Vietnam Veterans Still Fighting Agent Orange

For many Vietnam veterans in Sumner County, across the nation, the Vietnam conflict still isn’t over as the effects of exposure to Agent Orange takes its toll on the veterans, their descendants and survivors.

“Operation Ranch Hand” was the code name for the spraying of a host of herbicides, primarily Agent Orange, by the U.S. military in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries to protect American and allied troops by defoliating the dense jungle vegetation hiding enemy positions.

Over the past few decades, a substantial body of scientific and medical research has shown that Agent Orange and other herbicides containing dioxin have a high probability of causing or contributing to a variety of health conditions suffered by veterans who served in Vietnam between January 1962 and May 1975. Approximately 2.8 million veterans served in Southeast Asia.

No one knows for sure how many of these veterans were exposed to Agent Orange. Some were deployed in areas during and immediately after spraying operations, while others actually handled Agent Orange and did the spraying. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange and its dioxin contaminants have reported a variety of serious health problems and symptoms.

The Veterans Administration has determined that 13 diseases suffered by Vietnam veterans, including prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, respiratory cancers (of the lung, bronchus, larynx or trachea), chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Type II diabetes and some heart disease are among those caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Vietnam veterans and their families who may have suffered from these diseases may file for compensation. Some birth defects affecting children and grandchildren may have also been caused by Agent Orange.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "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

Court says VA must release documents about Cold War drug experiments

Veterans won another court order requiring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to hand over more documents about its Cold War-era drug experiments on thousands of Vietnam veterans. 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in Oakland, Calif., said the documents requested were "squarely relevant" to the claim that the government failed to adequately notify veterans of the chemicals they were exposed to and what that exposure might do to their health. 
The Army and the CIA, with the help of Nazi scientists, used at least 7,800 veterans as human guinea pigs for testing the effects of up to 400 types of drugs and chemicals, including mescaline, LSD, amphetamines, barbituates, mustard gas and nerve agents, the Vietnam Veterans of America and individual soldiers claim in a 2009 class action. 
The government covered up the true nature of its experiments, which began in the 1950s under code names such as "Bluebird," "Artichoke" and "MKUltra." 


For the full story follow this link
http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/07/23/48617.htm


---- Jerald Terwilliger Past Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "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

Vietnam Blue-Water Sailors Out of Luck?

According to an article  in the New York Times there is not enough data available to determine
if sailors who served on deep water ships(or blue-water sailors) during the Vietnam War were
exposed to Agent Orange.

A report released Friday by the Institute of Medicine, which took 112 pages, reached this conclusion.

This is very sad news for those who served aboard the large ships that did not always enter
coastal waters of Vietnam. It also would appear highly unlikely that the Department of Veteran
Affairs will establish rules to make it easier for these Navy veterans to receive benefits for any
of the diseases linked to Agent Orange.

Many are asking for legislation to expand coverage of benefits and make it just as easy for these
deep water sailors to  receive health care and disability payments as it is for infantrymen who
were exposed to Agent Orange.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) who has sponsored legislation to help the blue-water veterans,
said the new report did not disprove the possibility that deep-sea sailors were sickened by Agent
Orange during Vietnam.

"This report does not invalidate the claims of thousands of blue-water Navy veterans who are
still suffering from the same illnesses as those who served ashore in Vietnam," the senator said
in a statement.


It has been estimated that as many as 800,000 military members were exposed to Agent Orange
even if they never set foot on Vietnam soil.

Since 1991 the government has presumed that Vietnam veterans with certain diseases were exposed
to Agent Orange, making them eligible for health care and disability payments. But then in 2002
the VA decided it would apply only to those who had actually been in Vietnam.


A federal court upheld that decision which basically left out sailors that served on large ships
like aircraft carriers which were in the deep water and further from Vietnam shores. So called
brown-water sailors who served on smaller boats that operated on inland waters are still
eligible for those benefits.

Agent Orange contains one of the most toxic forms of dioxin, and has been linked to
some cancers, and was the most used herbicide in Vietnam.



So another injustice is perpetrated upon our brave veterans. Will it ever end?

Contact your elected officials, tell them to include these blue-water sailors, and marines who
even though they did not enter Vietnam, or it's coastal waters.

Equal treatment and rights for all veterans is something our country must bring about. It is our
duty to those who served, no matter where or when. Justice must be served. Our veterans
deserve nothing less.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"



---------------- "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

Defense Department Begins Project for Vietnam War Veterans

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=62504  Department Begins Project for Vietnam War Veterans By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2011 – More than three decades after the war’s end, the Defense Department has begun a project to pay tribute to the nation’s Vietnam War veterans. The 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration was spawned from the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. “It was a very important time period for veterans, because most Vietnam veterans as a whole never received the homecoming that our troops receive now,” said Army Lt. Col. Hunter Holliday, public affairs officer for the commemoration. At the center of the project is a website, “50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration,” at http://www.vietnamwar50th.com, which will serve as a clearinghouse for information on the war once it is fully functional, a milestone expected this spring. Information gleaned from the website is expected to be used for myriad purposes, such as to chronicle facts, provide educational materials, and offer resources for a commemorative partners program, Holliday said. The partners program will comprise guidance and materials for agencies, veterans groups, local government and nongovernment organizations to conduct their own Vietnam War commemoration activities. The website is expected to play a major role in the campaign, said Jeff Wilson, who handles marketing for the project, noting it will be highly interactive and will include content on historical events, a timeline, photos, documents, video and audio. A calendar will list major Defense-sponsored events. The website is slated to offer a prelude of activities and ceremonies to: -- Honor Vietnam War veterans and their families -- including prisoners of war and those listed as missing in action -- for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. -- Highlight Armed Forces service during the Vietnam War, in addition to contributions made by government and private organizations. -- Pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by U.S. citizens. -- Highlight the advances in technology, science and medicine in military research made during the war. -- Recognize contributions and sacrifices made by U.S. allies during the war. “Hopefully [the commemoration] will be a healing process for the veterans who were never recognized properly when they came home,” Holliday said, noting the volatile political landscape that surrounded the war. Jerald Terwilliger National Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember"

---------------- "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

DOD announces Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemeration

                The Department of Defense announced today its program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The program will:

              - Thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.

              - Highlight the service of the armed forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the armed forces.

             - Pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.

             - Highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to the military research conducted during the
Vietnam War.

             - Recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

                DoD representatives will coordinate with other federal agencies, veteran groups, state, local government and non-government organizations for their input in Vietnam War commemoration activities. For more information call 877-387-9951 or visit the official website at http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/ .

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "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

Col. Robert L. Howard MOH Receipient

The American Cold War Veterans are saddened to hear of the passing of another American
Hero.

Col. Robert L. Howard passed away on Dec 23, 2009 in Waco, Texas.

Col. Howard had enlisted in the US Army in 1956, he retired in 1992; according to some
historians he was the most highly decorated veteran in history.

As a Staff Sergeant of a highly secret organization he was nominated for a Medal of Honor on three separate occasions during a thirteen month span 1967-1968.

During a rescue operation in Cambodia Sergeant First Class Howard, although wounded himself, went to the rescue of the platoon commander. An enemy bullet stuck one of
his ammunition pouches causing further injuries. Sergeant Howard continued to give
first aid to his wounded platoon members.

He rallied the men and with air support they defeated a 2 company size enemy force.

In 1969 he received a direct appointment to 1st Lieutenant.

Among he awards and decorations are:

Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross (with one oak leaf cluster) (2 awards)
Silver Star
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (with three oak leaf clusters) (4 awards)
Bronze Star (with three oak leaf clusters and "V" device) (4 awards)
Purple Heart (with a silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters) (8 awards)
Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters) (3 awards)
Air Medal (with "V" Device and numeral 3. One award for heroism and two for aerial achievement)
Joint Service Commendation
Army Commendation Medal (with "V" device and one each silver and bronze oak leaf clusters. 4 awards for valor and 3 for achievement)
Joint Service Achievement
Army Achievement
* Good Conduct Medal with four Good Conduct Loops (4 awards)
* National Defense Service Medal
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with three service stars (3 awards)
* Vietnam Service Medal with 3 service stars (3 campaigns)
* Armed Forces Reserve Medal
* NCO Professional Development Ribbon with 2 device
* Army Service Ribbon
* Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Unit citations

* Army Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon Presidential Unit Citation (Army) with oak leaf cluster (2 awards)
* Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army)
* Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Navy Unit Commendation
* Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm (Unit citation)
* Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation with Palm (Unit citation)

Foreign decorations

* Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star (Corps citation), Silver Star (Division citation) and Bronze Star (Regiment/Brigade citation)
* Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, 1st Class
* Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, 1st Class
* Republic of Vietnam Wound Medal
* Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, 2nd Class
* Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 bar
* Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit (Sam-Il Medal)

Badges, qualifications and tabs

* Ranger Tab
* Special Forces Tab
* Combat Infantryman Badge
* Expert Infantryman's Badge
* Aircrew Badge
* Master Parachutist Badge
* Pathfinder Badge
* Air Assault Badge
* Expert Marksmanship Badge
* Vietnamese Ranger Badge
* Vietnamese Master Parachute Badge
* Thai Master Parachute Wings
* Korean Master Parachute Badge
* Thai Balloonist Badge
* French Parachutist Badge

Our nation must never forget the brave men and women who fought and died to preserve
our freedom and the American Way. Without their willing sacrifice we would not be
the great country we have become.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Gov. Schwarznegger to sign bill

Governor Schwarznegger has promised to sign legislation declaring March 30 of every year as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day"

Assemblyman Paul Cook thanked the legislature for passing his bill after a similar bill was vetoed by the Governor last week.

"From day one, my intention was clear – establishing a 'Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day' to honor California's Vietnam veterans for their bravery and sacrifices on the battlefield in serving our country," Cook stated in a media advisory.

Cook emphasized, "This is a special day for Vietnam vets who have been ignored for decades throughout this country. This is a day to appreciate them and the sacrifices they made on behalf of this great nation. How fitting that on 9-11, Democrats and Republicans came together as Californians and Americans to honor our Vietnam veterans.

Schwarzenegger issued the following statement regarding the bill: "Thousands of Californians answered our nation's call to serve during the Vietnam War. They served with honor and distinction, and many courageously gave their lives to protect the freedoms that we as Americans hold dear. Declaring a public day of remembrance with the 'Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day' is an important reminder for all Californians to reflect on the sacrifices and valiant contributions that California's great Vietnam veterans have made for us all."

The American Cold War Veterans, Inc. thank the Governor and the state of California for this step in recognizing our fellow veterans.

Now the question is: Will California do the same for Cold War Veterans? These veterans are
ignored and spurned and forgotten. Many people feel that Cold War Veterans are not really veterans, made to feel unwanted and not appreciated.

20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and 17 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union is
too long. It is time to acknowledge the fact that there was indeed a Cold War, lasting 46 years,
and the the U.S. did in fact win. Time to honor these brave and dedicated veterans is now.

Jerald Terwilliger
Chairman, American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

The Domino Theory in Southeast Asia

From the Air Force and the Cold War 2005

National Security Action Memorandum 288 in March 1964 repeated and built on the Domino Theory as a basis for US involvement in Southeast Asia.
“We seek an independent non-Communist South Vietnam,” it said. “Unless we can achieve this objective in South Vietnam, almost all of Southeast Asia will probably fall under Communist dominance (all of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), accommodate to Communism so as to remove effective US and anti-Communist influence (Burma), or fall under the domination of forces not now explicitly Communist but likely then to become so (Indonesia taking over Malaysia). Thailand might hold for a period with our help, but would be under grave pressure. Even the Philippines would become shaky, and the threat to India to the west, Australia and New Zealand to the south, and Taiwan, Korea, and Japan to the north and east would be
greatly increased.”52
However, Vietnam and other wars of national liberation were regarded as secondary in importance to the Cold War and took place in its shadow. In 1964, Air Force Chief of Staff LeMay said, “I point out that you cannot fight a limited war except under the umbrella of strategic superiority. For example, we would not have dared go into Lebanon ... without strategic superiority which kept the enemy air force off.”53
Vietnam
Also To keep the dominoes from falling in Southeast Asia, US forces went to war in Vietnam.
There were numerous similarities to the Korean War. Like Korea, Vietnam was a side issue to the Cold War. As in Korea, the Russians supplied and equipped the Communist side.as in Korea, Soviet troops took part in the combat. The first SA-2 surface-to-air missile battery to shoot down a US aircraft in Vietnam was manned by a Soviet crew.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Vice Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"