothers Mortuary and presented by Bill Hoy, of Grief Resources, an author and grief support expert. 

• Oct. 8, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting and web site update work. 

• Oct. 11,2000 – FLBVVM Committee Meeting. 

• Oct. 18, 2000 – AOWAC & FLBVVM spoke at LB Councilman Colonna’s luncheon meeting. 

• Oct. 20, 2000 – AOWAC & FLBVVM presentation at LB Women Federated luncheon event. 

• Oct. 26, 2000 – AOWAC & FLBVVM spoke at the LB Area Board of Realtors meeting. 

• Oct. 29, 2000 – AOWAC Board Meeting. 

• Oct. 31, 2000 – AOWAC & FLBVVM spoke at the LB Kiwanis Club luncheon event. 

• Nov. 3, 2000 – AOWAC attended memorial service for Ellen Glesby Cohen, Founder of the Lymphoma Research Foundation of America. 

• Nov. 4, 2000 – AOWAC attended the LB Vietnam Memorial Fundraiser & Poetry Reading Event organized by Donna Gebron. 

• Nov. 6, 2000 – Attended the LB VA Medical Center’s Women Veterans Recognition Day Event sponsored an information booth for AOWAC and FLBVVM. 

• Nov. 8, 2000 – FLBVVM Committee Meeting. 

• Nov. 11, 2000 – AOWAC and Friends of the LB Vietnam Veterans Memorial participate in the 4th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication event.  Sponsored an  information booth to assist veterans and family members and raise funds for the LB  Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 

• Nov. 14, 2000 – AOWAC attends “A Remembrance Service” hosted by New Hope Grief Support Community. 

• Nov. 19, 2000 – AOWAC, along with Chaplain Ron Beckham, are guest speakers at Safe Harbor Church for a grief seminar.
   

• Continues the AOWAC outreach through the years & currently throughout 2009.