WARNING TO VETERANS
Forwarded by Kevin Secor, VSO Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Editor's Note: This information has been passed on to me through several veterans groups! There is a great deal of concern that veterans might think this group is affliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way. http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html
VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested that we coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to provide any services.
In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass any additional information to Mr.Daugherty at the address below.
Michael G. Daugherty
Staff Attorney
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of General Counsel (022G2
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Showing posts with label Veteans Affairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Veteans Affairs. Show all posts
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
American Cold War Veterans-Military Order of Foreign Wars meeting followup
Dr. Robert Kamansky was admitted as a member of MOFW. The luncheon was well attended by retired officers, several generals and admirals among the group.
The MOFWUS is very much in favor of the Cold War Service Medal, and will join us in
our quest. Their backing could be a very large help in convincing Congress to make
this the year.
Four star General Stultz, commander of all reserve forces in Iraq and Afghanistan was also honored with membership,
and gave a very nice speech thanking the members for what they have done in the past and for their support of the
ongoing conflicts.
Keynote speaker Sprios Manolas, Ph.D. author of "American Arms, Greek Blood" The Greek guerrilla war 1946-1950.
He spoke of the battle against Communism and how the Communist forces were finally defeated; with the help of American advisers and General Van Fleet.
Tuesday afternoon Jerry Terwilliger and Sean Eagan hit Capitol Hill with a vengeance. We stopped in the offices of
several Senators and spoke with staff members. Everyone seemed to be aware of S.2743 and American Cold War
Veterans. All those we spoke to were very much in favor of the bill and promised to bring it up again with their Senator.
We also spent some time talking with Jeff Burdette, Legislative Assistant to the House of Representatives
Subcommittee Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. We discussed equal treatment for ALL veterans, regardless
of time or place of service. He stated that the committee is very much aware of the inequity and unfair treatment
of many veterans. He also said "it is something that is being worked on now."
One very touching moment occurred as Sean and I were standing on the sidewalk. We were approached by an Army Major and an Air force Colonel who thanked us for our service. The Major was very interested and much in favor of
the Cold War Service Medal. When I have him my card he said that he had been to the website many times.
On Wednesday I continued the attack hitting several Representative's offices. Again most seemed to be aware
of the H.R. 4051, many of the Representatives were on the fence and almost ready to cosponsor the bill. I also
mentioned H.RES.900 and asked for cosponsor ship. All thought it was a good idea, although one said that "even
as a no cost item" it could still face some opposition.
The offices contacted were Senator Collins, Senator Schumer, Senator Bayh, Senator Lincoln, Senator Gregg, Senator Graham, Senator McCain, Senator Webb, Congresswoman Pingree, Congressman Michaud, Congressman Sestak, Congresswoman Laura Richardson, Congressman John Carter, Congressman Sam Johnson and others.
The MOFW also stated interest in Sean Eagain, myself, Scott L'Ecuyer and Frank Tims becoming members of
their organization. They are 100 per cent in favor of the Cold War Service Medal. In fact they have adopted the Foxfall Cold War Medal as one on their own, and all members are authorized to wear the medal.
Dr. Bob, Sean and I also applied for membership in the Army-Navy Union another very old VSO, which has
also adopted the Foxfall Cold War Medal. Under title 10 members are entitled to wear the medal on their uniforms
and as civilian clothes.
So in all it seemed like we found a lot of support and also that Congressional awareness of American Cold War Veterans is spreading.
Thank you to all of you who have been sending the post cards to your Congressmen/Congresswoman and Senators.
It is helping, keep up the pressure and this could be our year.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"
The MOFWUS is very much in favor of the Cold War Service Medal, and will join us in
our quest. Their backing could be a very large help in convincing Congress to make
this the year.
Four star General Stultz, commander of all reserve forces in Iraq and Afghanistan was also honored with membership,
and gave a very nice speech thanking the members for what they have done in the past and for their support of the
ongoing conflicts.
Keynote speaker Sprios Manolas, Ph.D. author of "American Arms, Greek Blood" The Greek guerrilla war 1946-1950.
He spoke of the battle against Communism and how the Communist forces were finally defeated; with the help of American advisers and General Van Fleet.
Tuesday afternoon Jerry Terwilliger and Sean Eagan hit Capitol Hill with a vengeance. We stopped in the offices of
several Senators and spoke with staff members. Everyone seemed to be aware of S.2743 and American Cold War
Veterans. All those we spoke to were very much in favor of the bill and promised to bring it up again with their Senator.
We also spent some time talking with Jeff Burdette, Legislative Assistant to the House of Representatives
Subcommittee Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. We discussed equal treatment for ALL veterans, regardless
of time or place of service. He stated that the committee is very much aware of the inequity and unfair treatment
of many veterans. He also said "it is something that is being worked on now."
One very touching moment occurred as Sean and I were standing on the sidewalk. We were approached by an Army Major and an Air force Colonel who thanked us for our service. The Major was very interested and much in favor of
the Cold War Service Medal. When I have him my card he said that he had been to the website many times.
On Wednesday I continued the attack hitting several Representative's offices. Again most seemed to be aware
of the H.R. 4051, many of the Representatives were on the fence and almost ready to cosponsor the bill. I also
mentioned H.RES.900 and asked for cosponsor ship. All thought it was a good idea, although one said that "even
as a no cost item" it could still face some opposition.
The offices contacted were Senator Collins, Senator Schumer, Senator Bayh, Senator Lincoln, Senator Gregg, Senator Graham, Senator McCain, Senator Webb, Congresswoman Pingree, Congressman Michaud, Congressman Sestak, Congresswoman Laura Richardson, Congressman John Carter, Congressman Sam Johnson and others.
The MOFW also stated interest in Sean Eagain, myself, Scott L'Ecuyer and Frank Tims becoming members of
their organization. They are 100 per cent in favor of the Cold War Service Medal. In fact they have adopted the Foxfall Cold War Medal as one on their own, and all members are authorized to wear the medal.
Dr. Bob, Sean and I also applied for membership in the Army-Navy Union another very old VSO, which has
also adopted the Foxfall Cold War Medal. Under title 10 members are entitled to wear the medal on their uniforms
and as civilian clothes.
So in all it seemed like we found a lot of support and also that Congressional awareness of American Cold War Veterans is spreading.
Thank you to all of you who have been sending the post cards to your Congressmen/Congresswoman and Senators.
It is helping, keep up the pressure and this could be our year.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Problems still exist at Illinois VA Center
From NPR Radio
November 3, 2009
A new report from the inspector general in the Department of Veterans Affairs finds that the VA Medical Center in Marion, Ill., continues to be plagued by quality management and patient care problems some two years after a suspicious spike in the number of post-surgical patient deaths there.
A 2008 investigation found that at least nine patients died because of surgical mistakes and poor post-surgical care at the VA hospital in Marion, which is in southern Illinois. That report made recommendations to improve conditions at the facility.
The new report finds poor quality management oversight, inconsistencies in the way patient deaths are reported and continuing problems with ensuring patient safety — including the discovery that surgeons were performing procedures they were not authorized to handle.
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) calls the findings "appalling."
"It is inexcusable that after more than two years of adjustments and reviews, Marion VA is still failing our veterans in quality of care," he says in a press release. "This cannot and must not continue."
Durbin and other members of the state's congressional delegation, including Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL), and Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL) and Jerry Costello (D-IL), sent a sharply worded letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in which they demanded that VA management be held accountable for the problems at the Marion facility.
A suspicious spike in post-surgical patient deaths between October 2006 and August 2007 led the VA to abruptly suspend surgical operations at the Marion VA Medical Center. NPR reported the story of a Kentucky woman whose husband died suddenly after what was considered to be relatively minor surgery for gallstones.
In January 2008, the VA's inspector general found that the surgical unit in the VA Medical Center in Marion was in complete disarray, with doctors performing surgeries they weren't qualified to perform. Hospital administrators were found to respond slowly, if at all, to complaints or problems when they surfaced.
Serious quality management and care problems were found in the surgical unit's preoperative care, intraoperative care and postoperative care. The inspector general's report found that the deaths of at least nine patients were "directly attributable" to surgical mistakes and substandard care at the Marion VA hospital. More than a dozen additional patients suffered serious harm because of such mistakes, according to the inspector general's report, and as many as 10 additional patients may have died because of poor care at Marion.
One surgeon in particular, Dr. Jose Veizaga-Mendez, was found to be prone to committing surgical errors and failing to correct his mistakes. He had been hired by the VA despite surrendering his license in Massachusetts while under investigation for malpractice there.
Shinseki has agreed to meet with members of the Illinois delegation on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing problems at the Marion VA Medical Center.
Jerald Terwilliger
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
November 3, 2009
A new report from the inspector general in the Department of Veterans Affairs finds that the VA Medical Center in Marion, Ill., continues to be plagued by quality management and patient care problems some two years after a suspicious spike in the number of post-surgical patient deaths there.
A 2008 investigation found that at least nine patients died because of surgical mistakes and poor post-surgical care at the VA hospital in Marion, which is in southern Illinois. That report made recommendations to improve conditions at the facility.
The new report finds poor quality management oversight, inconsistencies in the way patient deaths are reported and continuing problems with ensuring patient safety — including the discovery that surgeons were performing procedures they were not authorized to handle.
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) calls the findings "appalling."
"It is inexcusable that after more than two years of adjustments and reviews, Marion VA is still failing our veterans in quality of care," he says in a press release. "This cannot and must not continue."
Durbin and other members of the state's congressional delegation, including Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL), and Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL) and Jerry Costello (D-IL), sent a sharply worded letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in which they demanded that VA management be held accountable for the problems at the Marion facility.
A suspicious spike in post-surgical patient deaths between October 2006 and August 2007 led the VA to abruptly suspend surgical operations at the Marion VA Medical Center. NPR reported the story of a Kentucky woman whose husband died suddenly after what was considered to be relatively minor surgery for gallstones.
In January 2008, the VA's inspector general found that the surgical unit in the VA Medical Center in Marion was in complete disarray, with doctors performing surgeries they weren't qualified to perform. Hospital administrators were found to respond slowly, if at all, to complaints or problems when they surfaced.
Serious quality management and care problems were found in the surgical unit's preoperative care, intraoperative care and postoperative care. The inspector general's report found that the deaths of at least nine patients were "directly attributable" to surgical mistakes and substandard care at the Marion VA hospital. More than a dozen additional patients suffered serious harm because of such mistakes, according to the inspector general's report, and as many as 10 additional patients may have died because of poor care at Marion.
One surgeon in particular, Dr. Jose Veizaga-Mendez, was found to be prone to committing surgical errors and failing to correct his mistakes. He had been hired by the VA despite surrendering his license in Massachusetts while under investigation for malpractice there.
Shinseki has agreed to meet with members of the Illinois delegation on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing problems at the Marion VA Medical Center.
Jerald Terwilliger
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Friday, July 17, 2009
Outrage At Arlington National Cemetery
Horrible record keeping, carlessness, inedptitude at Arlington National Cemetery has
been uncovered.
It seems none of the computer systems and updates work properly. So the cemetery is run
with pen and paper. Index cards are used.
It has been found that graves sites do not match the maps. Some headstones are in the wrong
place. Workers admit that there are some places they do not know who is buried or where.
This is an outrage, these bave men and women gave their lives for our country and deserve
to be treated with honor and respect.
To allow something like this to go on for years is inexcuseable this has to be corrected immediately.
Not only that, but in the new section for the fallen warriors of Iraq and Afghanstan mementoes
left on the graves by family and loved ones are left to rot in the rain or gathered up and
thrown in the garbage.
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/07/16/arlington_national_cemetery/
I can only feel sorrow and pain for those affected by this injustice.
Call, write, fax, email your elected officials and demand an immediate Congressional Probe into the wrong doing. This is criminal and those responsible should be punished to the full extent
of the law.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Vice Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
been uncovered.
It seems none of the computer systems and updates work properly. So the cemetery is run
with pen and paper. Index cards are used.
It has been found that graves sites do not match the maps. Some headstones are in the wrong
place. Workers admit that there are some places they do not know who is buried or where.
This is an outrage, these bave men and women gave their lives for our country and deserve
to be treated with honor and respect.
To allow something like this to go on for years is inexcuseable this has to be corrected immediately.
Not only that, but in the new section for the fallen warriors of Iraq and Afghanstan mementoes
left on the graves by family and loved ones are left to rot in the rain or gathered up and
thrown in the garbage.
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/07/16/arlington_national_cemetery/
I can only feel sorrow and pain for those affected by this injustice.
Call, write, fax, email your elected officials and demand an immediate Congressional Probe into the wrong doing. This is criminal and those responsible should be punished to the full extent
of the law.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Vice Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Veterans To Protest At LA VA Medical Center
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-flag27-2009jun27,0,3933157.story
The so-called Veterans Revolution says the action at the VA Medical Center in West L.A. is intended to be a symbol of distress. Federal police may have another interpretation.
By Bob Pool
9:29 PM PDT, June 26, 2009 This is one battle that will probably be decided by whichever side is most "distressed" -- officials of the VA Medical Center in West Los Angeles, or a group of protesting veterans.
On Sunday, demonstrators plan to gather by the VA grounds and display an upside-down American flag "as a signal of dire distress." They contend that agency policies have placed the VA property in "extreme danger."
But if that act upsets VA officials, protesters could find themselves facing off with federal police, who view the upended banner as a sign of disrespect to Old Glory.
For 66 consecutive Sundays, a group calling itself the Veterans Revolution has demonstrated outside the Wilshire Boulevard medical facility. The group has, for many years, criticized VA oversight of the 388-acre property.
However, for the first time last Sunday, the protesters flew the Stars and Stripes upside down as part of their campaign. VA police responded with flashing red and blue lights and ordered that the flags be turned right side up or removed.
The faceoff occurred at the end of the planned protest, so veterans "removed them just as we normally do and left peacefully on our own accord," said Robert Rosebrock, one of the organizers.
"The Flag Code allows when property is in danger to display the flag upside down. It states it is a signal of dire distress to 'life or property,' " he said.
The demonstrators were on a city-owned sidewalk near Wilshire and San Vicente boulevards, outside of the VA's jurisdiction, said Rosebrock, a 67-year-old U.S. Army veteran.
But the protesters entered federal property when they attached one upside-down flag to a ceremonial gate, insists Lynn Carrier, the medical center's associate director.
Carrier said she ordered police to the scene when she drove past and noticed another motorist shaking his fist angrily at the flag display. She said VA mental health patients inside the hospital grounds might also have been sensitive to "an inappropriate display on VA property."
The gate on which one of the American flags was attached "is unquestionably federal property," said Ralph Tillman, the VA's director of asset management for Los Angeles-area facilities.
Rosebrock said most passersby honked and waved in support of last weekend's protest.
He said demonstrators may return Sunday with more upside-down flags -- and perhaps an upright lawyer.
bob.pool@latimes.com
Jerald Terwilliger
National Vice Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"
The so-called Veterans Revolution says the action at the VA Medical Center in West L.A. is intended to be a symbol of distress. Federal police may have another interpretation.
By Bob Pool
9:29 PM PDT, June 26, 2009 This is one battle that will probably be decided by whichever side is most "distressed" -- officials of the VA Medical Center in West Los Angeles, or a group of protesting veterans.
On Sunday, demonstrators plan to gather by the VA grounds and display an upside-down American flag "as a signal of dire distress." They contend that agency policies have placed the VA property in "extreme danger."
But if that act upsets VA officials, protesters could find themselves facing off with federal police, who view the upended banner as a sign of disrespect to Old Glory.
For 66 consecutive Sundays, a group calling itself the Veterans Revolution has demonstrated outside the Wilshire Boulevard medical facility. The group has, for many years, criticized VA oversight of the 388-acre property.
However, for the first time last Sunday, the protesters flew the Stars and Stripes upside down as part of their campaign. VA police responded with flashing red and blue lights and ordered that the flags be turned right side up or removed.
The faceoff occurred at the end of the planned protest, so veterans "removed them just as we normally do and left peacefully on our own accord," said Robert Rosebrock, one of the organizers.
"The Flag Code allows when property is in danger to display the flag upside down. It states it is a signal of dire distress to 'life or property,' " he said.
The demonstrators were on a city-owned sidewalk near Wilshire and San Vicente boulevards, outside of the VA's jurisdiction, said Rosebrock, a 67-year-old U.S. Army veteran.
But the protesters entered federal property when they attached one upside-down flag to a ceremonial gate, insists Lynn Carrier, the medical center's associate director.
Carrier said she ordered police to the scene when she drove past and noticed another motorist shaking his fist angrily at the flag display. She said VA mental health patients inside the hospital grounds might also have been sensitive to "an inappropriate display on VA property."
The gate on which one of the American flags was attached "is unquestionably federal property," said Ralph Tillman, the VA's director of asset management for Los Angeles-area facilities.
Rosebrock said most passersby honked and waved in support of last weekend's protest.
He said demonstrators may return Sunday with more upside-down flags -- and perhaps an upright lawyer.
bob.pool@latimes.com
Jerald Terwilliger
National Vice Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Silver Rose Award For Agent Orange Victims
Something I just discovered today that will add a small honor to our veterans who suffer
from Agent Orange illnesses. You are probably eligible for the Silver Rose Award.
Not that this award will give you any help or entitle you to more compensation. It is just something that does acknowledge your contribution to our country.
You can read about it here.
http://www.silverrose.info/main%20menu%20page.html
Something else to think about, under statutory law and military regulations and specifications, victims of Agent Orange, as well as other
injuries and wounds suffered during combat or in combat zones are eligible for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
So, how many veterans have been awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart? Surprise, surprise ---NONE! Not a single one. This is a Grave Injustice ! Something should be done.
Another link for information about the Silver Rose Award http://www.greenfamilyties.com/silverrose.html
Veterans are still suffering and their families are suffering from the effects of Agent Orange. How
many die every day? Who knows for sure, there are probably thousands that have never
applied for benefits, they just did not know how or what to do.
Our country was aware of the possible effects of Agent Orange, and should do everything
possible to locate and treat any and all persons who were exposed to Dioxins. Agent Orange
was not the only chemical used, there were other agents as well.
We owe it to these brave and dedicated men and women and their children. Once again, the
veteran suffers in silence and our government ignores them.
If you were, or know someone who was, exposed to Dioxins contact the Veterans Affairs office and ask for help.
Jerald Terwilliger
Vice Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
from Agent Orange illnesses. You are probably eligible for the Silver Rose Award.
Not that this award will give you any help or entitle you to more compensation. It is just something that does acknowledge your contribution to our country.
You can read about it here.
http://www.silverrose.info/main%20menu%20page.html
Something else to think about, under statutory law and military regulations and specifications, victims of Agent Orange, as well as other
injuries and wounds suffered during combat or in combat zones are eligible for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
So, how many veterans have been awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart? Surprise, surprise ---NONE! Not a single one. This is a Grave Injustice ! Something should be done.
Another link for information about the Silver Rose Award http://www.greenfamilyties.com/silverrose.html
Veterans are still suffering and their families are suffering from the effects of Agent Orange. How
many die every day? Who knows for sure, there are probably thousands that have never
applied for benefits, they just did not know how or what to do.
Our country was aware of the possible effects of Agent Orange, and should do everything
possible to locate and treat any and all persons who were exposed to Dioxins. Agent Orange
was not the only chemical used, there were other agents as well.
We owe it to these brave and dedicated men and women and their children. Once again, the
veteran suffers in silence and our government ignores them.
If you were, or know someone who was, exposed to Dioxins contact the Veterans Affairs office and ask for help.
Jerald Terwilliger
Vice Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs Honored
Assistant Secretary Duckworth Honored at Women to Watch Awards
WASHINGTON (May 6, 2009) - Yesterday, the Department of Veterans AffairsAssistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, L. TammyDuckworth, was honored by Running Start at their annual Women to WatchAwards in Washington, DC. She spoke to a crowd of 300 young women at aceremony at the National Press Club.
"We make our Nation stronger by supporting the 200,000 women currentlyserving in the armed forces and the approximately 1.7 million womenVeterans in our country that need our help," Assistant Secretary L.Tammy Duckworth said. "It's time to stop being surprised that America'sdaughters are fully capable of doing their jobs and fighting for ourfreedoms. I recognize that I am here today because I stand on theshoulders of the men and women who opened the doors for women to serve."
Running Start is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring youngwomen to run for political office. It offers high school and collegewomen the unique opportunity to hear from today's leaders. By educatingyoung women about the importance of politics and giving them the skillsthey need to become leaders, they give them the running start they needto reach their aspirations.
Assistant Secretary Duckworth was introduced by State RepresentativeLinda Chapa LaVia from the state of Illinois. She was recognized as a"Woman to Watch" by Running Start along with Erin Issabelle Burnett,CNBC Television Anchor; Betsy Fischer, Executive Producer of Meet thePress; Julie Gilbert, Founder and CEO of Wolf Means Business; and MonaSutphen, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Obama Administration
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Winter, will the veterans be left out in the cold?
This has so far been a rough and tough winter; record breaking cold, snow, ice, and here in Maine it still has a long way to go.
Will our veterans, especially the Cold War Veterans be left out in the cold again? During the
primaries and general election the Cold War seemed to be mentioned almost daily. Both party's
brought it up in many campaign stops.
Now the new Congress is in session and soon President Obama will be inaugurated, will the memory carry over into action? Can congress be convinced that this is the year to finally remember and recognize our veterans for what they accomplished? We wait and hope, and
continue to contact our elected officials asking the question.
We ask that you all contact your officials in Washington and ask them "Will you introduce and/or support legislation to authorize and DIRECT DOD to issue a Cold War Victory/Service Medal.
Do not be fooled by DOD when they bring out the cost issue, their figures are overblown and
not reasonable. And, the other ploy they will try to use is "duplication of awards". That is also a fallacy, millions of our military served their tour of duty and did not receive any awards.
If you can contact your legislators at their state offices, find out the name of the staff member responsible for military/veterans/home security that would be much better. If we can convince
staff members of the importance of this medal, they would be more likely to press the senator or
representative to become more active; and be more favorable to our quest.
President Obama stated he is in favor of a Cold War Medal, remind him of this and ask if
he would use an executive order to bring about this medal.
We cannot do it alone, we need the help of you the public. You are the ones we were protecting
from Communism. We were there 24/7.
Do you remember fallout shelters, air raid drills? Our drills were different we were prepared
to do what what necessary to save freedom. From land, air, sea, under the sea armed with
nuclear weapons; praying we never had to use them, but always ready
Join us in our quest, demand that a Cold War Victory/Service Medal be issued this year. Also
bring all veterans back into the VA, change the section eight rules to allow these veterans to
get the treatment we were all promissed.
Let us not forget the homeless vets, the numbers of homeless is in the tens of thousands, and
growing. They need help also. Medical, mental, drug problems run very high among veterans
and they should be given the help they need to become self-sustaining citizens. Give them a
helping hand, not a handout.
And we must also remember the POW/MIS's, bring them home now. Demand that action be
taken to ensure all are accounted for. "Leave no man behind" just does not seen to be an
issue congress wants to take care of. There are still too many missing, and something must
be done to correc this issue.
Will our veterans, especially the Cold War Veterans be left out in the cold again? During the
primaries and general election the Cold War seemed to be mentioned almost daily. Both party's
brought it up in many campaign stops.
Now the new Congress is in session and soon President Obama will be inaugurated, will the memory carry over into action? Can congress be convinced that this is the year to finally remember and recognize our veterans for what they accomplished? We wait and hope, and
continue to contact our elected officials asking the question.
We ask that you all contact your officials in Washington and ask them "Will you introduce and/or support legislation to authorize and DIRECT DOD to issue a Cold War Victory/Service Medal.
Do not be fooled by DOD when they bring out the cost issue, their figures are overblown and
not reasonable. And, the other ploy they will try to use is "duplication of awards". That is also a fallacy, millions of our military served their tour of duty and did not receive any awards.
If you can contact your legislators at their state offices, find out the name of the staff member responsible for military/veterans/home security that would be much better. If we can convince
staff members of the importance of this medal, they would be more likely to press the senator or
representative to become more active; and be more favorable to our quest.
President Obama stated he is in favor of a Cold War Medal, remind him of this and ask if
he would use an executive order to bring about this medal.
We cannot do it alone, we need the help of you the public. You are the ones we were protecting
from Communism. We were there 24/7.
Do you remember fallout shelters, air raid drills? Our drills were different we were prepared
to do what what necessary to save freedom. From land, air, sea, under the sea armed with
nuclear weapons; praying we never had to use them, but always ready
Join us in our quest, demand that a Cold War Victory/Service Medal be issued this year. Also
bring all veterans back into the VA, change the section eight rules to allow these veterans to
get the treatment we were all promissed.
Let us not forget the homeless vets, the numbers of homeless is in the tens of thousands, and
growing. They need help also. Medical, mental, drug problems run very high among veterans
and they should be given the help they need to become self-sustaining citizens. Give them a
helping hand, not a handout.
And we must also remember the POW/MIS's, bring them home now. Demand that action be
taken to ensure all are accounted for. "Leave no man behind" just does not seen to be an
issue congress wants to take care of. There are still too many missing, and something must
be done to correc this issue.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A Plea To and For the Veterans Administration
As the fighting continues in Iraq and Afghanistan more and more of our military members are becoming "Wounded Warriors". Who will help them?
These brave and dedicated men and women, some of who endured two, three and even more tours in places of danger. Placing the lives on the line everyday, serving their country and defending the freedom; and hopefully the democracry of these nations, wanting only to stabilize their governments.
Now the injured, who by far outnumber the casualties of any other war; due to the wonderful and advancedcare they are given in the field, are arriving home to less than perfect conditions. They are returning missing limbs, with traumatic brain injury, suffering PTSD and a whole host of problems. The VA is unable to keepup and things just seem to be getting worse.
They face long and difficult recovery times. They are made to stand in long lines and wait for hours fortreatment. Their families suffer along with them, many family members give up their jobs to be closeto their loved ones. The pain and suffering does not end quickly or easily, it can drag on for years.
As these men and women are released and sent home it becomes even worse. They may have to travel very long distances to find a VA treatment center. And the wait and filling out forms continues and grows as time passes. This leads to even more mental problems as the depression deepens, and the feeling of being inadequate and hopless or worthless becomes a bigger burden.
Many become homeless, unable to work, they can not make the mortgage payments. Their debt increases as they max out their credit cards just trying to survive. Some turn to drugs or alcohol to ease the strain, whichof course does not help; but just make matters worse. Families sometimes fall apart due to the stress, thenever ending problems become just too much. This can lead to seperation or divorce, which brings on deeper depression.
The number of veterans taking their own lives is increasing, unable to endure any more pain, one more "come back in a month". Or some being told that their mental problems are not service connected, they had problems when they enlisted, and thus are not eligible for veterans benefits. They feel there is nothing left, no where to turn for help. No one to guide them, hold their hand and let them cry. Why should I go on fighting this?
Each and everyone of us who served in the military were given glowing promises of health care, education assistance, low interest rate home loans and other means of help when we left the service. We stood up for our country. Now it is time for our country to stand up for the veterans!
As a Cold War Veteran, because I did not face combat or serve in a "declared" war, I am told I am not a "real veteran". My service time means nothing, it does not count. So I am suffering with depression, and PTSD, but can not get the proper help. Ten years of being a Radioman, most of it spent with earphones on my head listening to the static and dit-dah-dit has left me with ringing in my ears, and hearing loss. I just go on with life and try to enjoy it as much as possible. With the help of my loving wife and our little "family" of four dogs and five cats I manage to make it. I have a good life, with good days and bad days, just like everyone else.
We all know the VA is understaffed and under funded, and and overworked. The VA is trying hard to catch up with the large influx of people needing care. There are many doctors and nurses that are doing their best, with what they have. Those that care and try to make a difference deserve the praise and thanks of our nation. But, there are too few of them to handle the needs of our service personnel or veterans.
So my plea is, that with the new administration soon to take charge of Veterans Affairs that immediate steps be taken to ensure our warriors are given the best care available. Anything less than that would be unacceptableand would just continue the injustice.
Of course we realize that Congress must increase funding for the Va,and that we are in deep financial trouble, but are these men and women not more deserving than Wall Street or the Auto Industry?
Is it right, is it fair to turn our backs on our military and veterans; to treat them as second or third classcitizens? No, of course not. Why should they be pushed to the end of a very long line? Take a few of thoseBillions of dollars we are throwing at the banking and auto industries and use it for health care for these deserving heroes.
The VA should also rescind the section eight class and bring all veterans back into the fold and allow every veteran the right to receive the care they were told they could and would receive. Yes, it will cost more money and add to the already overflowing VA hospitals and clinics; but do they not deserve at least this?
We as a nation should be ashamed and outraged that this problem has existed for such a long time, that nothing has been done to correct this ongoing mistreatment and mismanagement. We must not, we can not allow any further delay.
How can we expect to keep our troops at fightingstrength, ask young men and women to volunteer to place their lives in jepordy if our country will not keep our promisses? If we
do not give them proper and functioning equipment.
Perhaps I should have entitled this as a Plea to Congress. I ask and urge every person in America to contact all their elected officials. Tell them that VA must be funded fully, and immediately, we can no longer allow this travesty to continue. Let the 111th Congress be the turning point, the one to say enough is enough; we will honor our commitment. There will be no more delays, no more wait till next year. We will do the right thing.
Oh yes, one other thing; demand an immediate accounting for all POW/MIA's, bring them home. They are not forgotten. Tell your state officials to follow the example of Pennsylvania, establish centers for collection of mtDNA. This Pennsylvania Project, A Model For The Nation begun by Robin Piacine, President of The Coalition Of Families Of Korean And Cold War POW/MIA's is a tremendous undertaking. You can read more about this on their webiste http://www.coalitionoffamilies.org/new/default.aspThis is a project that every state should institute without further delay.
Jerald TerwilligerNational Vice ChairmanAmerican Cold War Veteranswww.americancoldwarvets.org"We Remember"
These brave and dedicated men and women, some of who endured two, three and even more tours in places of danger. Placing the lives on the line everyday, serving their country and defending the freedom; and hopefully the democracry of these nations, wanting only to stabilize their governments.
Now the injured, who by far outnumber the casualties of any other war; due to the wonderful and advancedcare they are given in the field, are arriving home to less than perfect conditions. They are returning missing limbs, with traumatic brain injury, suffering PTSD and a whole host of problems. The VA is unable to keepup and things just seem to be getting worse.
They face long and difficult recovery times. They are made to stand in long lines and wait for hours fortreatment. Their families suffer along with them, many family members give up their jobs to be closeto their loved ones. The pain and suffering does not end quickly or easily, it can drag on for years.
As these men and women are released and sent home it becomes even worse. They may have to travel very long distances to find a VA treatment center. And the wait and filling out forms continues and grows as time passes. This leads to even more mental problems as the depression deepens, and the feeling of being inadequate and hopless or worthless becomes a bigger burden.
Many become homeless, unable to work, they can not make the mortgage payments. Their debt increases as they max out their credit cards just trying to survive. Some turn to drugs or alcohol to ease the strain, whichof course does not help; but just make matters worse. Families sometimes fall apart due to the stress, thenever ending problems become just too much. This can lead to seperation or divorce, which brings on deeper depression.
The number of veterans taking their own lives is increasing, unable to endure any more pain, one more "come back in a month". Or some being told that their mental problems are not service connected, they had problems when they enlisted, and thus are not eligible for veterans benefits. They feel there is nothing left, no where to turn for help. No one to guide them, hold their hand and let them cry. Why should I go on fighting this?
Each and everyone of us who served in the military were given glowing promises of health care, education assistance, low interest rate home loans and other means of help when we left the service. We stood up for our country. Now it is time for our country to stand up for the veterans!
As a Cold War Veteran, because I did not face combat or serve in a "declared" war, I am told I am not a "real veteran". My service time means nothing, it does not count. So I am suffering with depression, and PTSD, but can not get the proper help. Ten years of being a Radioman, most of it spent with earphones on my head listening to the static and dit-dah-dit has left me with ringing in my ears, and hearing loss. I just go on with life and try to enjoy it as much as possible. With the help of my loving wife and our little "family" of four dogs and five cats I manage to make it. I have a good life, with good days and bad days, just like everyone else.
We all know the VA is understaffed and under funded, and and overworked. The VA is trying hard to catch up with the large influx of people needing care. There are many doctors and nurses that are doing their best, with what they have. Those that care and try to make a difference deserve the praise and thanks of our nation. But, there are too few of them to handle the needs of our service personnel or veterans.
So my plea is, that with the new administration soon to take charge of Veterans Affairs that immediate steps be taken to ensure our warriors are given the best care available. Anything less than that would be unacceptableand would just continue the injustice.
Of course we realize that Congress must increase funding for the Va,and that we are in deep financial trouble, but are these men and women not more deserving than Wall Street or the Auto Industry?
Is it right, is it fair to turn our backs on our military and veterans; to treat them as second or third classcitizens? No, of course not. Why should they be pushed to the end of a very long line? Take a few of thoseBillions of dollars we are throwing at the banking and auto industries and use it for health care for these deserving heroes.
The VA should also rescind the section eight class and bring all veterans back into the fold and allow every veteran the right to receive the care they were told they could and would receive. Yes, it will cost more money and add to the already overflowing VA hospitals and clinics; but do they not deserve at least this?
We as a nation should be ashamed and outraged that this problem has existed for such a long time, that nothing has been done to correct this ongoing mistreatment and mismanagement. We must not, we can not allow any further delay.
How can we expect to keep our troops at fightingstrength, ask young men and women to volunteer to place their lives in jepordy if our country will not keep our promisses? If we
do not give them proper and functioning equipment.
Perhaps I should have entitled this as a Plea to Congress. I ask and urge every person in America to contact all their elected officials. Tell them that VA must be funded fully, and immediately, we can no longer allow this travesty to continue. Let the 111th Congress be the turning point, the one to say enough is enough; we will honor our commitment. There will be no more delays, no more wait till next year. We will do the right thing.
Oh yes, one other thing; demand an immediate accounting for all POW/MIA's, bring them home. They are not forgotten. Tell your state officials to follow the example of Pennsylvania, establish centers for collection of mtDNA. This Pennsylvania Project, A Model For The Nation begun by Robin Piacine, President of The Coalition Of Families Of Korean And Cold War POW/MIA's is a tremendous undertaking. You can read more about this on their webiste http://www.coalitionoffamilies.org/new/default.aspThis is a project that every state should institute without further delay.
Jerald TerwilligerNational Vice ChairmanAmerican Cold War Veteranswww.americancoldwarvets.org"We Remember"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)