Dear Sun Spots: Is it true if a Vietnam Veteran passes away, their name can be added to the Vietnam Wall in Washington? How do you go about it? What do you need for IDs?

I have a Minolta 35 mm camera that was bought around 1980. It’s a wonderful camera, but recently would not take any pictures. Figuring it was the battery, got a new one over the Internet. Took about four pictures and then wouldn’t work anymore. Got another battery and took three pictures and it’s dead. Now the lens doesn’t shut. I love this camera, as it’s just point and shoot. Do you know anyone out there that could look at it? Thank You. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, as of April 2006, Sony Electronics provides service and repair of certain Konica-Minolta products. You can visit the Web site http://eservice.sony.com, enter the model number of your camera and zip code to find a location to get it repaired or call product support for help at 1-877-646-6582. Thanks to a tip from a Sun Journal employee, also contact Shep’s Camera, 16 Hall Road, Woolwich, (207) 386-0079. She sends her old 35 mm Minolta there for cleaning and repairs and has had great results.

In regards to your second request, according to a representative for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, they receive numerous requests each year from individuals who desire to have particular names placed on the memorial. The Memorial Fund finances the addition of names to the Wall, but does not determine whose names are to be inscribed. It is the Department of Defense which makes these difficult and often very technical decisions. The policy is that only those persons who died of a combat injury suffered in Vietnam be added to the memorial.

The Department of Defense thoroughly reviews, on an individual basis, all cases brought to its attention where the name of a service member who died in the Vietnam War may have been omitted from the list by error or who had died after the war from combat injuries. The need to review these cases became very clear soon after the Memorial was built as cases were brought to their attention of service members whose combat injuries caused their deaths months or years after the return from the war zone.

According to the Department of Defense Web site, in order to have a name considered for inclusion on the memorial, the requesting party should start by sending a written request to the appropriate service casualty office. This letter should include the full name, date of birth, social security or serial number, and the date of service in the military.

For the Army, write to: Director, Casualty/Memorial Affairs Operations Center, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22331 or call (703) 325-7990.

For the Navy, submit request to: Casualty Assistance Branch, NMPC-122, Washington, DC, 20370-5120 or call 1-800-368-3202.

For the Air Force, contact: Headquarters, Air Force Personnel Center, Attn: AFP/ DPFCS550, C Street, West Suite 14, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4716 or call (800) 433-0048.

For the Marine Corps, contact: HQ Marine Corps, Casualty Section (MRE-PA), Attn: Mr. Bryan Driver, 3280 Russell Rd., Quantico, VA 22134 or call (703) 784-9517.

Dear Sun Spots: The Sons of Italy Club in Rumford is having a craft fair Nov. 15. The doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We supply the tables at a cost of $10 for one table or $15 for two. Tables are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be muffins and coffee available for the early birds and lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be a 50/50 raffle, and you do not need to be present to win. There will also be a wheelbarrow full of food that you will be able to take a chance on. The drawing will be at the end of the fair. This will be a great time to get items to decorate your home for the holidays or to get a great homemade gift for that hard-to-buy-for person.

To reserve a table or two call Jim or Carrie Rinaldo at (207) 364-2983. If we are not in leave a message and we will definitely get back to you. We would like to thank Sun Spots for giving us the opportunity to reach thousands of people through your column. Carrie and I read it daily as I am sure thousands of others do also. – Jim, Rumford.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.