The Santa Barbara Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America is a tax exempt, non-profit organization.

Our members are Vietnam Era (you need not have served in Vietnam), Veterans and Associates (individuals from all walks of life who may or may not have served in the military).

Our Chapter is successful because of the efforts of Vietnam Veterans, Vietnam Era Veterans, and Associates, all of whom are equally welcomed and prized. The Chapter's Vance Committee distributes funds to qualified, disabled American veterans.

Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:15 pm at the Veterans' Memorial Building located at 112 West Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara.

UPCOMING EVENTS!!

Wednesday, November 9: The Vietnam era Huey Helicopter of VVA Chapter 218 will be present and accounted for on the campus of UCSB at the invitation of the student Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The chopper will be on display from 11am to 3pm at Storke Plaza. All vets are invited to stop by, pay your respects and meet the next generation of Veterans.

Friday, November 11: The Veterans Day Parade steps off at 11am at the corner of State and Sola Streets in Santa Barbara and heads down State Street to Cabrillo Blvd. Any and all Veterans are invited to march in the parade. It is not necessary to be in uniform, but if you have a uniform (full dress or otherwise), fatigues, caps or jackets with insignia, you’re encouraged to wear them. Please be on site and ready to form up by 10:45am. Plan on being there early as parking may be at a premium. You’ll be marching behind the Huey helicopter, thanks to the kind folks at Thomas Towing. The Huey will be parked in front of the Veterans Building following the parade. Other military vehicles will be curbside as well. Sorry, no tanks.

All veterans are invited to the Elks sponsored barbeque (trip-tip and chicken) at the Veterans Memorial Building at 122 W. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara. It starts at noon.

(Weather permitting) The free concert at the Courthouse Sunken Garden (corner of Anapamu & Anacapa Streets) begins at 2pm and features the Westmont College Orchestra, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Fife and Drum Corps, Officer David Gonzales (Retired, SBPD), Cantor Mark Childs, Tenor Gary Smith and the various choral groups of San Marcos High School. The public is encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to use on the lawn.

The Military Color Guard at the concert will consist of three members of VVA Chapter 218—Sgt. Hap Desimone (Army), SP5 Peter Bie (Army) and Lt. Steve Penner (Navy).

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THANK YOU : The members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 218 of Santa Barbara extend their deepest gratitude to the individuals and sponsors who so greatly and generously supported the recent visit of "The Moving Wall", September 28 - October 2. We also extend our thanks to the thousands of visitors who came to see the Wall and show their respect and support of all Vietnam Veterans.

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