'NamVet Newsletter, Vol.4, no.5 (1/7)
Larry Jewell
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
. __ .
. -*- N A M V E T -*- ____/ \_ .
. ( * \ .
. G. Joseph Peck \ Quangtri .
. Managing Editor \_/\ \_ Hue .
. \_Ashau Phu Bai .
. Todd C. Looney - Chief, Emeritus \_* \_ .
. \ * ) .
. Jerry Hindle _/ Danang .
. Distribution Manager ( \_*Chu Lai .
. \_ ------- \__ .
. Section Editors \_ I Corps \ .
. --------------- \ ------- ! .
. PTSD: Kathleen Kelly, Ph.D. /\_____ ! .
. AGENT ORANGE: Martin H. Kroll, Sr. / ! \ .
. MIA-POW: Rick Stolz ! !___ \ .
. Glenn Toothman ! \/\____! .
. HOMELESSNESS: Lefty Frizzell ! ! .
. FEDERAL BENEFITS: Jim Hildwine / Dak To ! .
. INCARCERATED VETS: Todd C. Looney / * / .
. Joyce Flory ! \_ .
. MEMORIALS: Aaron Schmiedel ! Phu Cat\ .
. MEMORIES: G. Joseph Peck \ * * ) .
. IN-TOUCH: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau \ Pleiku ) .
. CHAPLAIN: Rev. Ed Brant \ \ .
. -**- N A M V E T -**- / / .
. "In the jungles of 'Nam, some of us ( -------- ! .
. were scared and wary, but we pulled _\ II Corps ! .
. one another along and were able / -------- \ .
. to depend on each other. That has \ \ .
. never changed. Today, free of the ! * / .
. criticisms and misunderstandings _/ Nhatrang / .
. many veterans have endured, _/ / .
. NAM VET is a shining beacon, __/ ! .
. a ray of hope, and a _ __/ \ ! .
. reminder that the _____( )/ ! Camranh Bay .
. lessons learned / !__ ! .
. at such a high / \ / .
. price shall not \ Bien Hoa \ / .
. be forgotten - ! Chu Chi * \ __/ .
. nor the errors \_ * --------- \ ___/ .
. repeated!!!" ____ \ III Corps \ _/ .
. / \_____) )_(_ --------- !__/ Duplication in .
. ! ( ___/ any form permitted .
. _____! \__ * ___/ for NONCOMMERCIAL .
. ! Saigon/ purposes ONLY! .
. \___ -------- / \/ .
. \ IV Corps / For other use, contact: .
. ) -------- / G. Joseph Peck, Managing Editor .
. / ! P O Box 2056 Pittsfield, MA 01202 .
. / ____/ (413) 442-1660 .
. / Mekong/ .
. ! Delta/ This newsletter is comprised of articles .
. ! ____/ and items from individuals and other .
. ! / sources. We are not responsible for the .
. ! / content of this information nor are any of .
. ! __/ NAM VETs contributors or Section Editors. .
. \_/ gjp .
. .
NAM VET Newsletter Page i
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
1. EDITORIALS
Time ..................................................... 1
Valhalla Update .......................................... 4
A visit or note once in awhile? .......................... 5
Only the beginning ....................................... 6
2. Agent Orange
American Legion Responds to NamVet's AO Section Editor ... 9
Two American Legion's??? ................................. 13
Break out the Clearsil <tm>! ............................. 17
Vet hopes VA decision helps .............................. 18
The Battle Rages On... ................................... 20
3. Veteran Benefits & Info
VA looks at choice meat in federal pork barrel ........... 23
VA Sec. Derwinski Featured at Public Service Awards ...... 25
VA Video Promotes Understanding of AIDS .................. 26
Ask the DVA Counselor .................................... 27
Project Transition ....................................... 28
4. Missing!!!
MIA-POW News & Updates ................................... 34
MIA/POW Postage Stamp? ................................... 37
They haven't forgutten US!!! ............................. 39
MIA: Richard Michael Allard .............................. 40
MIA: Daniel Vernor Borah, Jr. ............................ 42
MIA: Albert Pitt ......................................... 43
MIA: Henry Muir Serex .................................... 45
MIA-POW Listings CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA .................. 48
5. Memories n' Special Articles
Vet Feels a Monument's Embrace ........................... 53
Two Sons Lost To Vietnam ................................. 57
Marine Receives Bronze - 21 years late! .................. 59
Units in 'Nam??? ......................................... 60
6. When the Chaplain whispers...
Proper Perspective!! ..................................... 66
The Electronic Chapel .................................... 67
A Pastoral Response to troubled Viet Vets ................ 68
7. Hearts & Minds
Veterans for Peace and Nicaraguan Election ............... 77
Shave my head? Live with Men? Where do I sign? ......... 79
VA Expands PTSD Treatment Sites .......................... 80
8. Notices of Interest
Vet does Army CV-2 / USAF C-7 Caribou Research ........... 81
9. In-Touch - New Service!!!
In-Touch: What is it??? .................................. 83
IN-TOUCH Registration/Request Form!!! .................... 86
10. Concentrated Service
Veteran Service Commissioners/Directors .................. 88
Concentrated Service ..................................... 90
USPO Replies to Congressman ...... 91
Asst Postmaster General Writes to Congressman re: Vet .... 93
Vet says, "Thanks, but no thanks." ....................... 94
Vet explains WHY, "Thanks, but no thanks." ............... 96
Congressman Acknowledges Receipt of Letters .............. 99
The US Postal Service begins to act! ..................... 100
IVVEC/NamVet USPO & Vet Service Summary .................. 101
11. IVVEC & NamVet - WHERE?
NamVet Roll Call ......................................... 103
Parameters of IVVEC and NODELIST ......................... 105
Some Gave All... ......................................... 110
NAM VET Newsletter Page ii
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
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E D I T O R I A L S
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TIME
By: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
Now that all of the articles many of you submitted have been
questioned <Hi Marty!>, formatted, and fine-tuned to fit within
the pages and margins of NamVet, its time for ME to write my
editorial.
I like to write and I can remember "way back when" NamVet first
started (Veterans' Day, 1987) I had TIME then to write, TIME to
climb into the hearts and souls of the characters I was attempting
to tell each of you about, TIME to illustrate the up's and down's
of today's Vietnam veteran. TIME, now, is so crammed with all the
other things I've gotten myself into.... <grin>
I'm looking at TIME today with a grateful, yet sad, mistiness.
Look BACK, brothers n' sisters, and you'll see a time when so
many of us, KNOWING that we were doing the right thing, followed
the generations of soldiers and helpers who went before us and
stood proudly in Uncle Sam's uniform... Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard, USO, Red Cross, Civilian
duty of one form or another. THAT was a time when we looked
FORWARD and saw duty, challenge, and opportunity to be at our
best. Many of us saw other countries <smile>, got the chance to
learn about other cultures, other ways of living/existing.
The wealth of experiences gained sat dormant for a bit whilst
our beautiful America reconciled herself with the young men and
women she sent off to battle, tried to deal with protesters, draft
dodgers and evaders, student unrest, apathy, and severe criticism.
Our America, with a little prodding <grin>, searched for the
balance between what she THOUGHT was right and what her
inhabitants came to think was correct.
Many of us returned to civilian life and were expected to pick
up where we'd left off as if nothing had happened in our absence.
Others returned and were shunned, rejected, ignored.
Each of us had to find our own way if we were to continue to
survive.
Sadly, some of us didn't. Others, only half-way or less.
Move forward a little in TIME, and you'll see many concerned
veterans appear on the American scene. Remember when the veterans
camped out on the grounds of a California VA Medical Center? Or
one drove his car into the front entrance of a VA hospital?
Remember when then-VVAW member, now U.S. Senator John Kerry, like
so many, disgustedly threw his war medals on the steps of the
NAM VET Newsletter Page 1
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
National Capital? Remember when the last chopper left 'Nam?
America was beginning to be concerned. Her Vietnam veterans
were beginning to unite in a common effort to see that she honored
the promises she made when they proudly served her.
The Disabled American Veterans and Dr. John S. Wilson patiently,
carefully, methodically moved forward and produced THE FORGOTTEN
WARRIOR PROJECT which was the impetus for today's storefront Vet
Centers. You and I and many like us, knowing that "if we poke
holes in our lifeboat, we're all gonna sink," began to find areas
of common agreement and purpose, began to concentrate and focus
our energies towards finally making things right.
1986 brought with it Todd Looney's creation of the International
Vietnam Veterans EchoConference (IVVEC) for computer-using Vietnam
veterans, their friends, and those interested in/concerned about
America's Vietnam veterans.
March 13, 1987, operating on a Commodore 64 with two disk
drives, VETLink #1 became a reality. Two weeks later, a PC was
purchased and VETLink #1 became a FidoNet node and very shortly
established a cross-country link with Todd Looney's Vietnam
Veterans Valhalla.
A few months later, the NamVet that you see today was born.
Not having the in-country experience(s) so many of you have and
not having the benefit of even being stationed outside of the U.S.
while I was in the military but, after being thrown from a jeep
travelling 55mph while on active duty, hitting the pavement head
and elbow first, experiencing a near-month-long coma, being
subsequently misdiagnosed and eventually honorably discharged,
HAVING experienced many similar feelings of rejection, isolation,
loneliness and loss that many of you have, I've been sincerely
honored and terribly humbled to have a little something to do with
both preparing and bringing your NamVet to you. (How's THAT for a
freight-train sentence, teach???) <grin>
TIME... Look at the time we've shared in the International
Vietnam Veterans EchoConference and you'll miss the names that
once used to be here, that once used to take an active, active
part in sharing, advising, and just talkin'. You'll also see many
of us who were originally here - many of us who know that all we
need to is take the time to LISTEN and to help where we can, and
we can put UNITY in our veteran commUNITY... You'll see a WELCOME
HOME to our brothers and sisters who've just discovered us ... and
a chance to grow -- past the yesterdays that caused so much pain;
past the yesterdays where "loneliness" was the Order of the Day;
past the yesterdays when you couldn't find the true friends, the
ones who KNEW that when ya screwed up, the job wasn't permanent...
THIS Memorial Day, after you've taken the time to solemnly
remember those who paid the "ultimate price" for the freedom we
today enjoy; after you remember the prices YOU'VE paid; after
you've taken time to watch or take part in your local parades and
listen to all the public speakers, take a little TIME to remember
the 16 or 17 year old orphan whose father died of intestinal
cancer after being sprayed with Agent Orange in 'Nam (and whose
NAM VET Newsletter Page 2
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
family received/receives NO benefits from Uncle Sam) who said to
your Managing Editor: "My father didn't fight in the war. He was
a cook."; Take a little TIME to remember your unemployed or
underemployed, your homeless, your incarcerated; your neighbor
brother an' sister veterans and their families; a little TIME to
remember that loving partner who shares your hopes and dreams...
and, for those of you who have children, TIME to remember that YOU
- what you've done and will do - will be part of the Memorial Days
in THEIR future...
After all... isn't that what Memorial Day is all about - TIME?
'til Next Month
Show a brother or sister veteran
that YOU care!!!
Ci'ao for Ni'ao
-Joe-
NAM VET Newsletter Page 3
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Valhalla Update
By: Todd Looney
NAM VETs Chief, Emeritus
Vietnam Veterans Valhalla - San Jose, CA
(408) 737-2564 (Mail Only)
Things have been changing with the Valhalla. During the last
month we received approval and security clearances from both the
County of Santa Clara and the City of San Jose to meet with
incarcerated veterans at two of the county's minimum and maximum
security correctional facilities for men, and are about to receive
clearance for the women's facilities as well. We are very excited
about this because currently the only resource incarcerated
veterans have is to utilize a well-known national organization
called "Friends on the Outside" (FO) to handle any affairs they
might need taken care of. Although FO is adept at handling most
anything the typical veteran might need (cashing paychecks, making
court arrangements, paperwork, etc.) they are not versed in the
veterans affairs and not familiar with the various organizations
already set up to assist veterans.
The services we are now extending to incarcerated veterans include
setting up meetings with the American Legion, handling the various
deluge of veteran-related paperwork involved in benefits for
spouse and family, counseling through the VA and Vet Centers, Red
Cross, etc. We have started working with FO in a strategic
partnership-like arrangement wherein they call us in to handle
veteran-related affairs and we call them in for the rest. All in
all, the veterans in the local facilities are being taken care of
at a much higher level than they were before. We are proud of
this accomplishment and look forward to expanding before the end
of this year to Solidad, San Quentin, and Folsom, and Vacaville
Federal Correctional Facilities. We have plenty of volunteers to
attend regular meetings with veterans in the local facilities
right now, but could use some help in with the Federal facilities
when we finalize our agreements with them. Anyone interested in
helping can write for further information to:
Vietnam Veterans Valhalla
Incarcerated Veterans Program
1016 El Camino Real
Suite 331
Sunnyvale, CA. 94087
ATTN: Jeanne Winfield
At the home front, we have our new facility set up and operating,
we are just waiting now for a PC to arrive so that we can connect
up and get the Valhalla back up and running the way it was last
year. This project has us all really excited because it has been
*far* too long in the coming.
Thank you all for your support and we look forward to expanding
our services even further in the upcoming months. Keep looking
out for more good news from the Valhalla!
Todd Looney
President, Vietnam Veterans Valhalla
Sunnyvale, California
NAM VET Newsletter Page 4
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
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NAM VET Newsletter Page 5
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Only the beginning..
By: Joyce Flory
NAM VETs Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor
Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM
(505) 523-2811
Well folks it's been real busy around here since last month's
posting!! I've gotten a couple of more addresses to write to and
a bunch of responses. The new addresses were through Hugh Erwin
(once on my incarcerated list - now on parole). They are Mary
Moyer, VV Readjustment Counseling in Va., Jim Loughrey, National
Program Dir. for Incarcerated Vets., Billy Borkman, Nottoway VVNW
Post VAI 20, and Peggy Snow, counselor at Nottoway. I also have
received word from George Hebert from VVA Chapter 294 AVIP, Ma.
Here's my current list of Incarcerated Vet's. Please, let's
start writing to these people. A lot of them are lonely and only
have the other Vietnam Vets in their cell block to talk to. I have
found that a majority of them would just like to know what it's
like on the outside and would like to know what they can do, while
in jail, to adjust for getting out.
BUENA VISTA, COLORADO 81211:
Whitmarsh Bailey #56715
Jerry Baack #57098
Chris S. Crespin #45523
Dennis E. Prentis #43497
P.O.Box R
Buena Vista,Colo. 81211
COLUMBUS, GA 31907:
Thomas Adams (don't write unless single female, he tells me)
Donald E. Head
Dwight L. Lyons
Mamie Harris
EG 172282 RCI Box 98409
Columbus,Ga. 31907
GARDNER, MA 01440:
George Herbert (not a Nam Vet, but good people)
Lance Koren
Richard Ortiz
Arthur Coy
Tyrone Smith
Kevin M. Pennell
Robert Thompson
Leslie Gomes
Frank Komnenus
P.O.Box 466
Gardner, Ma 01440
BURKEVILLE, VA 23922:
Billy Borkman #125740
(not actively seeking pen-pal,but will answer)
Nottoway Correctional
P.O.Box 488 (0221)
V Burton #108483
P.O.Box 488 (A-120)
NAM VET Newsletter Page 6
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
M Davenport #155165
P.O.Box 488 (N-321)
M Donati #150219
P.O.Box 488 (D-71)
J Grace #136189
P.O.Box 488 (B-108)
M Glennon #140901 (Non-vet that likes to write)
P.O.Box 488 (O-101)
J Heidinger #102513
P.O.Box 488 (O-421)
C Ladison #138228
P.O.Box 488 (O-330)
G Magno #112810
P.O.Box 488 (N-418)
W Merriman #131789
P.O.Box 488 (A-66)
L Rainsford #126380
P.O.Box 488 (B-108)
A Shah # 101250
P.O.Box 488 (O-417)
G Stovall Jr. #98899
P.O.Box 488 (O-328)
R Sutton # 141041
P.O.Box 488 (O-317)
Burkeville,Va. 23922
STATE FARM, VA 23160:
Jamal R. Rashid #110781 Dorm D-2
Joseph Huggins #99433 " D-6
Preston Parker #118311 " D-5
William Moran #131271 " D-2
Le'roi Mason #104969 " D-5
David Bailey #153526 " D-2
Oliver Mayfield #106330 " HA
John Harris #133342 " HA
Robert Hall #148001 " HA
James Moody #160399 " D-4
William Simmons #106399 " D-4
Charlie Sherman #128403 " D-6
Carlton Heflin #170297 " D-5
Matthew Sanders #166545 " D-4
Michael Kay #136567 " D-5
David Swink #157682 " D-6
Gordon Cawthron #135734 " D-6
Curtis Wright #125330 " HA
Roger Baxter #157594 " D-2
Thomas Hawley #167124 " D-5
Luthee C Beasley #110375 " D-2
James River Corr. Ctr.
State Farm, Va. 23160
I have also, at long last, heard from Albany. Sorry to say they
can't do anything to help. In the form letter I received is the
following: "Your desire to extend this service to include
incarcerated veterans is admirable. However, the Department of
Correctional Services Directive #4422 Section III B-13 prohibits
all inmates from using their correspondence privileges to solicit
or otherwise commercially advertise for money, services, or
goods." What this has to do with pen-pals, I haven't the foggiest
NAM VET Newsletter Page 7
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
notion.
Through Billy Borkman, I may be getting a computer hookup with
Jim Loughrey incarcerated sponsor to Nottoway & VVNW National
headquarters. Will keep you posted on this in the future.
Well, that's it from here for now. As I said it's been a busy
but productive month for me. As always, if there's a group or
organization you think I should contact, leave word on the Echo,
send it to 305/105 or to me at 1825 Evelyn Las Cruces, NM 88001.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 8
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
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A g e n t O r a n g e
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Input by: Martin H. Kroll
NAM VETs Agent Orange Section Editor
Fort Mountain BBS - Chatsworth, Ga. 30705
(404) 695-8703
April 2, 1990
2-48-2
The American Legion
Office of the National Adjutant
National Headquarters
P. O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
Mr. Martin H. Kroll, Sr.
Route 7, Box 7702
Chatsworth, Georgia 30705
Dear Mr. Kroll:
Miles S. Epling, National Commander of the American Legion, is on
an extended visit to various American Legion Departments and has
asked me to reply to your letter of March 14, l990, asking a
number of questions of The American Legion. The American Legion
is a veteran's organization with over 3,000,000 war-time veterans
as members. We were formed in 1919 with the following objectives:
--Veterans affairs and rehabilitation - service to our fellow
veterans
--Americanism, children and youth - service to both the patriotism
of our nation and our nation's youth
--National security and foreign relations - service to "peace
through preparedness" and help to democracies
--Economics - service to veteran's employment
Based on those objectives and the mandates of The American Legion
given to the organization by the delegates to our National
Convention and through our board of directors, the National
Executive Committee, I will attempt to answer your inquiry of
March 14.
The American Legion has been concerned about U.S. foreign policy
since its founding. The parallel could be drawn that we became
veterans because of a failed foreign policy. In the 1920's and
the 1930's, The American Legion counseled against the harsh
treatment of Germany through the Versailles Treaty, and we urged
the United States to keep militarily strong. Our objective was
"peace through preparedness." The American Legion and the
veterans of this country were ignored, and that, among other
factors, led this nation to war.
That policy has been consistent, and in the 1960's, The American
NAM VET Newsletter Page 9
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Legion argued that the United States should decide to either
pursue a policy to win the war in Vietnam or get out.
Now to your questions concerning our travel to Central America.
There are U. S. veterans in Central and South America --
specifically, in Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, and
Mexico. There are also veterans in the Far East and in Europe.
Each of those regions is served by American Legion Posts, and our
National Commanders do try during their year to visit Legionnaires
in as many of these areas as time permits.
As to your question whether The American Legion supported the
Contras with aid of any kind, the answer is no. The American
Legion does not offer money or "in-kind services" to the Contras.
Our National Commander's were visiting central America long before
the Sandinastas came into power in a long-overdue revolution in
Nicaragua. We were among the first to encourage the Sandinastas
to hold a free, open election and to end all fighting in
Nicaragua.
We clearly understand the Nicaraguans' yearning for freedom, and
we made our voices heard loud and clear when that freedom was
being denied to Nicaragua by the Sandinastas. In 1987, we were
the first to urge President Reagan to end the embargo aimed at
Nicaragua, because our visits to that country showed it was
hurting the very people that could not afford to be hurt any
longer. Until their defeat last month, the Sandinastas were
interested only in consolidating their power and encouraging
revolution throughout Central America. We supported the kind of
revolution they feared the most -- the power of the people to
determine their own destiny through an open, free and fair
election.
Why should The American Legion be interested in Central America?
The answer is obvious. First and foremost is the fact that The
American Legion was an organization "born to die." We were
founded by those who had fought the "war to end all wars, " hence
our interest in this country's foreign policy. I assume you, nor
I, nor any veteran I have ever met wishes his son or daughter to
suffer the horrors of war unless there are clear and compelling
reasons to do so. That's our interest. Only through open, free
and fair elections will Central America be stabilized and a threat
to our security and that of the region be reduced to zero.
You raised the issue of the country's obligation to the warrior
once the war has stopped. The American Legion believes it is a
moral obligation that will continue until there are no veterans.
You specifically mentioned Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and
Agent Orange, and frankly I am puzzled about your lack of
knowledge of The American Legion's leadership in this area. We
were the first to call for an investigation into the affects of
exposure to Agent Orange, and we were also among the first to
demand counseling for Vietnam veterans suffering from PTSD. I
well remember being in a meeting in Washington, D.C. in 1980,
while I was serving as Executive Director of The American Legion,
when a plan calling for closing all VA outreach centers was being
widely accepted. Needless to say, they have not been closed, and
you can credit the work of The American Legion.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 10
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
The government's refusal to accept the responsibility for the
affects of Agent Orange led The American Legion to commission our
own study of Vietnam veterans in 1983. This study is titled The
American Legion-Columbia University Study of the Vietnam Veteran.
It took five years for the study, which resulted in the findings
being published in the December 1988 issue of the scientific
journal "Environmental Research."
We are now on the verge of exposing the deceit surrounding the
government's commissioned studies on this subject. We have run
dozens of articles in The American Legion Magazine, enlisted
thousands of Vietnam veterans to tell their stories, and published
dozens of special reports on Agent Orange alone.
We have stood shoulder to shoulder with Senator Tom Daschle (SD)
and Representative Lane Evans (IL) as they have faced strong and
consistent opposition from their colleagues on this issue.
Perhaps what we have been doing for dozens of years might not have
been exciting, it might not have gotten us into the headlines, but
it sure kept us in the forefront of our main mission -- that of
veterans affairs and rehabilitation.
We welcome anyone to assist us where it counts -- in the halls of
Congress and back home in their districts. Frankly, it sometimes
angers me that people have a tendency to write about an issue when
it's "hot," but when it concerns helping a veteran and his family,
more times than not they are left wanting.
The American Legion has not shut out any veterans, especially
Vietnam veterans. If that were so, H. F. "Sparky" Gierke, a
Vietnam veteran, would not have served as our National Commander
last year; Miles S. Epling, another Vietnam veteran, would not
have been elected to serve this year; and Robert S. Turner,
another Vietnam veteran, would not be a candidate for National
Commander. We would not have had our largest growth period for
the last eight years, with the majority of membership coming from
the ranks of the Vietnam veteran. If you are interested in
statistics, we have more Vietnam veterans as members than all the
other veterans' organizations combined.
There are serious problems facing veterans of all generations.
The American Legion is large enough, and with its compassion feels
that it can serve the needs of all veterans.
I encourage any veteran to read "The Wages of War" by Richard
Severo and Lewis Milford, who have traced the treatment of
veterans since 1783. This book demonstrates just how the warrior
is treated once the war ends.
We thank you for sharing your thoughts. We veterans are part of a
brotherhood who, whether we recognize it or not, should be
committed to those that still need our help. We are adding you to
our mailing list, and I am sure that you will do your part to help
us pull together what others keep trying to pull apart.
Sincerely,
/s/
Robert W. Spanogle
NAM VET Newsletter Page 11
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
National Adjutant
Att.
cc: Miles S. Epling - National Commander
Robert S. Turner - Americanism Commission Member
Lew Wood - Public Relations Director
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NAM VET Newsletter Page 12
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
TWO American Legion's ???
By: Martin H. Kroll, Sr.
NAM VETs Agent Orange Section Editor
Fort Mountain BBS - Chatsworth, Ga. 30705
(404) 695-8703
May 2, 1990
Martin H. Kroll, Sr.
Sysop - Fort Mountain BBS
Namvet AO Editor
Rt. 7 Box 7702
Chatsworth, Ga. 30705
Mr. Robert W. Spanogle
National Adjutant
The American Legion
National Headquarters
P. O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
Dear Robert,
I would like to thank you for your very informative letter to me
dated April 2, 1990 (2-48-2) in which you replied to my several
questions regarding The American Legion's trips to and involvement
in Central America. I am publishing it and this reply to you in
the Namvet International Newsletter so that even more veterans
will become aware of the leadership and efforts of the American
Legion.
Of course you realize that the questions that I asked were not
just the questions of one lone writer seeking to sensationalize
the issues, but rather bonafide questions that many uninformed
veterans ask when they read such an article as I referred to in
the Georgia Legionnaire. Veterans need these answers presented in
an intelligent manner such as you have done.
I myself served in Vietnam with soldiers from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto
Rico, and possibly some of the Central American countries
mentioned in my previous letter. It is obvious that veteran's
organizations should have posts in these countries serving those
veterans that served our nation.
You expressed that you were puzzled about my lack of knowledge of
The American Legion's leadership in the areas of Agent Orange and
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Yes, I and many more Vietnam
veterans have not been aware of what our veteran's organizations
have been doing for us. I will attempt to explain some of the
reasons for this, not in criticism, but hopefully in such a
constructive manner that may lead to a correction of these
--
#L.W. Jewell Moderator at the Veterans Information Site (vet...@cc.purdue.edu)#
#& WWII-L Listowner: "Sunday's horoscope is note worthy because of its strange,#
#sudden and wholly unpredictable and inexplicable occurrences, affecting all #
#phases of life." "Your Horoscope" L.A. Evening Herald Express, Sat, 12/06/41 #
Larry Jewell
agency is under the jurisdiction of a city, a state, the federal
government, or is located in the private sector.
The number of agencies, programs, or volunteer groups with whom
Project Transition works is continually expanding as different
veterans' needs are introduced.
"Something comes up new everyday. We network with a new agency
when a new veteran is added," exclaims Project Transition
coordinator Darrel Peakes. "It's like a snowball going down a hill
- it just gets bigger and bigger."
Some of the agencies in Ohio that work with Project Transition
include Legal Aid, the Literacy Council, the Franklin County
division of human services (which provides an updated listing of
affordable housing), Franklin County Mental Health Services, the
Red Cross, the Private Industry Council (which administers the Job
Training Partnership Act), and Greyhound, Inc., which offers a 25
percent discount on bus tickets to the project.
Project Transition coordinators make a point of talking several
times each day with the local VA vet center as well as with the
Franklin County Veterans Service Commission. The commission
administers a number of other valuable programs designed
specifically to help veterans.
"They're constantly calling us, and we're constantly calling
them, too," remarks Nelson Waldrop, an investigator and
administrator of the relief program at the Veterans Service
Commission. "They can do what we can't do, and they're doing a
NAM VET Newsletter Page 29
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
good job of it."
The Veterans Service Commission, a county-funded agency, does
not help veterans find housing or jobs but provides emergency
funds to pay for rent, utilities, and food.
Michael Shearer, a team leader at the Columbus vet center, uses
his relationship with Project Transition as a "hand-and-glove
operation." The vet center refers veterans who are homeless,
hungry, or unemployed to Project Transition, which specializes in
providing immediate help to veterans and their families. Once
persons are stabilized with an address and a job, they can be
referred to the vet center for substance abuse, familial relations
or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder counseling.
"If a person isn't stabilized, it doesn't do much good to start
any type of therapy. If you're hungry, if you don't have clothes
on your back, you're not real concerned why that might be at that
time," explains Shearer.
The Project Transition program encompasses outreach into the
community, especially at shelters, where many homeless veterans
find refuge during hard times. Columbus's three main shelters -
Open Shelter, Faith Mission, and Friends of the Homeless - are all
downtown, and they provide 24-hour emergency housing to men and
some families. However, some "emergency" situations have
stretched into permanent domiciles with people living at shelters
for years.
Both the Holy Rosary and the Salvation Army shelter women and
children, and the Volunteers of America of Columbus operates an
overflow emergency shelter at night. Church-based organizations
provide "scatter-site" shelters by arranging temporary lodging at
hotels or in church basements.
The Open Shelter, begun in 1983, provides accommodations to
approximately 95 men per night and offers daytime services such as
medical, financial, and legal counseling - in other words, it
provides those services normally available to needy people in the
community who do not stay at the shelter..
"We've been full every day except for two days after we opened,"
related Kent Beittel, director of Open Shelter. "When we started
here, it was estimated that 250 people were on the streets of
Columbus on any given day competing for 200 beds in the shelter
system. Today, it is estimated that over a thousand people are on
the streets every day, competing for 650 beds."
"I've seen the problem get worse and worse," laments Anita
Gallick, associate director at Faith Mission, which houses 110
men, 20 women, and five families each night.
Overall, in the Columbus, Franklin County area, about 1,450
different people are housed per month at one of nine shelters,
according to CALLVAC (Caring, Answering, Listening, and Linking
Volunteer Action Center), a local volunteer organization which
received 10,000 calls in 1989 from people in distress. CALLVAC
processes statistics from the Community Shelter Board, a volunteer
group which receives survey information from Franklin County
shelters to assess their funding needs. Shelters are funded by
the city and United Way and through donations from other
organizations and individuals.
Determining how many people are homeless is difficult because
surveys are voluntary, irregular, and sometimes inaccurate - then
too, not all homeless people go to shelters. Some homeless are on
the streets or temporarily housed with families or friends.
Determining the number of homeless VETERANS and their families is
NAM VET Newsletter Page 30
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
even more elusive, but that number is believed to be as high as
1,000 nightly.
The Community Shelter Board, which began requesting surveys last
year, will incorporate questions regarding veteran status in
future surveys.
In a year's time, Open Shelter houses 1,200 different men, of
whom 40 percent are believed to be veterans and 20 percent to be
Vietnam-era veterans. About 25 percent of the homeless at Faith
Mission are believed to be veterans, and most of them are from the
Vietnam era.
Estimated statistics for Columbus, determined by CALLVAC, show
that 80 percent of the homeless people are men and 20 percent are
women; 40 percent have a high school education and 10-15 percent
have some college. One-third of the homeless people work.
Many homeless veterans are reticent to identify themselves as
vets, having "fallen through the crack" one too many times in
programs designed by the armed services or by the Department of
Veterans Affairs. Project Transition, on the other hand, does not
seem to have the same kinds of administrative problems - as a
volunteer organization, it has been cited innumerable times as a
model for what a community=based organization can do when it is
staffed by dedicated and hardworking people.
In other words, the VVA members of the Columbus area as well as
those from all over Ohio have made Project Transition a success.
So far, Project Transition has helped more than 455 veterans, of
whom 118 served in Vietnam.
"Project Transition is one of several activities that veterans
have believable access to," charged Beittel of Open Shelter.
"Let's face it, many projects for veterans we set up because
veterans do not trust the Veterans Administration, and because
they don't trust it, they don't use it effectively. Therefore,
they need someone to be their advocate in approaching the
traditional veterans' organizations and bureaucracies. That's the
only way they'll know that they can get the best results."
Members of the Project Transition team visit the Open Shelter
weekly, identifying themselves as a nonprofit organization that
can help veterans. "We stress to them that we are not with the
government," notes Peakes of the Project Transition team. They
stay about one hours, distributing literature and answering
questions.
At first, their visits were met with skepticism. "When we first
got over there, people were reluctant to even talk," recalls
Peakes. "But once they knew we were there to really help, once
they saw we got a few veterans jobs, got them out of the shelter -
word got around."
There are any number of reasons why Vietnam veterans make up an
ever-increasing portion of the total homeless population.
Certainly economic dislocation has had something to do with the
rising numbers. In the Columbus area, there is a shortage of
factory jobs and affordable housing. In addition, local
governments are unwilling to tackle the problem through a more
equitable tax system, a revamped welfare program that assists
people into the work force, and a realistic minimum wage.
With housing as expensive as it is, working full-time at minimum
wage does not insure a person will earn enough to cover life's
necessities: food and shelter - especially when unexpected costs
or accidents keep them from their jobs.
"As it is now in Ohio, if a person gets a job, they (Sic)
NAM VET Newsletter Page 31
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
automatically lose their medical benefits they may have received
when on welfare. Their food stamps are often lost or drastically
cut. And if you're working for $3.35 or $4.00 an hour, you simply
can't make ends meet," explains Gallick of Faith Mission.
"The biggest problem for economically disadvantaged or homeless
people is they don't have the type of job to bring in the income
they need. They are struggling. Some of them are in between
jobs. At times like these, if you don't have anybody to lean on,
then you're going to have problems," notes Bradley. That's the
area in which Project Transition is the most beneficial. It
provides peer support for veterans by veterans. It helps needy
veterans regain self-esteem.
In addition to word-of-mouth communication, veterans learn about
Project Transition from public-service announcements on local
radio and TV stations. An advertisement ran in a citywide free
newspaper. Brochures explaining Project Transition are dropped
off at key locations in the Columbus area - and at agencies or
shelters where homeless or needy veterans may show up.
The VVA members of Ohio, the creators of Project Transition,
believe that the program has a bright future, and they point out
that VVA's most recent convention endorsed the project and the
chapter members' hard work. Project Transition and the Ohio State
Council are compiling a larger list of foundations and
corporations for additional grants to keep the program ongoing.
In one respect, however, the VVA members of Ohio are fortunate.
The Ohio State Council is unique because the State of Ohio
supports it financially, enabling it to have a paid staff. VVA
had the office and core people to begin the project, but the state
funding has been of tremendous help.
Project Transition seems to be catching on in other parts of the
country. After VVA's endorsement in August of 1989, the Ohio
State Council received innumerable calls from VVA chapters in
other parts of the country. For instance, the West Virginia State
Council has moved ahead to set up its own Project Transition in
Logan County.
"All of the guys down here from Vietnam, we grew up together,"
notes Kyle Workman, president of the West Virginia State Council.
He points out that West Virginia was Number One in sending its
young men to serve in combat roles in Vietnam. Logan County,
which has a population of around 40,000, sent 2,000 men to
Vietnam.
The Ohio State Council is helping the West Virginia State
Council tailor a Project Transition program to meet the particular
needs of Logan County. "They've brought a lot of awareness to our
neighborhood that we didn't really understand," notes Workman, who
regards the lack of jobs in the area as the biggest problem.
VVA chapters are encouraged to use the name "Project
Transition," as outlined in the VVA resolution, when they sit up
similar programs in their own states.
"It's easier when you go to a foundation and try to get their
help," explains Jim Tudor, the Ohio State Council president.
"It's easier to say, 'This is not a new program but a program
that's active in other states, and here's their involvement and
what they have done.' It establishes a track record."
As long as the Ohio State Council can attract funding, it
intends to continue Project Transition until the need is no longer
there. And it seems now to be an axiom: Project Transition has
not only become a model for a successful community-based
organization, it is now reaching out nationally to all veterans
NAM VET Newsletter Page 32
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
who need help.
David Bradley is proud of the success: "Hey, we worked hard,"
he says. "We deserve it."
____________ ======= _________________/|_____...
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NAM VET Newsletter Page 33
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
==================================================================
M i s s i n g ! ! !
==================================================================
MIA-POW News & Updates
by: Rick Stolz
NAM VET MIA-POW Section Editor
The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin
(414) 567-0437
Well here we go with another month, and there has been some
progress. Slow, but there where 10 more remains sent to Hawaii for
identification.
We still have to get them to send them back from Cambodia, and
Laos. We must get negotiations going there. United States is
giving aid to the Cambodians to help overthrow the Vietnamese
installed government, and that would be one way of tying in
an agreement to have remains returned.
I tried this month to use Bio's on people that there are still
some questions as to what really happened. One of Richard Allard
is extremely interesting. If it is true then our government
definitely has some explaining to do.
LETTERS ON ANN MILLS GRIFFITHS
TO ALL POW ORGANIZATIONS,
We need to inform all Family Members of our brothers still
missing in Southeast Asia that we need the following info as soon
as possible.
1. Any letters or other documents pertaining to the NLF's
refusal to admit or readmit them as members of the
National League of Families.
2. And/or draft letters that the National League of Families
does not represent them with respect to the POW/MIA issue,
"LIVE POW ISSUE" or any of the pending legislation.
It is important that we receive this information in the next
month as it will have great bearing on our chances of introducing
an identical "TRUTH BILL" in the U.S. SENATE. The window of
opportunity is near and we must act now! Please send any info to
either of the people listed below.
Chuck Schantag Al Ziegler
POW NETWORK HOMECOMING II
7303 Volquardsen 502 N Ivy St.
Davenport, Ia 52806 Arlington, Va 22201
>> FLASH FOR THOSE WHO CARE <<
TODAY IN ARLINGTON CEMETERY THE FOLLOWING SEVEN NAMES WERE BURIED.
TAKE NOTE I SAID SEVEN NAMES
MAJ SAMUEL K. TOOMEY, III US ARMY
1LT RAYMOND C. STACKS US ARMY
SSG KLAUS D. SCHOLZ US ARMY
SP5 RICHARD A. FITTS US ARMY
NAM VET Newsletter Page 34
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
SGT ARTHUR E. BADER JR. US ARMY
SP4 MICHAEL H. MEIN US ARMY
SP4 GARY R. LABOHN US ARMY
THE CILHI ANTHROPOLOGICAL REPORT 0071-89 PLAINLY STATES THAT THE
145 BONE CHIPS CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED BY RACE, SEX , HEIGHT, WEIGHT
OR AGE AND THUS CANNOT BE CORRELATED TO ANY OF THESE MEN. THE USG
BURIED SEVEN NAMES BUT UNTIL THEY'RE IDENTIFIED, THEY ARE
UNACCOUNTED FOR.
AL ZIEGLER HOMECOMING II
>> ALERT for HR 3603 <<
Have you passed a Bill (Memorial) or a Floor Resolution making it
a state law that your state legislature fully endorse the Truth
Bill (HR 3603)?
If so, please contact Dolores Alfond at 206-881-1499. If not, and
you want to help get a movement started in your state government,
contact Dolores Alfond. State Representatives and Senators are
now in the process of drafting such a bill for Washington State.
When passed into law, it will be sent to the U.S. Congress and
President Bush showing that Washington State (or your state) has
endorsed the passage of the Truth Bill.
RIGHTS OF OUR SERVICEMEN LACKING
================================
House Resolution 1304, Similar to the Missing Service Personnel
Act, has over 100 Co-sponsors. Florida was the latest to go with
it. This bill does not go far enough to correct the injustice of
the 1942 Missing Service Personnel Act. It has no depth, no Guts.
10, 15 or 20 years ago, this would have worked to update the 1942
Act. Today, many families of P.O.W.'s stand behind the wording,
content, and intent of 1730.
The American Legion, VFW, AND VVA passed resolutions in support of
HR 1730 at 1989 summer conventions.
Well that about covers it for this month. One last item that I
would like to add. Reunion BBS has added a database on Service
reunions, if you are looking for reunion information of have
reunion information please add it to the database. It has over
1200 reunions now and I still have to put in another 500 or so
from the Navy. This is a way to keep track of all reunions for all
branches of service. Your help on updates and additions would be
helpful.
If you are interested in a reunion for your unit, you can add it
with a note on the end saying that you are looking fore reunion
information. Who knows, there might be someone else that is
looking too and between the two of you, you can start a reunion.
Till next month:
Keep the faith and remember that
'till we are all home we still have unfinished business.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 35
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Let us not forget our brothers still there !
Rick %%%
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NAM VET Newsletter Page 36
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
MIA/POW Postage Stamp?
Input by: Joyce Flory
NAM VETs Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor
Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM
(505) 523-2811
(From) VietNam Veterans of America
Chapter #294
American Veterans in Prison
P.O. Box 466
Gardner, Massachusetts 01440
Dear Friend;
Enclosed with this letter you will find a request form for
thirty (30) names to be signed to it for the initiation for a
postal stamp for our NOT FORGOTTEN servicemen.
We would appreciate once you have filled the sheet to mail it to
the Honorable Postmaster General, address on form. If more forms
are needed, feel free to copy this form while still blank and or
ask us to send you some more. Your help and patriotism is most
appreciated and welcomed to our efforts.
Thank you for your time and cooperation in making this one of
America's most united joint efforts to bring back our MIA/POW and
a nation wide awareness to Americans and our leaders in
Washington, that we want our men and women to be returned to their
families and their country.
Respectfully
(signature) James J Mickle
State Committee for POW/MIA
Massachusetts
James Mickle
George Herbert
Albert Articolo
RED BADGE OF COURAGE,INC.
For The Return Of All MIAs/POWs
1023 5th Ave. So. St. James, MN (507)375-5435
POW-MIA POSTAGE STAMP
The Honorable Anthony Frank,Postmaster Gen.
United States Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, D.C. 20260
We respectfully request that you initiate a postage stamp which
bears the logo of the National League of POW/MIA Families. The
logo serves to create awareness and concern over the POW/MIA
issue. The logo depicts a prisoner of war with a prison camp tower
over his shoulder, barbed wire extends horizontally behind the
prisoner in silhouette form. Below the logo are the words
imprinted "YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN".
_______________ _______________ _______________
NAM VET Newsletter Page 37
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
NAM VET Newsletter Page 38
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
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" Bring them home --- NOW !!! "
NAM VET Newsletter Page 39
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Bio of Richard Michael Allard
by: Rick Stolz
NAM VET MIA-POW Section Editor
The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin
(414) 567-0437
CASE SYNOPSIS: Allard, Richard Michael
Name: Richard Michael Allard
Rank/Branch: SP4/US Army
Unit: 119th Aviation Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion,
17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade
Date of Birth: 24 August 1946 (Bay City MI)
Home City of Record: Chesaning MI (Family in Schaumburg IL)
Date of Loss: 24 August 1967
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 141813N 1075140E (ZA087831)
Status (in 1973): Missing In Action
Category: 4
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1H
Other Personnel in Incident: Kenneth B. Goff; Ronald L. Holtzman;
Richard Schell (all missing);
Dayton Witherall; Richard N. Morrison; John R. Ulp;
Cynthia Colburn (all rescued);
Sterling A. Wall (died, body recovered)
REMARKS:
SYNOPSIS: On August 24, 1967, WO Dayton Witherall, pilot; WO
Richard N Morrison, aircraft commander; SP4 Richard L Holtzman,
gunner; SP4 Richard M Allard, crewchief; 2Lt Kenneth B Goff, 2Lt
Richard J Schell, Sgt Major John R Ulp, 1Lt Sterling A Wall, and
Miss Cynthia Colburn, passengers; were aboard a UH1C helicopter
(serial #66-12526) which departed Plei Kleng, South Vietnam to
Plei Krong, South Vietnam on a combat support liaison mission.
The 4th Infantry, with the assistance of the 25th Infantry
Division and 1st Cavalry (Airmobile), was at that time conducting
an operation called Paul Revere IV, a continuing effort near the
Cambodian border of Pleiku Province. The UH1H flying over Pleiku
Province that day in August 1966 was flying out of Pleiku, where
its crew and passengers were stationed.
(NOTE: While the U.S. Army and describes the flight mission as
combat-related, it also acknowledges that Ms. Colburn was on the
aircraft, a situation which was "illegal", as women serving in
Vietnam were not supposed to be placed in combat situations. It is
not clear in public record why she was on the aircraft, although
Phyllis Allard, Richard Allard's mother, has said that the
aircraft was carrying passengers enroute from a hospital and that
Colburn was a Red Cross worker.)
During the flight, the pilot elected to fly low-level along the
Dak Bla River. While attempting a 180 degree turn, the aircraft
failed to recover and was caught in a severe downdraft and crashed
into the Krong Bo Lah River in about 10 feet of water at a point
where the current was swift and the water was deep. (NOTE: loss
coordinates place the site of loss unquestionably on the Se San
River about 15 miles southwest of the city of Kontum, and about 28
NAM VET Newsletter Page 40
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
miles due south of the city of Dak To. Just south of Dak To is the
juncture of the Se San and another river. Whether at this juncture
the two rivers have other names cannot be determined with
materials on hand at the time of this writing. Information
provided by family members states that the aircraft landed in the
"bottomless, rapid Boc River called Dak Bla".)
Rescue helicopters arrived 10 - 45 minutes after the crash and
rescued WO Morrison, WO Witherall, Ms Colburn and Sgt. Major Ulp,
after their having been swept several hundred feet downstream.
2Lt. Goff, SP4 Allard and 2Lt. Schell were not seen by any of the
survivors after the crash. SP4 Holtzman was seen by WO Morrison,
who stated that Holtzman was wearing a flight jacket, armor plate,
and a flak jacket, and called out to Morrison that he could not
swim. WO Morrison stated that Holtzman drifted away in the swift
current before he could help him.
Later searches of the area revealed several pieces of debris, but
the aircraft itself was not found. In September, Lt. Wall's body
was retrieved from the river. Searches were conducted through
December 26, but neither the aircraft nor the four missing men
aboard it were found.
Richard Allard's mother received a collect call from Cambodia a
few days after the crash by someone she believed was Richard. She
subsequently had the call checked by Illinois Bell and states that
the results "produced evidence that they [the crew] were in the
hands of the enemy". In 1970 she saw a prisoner on television in a
Viet Cong film which she believed was Richard. The Army was
elusive in its conclusions on both events, so Mrs. Allard borrowed
money from friends to go to Cambodia in January of 1972.
Through a series of events which belong in a spy novel, Mrs.
Allard said that she found herself in a cave where she was
blindfolded and led into a bare room. An official and a soldier
came in with her son. In the moments he was allowed to stay, he
said, "Shame on you for coming." He apparently was afraid for his
mother's safety. The Army later said they couldn't believe Mrs.
Allard's account unless the Communists corroborated it in writing.
Mrs. Allard has worked continually for 22 years for information
about her son.
In 1969, a communist defector was shown a number of photographs of
missing men. One of the photos he identified positively as being a
prisoner of war was Richard Schell. The U.S. could not determine
why the photo was selected.
Clearly, all the evidence is not in on the events of Aug 24, 1967.
Whether Mrs. Allard's story is true is unknown. Whether Allard and
Schell were truly prisoners can only be known by the communists,
and of course, Allard and Schell themselves. The Vietnamese deny
any knowledge of any of the four missing.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 41
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Bio of Daniel Vernor Borah, Jr.
by: Rick Stolz
NAM VET MIA-POW Section Editor
The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin
(414) 567-0437
CASE SYNOPSIS: BORAH, DANIEL VERNOR, JR.
Name: Daniel Vernor Borah, Jr.
Rank/Branch: O3/US Navy (Reserve)
Unit: Attack Squadron 155, USS ORISKANY (CV-34)
Date of Birth: 18 June 1946
Home City of Record: Olney IL
Date of Loss: 24 September 1972
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 164635N 1072035E (YD140540)
Status (in 1973): Prisoner Of War
Category: 1
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: A7B
Other Personnel In Incident: (none missing)
REMARKS: ALIVE IN CHUTE-NO MORE CONTACT
SYNOPSIS: On September 24, 1972, Lt. Daniel Borah launched from
the USS ORISKANY in his A7B Corsair II subsonic attack plane as
the flight leader of a two plane strike against North Vietnamese
troops entrenched in bunkers northwest of the city of Quang Tri,
South Vietnam. They were directed to the target area by a Forward
Air Controller aircraft (FAC).
Lt. Borah and his wingman began their initial bombing run as
briefed. Due to an improper switch setting, the wingman expended
his entire ordnance load on the first load instead of the several
runs that were briefed for. He then proceeded to a holding
position at 13,000 feet overhead the target to observe Borah's
succeeding bombing runs.
During the second run, Borah's aircraft was seen to draw a barrage
of 37mm anti-aircraft fire. His wingman radioed for evasive
action, then almost immediately saw Borah's aircraft burst into
flames. The FAC saw Borah eject safely from the aircraft and later
established emergency radio contact with him for 10-15 seconds. No
other contact was received during the following two days of search
and rescue efforts.
Intelligence reports indicated that North Vietnamese soldiers
removed Borah's parachute from a tree within half hour of his
landing on the ground, and he is believed to have been captured
alive.
When the war ended, and 591 Americans were released from
Vietnamese prisons, Borah was not among them. The Vietnamese deny
knowledge of his fate. As thousands of reports of Americans still
alive in captivity accumulate, Borah's family must wonder if he is
still alive waiting for his country to bring him home. Whether
Borah is still alive is unknown. What is certain, however, is
someone knows what happened to him. It's time we got answers and
brought our men home.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 42
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Bio of Albert Pitt
by: Rick Stolz
NAM VET MIA-POW Section Editor
The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin
(414) 567-0437
CASE SYNOPSIS: PITT, ALBERT
Name: Albert Pitt
Rank/Branch: O3/US Marine Corps
Unit: VMFA 315, MAG 11
Date of Birth: 30 November 1934
Home City of Record: Hemstead NY
Date of Loss: 24 January 1966
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 161900N 1073900E (YD830065)
Status (in 1973): Missing In Action
Category: 4
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: F4B
Other Personnel in Incident: Lawrence N. Helber (missing);
on another F4B same date, same coordinates:
Doyle R. Sprick; Delmar G. Booze (both missing)
REMARKS:
SYNOPSIS: Capt. Doyle R. Sprick was the pilot and 2Lt. Delmar G.
Booze his navigator/bombardier on board an F4B Phantom fighter jet
flying out of Da Nang Airbase, South Vietnam on January 24, 1966.
Sprick and Booze were part of a multi-aircraft strike mission
during a Christmas moratorium. At some point during their mission,
while over Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam and about 10 miles
south of the city of Hue, the aircraft flown by Sprick and Booze
went down. Both men were declared Missing in Action.
Another F4B, apparently on the same strike mission, was downed at
the same location on that day. This aircraft was also flying out
of VMFA 314, 11th Marine Air Group, and presumably departed Da
Nang as well. The second Phantom was flown by Capt. Albert Pitt,
accompanied by navigator 2Lt. Lawrence N. Helber. This aircraft
disappeared after striking a target. The last contact with the
aircraft was a report that their strike on the target had been
successful. Helber and Pitt were declared Missing in Action.
All four Marines lost that day were also given a clarifying code
indicating the degree of enemy knowledge of their fates. These
four were all classified Category 4, which means U.S. Intelligence
has no information to indicate that the Vietnamese know their
fates.
According to Doyle Sprick's twin brother, Duane, searches were
conducted for the aircraft which were extensive and thorough for
the time and condition. The Da Nang area, according to Duane, was
unfriendly, so the search and rescue was fairly restricted since
the area was "owned by the Viet Cong at the time."
In 1969, the Central Intelligence Agency received a rather
extensive and detailed report relating to a POW camp near the city
of Hue in which scores of Americans had been held. When asked to
review photographs of Americans still missing, the source giving
NAM VET Newsletter Page 43
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
the information positively identified Albert Pitt as having been
detained in this camp. This identification was made on April 11,
1969. The source also listed the Viet Cong Huong Thuy District
Committee members and provided sketches of the committee's
headquarters and POW camp.
The U.S. intelligence community determined that it could not "be
determined why the source selected (Pitt's) photograph" as he "was
never seen by other US PWs following his loss incident". The
source was summarily dismissed, and his information discounted.
The report was classified.
Over 15 years later, this report was unearthed by a concerned
citizen through the Freedom of Information Act. He immediately
contacted the family of one of the men on the "positive ID" list,
and was shocked to learn that they had never been told of the
report's existence, nor did they have any clue that their son
could possibly have been captured.
Since that time, the lengthy report was distributed widely, and
came into the hands of two of the men whose name appeared on the
"Positive ID" list who had been fortunate enough to be released in
1973 by the North Vietnamese. These returned POWs verified the
accuracy of the report insofar as the compound was concerned and
added that it was a "way station", or temporary holding center in
which POWs were held only for brief periods of time. Thus, they
were not surprised to see many names on the list of men they had
not seen at this facility.
Since American involvement in the Vietnam war ended in 1975,
nearly 10,000 reports concerning Americans missing in Southeast
Asia have been received by the U.S. Government. Less than 200 of
them have been determined to be false, or fabricated reports. Many
have been correlated to individuals who returned to the U.S. in
1973. In late 1989 about 125 cases were still under investigation,
undergoing the "closest scrutiny" the U.S. intelligence community
could give them. Thus far, according to the U.S. Government, it
has not been possible to resolve these cases as false or true.
Many authorities are convinced that hundreds of Americans are
still being held prisoner in Southeast Asia.
If Albert Pitt was accurately identified by the Vietnamese source
in 1969, he has been criminally abandoned by the country he
proudly served. If Albert Pitt could be forgotten and be held
unseen by other American POWs, why not Sprick? Booze? Helber? Why
not several hundred of the nearly 2500 still missing? If they are
alive, why are they not home? Are we doing enough to learn the
fates of our heroes?
Prepared by Homecoming II Project 01 December 1989.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 44
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Bio of Henry Muir Serex
by: Rick Stolz
NAM VET MIA-POW Section Editor
The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin
(414) 567-0437
CASE SYNOPSIS: SEREX, HENRY MUIR
Name: Henry Muir Serex
Rank/Branch: O4/US Air Force
Unit: 30th Air Division
Date of Birth: 09 May 1931
Home City of Record: New Orleans LA (family in CA)
Date of Loss: 02 April 1972
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 165000N 1070100E (YD146612)
Status (in 1973): Missing In Action
Larry Jewell
2d Bd Co's: A
3d Bd
1st Signal Bd
36th Signal Bn (Long Binh)
Company's: 269th Signal Co (Co A44, Bien Hoa),
1st Special Forces Group
2/568th Clr Co
2d Surg Hospital (An Khe, Chu Lai)
3/616th Clr Co
3d Bd, 82d Airborne Dv
3d Fld Hosp
3d Surg
4th Inf Dv
1/69 Armr Co's: C
3d Engr Bd
4th Bn Co's: C,D
4th Aviation Bn Co's: A,B
4th Med Bn
8th Inf Bd
1st Bn Co's: B,D,
2d Bn Co's: A
9th Inf Bd
2d BN Co's: B,HH Brty
1/10 Cav Troops: D
22 Inf
1st Bn Company's: B,
35 Inf
1st Bn Co's: HQ
2d Bn Co's: C,D,E
50th ISPD
5th Special Forces Grp
5th Cav Dv
1st Bd Co's: A,B,HHC,BBrty (W/ 25th Inf)
2d Bd Co's: B ( 1st Cav )
3d Bd Co's: C ( W/1st Cav & 9th Inf )
6th Conv Ctr
6th Psyops Det
7th Cav Div ( W/ 1st Cav )
1st Bn Co's:A,C,D
2d Bn Co's: HHC
5th Bn Co's:D,E,L
7th Surg
8th Fld Hosp
8th Radio Research Field Station
9th Inf Dv
9th Avn Co's: B
NAM VET Newsletter Page 61
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
39th Inf
2d Bn Company's: D,E
3d Bn Company's: A ("Ft Courage"),
4th Bn Company's: HQ,C
47th Inf
2d Bn Company's: B,D,175 Sig Co
3D Bn
4th Bn Company's: C,
60th Inf
2d Bn Company's: A,D,HQ,
3d Bn Company's: C
4/60 Arty
5th Bn Company's: B,C, K Trp
84th Arty
9th Med Lab
11th Armored Cav
1st Sqdn Troops: B, 205 AHC
2d Squd Troops: E,F,HHQ
3d Squd Troops: L,M
11th Arty
2d ( 101st ABN )
6th Brty: HH ( 23d INF )
7th ( 25th INF)
11th LIB
24th Mech
20th Bn
1st Company's: B,C,D (Duc Pho, Chu Lai)
( ,D W/ 23d Inf )
2d Arty Brty: A ( 1st Cav )
12th Evac
12th Inf Div
1st Bn Co's: C ( 1st Cav )
2d Bn Company's:A,B (An Khe,& 101st Abn)
4th Bn Co's: D,E ( 199th LIB )
13th Arty
2d Bn Company's: C Brty (Phu Loi),
14th Arty C Brty ( 23d Inf )
14th Inf
1st Bn Co's: B, ( 25 Inf ) C,E, ( 4th Inf )
2d Bn Co's A,E,HQ, ( 25 Inf )
15th Arty
7th Bn Battery's: C Brty (LZ English, An Khe,
Pleiku, Qui Nhon, Bam be tuet)
17th Air Cav
1st Squd Troops: B, (101st Abn)
2d Squd Troops: A,B,C,HQ,C Brty, ( 101st Abn )
3d Sqdn Troops: B,D (Tay Ninh, Cu Chi, Di An
& 101st Abn),
7th Squd Troops: A,C,D,E,F, ( 196th LIB )
17th Fld Hosp
18th Engineer Bd
14th Bn
C Co (LZ Nancy)
18th Military Police Bd
18th Surg
20th Engineer Bd (Rear)
20th Engineer Bd
20th Prev Med Unit
22d Surg
NAM VET Newsletter Page 62
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
23d Arty Gp (Phu Loi)
23d Inf Dv (Americal) formed 9-67; Comprised
of 11th, 196th, and 198th LIB's
3/14 Arty Service Baty
14th Arty
1st Bn Battery's: C,
20th Inf
1st Bn Company's: D,
23d Med Bn Co's: A,D
28th Arty
3d Bn Brty's: C (LZ Siberia),
196th LIB
3/21 Inf Co's:HQ
1st Inf
2d Bn Company's: B (Phu Bai),
8th Support Bn Company's: B (Tay Ninh),
17th Cav Troops: F,
156th Signal Platoon
198th Light Inf Bd
1/6th Bn Company's: A Co,
1/52D Bn Co's: C
46th Bn
1st Bd Company's: Co B (Hill 69),
5th Bd Co's: D,HHC
123 Avn Bn
174 Ahc Co's: B ( SHARKS )
71 Ahc
24th Evac
25th Inf Dv
3d Bd
4th Bn Troops: A,C
8th Arty
1st Bn Battery's:A,C,
7th Bn
9th Inf
4th Bn Co A,C
14th Inf
1st Bn Co B HHQ, 3/13 Arty
22d Inf
2d Bn Company's: A,C,66 CBT
3d Bn Company's: D (Tay Ninh),
23d Mech
4th Bn Co's: B,HHC
25th Aviation
A Co (Cu Chi)
25th Med Bn Co's: D
27th Inf "Wolfhounds"
1st Bn Co's: C, ABrty
2d Bn Company's: C Co,
34th Armor
2d Bn Company's: HQ, (Tay Ninh),
65th Engr
26th Arty Target Acquisition (Dong Ha)
27th Surg
29th Evac
32d Med Depot
35th Eng
Co C
35th SPS Heavy Weapons
NAM VET Newsletter Page 63
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
36th Evac
36th KJ (DS)
38th KJ (DS)
40th KJ (DS)
43d Dump Truck Co
43d Med Gp
43d Sig Bn
Co A C HQ
44th Med Bd
44th Medical Bd
45th Surg
50th Clr Co
54th Gen Support Gp (Nha Trang)
55th Med Gp
56th KJ (DS)
61st Med Bn
67th Evac Hosp
67th Med Gp (Bien Hoa, Danang)
68th MB Gp
70th MD Bn
71st Evac Hosp
74th MD Bn
83d Arty
1st Bn Battery's: B,
84th Arty
6th Bn Battery's: C,
85th Evac
91st Evac
93d Evac
101st Airborne Dv
1st Bd
1/327th Company's: C,
3d Bd
3/187th Co's: B,C,HHC(PSNCO)
501st Inf
1st Bn Co's: A,C,D,E,HHC
2d Bn Co's: A,B,D,HQ
502d Inf
1st Bn Co's: A,B,HHC
2d Bn Co's: A,B,HHC
506th Inf
1st Bn Company's: A,B,C,D,HHC
2d Bn Co's: B,E,HHC
3d Bn Co's: A,B,C,D,HQ
16th Inf
6th Bd Co's: F
319 Arty
2d Bn
320th Arty
2d Bn Brty's: B
327th Arty
1st Bn Brty's: A,B,C,D,E,HHQ
2d Bn Brty's: A,B,C,E,HHQ
114th Combat Aviation Bn
Companies: 71st, 132d, 174th, 176th, 178th,
411th (TC),
116th AHC "Hornets"
129th AHC
137th KJ (DS)
NAM VET Newsletter Page 64
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
161st Med Det (Red Beach)
169th Eng Bn Company's: C,
172d Prev MD Unit
173d Airborne Dv
2d Bn Co's: C
1/1 Cav Troops: A
75th Inf (Rangers) Co's:C,F,L,51 LRRP
403d Inf Co's: A
503d Inf
1st Bn Co's: D,E,HHC S&T
2d Bn Co's: B
3d Bn Co's: D
4th Bn Co's: A,C,D
50 Infantry (Mech)
1st Bn Co's: A
173d Assault Helicopter Co
184th Ord Bn
199th Light Inf Bd
3/7th Inf Co's: A
7th Supply Bn
483 FSU
219th KJ (DS)
257th KJ (DS)
282 Aviation Co ("Black Cats")
297th Trans Co (Nha Trang)
334th Helos
571st Trans Det
437th KJ (DS)
498th Medevac Co
516th PSC
518th KJ (DS)
520th Clr Co
522d MD (AF)
542d Clr Co
553d HEM Co
563d Clr Co
568th Clr Co
523d Co
523d Signal Bn Company's: B (Chu Lai,Hawk Hill)
616th Clr Co
716th Military Police
932d MD (AI)
934th KJ (DS)
Co B, 577 Combat Engineers
Defense Communications Agency, So'east Asia
HHB, II Field Force Arty
MAAG
MACV
2d Traffic Bn
Team 1
Team 17/Civil Affairs
Team 31
Team 162 (V'namese Airborne Div "Red Hats")
USARV
NAM VET Newsletter Page 65
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
==================================================================
W h e n t h e C h a p l a i n w h i s p e r s . . .
==================================================================
Proper Perspective!!
By: Rev. Oscar Wilkie
DAV National Chaplain
In: DAV Magazine - Vol 32, Issue 5
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
Although I have been talking much in recent columns about
"success," most people will admit that "failure" is a more common
experience.
As I thought it over, it stimulated my thinking in this whole
area of "failure" and how we deal with it. It seems to me that
the hope for success and the fear of failure are perhaps the two
greatest burdens that most of us have to carry.
Ours is a "win-lose" culture: the ethos of our society invites,
motivates, and encourages us to be winners in life. We live in an
age of executive game players, super stars, Nobel Prize winners,
bionic celebrities, and successful entrepreneurs who have captured
our imagination and attention.
We all seem to feel the pressure to win at something, sometime,
somewhere. In such a culture, there seems to be no room for
anyone who fails... whether n sports, at the office, in the
classroom, or at home. We all sense this pressure to win at all
costs. I can relate to it in my own drive to be a "winner,"
whether on the golf course, in my profession, or as your (DAV)
National Chaplain.
Losing is depressing for most of us, but life does not afford us
the luxury of choosing whether or not we are going to play. We
know what it is to fail, and what we need is a way to redeem those
failures. We need to discover whatever there is to learn from our
losses. There are a couple of things I would share with you.
First, we need to learn that failure is a part of life. No one
succeeds at every contest. We need to discover that it is alright
to fail. If the cause is important, and if our efforts represent
our best, then we can find honor in having tried. It seems to me
that the ultimate tragedy in life is not failure. The ultimate
tragedy is to be unwilling to take risks when significant purposes
present themselves!
I think if someone is keeping score and "grading" us on life,
during the times we don't quite make it He gives us an
"incomplete" rather than a "failure." This means even when we
fail on occasion, we are not "failures," just "incomplete" in the
process of "becoming."
"Incomplete" means there is still room to grow. Often we learn
more from our defeats than from our victories. If we have the
right attitude, "win, lose, or draw" in our individual endeavors,
we can be moving forward!
NAM VET Newsletter Page 66
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
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NAM VET Newsletter Page 67
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
A PASTORAL RESPONSE TO THE TROUBLED VIETNAM VETERAN
By: Melvin R. Jacob
In: POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDERS: a handbook for clinicians
(c) 1987 DAV National Headquarters
(Continued from March 1990 issue of NamVet)
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
PTSD OF THE VIETNAM VETERAN was first published by the Disabled
American Veterans (DAV) in 1980 (Williams, 1980). This book gave
affirmation to Vietnam veterans, especially the ones experiencing
adjustment problems. It gave insight and help for the health care
provider working with the troubled Vietnam veteran. I benefited
from this book, and was especially pleased to learn that the DAV
was planning a sequel and was broadening its observations and
recommendations for treatment of the veteran and his or her
family.
Jim Goodwin, in his chapter on the etiology of combat-related
PTSD, wrote of the life-sucking symptoms of this disorder:
Many veterans find it extremely uncomfortable to feel love
and compassion for others. To do this, they would have to
thaw their numb reactions to the death and horror that
surrounded them in Vietnam...., many of these veterans go
through life with an impaired capacity to love and care for
others. They have no feeling of direction or purpose in
life. They are not sure why they even exist. (Goodwin, in
Williams, 1980, p.14)
Goodwin identified in this dilemma a symptom that psychological
treatment alone has not addressed. Laufer (1985) described this
issue quite clearly: "The problem can be seen as the difficulty in
answering the question, 'Who am I?' after learning more than one
wants about the question, 'What am I capable of?'" (p.51)
The existential dilemma challenges their reason and purpose for
human existence. I assert it also points to the Vietnam veteran's
need for spiritual, pastoral care, a need that has largely been
avoided in the literature on the treatment of PTSD. This article
is an attempt to respond to this need. My purposes are fivefold:
(1) to present pastoral problems with Vietnam veterans; (2) to
reframe PTSD symptoms from a pastoral perspective; (3) to examine
pastoral goals within the reality of PTSD symptoms; (4) to offer
pastoral interventions for these goals; and (5) to theologically
describe forms of positive change.
My response to the pastoral care needs of the Vietnam veteran has
developed within my ministry over the past six years. During this
period, I have worked extensively with veterans (on both an in-
and outpatient basis) who have sought treatment at the Augusta,
Georgia, VA Medical Center. They have taught me much. My
response to them has been formulated from a Judeo-Christian
philosophy that presupposes that life, as a creation of God, has
direction and purpose and that recognizes a redemptive hope within
human brokenness and pain. My response acknowledges renewal in
NAM VET Newsletter Page 68
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
the human spirit above and beyond human ability to effect change.
[We continue now with the last part of this chapter.]
PASTORAL INTERVENTION
Pastoral intervention refers to the work by a designated
representative - for example, a chaplain - of a faith group. This
work integrates the chaplain's training and skill, the faith
tradition and, one hopes, compassion for people. Pastoral
intervention with the Vietnam veteran involves working with
individuals of assorted faith backgrounds. This diversity
challenges the chaplain to creatively develop vehicles on which to
carry his message of healing and wholeness. Such a message arises
within God's creative, redemptive, and sanctifying acts.
My work with the Vietnam veteran has taught me that traditional
models of ministry - for example, organized Bible study - are
rejected. I have also learned that these veterans do not want me
to be their medical doctor, psychologist, or social worker. My
unique contribution lies in my offering a faith perspective to
their health care. My contribution offers spiritual, or
theological, significance to the intervention, which listens to
their deepest hurts, doubts, and yearnings. I look for blessings
within the veterans struggles and am reminded of the story of
Jacob's struggle. Jacob (Genesis 32:26) wrestled long and hard
with an unknown assailant before a blessing emerged out of his
struggle. It is also within the veteran's own perseverance
against PTSD symptomology (assailants) that blessings emerge.
My work with Vietnam veterans has taught me to redefine what a
blessing is. I have learned to look for renewal of the spirit in
small measures that, however small, are still significant and
worthy of the struggle to persevere. This struggle would be easy
to forsake. I look for the change in behaviors illustrating
increased trust, acceptance, and hope. I look for mending within
the brokenness. My pastoral intervention interfaces a faith
perspective, a spiritual dynamic, to the struggle and hurt of the
troubled veteran. This interface occurs in five areas of pastoral
intervention: (1) pastoral visitation, (2) group process, (3)
pastoral counseling, (4) worship and prayer activity, and (5)
interdisciplinary treatment plan development.
PASTORAL VISITATION
Pastoral visitation involves a regular routine of availability in
which I am identified as chaplain. This availability communicates
an interest in the veteran and his treatment and welfare. I do
not seek to structure the content of visitation; I do structure a
routine for availability - for example, one morning and two
afternoons a week. I am open to hear the fears and yearnings,
joys and accomplishments that are presented. It is not infrequent
for a veteran to say, "Chaplain, I just want to tell you... (a
struggle, a success, etc.)." As the presence of Jesus graced the
region of Galilee, the chaplain may communicate care and
availability through his/her presence.
GROUP PROCESS
Group process refers to inter- and intrapersonal dynamics that
result in the leadership of therapeutic groups with selected
Vietnam veterans.. I have co-lead two weekly groups (an inpatient
NAM VET Newsletter Page 69
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
and outpatient group) with two psychologists. The inpatient group
is called "redirection group," and the outpatient group is called
"readjustment group." The inpatient group is time-limited with
three months as the maximum length of participation. The
outpatient group is on-going and has no time limit. Each group is
limited to eight to ten participants. Members of the outpatient
group remain active in the group with regular attendance. New
members are added as old ones drop out. These groups are not
structured in content except for occasional didactic sessions
pertaining to PTSD and faith perspectives. (I have a three-hour
didactic presentation of "PTSD and Religious Faith.") There is an
emphasis on the here-and-now, away from system or compensation
issues, and toward interpersonal and intrapersonal issues. I
utilize the pastoral perspectives of PTSD to offer clarity for the
troubled veteran. I am often asked, "So, what do I do now?" Such
questions indicate trust and a readiness to hear of the pastoral
possibilities within PTSD.
PASTORAL COUNSELING
Pastoral counseling refers to the process in which I utilize
insights and principles derived from theology and the behavioral
sciences to work with Vietnam veterans, couples, or families
toward the achievement of healing and wholeness. Veterans request
this intensive, in-depth pastoral intervention or they are
referred by a psychiatrist or the interdisciplinary team. In my
pastoral counseling, I seek to establish a deep relationship
involving the therapeutic utilization of transference and
countertransference issues. Pastoral counseling generally occurs
once a week and lasts for forty-five to fifty minutes. The number
of sessions varies according to the person, his treatment needs,
and outpatient availability. The dynamics of pastoral counseling
unfold deeply held maladies in the human spirit and allow for the
reexperiencing of those maladies to foster healing and wholeness..
Early childhood and developmental issues frequently are enmeshed
in the PTSD symptomatology. Dynamic exploration of those issues
offers potential holistic healing for the veteran's deepest hurts
and conflicts (Wallace, 1983).
WORSHIP AND PRAYER
In the specific acts of worship and prayer, I, as chaplain,
provide religious leadership. This leadership may be prescribed
(as in a public worship service or an invocation), or it may be
extemporaneous (as in response to a prayer request). An
appropriate liturgical format is taken for groups whose
backgrounds are interdenominational.
Worship and prayer provide a distinctive opportunity for the
spoken proclamation of faith -- i.e., the sharing of the Gospel.
This opportunity often comes only after a relationship is formed
and trust is built. I have experienced that the spoken
proclamation for the troubled veteran is best communicated in
simple, down-to-earth fashion. Concrete images, illustrations,
and stories with direct application to the veteran's struggle are
most helpful. The symbols and rites of faith are best received
when presented with sincerity without fanfare and adornment. The
moments of worship and prayer are precious, deserving of clear,
concise expressions of how the purpose and goals of faith fit into
the maladies of troubles lives.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 70
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM
The interdisciplinary team formulates the treatment plan of an
individual veteran. This plan is devised to meet the needs of
each veteran. My input is a chaplain's perspective on diagnosis
and treatment.(3) Updates of the veteran's treatment involve
notes of the chaplain's intervention and any revised assessments.
I speak for the dignity of the person and humanity of treatment
and assert there is a direct correlation between the success of
treatment and the level of teamwork among the interdisciplinary
staff. I have been fortunate to work with professionals who have
been accepting of me and my place in the team.
FORMS OF CHANGE
From these areas of pastoral intervention, I have observed three
unique forms of change that occur, and that have both theological
and psychological significance. I categorize these changes as (1)
rebuilding, (2) turning around, and (3) renewal. These categories
are now described.
REBUILDING (Creative Action)
The biblical story of Joseph illustrates rebuilding. Joseph, who
experienced betrayal, alienation, and loss, positively rebuilt his
life over a period of time. He exhibited his worth and value as a
person in spite of the hardship and injustices he had experienced.
He maintained his honesty and integrity. He was valued, and he
used this recognition to benefit others.
Tom experienced heavy combat duty in his 12 months in Vietnam. He
was barely 19 at the time. He married shortly after his return
and had two children. He drank heavily and lost jobs. Within a
few years, he was divorced. During the succeeding years, he
continued to lose jobs, as many as three in one year. He withdrew
from his family and became hypervigilant and agoraphobic. At the
request of his family, he sought help.
In his treatment, and for the first time, he exposed the deep
fears and shared painful losses. He discovered mistakes of his
own making. He claimed he felt a sense of acceptance as he
exposed the brokenness and errors of his past. He began to
examine the directions he took that were destructive to him. He
benefited from examining his mistakes, analyzing what went wrong,
and formulating alternate actions to rectify his mistakes. He
took what was salvageable. The remaining pieces were seen as
having creative potential. He developed plans to implement the
resalvaging of his life; he reestablished contact with his ex-
wife, and began a new relationship with her, his perception of God
moved from a judging, vindictive view to an accepting, caring one.
He saw God as blessing the salvageable pieces in his life.
This type of pastoral intervention has specific ingredients. A
rational approach was taken to enable the veteran to clearly
identify and formulate the destructive elements in his life.
Problem-solving techniques enabled him to examine the alternatives
he had. Like Joseph, Tom did not give up on what was left from
the injustice and failure. He began a slow, arduous process of
recreation. He found initiative and strength that had been
dormant, and he used them to build new alternatives.
Recalling Tillich's polarities, we note that Tom moved from
NAM VET Newsletter Page 71
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
distrust with his ex-wife to increased trust. He experienced
acceptance and stated "it felt good." He attached hope to the
rebuilding of salvageable pieces and reestablished contact with
his church. He reported mending within significant
relationships.. He shared losses and uncovered grief for buddies
who were horribly killed. He described a relief of guilt, a sense
of absolution. (Haley <1978> described the need for absolution in
the treatment of PTSD. She wrote "Absolution is necessary, but
must evolve over time and within the protective shield and
containment of the therapeutic alliance" <p.266>.) His contact
with significant others increased, alleviating a strong sense of
isolation.
The pastoral intervention modeled recreative possibilities for
Tom. This intervention utilized a trusting relationship,
developed slowly and carefully over time. It found opportunities
that occurred through visitation, group process, and pastoral
counseling to enable Tom to reframe the perception of his
brokenness and despair, and centered on a view of a nonpunitive
God who accepted him within his failures. Tom exposed the hurt
and pain that lay beneath the mask of brokenness and failure as he
began to rebuild his life. Creative action occurred.
TURNING AROUND (Redemptive Action)
Certain dynamics appear in the turning around experience. A
person acknowledges personal responsibility for his life. He
seeks to learn from his emotional pain. This pain may arise from
personal failures or errors of judgment but, in any case, pain
affects attitudes toward oneself and others; a sense of purpose in
life declines, and the spirit for life and vitality ebbs. There
is a temptation to blame others for our failures and pain, and
there is the tendency to expect others to extricate us from our
misery.
The turning around experience brings fundamental changes in
perception and attitude; the individual views the source of his
pain as an issue he can control. He admits his failure and
receives redemption for his misdeeds. Relief of conscience frees
energy and refocuses his attention. New purpose arises with more
energy released to find productive activity.
An example of this redemptive action is taken from a group
experience. The chaplain's role illustrates specific actions
taken to enable the redemptive experience.
Members in a weekly therapeutic group developed a sense of
community with one another. They claimed their attachments and
closeness and stated the value and trustworthiness of the group.
One of the group members suddenly died, apparently of natural
causes. He was a leader in the group.
The group was shocked by his unexpected death. Some wanted to
attach blame for his early death on Vietnam. Some wanted to focus
attention on the VA's response (or lack of it) to his death. The
pain of loss was collectively avoided. The group members wanted
to use this death as further evidence of the evils of Vietnam and
reasons for their distrust, alienation, and withdrawal from others
outside the group. The member who died was seen as another victim
who faced the inevitable fate of external forces arising from
NAM VET Newsletter Page 72
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Vietnam to inflict death and destruction.
In my pastoral intervention, I saw in his death an opportunity for
a redemptive experience in the group. I believed our attachments
had to be claimed and our loss needed to be grieved. Attention
was focussed on how his loss felt. The realities of his death and
loss from the group were not avoided. Feelings of loss gradually
oozed out, and some emotional ventilation occurred. Some shared
personal vulnerabilities and pain. The realities of his death and
burial were experienced, but they did not bring added death to the
group.. Some even spoke of losses from Vietnam for which they had
never grieved. The death became the catalyst for a redemptive
experience.
This redemptive experience was evidenced with our own memorial
service. I worked with the group to develop a format, based on
Scriptural sources, for an appropriate service in our group
setting.. Dislikes and fears toward formal religious activity
were aired. Expressions of faith and hope came out. In their
service, an opportunity was given for the group members to state
their attachments.. Selected Scripture readings presented the
finality and hope of death and life. The Christian message of
resurrection was affirmed. Hope was verbalized. We figuratively
buried our friend. His death brought a new beginning for the
group to face fear and loss within themselves.. "I am sure glad
we did this.... he wasn't just forgotten," typified the group's
reaction. Some made linkages to losses and unresolved grief from
Vietnam. "I never did this <openly recognize loss> over there."
RENEWAL (Sanctifying Action)
The New Testament example of Paul gives a vivid portrayal of
renewal in a person's life. Paul, known as Saul, was consumed
with a passion to destroy that overwhelmed his outlook on life.
He later expressed how the passion blinded him, creating
alienation and despair in his life. His conversion experience
created change; it renewed his perception of life. His passion
to destroy changed. His eyes were opened to new meaning and
reasons for existence, and what he was enabled to see brought him
forgiveness, mending, and hope. His attitudes and purposes were
renewed. Within his faith, he made positive change in his life.
In the renewal experience, a person receives a gift external to
his control. This gift has benefit to him. It is internalized to
make ameliorative change. The gift gives credence and value for
brokenness and pain in life. The person believes in the power of
this spiritual experience. He has faith. Fowler (1981) explained
faith as a response to transcendent value and power through
cumulative tradition; it is the alignment of a person's heart or
will with this transcendent value and power. Its effect is on the
whole person. It is the substance of the things not seen, yet
hoped for. Behavior is affected. Healing results.
Renewal for Vietnam veterans varies with faith traditions.
Sacramental faith groups believe such renewing power comes through
such events as Baptism and Holy Communion. These rites provide a
person with external power to engender change in and for life.
The rite of confession and absolution offer to unlock the mystery
of renewed life. Another tradition may attribute the public
profession of faith with renewal powers.. This public action
NAM VET Newsletter Page 73
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
brings with it the support of the community of faith.
Horowitz and Solomon (1978) recorded specific suggestions for
renewal with the issue of guilt. They identified in the Vietnam
veteran "a realistic shame and guilt that cannot be relieved
simply by clear expression and rational working-through" (p. 279).
Horowitz and Solomon identified the therapeutic power of a renewal
process to deal with the issue of guilt. Their recommendations
involve a three-step process:
^ Clarification of the guilt - for example, through the use of
usual psychotherapeutic maneuvers for clear expression;
^ Atonement and penance, called "the classical maneuvers" - for
example, rites in the Roman Catholic Church - for the
reduction of guilt. "The maneuvers are classical because
they work comparatively well" (p. 280). This concept
includes confession, a period of emotional pain, self-
accusation, and possibly self-destructive behavior (job loss
and object loss). Clarification with the veteran of how much
harm he must continue to inflict is important; and
^ Symbolic restitution, which involves actions that heal people
or the environment and provide a route away from self-
destructive patterns and towards life-affirming strategies.
Faith traditions utilize sacred rites and rituals - for example,
the Seder and Holy Communion - that empower participants to
regenerate and renew themselves. Chaplains have these powerful
resources to enable renewal. In my experience, veterans do not
report cures, or elimination of symptoms from their renewal
experiences, but they do report added purpose and resolve to
positively live with these symptoms and courageously continue
their struggles. Within the SPirit's gift of faith and pursuing
power, the veteran confronts his struggle with the certainty that
comes for a loved, sanctified child of God.
CONCLUSION
I recently viewed the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Washington,
D.C. I had heard various reports of how the black wall with so
many names affected the veterans of that war. My reactions to
this memorial provide some closure to this chapter on the care of
troubled Vietnam veterans.
I observed mourning. Visitors were hushed, respectful, and
appeared lost for words. I observed pain on faces in their recall
of Vietnam's legacy. I observed ownership as people took time to
find and touch the names of family members or acquaintances on the
wall. I observed hope in the resolve that the sacrifices
represented by those names were not in vain. (I claim my own
feelings informed these observations.)
The symbolism of the wall evokes strong reactions in its
observers. It is stark and powerful, in a quiet, sunken place by
itself, but in historical context as it points toward the
Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. The length of the list
of names is awesome. The reactions are reminders of the war's
realistic and continual effect on its veterans whose symptoms
evoke powerful responses, as does the wall. A pastoral
perspective of this response is vital to alleviate the enormity of
these symptoms. A pastoral response takes its place among the
interventions of other health-care givers.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 74
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
This pastoral perspective is realistic about the brokenness that
is encountered. The chaplain's presence may precipitate strong
negative reactions from the veteran. It is important for the
chaplain to understand the symptoms - distrust and fear, rejection
and betrayal, futility, alienation and estrangement, loss and
grief, guilt and shame, and isolation and withdrawal. In the
development of a healing relationship with the veteran, the
chaplain offers intervention to mend the brokenness and reduce the
symptoms. This intervention may be recreative, redemptive, and
renewing. These positive results are not exclusive, but overlap
each other. They illustrate a hope that exists in the pastoral
response with the troubled Vietnam veteran.
NOTES
1. New treatment approaches for PTSD have solicited a holistic
intervention to the symptoms of the disorder. Fleming (1985)
wrote, "To adequately understand the Vietnam veteran, a more
holistic, interdisciplinary approach is needed" (p.. 123).
Fleming defines holistic to only include the social, political,
historical, economic, and philosophical aspects of the person.
Scrigner (1984) argues for a multidisciplinary approach to best
meed the needs of the chronic PTSD patient. He stated, "A
comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach should continue during
all phases of treatment..." (p. 182). Scrigner's compilation of
assorted disciplines affecting such an approach numbers two dozen,
but fails to include a chaplain or anyone addressing the spiritual
dimensions of the person. Indeed, there is a great gap in the
literature on the chaplain's role in dealing with PTSD in the
troubled Vietnam veteran.
2. There was a shattering of faith in the capacity for remaking
into good that which was bad. Hurt and pain increased; cynicism
and suspicion blossomed; and brokenness of mind, body, and spirit
seemed to be the order of the day. A sense of futility deepened.
3. In conjunction with Medical Records and the Chief of Chaplain
Service, I have developed a Chaplain's Assessment Form. This form
contains basic information on the veteran's religious history, an
assessment of the veteran's malady, and specific recommendations
for the chaplain's intervention. These recommendations are
approved interventions - i..e., groups or pastoral counseling.
This Assessment Form becomes a part of the veteran's chart and
permanent record.
REFERENCES
American Psychiatric Association (1980). DIAGNOSTIC AND
STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS (3rd ed.). Washington,
D.C.: American Psychiatric Press.
Arnold, A.L. (1985). Inpatient treatment of Vietnam veterans with
PTSD. In S.M. Sonnenburg, A.S. Blank, & J.A. Talbott (Eds.), THE
TRAUMA OF WAR: STRESS AND RECOVERY IN VIETNAM VETERANS.
Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Press.
Erikson, E.H. (1963). CHILDHOOD AND SOCIETY (2nd rev. ed.). New
York: W.W. Norton.
Fleming, R.H. (1985, May). Post Vietnam syndrome: Neurosis or
NAM VET Newsletter Page 75
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
sociosis? PSYCHIATRY, 48, 122-139.
Fowler, J.W. (1981). STAGES OF FAITH: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT AND THE QUEST FOR MEANING. San Francisco: Harper and
Row.
Goodwin, J. (1980). The etiology of combat-related post-traumatic
stress disorders. In T. Williams (Ed.), POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS
DISORDERS OF THE VIETNAM VETERAN AND HIS FAMILY (pp. 1-24).
Cincinnati OH: Disabled American Veterans.
Haley, S.A. (1978). Treatment implications of post-combat stress
response syndromes for mental health professionals. In C.R.
Figley (Ed.), STRESS DISORDERS AMONG VIETNAM VETERANS (pp. 254-
267). New York: Brunner/Mazel.
Horowitz, M.J., & Solomon, G.F. (1978), STRESS DISORDERS AMONG
VIETNAM VETERANS (pp. 268-280). New York: Brunner/Mazel.
Ingram, T.L., Hurley, E.C., & Riley, M.T. (1985, March). Grief
resolution therapy in a pastoral context. THE JOURNAL OF PASTORAL
CARE, 39, 69-72.
Laufer, R.S. (1985). War Trauma and human development: The
Vietnam experience. In S.M. Sonnenburg, A.S. Blank & J.A. Talbott
(Eds.), THE TRAUMA OF WAR: STRESS AND RECOVERY IN VIETNAM
VETERANS. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Press.
Leventman, S. (1978). Epilogue: Social and historical perspectives
on the Vietnam veteran. In C.R. Figley (Ed.), STRESS DISORDERS
AMONG VIETNAM VETERANS (pp. 291-295). New York: Brunner/Mazel.
Lifton, R.J. (1978). Advocacy and corruption in the healing
profession. In C.R. Figley (Ed.), STRESS DISORDERS AMONG VIETNAM
VETERANS. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
Scrigner, C.B. (1984). POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: DIAGNOSIS,
TREATMENT, AND LEGAL ISSUES. New York: Prager Special Studies.
Tillich, P. (1963). SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (Vol 3). Chicago
University of Chicago Press.
Wilson, J.P. (1977). FORGOTTEN WARRIOR PROJECT. Washington, D.C.:
Disabled American Veterans.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 76
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
==================================================================
H e a r t s & M i n d s
==================================================================
Larry Jewell
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: EB66E ("Bat 21")
Personnel in Incident: April 2: Robin F. Gatwood; Wayne L. Bolte;
Anthony Giannangeli; Charles A. Levis; Henry M. Serex;
(all missing from the EB66).
LtCol. Iceal Hambleton (rescued after 12 days from EB66).
Ronald P. Paschall; Byron K. Kulland; John W. Frink
(all missing from UH1H rescue helicopter),
Jose M. Astorga (captured and released in 1973 from UH1H).
April 3: William J. Henderson
(captured and released in 1973 from OV10A rescue craft);
Mark Clark (rescued after 12 days from OV10A rescue craft).
April 6: James H. Alley; Allen J. Avery; Peter H. Chapman;
John H. Call; William R. Pearson; Roy D. Prater
(all KIA/BNR from HH53C "Jolly 52" rescue chopper).
Also in very close proximity to "Bat 21"on April 3:
Allen D. Christensen; Douglas L. O'Neil; Edward W. Williams;
Larry A. Zich (all missing from UH1H).
April 7: Bruce Charles Walker (evaded 11 days);
Larry F. Potts (captured & died in POW camp)
(both missing from OV10A).
REMARKS:
SYNOPSIS: On the afternoon of April 2, 1972, two Thailand-based
EB66 aircraft (Bat 21 and Bat 22), from the 30th Air Division,
were flying pathfinder escort for a cell of B52s bombing near the
DMZ. Bat 21 took a direct SAM hit and the plane went down. A
single beeper signal was heard, that of navigator Col. Iceal
Hambleton. At this time it was assumed the rest of the crew died
in the crash. The crew included Maj. Wayne L. Bolte, pilot; 1Lt.
Robin F. Gatwood, LtCol. Anthony R. Giannangeli, LtCol. Charles A.
Levis, and Maj. Henry M. Serex, all crew members. It should be
noted that the lowest ranking man aboard this plane was Gatwood, a
First Lieutenant. This was not an ordinary crew, and its members,
particularly Hambleton, would be a prize capture for the enemy
because of military knowledge they possessed.
It became critical, therefore, that the U.S. locate Hambleton, and
any other surviving crew members before the Vietnamese did - and
the Vietnamese were trying hard to find them first.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 45
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
An Army search and rescue team was nearby and dispatched two UH1H
"slicks" and two UH1B "Cobras". When they approached Hambleton's
position just before dark, at about 50 feet off the ground, with
one of the AH1G Cobra gunships flying at 300 feet for cover, two
of the helicopters were shot down. One, the Cobra (Blue Ghost 28)
reached safety and the crew was picked up, without having seen the
other downed helicopter. The other, a UH1H from F Troop, 8th
Cavalry, 196th Brigade, had just flown over some huts into a
clearing when they encountered ground fire, and the helicopter
exploded. Jose Astorga, the gunner, was injured in the chest and
knee by the gunfire. Astorga became unconscious, and when he
recovered, the helicopter was on the ground. He found the pilot,
1Lt. Byron K. Kulland, lying outside the helicopter. WO John W.
Frink, the co-pilot, was strapped in his seat and conscious. The
crew chief, SP5 Ronald P. Paschall, was pinned by his leg in the
helicopter, but alive. WO Franks urged Astorga to leave them, and
Astorga was captured. He soon observed the aircraft to be hit by
automatic weapons fire, and to explode with the rest of the crew
inside. He never saw the rest of the crew again. Astorga was
released by the North Vietnamese in 1973.
The following day, Nail 38, an OV10A equipped with electronic
rescue gear enabling its crew to get a rapid "fix" on its rescue
target entered Hambleton's area and was shot down. The crew,
William J. Henderson and Mark Clark, both parachuted out safely.
Henderson was captured and released in 1973. Clark evaded for 12
days and was subsequently rescued.
On April 3, the day Nail 38 was shot down, a UH1H "slick" went
down in the same area carrying a crew of four enlisted Army
personnel. They had no direct connection to the rescue of Bat 21,
but were very probably shot down by the same SAM installations
that downed Bat 21. The helicopter, from H/HQ, 37th Signal
Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade, had left Marble Mountain Airfield,
Da Nang, on a standard resupply mission to signal units in and
around Quang Tri City. The crew, consisting of WO Douglas L.
O'Neil, pilot; CW2 Larry A. Zich, co-pilot; SP5 Allen D.
Christensen, crew chief; and SP4 Edward W. Williams, gunner;
remain missing in action.
On April 6, an attempt was made to pick up Clark and Hambleton
which resulted in an HH53C helicopter being shot down. The chopper
was badly hit. The helicopter landed on its side and continued to
burn, consuming the entire craft, and presumably, all 6 men
aboard. The crew of this aircraft consisted of James H. Alley;
Allen J. Avery, John H. Call III, Peter H. Chapman, William R.
Pearson, and Roy D. Prater. Search and rescue noted no signs of
survivors, but it is felt that the Vientamese probably know the
fate of this crew because of the close proximity of the downed
aircraft to enemy locations.
On April 7 another Air Force OV10A went down in the area with
Larry Potts and Bruce Walker aboard. Walker, the Air Force pilot
of the aircraft, evaded capture 11 days, while it is reported that
Potts was captured and died in Quang Binh prison. Potts, the
observer, was a Marine Corps officer. Walker's last radio
transmission to search and rescue was for SAR not to make an
attempt to rescue, the enemy was closing in. Both men remain
unaccounted for.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 46
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Hambleton and Clark were rescued after 12 incredible days.
Hambleton continually changed positions and reported on enemy
activity as he went, even to the extent of calling in close air
strikes near his position. He was tracked by a code he devised
relating to the length and lie direction of various golf holes he
knew well. Another 20 or so Americans were not so fortunate.
In July 1986, the daughter of Henry Serex learned that, one week
after all search and rescue had been "called off" for Bat 21,
another mission was mounted to recover "another downed crewmember"
from Bat 21. She doesn't know whether or not it is her father or
another man on the EB66 aircraft. No additional information has
been released. When the movie "Bat 21" was released, she was
horrified to learn that virtually no mention of the rest of the
crew, including her father, was made.
In Vietnam, to most fighting men, the man that fought beside them,
whether in the air or on the ground, was worth dying for. Each
understood that the other would die for him if necessary. Thus,
also considering the critical knowledge possessed by Col.
Hambleton and some of the others, the seemingly uncanny means
taken to recover Clark and Hambleton are not so unusual at all.
What defies logic and explaination, however, is that the
government that sent these men to battle can distort or withhold
information to their families, and knowingly abandon hundreds of
men known or strongly suspected to be in enemy hands.
Thousands of reports have been received by the U.S. Government
indicating that Americans are still alive, in captivity in
Southeast Asia. It has been 17 years for those who may have
survived the 1972 Easter crashes and rescue attempts. How much
longer must they wait for their country to bring "peace with
honor" to them and bring them home?
NAM VET Newsletter Page 47
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
MIA-POW Listings - Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia
Delaware, Florida, Georgia
by: Rick Stolz
NAM VET MIA-POW Section Editor
The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin
(414) 567-0437
DIA INFORMATION ABBREVIATIONS ( ), STATE DEPT./JCRC FILES
REM.......Remains
(AA)......AWOL, absent without leave
(BB)......KIA/BNR, killed in action/body not recovered
(BR)......BNR, body not recovered
(CC)......detainee after March 1975
(EE)......escapee
(KK)......DIC, died in captivity
(KR)......died in captivity/body returned
(MM)......missing in action
(PP)......prisoner of war
(RR)......returnee
(HH)......returnee during Operation Homecoming
(XX)......PFOD, legal status change from a live category (POW/MIA)
to Declared dead by court order.
(NR)......remains returned as a result of US negotiation efforts,
after December 1975
--........not recorded
( Has_Bio )..... Additional Information on POW - Mia Available
through POW Network Or Reunion BBS:
POW Network: Reunion BBS:
Data : 319-386-7697 414-567-0437
Voice: 414-567-5833
MIA / POW's From Colorado
INCIDENT--BIO-LNAME--------FNAME-------- BRANCH STAT
06-Mar-68 N ANSELMO WILLIAM F. USAF BB
08-Jun-67 Y APODACA VICTOR J. USAF XX
17-Mar-68 Y BARBER THOMAS D. USN BB
05-Dec-68 Y BERRY JOHN A. ARMY BB
29-Apr-66 N BOSTON LEO S. USAF XX
24-Dec-68 Y BROWNLEE CHARLES R. USAF XX
27-Jul-67 N CORBITT GILLAND W. USAF XX
18-Jun-72 Y DANIELSON MARK G. USAF XX
19-Nov-67 Y DE HERRERA BENJAMIN D. ARMY BB
19-May-65 Y DONOVAN LEROY M. ARMY BB
07-Oct-66 Y GILCHRIST ROBERT M. USAF XX
12-Sep-65 N GREEN GERALD USN BB
14-Mar-68 Y HAMM JAMES E. USAF XX
11-Jun-67 Y HANRATTY THOMAS M. USMC BB
13-Aug-69 Y HANSEN LESTER A. ARMY XX
11-Sep-69 N HELWIG ROGER D. USAF BB
18-May-65 Y HRDLICKA DAVID L. USAF XX
08-Dec-66 N HYDE MICHAEL L. USAF BC
15-May-75 Y JACQUES JAMES J. USMC BB
03-Apr-69 Y JEFFERSON PERRY H. USAF XX
12-Jan-67 N KEMP CLAYTON C. JR. USN BB
02-Oct-69 Y KOHLER DELVIN L. USN BB
19-Sep-68 N LA VOO JOHN A. USMC BB
NAM VET Newsletter Page 48
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
24-Aug-68 N LADEWIG MELVIN E. USAF XX
02-Dec-67 Y LEEPER WALLACE W. ARMY XX
20-Sep-65 Y MARTIN DUANE W. USAF KK
02-Mar-70 N MC VEY LAVOY D. USMC BB
22-May-68 Y MITCHELL THOMAS B. USAF XX
22-Aug-67 N MORGAN BURKE H. USAF BB
03-Jun-66 N MULLINS HAROLD E. USAF XX
31-Jul-67 Y PACKARD RONALD L. USAF XX
08-Mar-67 Y PAWLISH GEORGE F. USN XX
14-May-66 Y RALSTON FRANK D. III USAF XX
19-Apr-68 Y SHAFER PHILIP R. ARMY XX
29-Jan-67 N SILVA CLAUDE A. USAF XX
12-May-68 Y SIMPSON JOSEPH L. ARMY XX
26-Nov-71 Y STEADMAN JAMES E. USAF XX
11-Sep-69 N STEARNS ROGER H. USAF BB
26-Feb-71 Y SWANSON JON E. ARMY BB
24-Dec-71 Y TUCKER TIMOTHY M. USAF XX
07-Apr-72 Y WALKER BRUCE C. USAF XX
MIA / POW's From Connecticut
INCIDENT--BIO-LNAME--------FNAME---------BRANCH STAT
04-Mar-66 Y ANDREWS STUART M USAF XX
26-Apr-67 Y AUSTIN CHARLES D. USAF XX
23-Mar-61 Y BANKOWSKI ALFONS A. USAF BB
23-Aug-68 Y BERGEVIN CHARLES L. USAF XX
29-Apr-70 Y BISHOP EDWARD J. JR. ARMY XX
19-Apr-66 N BROWN JOSEPH O. USAF BB
24-Mar-66 Y BUSH ROBERT E. USAF XX
10-Oct-72 N CLEARY PETER M. USAF XX
30-Jun-67 Y COLE LEGRANDE O. JR USN XX
17-Jun-66 Y COLLETTE CURTIS D. USN BB
21-Apr-68 Y CREAMER JAMES E. ARMY XX
26-Apr-72 Y DUNN RICHARD E. USAF BB
10-May-68 Y FRITSCH THOMAS W. USMC BB
05-Jan-68 Y GALLAGHER JOHN T. ARMY XX
18-May-66 Y GUILLET ANDRE R. USAF XX
21-Mar-68 Y HESFORD PETER D. USAF XX
11-Jun-72 Y HOLM ARNOLD E. JR. ARMY BB
11-Jun-72 Y HOLM ARNOLD E. JR. ARMY BB
10-Feb-66 Y HUNTER RUSSELL P. JR. USAF XX
22-Sep-68 N KUHLMANN CHARLES F. USAF BB
20-Dec-72 Y LERNER IRWIN S. USAF XX
13-Dec-68 Y MC GOULDRICK FRANCIS J. JR. USAF XX
31-Mar-65 N MC KINLEY GERALD W. USN BB
05-Jun-68 N MC MANUS TRUMAN J. USMC BB
29-Jan-71 Y MIXTER DAVID I. ARMY BB
02-Mar-71 N MORIARTY PETER G. USAF BB
02-Oct-69 Y MOSER PAUL K. USN BB
22-Apr-66 N NICKERSON WILLIAM B. USN BB
20-Jul-66 N NOBERT CRAIG R. USAF XX
01-Sep-67 N OTT EDWARD L. III USN BB
10-May-68 Y PERRY THOMAS H. ARMY XX
09-Apr-70 N PFAFFMANN CHARLES B. USN BB
01-Feb-66 Y PREVOST ALBERT M. USMC BB
19-May-67 N RICH RICHARD USN XX
22-Apr-70 Y ROWLEY CHARLES S. USAF XX
10-Jun-65 Y SAEGAERT DONALD R. ARMY BB
25-Mar-66 N SHERMAN JOHN B. USMC BB
18-Oct-66 Y SHONECK JOHN R. USAF XX
NAM VET Newsletter Page 49
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
18-Oct-65 Y THORNE LARRY A. ARMY BB
21-Dec-72 Y WALSH FRANCIS A. USAF XX
17-May-70 N WESTWOOD NORMAN P. JR. USN BB
MIA / POW's From Dist. of Columbia
INCIDENT--BIO-LNAME--------FNAME---------BRANCH STAT
05-Feb-66 N ASMUSSEN GLENN E. USN BB
14-Jul-69 Y BUTLER DEWEY R. ARMY BB
26-Apr-72 Y COOKE CALVIN C. JR. USAF BB
01-Apr-67 Y GOVAN ROBERT A. USAF XX
09-Jan-68 Y GREEN NORMAN M. USAF XX
21-Apr-68 Y LINK ROBERT C. ARMY XX
24-Mar-67 Y STEWART JACK T. ARMY XX
12-May-67 Y STEWART ROBERT A. USAF XX
22-Aug-72 N TIGNER LEE M. USAF XX
MIA / POW's From Delaware
INCIDENT--BIO-LNAME--------FNAME---------BRANCH STAT
18-Jun-72 Y AYRES GERALD F. USAF XX
15-Jul-68 N BIRD LEONARD A. USMC BB
17-Jun-66 Y HESS GENE K. USAF BB
07-Apr-72 Y POTTS LARRY F. USMC XX
21-Jul-68 N WILLING EDWARD A. USMC XX
MIA / POW's From Florida
INCIDENT--BIO-LNAME--------FNAME---------BRANCH STAT
31-Oct-65 Y ADAMS SAMUEL USAF KK
26-Mar-70 Y ALLEN HENRY L. USAF XX
06-Apr-72 Y ALLEY JAMES H. USAF BB
07-Mar-71 Y ARD RANDOLPH J. ARMY XX
04-Aug-67 Y BISZ RALPH C. USN XX
24-Oct-72 N BIXEL MICHAEL S. USN BB
02-Mar-69 Y BOGIAGES CHRISTO C. JR. USAF XX
28-Mar-68 Y BROWN GEORGE R. ARMY XX
06-Sep-66 N BUNDY NORMAN L. USN BB
24-Jul-68 Y BUSH JOHN R. USAF XX
24-Apr-72 Y CARTER GEORGE W. ARMY BB
13-Mar-68 N COLLINS GUY F. USAF BB
24-Nov-69 Y COMER HOWARD B. JR. ARMY BB
01-Jun-65 N CROSBY FREDERICK P. USN BB
02-May-70 Y CROWSON FREDERICK H. ARMY RR
03-Nov-71 Y DE CAIRE JACK L. ARMY BB
08-Jan-73 Y DEANE WILLIAM L. ARMY XX
20-Oct-68 Y DEITSCH CHARLES E. ARMY XX
20-Mar-71 N DILLENDER WILLIAM E. ARMY BB
03-Mar-71 Y DUBBELD ORIE J. JR. ARMY BB
29-Aug-68 Y DUNCAN ROBERT R. USN XX
06-Apr-72 N DUNLOP THOMAS E. USN XX
05-Feb-68 N EDGAR ROBERT J. USAF XX
17-Nov-67 N EMRICH ROGER G. USN XX
01-Aug-66 N FINNEY ARTHUR T. USAF XX
19-Aug-69 Y FLANIGAN JOHN N. USMC XX
10-May-68 Y FLEMING HORACE H. III USMC XX
11-Jun-68 N FORD RANDOLPH W. USN KK
12-Nov-66 N FROSIO ROBERT C. USN BB
13-Jul-65 Y GALLANT HENRY J. ARMY BB
24-Mar-70 Y GANOE BERMAN JR. ARMY XX
09-Oct-69 Y GARBETT JIMMY R. ARMY BB
05-Oct-70 Y GASSMAN FRED A. ARMY BB
NAM VET Newsletter Page 50
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
23-Apr-70 Y GOMEZ ROBERT A. USAF XX
11-Jun-72 Y HACKETT JAMES E. ARMY BB
05-Sep-67 N HANSON THOMAS P. USAF XX
21-Dec-72 Y HART THOMAS T. III USAF XX
05-Jan-68 Y HARTNEY JAMES C. USAF XX
06-Jul-66 Y HESTLE ROOSEVELT L JR.USAF XX
07-Jan-70 Y HOFF MICHAEL G. USN XX
10-Feb-66 N HOPPS GARY D. USN BB
23-Mar-72 N JACKSON JAMES T. USAF BB
22-Aug-67 N KERR JOHN C. USAF BB
17-Jun-70 Y LAKER CARL J. ARMY BB
03-Jun-67 Y LANEY BILLY R. ARMY XX
19-Jun-64 Y LEDBETTER THOMAS I. ARMY BB
27-Mar-72 Y MANOR JAMES USAF BB
04-Apr-67 N MARTIN DAVID E. USN BB
23-Dec-70 Y MC ANDREWS MICHAEL W. ARMY BB
07-Jul-67 N MC LAUGHLIN OLEN B. USAF BB
14-Jun-73 Y MC LEOD DAVID V. JR. USAF BB
18-Jun-72 Y MERCER JACOB E. USAF XX
20-Aug-66 N MILIKIN RICHARD M. USAF XX
10-May-67 Y MILLER MALCOM T. USN NR
18-Mar-69 Y MURPHY BARRY D. ARMY BB
31-Jul-69 Y NEAL DENNIS P. ARMY XX
11-Apr-70 N NELSON JAN J. USMC BB
01-Sep-66 N NICHOLS HUBERT C. USAF XX
13-Mar-66 Y OLSON GERALD E. USAF XX
24-Sep-65 N OSBORN GEOFFREY H. USN BB
29-Dec-67 Y OSBORNE EDWIN N. JR. USAF XX
12-May-72 Y OSTERMEYER WILLIAM H. USAF XX
04-Mar-70 N PARKER JOHN J. USN BB
24-Apr-68 Y PARKER WOODROW W. USAF XX
05-Feb-70 Y PARSELS JOHN W. ARMY RR
03-Jul-66 N PHILLIPS DAVID J. JR. USAF BB
28-Sep-66 Y PITTMAN ROBERT E. ARMY BB
09-Mar-67 N PUTNAM CHARLES L. USN XX
24-Aug-68 N READ CHARLES H. JR. USAF XX
16-May-68 Y RICKEL DAVID J. USAF XX
07-Jun-66 N SANDNER ROBERT L. USAF BB
07-Jun-66 N SANDNER ROBERT L. USAF BB
16-Mar-71 N SCRIVENER STEPHEN R. USAF BB
29-Jul-66 Y SMITH HERBERT E. USAF XX
10-Jan-69 N SPROTT ARTHUR R. JR. USAF BB
15-Mar-66 Y STEWART PETER J. USAF XX
07-Jan-68 N STONE JAMES M. ARMY BB
18-Dec-72 N THOMAS ROBERT J. USAF NR
25-Nov-71 Y THOMAS JAMES R. USAF XX
15-Nov-66 N TIMMONS BRUCE A. USN BB
22-Mar-71 Y TRAVER JOHN G. III ARMY BB
12-Feb-67 N WEISSMUELLER COURTNEY E. USAF XX
24-Nov-69 N WHITE JAMES B. USAF XX
10-May-72 N WILKINSON DENNIS E. USAF NR
03-Oct-66 Y WILLIAMS EDDIE L. ARMY XX
03-Apr-72 Y WILLIAMS EDWARD W. ARMY XX
25-May-69 N WILLIAMS LEROY C. USMC BB
29-Mar-72 Y YOUNG BARCLAY B. USAF XX
MIA / POW's From Georgia
INCIDENT--BIO-LNAME--------FNAME---------BRANCH STAT
20-Mar-71 N BARKER JACK L. ARMY BB
NAM VET Newsletter Page 51
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
27-Aug-67 N BOGGS PASCHAL G. USMC XX
14-Dec-66 N BRIGHAM ALBERT USMC BB
27-Mar-68 Y CALHOUN JOHNNY C. ARMY XX
07-Nov-72 N CARROLL JOHN L. USAF BB
31-May-66 Y CASE THOMAS F. USAF XX
16-Jun-68 N CHANDLER ANTHONY G. USN BB
08-May-68 Y CONDREY GEORGE T. III ARMY BB
27-Oct-67 N CONNER LORENZA USAF XX
24-Apr-66 Y COOPER WILLIAM E. USAF XX
18-Aug-69 N DAVIS DANIEL R. USAF XX
21-Dec-72 Y DICKENS DELMA E. USAF XX
12-Dec-70 Y DUCKETT THOMAS A. USAF XX
20-Oct-66 Y EDWARDS HARRY S. JR. USN XX
17-Oct-67 Y FITZGERALD PAUL L. JR. ARMY XX
01-Aug-68 Y FOWLER DONALD R. ARMY XX
27-Jul-68 Y FULLERTON FRANK E. USN XX
19-Feb-68 Y GRIFFITH ROBERT S. ARMY XX
06-May-69 N HAGAN JOHN R. USMC XX
29-Oct-68 Y HARRISON DONALD L. ARMY XX
07-Jul-70 Y HOWARD LEWIS J. ARMY XX
21-Sep-69 Y JACKSON JAMES W. JR. USMC MM
28-Nov-72 Y JONES BOBBY M. USAF XX
03-Oct-66 Y JONES JAMES E. ARMY XX
18-Jun-72 N KILPATRICK LARRY R. USN XX
05-Mar-71 Y KING MICHAEL E. ARMY BB
21-Dec-72 Y KIRBY BOBBY A. USAF XX
03-Nov-70 Y KITCHENS PERRY C. ARMY BR
21-Dec-72 Y KROBOTH STANLEY N. USAF XX
20-Aug-68 N LINDBLOOM CHARLES D. USN BB
19-Apr-68 Y LORD ARTHUR JAMES ARMY XX
04-Oct-67 Y MC DANIEL MORRIS L. JR. USAF XX
18-Jun-70 N MC LAMB HARRY L. USAF BB
02-Dec-66 N MC RAE DAVID E. USN XX
29-Aug-65 N MC WHORTER HENRY S. USN BC
23-Apr-70 Y MURPHY LARRON D. ARMY XX
21-Nov-64 N NIPPER DAVID USMC BB
06-Feb-69 Y PARKER DAVID W. ARMY BB
22-May-68 Y PATE GARY USAF XX
12-May-67 Y PITMAN PETER P. USAF XX
15-May-66 Y PRESTON JAMES A. USAF XX
06-Mar-68 Y SEWARD WILLIAM H. USMC BB
06-Mar-67 Y SMALL BURT C. ARMY XX
16-Jun-73 Y SMALLWOOD JOHN J. USAF XX
15-Mar-67 N SMITH DEAN JR. USN BB
19-Jun-64 Y TALLEY JAMES L. ARMY BB
06-Feb-68 Y THOMPSON MELVIN C. USN BB
16-Apr-68 N TODD LARRY R. USAF BB
10-Oct-69 Y WEISNER FRANKLIN L. ARMY XX
05-Apr-72 Y WINDELER CHARLES C. JR. ARMY BB
17-Sep-72 N ZORN THOMAS O. JR. USAF BB
NAM VET Newsletter Page 52
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
==================================================================
M e m o r i e s n ' S p e c i a l A r t i c l e s
==================================================================
Vet Feels A Monument's Embrace
by: Jan S. Gerstner
1049 Milwaukee Street
Delafield, WI 53018-1626
(414) 646-8965 <1200 N81N>
Copyright 1983, Lake Country Reporter, Hartland, WI
Reprinted and distributed with permission.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bio of Jan Gerstner (Note: updated since publication)
Jan Gerstner was in the USAF from 1968 through 1976. He served
in Vietnam during 1970 and 1971, flying the C-7 Caribou for the
458th TAS, based at Cam Ranh Bay. In addition to the Caribou, he
flew missions in fighter bombers and anything else into which he
-in his own words- could con his way.
Gerstner first visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in
Washington D.C. on January 27, 1983. He is now employed as chief
pilot for Milwaukee Jet of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lives in
Delafield, Wisconsin.
As a pilot, Gerstner always keeps a log book and says he often
writes down his experiences in detail. He writes for aviation
magazines, and collected material for two programs that were
broadcast by KTXT Public TV in Lubbock, Texas. Today, he is
collecting material for a book about the CV-2/C-7 Caribou, as it
was operated by the Army and the USAF.
Gerstner, a native of Illinois, and his wife, Kay, have lived
in Delafield since 1978. They have three children.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
As I walk through the Smithsonian Mall, a cold but not bitter
wind pulls at my clothes and nips at my cheeks. The weather seems
almost reflective of my mood. The sky is mostly gray and
overcast, but occasionally it breaks out in blue - it can't yet
make up its mind.
I've heard a lot about the Vietnam Memorial. It's an ugly scar
on the ground, it's inadequate, it's stunning, it over/understates
its message. I've been told over and over again how I am supposed
to react to it.
The press has built such an atmosphere about it that this
pretty setting seems like the wrong place. The National Mall of
Constitution Gardens should be bustling with press, people and
protesters.
Since my approach is from the east, it takes me past the
Washington Monument. Now THERE is a monument to a hero! The
"Father of Our Country." It seems funny to me that we refer to
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Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
him as such, much in the way the old world countries referred to
their kings as "sire," no doubt.
This stone obelisk thrusts skyward and is visible for miles, a
symbol known and seen around the world. Obviously, something
important is here. Standing by it, one has a spectacular view of
the Lincoln Memorial, beyond the Reflecting Pool.
But though I know exactly where to look for the Vietnam
Memorial, I cannot see it at all, even through the leaf-bare
trees.
SEEN FROM THE AIR
My first view of it actually came from the air. "It's big," I
was told, and so I expected it to be. "It's cut down into the
ground, a giant `V'," I was told. And so it is. It lies in the
northwest corner of the Gardens, dwarfed, really, because it is
narrow and is cut into the ground, by both the Lincoln Memorial
and the Washington Monument, and by the Reflecting Pool. From the
cockpit of an aircraft snaking its way south along the Potomac, it
looks not so much live a wide "V" as it does the hands of a clock,
forever fixing some hour.
On the ground now, less than 200 feet from it, I can finally
see the Memorial from the sidewalk. With the memories of how so
many other "war memorials" look, I walk still closer. But there
are no gallant riders on gallant horses, with swords drawn as they
fly into the fray amidst nude, busty women, heedless of the
bullets and bomb bursts.
Even at the very tip of the V's arms you will not find a great
brass plaque proclaiming the names of the great leaders of THIS
war.
To receive the message of this memorial, you will have to go
very close, close enough to read the half-inch high letters that
cover each increasingly taller stone column as you walk to the
apex of the "V."
THE NAMES OF THE DEAD
What you will read in the words formed of these letters is not
an account of some heroic act, or of some great service to our
country. Nor will you read the names of this war's noble
architects, engineers and visionaries.
You will read the names of the dead.
Can there really be more than 57,000 names cut into these
stones? I step slowly along the path, reading as fast as I can,
and see only a line or two per column. There is no doubt.
57,000, plus.
The "V" is formed at an angle of 125 degrees, I read in the
guide. Each wall is 250 feet long, with 70 panels. There are 137
lines of five names on the largest panels, and but one line on the
smallest. By each name there is as diamond, for dead, or a cross
for missing in action. Cold statistics for cold stone.
I told myself that my reason for coming here was to find some
NAM VET Newsletter Page 54
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
names; that doing so would be my test of this place. I know that
the columns are arranged by year, and I am guided by a park
service volunteer to the beginning of a year I want.
Those names near the top of the taller columns are hard to
read, being blurred by the reflection of the sky, and so, like
others, I step up close to the stone and shade my eyes to read. I
then find that I must stoop to read those near the bottom. I
search the four columns twice and cannot find the first name. The
park service volunteer helps me again.
And there he is. I carried him from the rice paddies to Can
Tho.
Further down the west arm I now find another. Oh, Lord. I saw
you go down near Dak Seang.
Near his name, another. He died on a nameless, numbered hill.
But the last time I saw him he was smiling. Not laughing, I don't
think I ever saw him laugh. Just smiling.
In the next short while, I found more than one more.
With this mission completed, I began looking more at the other
people here. There were tourists, just interested I suppose, and
school classes, too. But there were also many who came to find a
name, as I had. One fellow began to sob after finding so many
names from his unit, and he left leaning on a friend's shoulder.
Here and there were flowers left by a mother, a father, a wife,
a child.
THE SUBJECT OF OTHERS
One man came with a list. The park service volunteer asked him
if these were all members of his unit. No, he said. He was a
teacher and wanted to look for the names of the boys who had
passed through his classes, and died.
I found myself the subject of others. I had knelt to read the
names near the bottom of a column, my camera left dangling. But I
saw reflected in the stone before me another man who also knelt,
raised his camera and took a picture. Not of the stones alone,
but of me before them. As I turned, he rejoined his friends,
speaking a language I did not recognize.
Many of the visitors who were near my own age wore some part of
an old uniform. Often a camouflage jacket or shirt bearing a unit
patch would be worn over clothes more suited to January in
Washington, D.C. Boots were common. So were beards.
A number of active duty military men and women came too. Many
were too young to have served in Vietnam, but some of the older
ones came in full uniform, with rank and medals showing. I knew
most of those medals. I have them too.
These men seemed not at all self-conscious under my gaze, or at
the looks from others. Most of them were here to find a name.
Turning around, I had a clear view of all but the base of the
NAM VET Newsletter Page 55
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Washington Monument. It dominates the sky to the east, and I can
see the Lincoln Memorial well, too, through the leafless trees.
The Lincoln would be harder to see in summer, when the trees and
bushes are green, but still visible. I doubt that from its steps
you would see the low, dark stone of the Vietnam Memorial through
the summer foliage. It is hard enough, even now.
EMBRACING ARMS
Perhaps this is, then, a wholly appropriate structure. A war
which was so far from home, so remote to so many, has a memorial
that requires one to come very close to it to receive its message,
embracing you in its arms as you draw near.
I asked myself one question: If this is a memorial to "my"
war, why isn't my name here? The answer is simple: I survived.
Why then, are these others named here? The answer is again
simple: They did not survive.
This is not a memorial to a war. It is a memorial to those who
fought and died in it. It is a memory, a recognition of their
struggles and deaths in a war that so many wish so much to forget
that the human loss has been forgotten, too.
I looked around some more. The earth is still bare around the
monument, like that around a new grave, and a wooden plank walk
has been laid over it to approach the stone. Perhaps this earth
so near the names should be planted in rice.
The memorial might appear very different had it been built with
public funds. It might be oh-so-similar to the many other monu-
ments to war and the dead that are much more prominent in the
city. Yet one more thing strikes me when I compare this monument
to those: the pigeons will not roost in this one.
My final minutes at the memorial were punctuated by a familiar
sound: the heavy beating of a helicopter's blades. I looked for
it to the southeast, over the heads of an MIA information group
and their flags.
It was low in the trees, so I wasn't sure of it at first, but
as it approached the Lincoln Memorial I saw it clearly. It was a
military Huey Slick, banking off toward the south. A ship like
that was probably the last ride in Vietnam for many of these
names.
It was nearing noon as I left. A few blocks away I would hear
the chimes of a clock and think of the arms of that "V," marking
another time.
Goodbye my friends.
Goodbye.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 56
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Two Sons Lost To Vietnam
By: Laura Palmer
Daily News, Editorial Department
220 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
Stephen and Stanley Barrett were born 20 months apart. They
died 20 months apart in Vietnam when they were each 19 years old.
Stephen was a medic and Stanley was a mechanic.
Their father, Oscar Barrett, 66, of Troy, N.Y., was battered by
a grief that is as impossible to imagine as it has been to bear.
"After all these years, it still hurts," he said, his voice
tripping over the tears. "It's a terrible waste. I lost two good
boys who were going to make something of themselves. It's all
gone out the window. I don't know how else to put it. It's a
waste that they couldn't fulfill their dreams."
Stephen was a Navy corpsman who had hoped to become a doctor
after he got out of the service. His dad describes him as a quiet
boy who loved to swim and play softball. "He never cared much for
guns, or hunting," his dad remembered.
On Jan. 25, 1968, Barrett was killed trying to rescue a Marine
up near Da Nang. "He got hit in the leg and right behind the ear
like Kennedy did. He had just finished putting an IV in a guy's
leg to save him."
Years later, the man his son worked frantically to save called
Oscar Barrett. "It took him 20 years to work up the courage to
contact me. I learned a lot about my son that I didn't know,
about how brave Stevie was and how any time they called a medic he
was the first one to jump up and go."
The day he found out his first son was killed, Oscar Barrett
said he put his fist through a dining room chair and then sat and
cried. After the funeral he and his wife, Jean, tried to get on
with their lives.
Months later, after the paperwork was complete, Stanley Barrett,
Stephen's younger brother, told his parents he'd enlisted in the
Army. Stanley, who had been very close to his older brother, had
barely been able to talk of Stephen after he died.
The Army assigned him to be a mechanic in Fairbanks, Alaska. At
first, the assignment brought his Dad relief. Then Stanley turned
up back home on leave a few months before being shipped off to
Vietnam at his own request. He never explained why. "It was not
open for discussion," his dad said.
On Oct. 3, 1970, Stanley Barrett went out to help retrieve a
crippled tank when it was hit by a mortar. It blew up on top of
him.
"That's when I went off the deep end," said Oscar Barrett, a
retired truck driver. "I drank, and drank heavy. Whiskey, beer
chasers and highballs. I did it for pretty near two months. But
my wife finally got to me. She told me it wouldn't do any good.
She didn't want to lose me." And neither did Howard, his only
remaining child.
So Oscar Barrett backed off the booze and started putting one
foot in front of the other, one day at a time. It is the kind of
quiet noble courage that never gets any medals.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 57
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Vietnam wasn't his first experience with the agony of war. He
was a crew member on one of the Coast Guard LSTs that moved in
after the atomic bomb blast in Nagasaki at the end of World War
II.
Although his own health has been good, Barrett has become an
activist in helping other veterans who were exposed to radiation
get what they are entitled to from the government.
"The way I feel, this country owes me a little more than I owe
it," he said.
Now retired, Oscar Barrett spends his days quietly at home
watching television with his wife. This Easter Sunday he'll hide
colored eggs in the yard for 7-year-old Jacob, his only
grandchild.
He has never met another father who lost a boy in Vietnam. He
suspects that those men live a lot like he does. "I'm carrying on
as best I can. I keep my chin up and go on with my life, but I
never forget them."
NAM VET Newsletter Page 58
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
"Marine gets Bronze Star 21 years after heroic rescue"
Associated Press
Input by: Joyce Flory
NAM VETs Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor
Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM
(505) 523-2811
ST. LOUIS - Jim Lahr sat ramrod straight in his
wheelchair,tears welling in his eyes as his field commander from
Vietnam added a long-delayed Bronze Star Saturday to the rows of
medals pinned to his Marine uniform.
While on patrol in Vietnam March 21, 1969, 16 days before the
end of his 13-month tour of duty, Lahr and several other Marines
descended the steep banks of a stream to fill canteens.
It turned out they had stumbled on a huge North Vietnamese
supply cache, said Denver Lawson Freeman, who probably would have
died there if it weren't for Lahr. As they stooped in the 2-foot-
deep water, they were suddenly ambushed with machine-gun fire and
rocket-propelled grenades.
"Corporal Lahr, with complete disregard for his own safety...
assisted several Marines to safety," the award citation says.
"Despite the heavy fire, he made several trips... until he himself
was wounded and unable to continue."
Lahr said he took one round from a rifle. The bullet went into
his shoulder, grazing his lung, hit three ribs and finally lodged
in his spine, paralyzing him from the waist down.
For 20 years, neither Freeman nor Lahr knew that the other had
survived.
But through a contact he made at a Marine Corps reunion last
summer, Freeman learned that Lahr was living in Lincoln, IL. He
set out to see that his friend received the honor he deserved.
"If he hadn't pulled me out of the river that day, I wouldn't
be here today," Freeman said after the ceremony Saturday at the
Marine Reserve base in St. Louis.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 59
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Was YOUR unit in 'Nam?
by: Rick Stolz
NAM VET MIA-POW Section Editor
The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin
(414) 567-0437
I would Like to address all of you to help me in putting
together a Complete list of all units in Vietnam.
I will start with the Army, and then the Marines, Air Force,
Navy, and the Coast Guard. All correspondence should take place
through the Vietnam Vets Echo addressed to me or by calling me at
Reunion BBS. Please leave your address, and phone number, so if I
need more information I can contact you.
If all goes right I will have a list of all units. Then I will
start to use the info to put together a Database on the units and
accomplishments of each unit, down to company level.
If your unit is listed and the info is correct then tell me
about the unit,where it was, when you where there, if it had a
nickname, and what you remember about what happened. If there is
an error or your unit is not listed let me know what the correct
placement is.
I was surprised to find out how many units where not officially
listed. So your help is desperately being sought. Contact friends
that might help, post members, etc. I would like to have your
cooperation to make this as complete as possible. As far as I know
this has never been done before.
I have other units that I can't confirm so I need help to find
out who was where.
US ARMY ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM
AHC = Assault Helicopter Co
Arty = Artillery
Bd = Brigade
Bn = Battalion
Brty = Battery
Co = Company
Dv = Division
Gp = Group
LIB = Light Infantry Brigade
Ord = Ordinance
NAME
-------------------------------------------------
1/568th Clr Co
1st Air Cav (Rear)
1st Air Cav Dv
7th Inf
2d Bn, Company's: B,
13th Sig Bn
30th Inf
1st Bn Co's: C, ABrty
50th Mech Inf
NAM VET Newsletter Page 60
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
1 Co (LZ Uplift)
1st Infantry Dv
1st Aviation Bd
335th AHC ("Cowboys", Dong Tam)
HHD Co's: B
16th Inf
1st Bd Co's: C
2d Bd Co's: B,C,HMP
Combat Tracker Team #5
26th Inf
1st Bn Co's: A,
28th Inf
Larry Jewell
Nicaragua Election Monitoring Delegation
Input by: Kathleen Kelly, Ph.D.
NAM VETs PTSD Section Editor
The New York Transfer - Staten Island, NY
(718) 448-2358
FINAL REPORT - February 27, 1990
"International observation of election processes is a relatively
new phenomenon which adds a new dimension to democracy by
providing a vehicle for further securing human rights and
enhancing the means of nonviolent conflict resolution. While the
observer has no responsibility for the amelioration of any
specific injustice, his or her presence and power to report should
serve to constrain ideological passion and political machinations
associated with choosing leadership. The sole responsibility of
the civil observer is to observe and provide a report unencumbered
by the political bias of traditional governmental and
ideologically oriented organizations.....
"The principal goal of Veterans For Peace is the abolition of war
as a political instrument. Free and fair elections are an
essential element of nonviolent conflict resolution; the
alternative to war and violence." -- Col John Barr (USMC-RET),
National President, Veterans For Peace.
Fifty members of Veterans For Peace (VFP) visited 107 voting
places largely in rural Nicaragua during the February 25, 1990
elections. Any reporting of the 1990 election must begin by
acknowledging the psychological and emotional effects that ten
years of low intensity warfare have had on the Nicaraguan
population. Economic and guerrilla warfare have created an
atmosphere of dissatisfaction, fear and distrust. Much of the
population is armed and war weary. It is impossible to calculate
the exact effect this has had on the election process. However, it
is clear that these conditions were a factor in voter turnout as
well as in choices made.
In spite of this atmosphere, VFP teams found no major infractions
or fraud at any of the sites they visited. However, complaints
from polling officials were heard at various sites (i.e. "the
F.S.L.N. detained us" and "the Contras threatened us"). These
occasional reports of hearsay information characterized the bulk
of complaints in some of the more conflicted regions. No one
directly witnessed such action although the team in Region VII did
hear threats over "Contra Radio" before all the polling results
were in.
We also observed some problems with the procedure itself such as
concern over ballot secrecy and the opening and closing of polls.
These concerns were most often team specific and can be found in
the individual reports that accompany this forward.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 77
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
The VFP teams were impressed by the overall commitment and
integrity shown by Sandinista, UNO and other party officials at
the designated polling sites. We were also impressed with the
seriousness and purpose of the voters themselves, many traveling
long distances and waiting hours to vote. The delegation is in
unanimous agreement that the election was fair and open with
strict adherence to the electoral process as set forth by the
Nicaraguan Supreme Electoral Council.
With some understanding of the internal complexities and problems
facing the Nicaraguan people in the coming months, we are hopeful
that the demonstrated cooperation and respect for the democratic
process will carry forward into the coming transition period.
VFP believes the presence of civil observers was important for two
primary reasons:
1. We are able to report to the world that the elections were
indeed free and fair.
2. Because of the reality of low intensity warfare and the many
threats of violence, our presence may well have contributed
to more peaceful elections.
/s/ Veterans For Peace Delegation Leaders
Joseph Ryan, VFP National Vice President, Tallahassee, Florida
Ian Walker, VFP National Treasurer, Madbury, New Hampshire
Steven J. Bentley, VFP National Advisory Council, Scarboro, Maine
Monitoring Assignments:
-----------------------
REGION I: COL Philip Roettinger (USMC-RET), Robert Ganter,
Miles Freeman, Benjamin Weintraub, Deborah Kaplan, Robert Camwell.
REGION III: Ian Walker, Robert Bergeron, William Pabst,
William Brenner, Anne Brenner, Eric Brenner, Mark Coplan.
REGION V: Sanford Kelson, Susan Rettig, Scott Stambush,
William Lankford, Jesse Perrier, Eugene Sheftelman,
Michael Burkholder, Sterling Vinson.
REGION VI: H Burtt Richardson, MD, Charles Bonner, Scott Camil,
Michael Pahios, Ed Deaton, Sean Daly, Samuel Beder, Frank Magill,
M.D., Charles Willett, Nancy Willett, Silke Hoffmann, Fred Jacob,
Gary Karasik, Gary Campbell, Lorenzo Torrez, George Holland,
Fernando Perez, Patricia Manning, Robert Wright, Victoria Baker.
REGION VII: Joseph Ryan, Steven Bentley, David Tesch,
Robert Berti, Erica Rosenthal, Douglas Remley, Charter Weeks,
Marie Harris, Robin Palmer.
------------------------
Source: PeaceNet carnet.nicanews
NAM VET Newsletter Page 78
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Shave my head? Live with Men? Where do I sign?
By: Greg Kleven
Editor - VIETNAM ECHOS
P O Box 774 Concord, CA 94522
Sounds crazy, but a lot of us signed up. I did. I joined the
Marine Corps. Different reasons and circumstances, but we were
the willing of those who served in the military. What made us
choose the military as our next step to adulthood was important.
But what was and still is important today is that the Marine Corps
was there to accept another "volunteer". The Marine Corps is
still being fed American lives despite its own efforts to self
destruct.
Now we are being asked to debate the issue of females in combat;
essentially saying that it is okay for a male to be in combat.
But I signed up, so it's my problem. I have to be held
accountable for my actions; I can't be let off the hook just
because I am a vet. I accept the responsibility and apply it to
all others who participated. Officers and policy makers included.
As fighters in the battles we didn't help plan; to being forced to
fight for human rights in a jungle worse than the Nam, we were
always assumed guilty and forced to prove our grievances. We had
to try and defend tactics that were suicidal. Why weren't the
tactics of the war examined as closely as was the individual vet,
who was only following orders? We are held accountable for a
stupid policy that refuses to examine itself. The examination
won't be pretty, but it has to be done. More than two hundred fed
in Beruit alone. They teach the dangers of bunching up in boot
camp. Surely the officers must of heard of this defensive tactic?
Were the officers or the system held accountable? Some heads may
have rolled but nothing to change the system that produced the
policy. So before we debate females in combat, I want it know
that I don't want my son deciding that he wants to shave his head
and go live with men. It's not only dangerous, it's stupid.
The only lesson of war that we should be passing on is that war
kills and wounds not only the individual and his mind, but it
wounds society as well. And for that reason alone it is asinine.
Take an honest look and its easy to see why so many of us
"volunteered". We are still being used today because our sons are
still signing up; and now they want our daughters. Would you want
your daughter to shave her head and go live with men?
NAM VET Newsletter Page 79
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
VA EXPANDS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER TREATMENT SITES
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Office of Public Affairs - News Service
Washington DC 20420 (202) 233-2741
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced it is
enlarging its program to treat veterans with post-traumatic stress
disorder by adding 20 specialized clinical teams based at VA
medical centers throughout the country.
This expansion beings the total number of clinical teams to 44
and follows a number of steps VA has taken to increase the
availability of PTSD treatment programs.. PTSD symptoms include
recurrent thoughts of a traumatic event, reduced involvement in
work or outside interests, hyperalertness, anxiety and
irritability.
The expansion, which began last year, follows the
recommendations of a special committee on PTSD and the results of
a VA-funded study showing that PTSD affects some 15.2 percent of
male Vietnam theater veterans.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Edward J. Derwinski said, "Most
Vietnam veterans adjusted well following military service and are
productive members of society, but we need to continue to find
ways to reach out to those veterans who still need our help and
support." Derwinski noted that these programs are available to
all veterans with PTSD, not only those who served in Vietnam.
In addition to providing outpatient treatment, the clinical
teams also will work closely with other VA treatment programs,
including VA's 196 Vietnam Veteran Outreach Centers (Vet Centers),
to coordinate services and provide information on PTSD throughout
the medical center and the community.
The 20 new units are located at the following VA medical
centers: Togus, Maine; White River Junction, Vt.; Buffalo, N.Y.;
Brooklyn, N.Y.; Clarksburg, W. Va.; Pittsburgh (Highland Drive
division); Perry Point, Md.; Tuskegee, Ala.; Miami; Chillicothe,
Ohio; Marion, Ind.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Topeka, Kan.; Salt Lake City;
Loma Linda, Calif.; Honolulu Outpatient Clinic; Portland, Ore.;
Fayetteville, Ark.; Oklahoma City; and Phoenix, Ariz.
VA has long been involved in PTSD treatment and research. The
Department's network of Vet Centers provide counseling to veterans
and their families on a variety of readjustment problems.
Veterans also receive PTSD treatment at all of VA's 172 medical
centers and 153 mental hygiene clinics.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 80
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
==================================================================
N o t i c e s o f I n t e r e s t
==================================================================
THE CARIBOU PROJECT
Jan Gerstner
1049 Milwaukee St
Delafield, WI 53018-1626
(414) 646-8965
Input by: Rick Stolz
NAM VET MIA-POW Section Editor
The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin
(414) 567-0437
I am doing an historical project on the Army CV-2 / USAF C-7
Caribou. I need to find people from any service who came into
contact with the aircraft during the period 1959 - 1980, in
Vietnam and elsewhere.
Vietnam vets from the following areas are particularly
needed:
The siege of Dak To;
The siege of Dak Seang;
The siege of Khe San;
Ben Het;
Army operations against NVA/VC units prior to 1967;
Special Forces, especially 5th Special Forces;
Rangers;
LRRPS who were dropped from and recovered by Caribous;
Personnel from Fire Base Snuffy;
Personnel from Fire Base David (O Rang, Cambodia);
Air America personnel who operated Caribous;
VNAF Caribou personnel;
Thailand IRAN personnel;
Other Army ground units who were supported by Army and USAF
Caribou units;
U.S. Air Force personnel who operated/supported Caribou
operations after March, 1972;
Army ground units who were evacuated by Caribous after
March, 1972;
Aerial Port personnel;
ALCC and ALCE personnel;
Army Caribou Aviation Company, and USAF Squadron Commanders;
ANYONE who can evaluate the effectiveness of Caribou
operations and support.
I was an Air Force Caribou pilot 1970-71. Today I am a
professional aviator and freelance writer, specializing in
aviation topics.
This history of the Caribous is using the official records
as a base, but will tell the story in the words of the people who
were there. I need narrative histories.
To date, I have 400 Caribou pilots from the Army and Air
Force on my roster, and the support of the USAF Office of
History, the Air Force Archives and the Army Otter-Caribou
Association. Information has also been contributed by the
de Havilland Corporation and the Rand Corporation.
ANYONE who had contact with a Caribou is urged to contact
me. Many times even the simplest addition has proved to be one
NAM VET Newsletter Page 81
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
of the more valuable. If you know someone else who may have
operated, supported, depended upon, loved or hated a Caribou,
please have them contact me.
I can be reached through EXEC-PC, VETLink #1 or at:
THE CARIBOU PROJECT
Jan Gerstner
1049 Milwaukee Street
Delafield, WI 53018-1626
(414) 646-8965 <1200 N81N>
_
|
|
-----/_\-----
-O==============< : >==============O-
( ) (...) ( )
NAM VET Newsletter Page 82
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
==================================================================
I n - T o u c h - N e w S e r v i c e ! ! !
==================================================================
In-Touch. What is it ???
Input by: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau
NAM VETs IN-TOUCH Section Editor
Herndon Byte eXchange - Herndon, VA
(703) 471-8010
=================================================================
|+++++++++++++++++++++++++ IN TOUCH ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++|
| There are some 43 million people in the United States whose |
| lives were directly and irrevocably touched by the Vietnam |
| War. |
| |
| Almost four million people served in Vietnam -- the longest, |
| and perhaps most difficult, war in our history. More than a |
| quarter of a million were seriously wounded. 58,175 are dead |
| or missing. |
| |
| Each of those who returned recognizes the true cost of war. |
| But so too do the families and friends, wives and lovers of |
| those listed on the Wall. They too paid a tremendous price, |
| not always recognized... many still do. |
| |
| Though twenty years have passed, it seems that is the period |
| people have needed to get the distance necessary to begin to |
| address the unresolved, deeply personal issues that have |
| been haunting them since the war. Perhaps that is a measure |
| of the pain. |
| |
| But, the "healing of a nation" that was intended by the |
| building of the Memorial, has begun. |
| |
| In the office of the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans |
| Memorial, we hear them on the other end of the phone on |
| any given day, and far into the night, they call from all |
| corners of the country. |
| |
| "If only I could find out..." |
| "I need to find his family so I can keep my promise..." |
| "I just want to talk to someone who was with him... " |
| "Please, can you help...?" |
| |
| At the Wall, we find them every day. Veterans who have not |
| spoken of their experiences even to their most intimate |
| family members are now beginning, tentatively, to seek a |
| responsive ear. |
| |
| Brothers and sisters, parents and even wives who were simply |
| never allowed full expression of their grief because of the |
| fierce pressures of the time, are now coming forward, |
| looking for someone who can help with their healing. |
| |
| We hear from children, now 15 - 25 years old, who are |
| searching for bits and pieces of information they can |
| assemble to help fill that empty place in their lives that |
NAM VET Newsletter Page 83
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
| is the father they never knew well, if at all. And they want |
| to talk to each other, to share their special needs and the |
| unique experience of growing up with a father on the Wall. |
| They understand each other all too well. |
| |
| Millions of Americans need to meet and talk because of the |
| Wall, and only the Friends can help them. |
| |
| Initial discussions with many other national organizations |
| whose work brings them into contact with Vietnam veterans |
| and their loved ones have attested to the need for IN TOUCH |
| and their willingness to help. |
| |
| Simply put, the Friends will draw on its special work at the |
| Memorial, its acquired and available data bases and |
| programs designed and integrated by Electronic Data Systems |
| (EDS), and the commitment and concern of its volunteers to |
| place people with a common association to a name on the Wall |
| to be in voluntary communication with each other. |
| |
| From there, we will let human nature take its good course. |
| And let the healing begin. |
| |
| The starting point for the data base will be the more than |
| twenty thousand names of people who have requested name |
| rubbings from our volunteers in Washington. Each will be |
| contacted and given the opportunity to participate by being |
| listed in the IN TOUCH central data base file. |
| |
| Confidentiality is the keyword to cooperation and IN TOUCH |
| will respect the integrity of all lists and records. Lists |
| will be unavailable for public use and will not be |
| distributed for any commercial purpose. |
| |
| By its nature, IN TOUCH must reach far beyond the veterans |
| community in order to be successful. With professional |
| guidance, the Friends will develop a program of on-going |
| articles and other coverage in major media markets, high- |
| lighting the personal experiences of people as they are put |
| "in touch." The International Vietnam Veterans Echo |
| Conference via the Herndon Byte eXchange 1:109/316 node as |
| the enter point for gathering and disseminating information |
| will be used. Aside from bringing the program into public |
| awareness, these articles and stories will serve as a val- |
| uable tool for public education on a wealth of matters |
| relating to the Vietnam era. |
| |
| As a preliminary test of the IN TOUCH project, the Friends |
| has implemented a pilot project to test the design and |
| demands of such a program. Several hundred requests with |
| full background information have been entered into a system |
| designed to match requestor data with the existing Memorial |
| data. Even with such a small sample, limited data and a |
| fairly unsophisticated cross-indexing system, matches have |
| been made and IN TOUCH has produced its first real |
| connections. The results have been as profoundly moving for |
| the participants as expected. And as gratifying for the |
| Friends. |
| |
NAM VET Newsletter Page 84
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
| But it was clear that the information management system and |
| the supporting hardware system would have to be more power- |
| ful and more complex in order to handle thousands, perhaps |
| hundreds of thousands, of requests. Confidentiality of the |
| system and information must be paramount. |
| |
| With well over 2,000 Vietnam veterans, Electronic Data |
| Systems (EDS) became involved and has been generous in its |
| assistance with designing the data management systems which |
| will be critical to a successful program. The Friends have |
| reached a three-year working agreement with EDS which |
| promises continuity and maximum potential for success in |
| building an information bank that can truly help people in |
| their search for others who knew a loved one. |
| |
| The Friends are delighted that Bob Hope has agreed to make |
| a public service announcement which we can use on radio and |
| television to help get the word out to the public on the |
| availability of the service. |
| |
| The Friends are also pleased to note that Hewlett Packard, |
| Zenith Data Systems, Borland International, FASTCOMM |
| Communications Corporation and the First National Bank of |
| Chicago have all contributed computer equipment, computer |
| software, and office equipment to the project, so they are |
| beginning to feel fully functional. |
| |
| The Friends hear from people who have long been living with |
| the pain of loss and looking for a way to heal. For |
| instance, the Friends recently received a letter from a |
| woman who wrote: |
| |
| Dear Friends: |
| For quite some time I have been searching for a |
| way to know my brother. It seems hopeless at times. |
| I was 12 when he was killed... I had waited for the |
| day he would come back to us. He never did. A part |
| of me will always be 12 and continue to wait. |
| Thank you for giving me hope that there may be |
| a way to find him and bring him home to my heart..." |
| |
| + + + |
| |
| The Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial |
| Electronic Data Systems |
| Herndon Byte eXchange TCOMMnet BBS 1:109/316 |
| |
|+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++|
NAM VET Newsletter Page 85
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
IN-TOUCH Registration/Request Form
Input by: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau
NAM VETs IN-TOUCH Section Editor
Herndon Byte eXchange - Herndon, VA
(703) 471-8010
THIS FORM REQUIRES SIGNATURE FOR CONFIDENTIALITY RELEASE
PLEASE READ BELOW
------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish to be IN TOUCH with (Please circle and/or comment) Family,
Friends and/or Fellow Veterans of the following:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
----------- PERSON WHO DID NOT COME BACK FROM VIETNAM ------------
First Name_____________ Middle Name___________ Last Name__________
Relationship to You and/or Reason for Request
(Answer as fully as possible)_____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
==================================================================
-------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HIM/HER - IF KNOWN ---------
Rank_______ Birth Date ______________ Soc. Sec. # ________________
Tour Date of Birth _______________ Where Buried __________________
Branch of Service: AR__ NA__ AF__ MC__ CG__ RC__ CIV__
(Fill in his/her equivalent unit designations in the spaces below)
Division ____________ Brigade ___________ Battalion ______________
Regiment ____________ Company ___________ Ship ___________________
Battles:__________________________________________________________
Locations:________________________________________________________
Nicknames:________________________________________________________
Hometown (while in Nam): ____________________ Home State: ________
==================================================================
---------------------- INFORMATION ABOUT YOU ---------------------
Title___ First Name ____________ Middle/Maiden Name _____________
Last Name ____________________
Address___________________________________________________________
City __________________________________ State ____ Zip: _____-____
Your Home Phone ( ) ____________ Work Phone: ( ) ____________
---------------- IF YOU ARE A VIETNAM-ERA VETERAN ----------------
Tour date _______________________________ Rank __________________
Branch of Service: AR__ NA __ AF __ MC __ CG __ RC __ CIV __
Fill in your equivalent unit designations in the spaces below
Division: __________ Brigade: ___________ Battalion: ___________
Regiment: __________ Company: ___________ Ship: ________________
Battles: _________________________________________________________
Locations: _______________________________________________________
Nicknames: _______________________________________________________
Hometown (when in VN) _______________________ Home State: ________
Comments: ________________________________________________________
NAM VET Newsletter Page 86
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
_____ I give permission to the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial to release my name, address, phone number and
relationship to other participants in the IN TOUCH project
seeking information on the individual above (strike out
phone number if you do not want it released).
OR
_____ I would like to have the names, addresses, and phone
numbers of persons who knew my friend or relative, but
prefer NOT to have my name, address, and phone number
released.
I hereby release the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from
any and all liability that may arise from the operation of the IN
TOUCH project.
Signature ____________________________________ Date _____________
NOTE: Do not electronically transmit this form, instead mail to:
Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
1350 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NAM VET Newsletter Page 87
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
==================================================================
C o n c e n t r a t e d S e r v i c e
==================================================================
VETERAN SERVICE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT VETLink #1
VETLink #1 and its sponsor, Berkshire Veterans Center, Inc., have
been in the process of creating an on-line database/information
referral source for our nations veterans and their dependents.
We've sent a letter to the Director/Commissioner of all 50 states
and a few territories requesting any veteran-related information
they'd wish to share. To date, we've received replies from the
following states/territories:
ALABAMA (Frank D. Wilkes, Director)
ALASKA (Charles T. Borg, Director)
CALIFORNIA (Jesse G. Ugalde, Director)
CONNECTICUT (Joseph C. Barber, Deputy Commissioner)
FLORIDA (S. F. Stover, Director)
GEORGIA (Pete Wheeler, Commissioner)
ILLINOIS (John W. Johnston, Director)
INDIANA (S. Jeanne Loveless, Program Coordinator)
IOWA (Dale Renaud, Director)
LOUISIANA (Printice A. Darnell, Executive Director)
MINNESOTA (Terrence A. Logan, Director, Agency Relations)
MISSOURI (William V. Haynes, Director)
NEW HAMPSHIRE (Conrad V. Moran, Director)
NEW JERSEY (William G. Kowalski, Director)
NEW YORK (Tom Lewis, Director)
NORTH CAROLINA (Charles F. Smith, Assistant Director)
OHIO (Col. John P. Seimer <Ret>, Director of Veteran's Affairs)
PENNSYLVANIA (Joseph R. Clelan, Director)
RHODE ISLAND (Michael F. Gallagher, Casework Supervisor)
SOUTH CAROLINA (Bill J. Sams Director)
TEXAS (Texas Veterans' Commission/ Garry Mauro - Land Board)
VERMONT (Ms. Lyn Boisjoli, Director - State Veterans Affairs)
VIRGIN ISLANDS (Verne I. Richards)
WEST VIRGINIA (G. L. Harper, Veterans Affairs Chief)
WISCONSIN (John J. Maurer, Secretary of Veterans' Affairs)
We presently have on-file (but not on-line) state veteran
information from Massachusetts, in addition to copies of
Title 38, USC and many veteran organization Service Officer
manuals and pamphlets.
If you live in any of the states/territories listed below -OR-
know the CURRENT Director/Commissioner's Address, PLEASE let us
know so that we can get a letter off to 'em and collect the
information a veteran may need in the near future:
RETURNED - We need CURRENT Names & Addresses for:
ARIZONA: Arizona Veterans Service Commission -
Last known to be in Phoenix, AZ 85013
KANSAS - We need CURRENT Name & Address!
NEVADA: Commission for Veterans' Affairs -
Last known to be in Reno, NV 89502
NORTH DAKOTA: Department of Veterans' Affairs
Last known to be in Fargo, ND 58107
MISSISSIPPI: Veterans' Affairs Commission -
Last known to be in Jackson, MS 39205
NAM VET Newsletter Page 88
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
UTAH: Administrator of Veterans' Affairs
Last known to be in Salt Lake City, UT 84115
We are STILL trying to find names and addresses for:
PANAMA: No Director/Commissioner address found
WYOMING: No Director/Commissioner address found
If you've got veteran-related information that you feel would be
helpful to another veteran if s/he found it on-line, please send
it to:
G. Joseph Peck, President
BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER, INC.
Post Office Box 2056
Pittsfield, MA 01202
or place a message in the VIETNAM_VETERANS Echo
NAM VET Newsletter Page 89
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
NamVet/IVVEC Concentrated Service Report
To keep you abreast of HOW NamVet/IVVEC Concentrated Service is
doing, we'll try to run a report every month of the status of
efforts currently underway and, if appropriate, apprise you of
positive or negative results.
-- Letter dated 1/1/90 to Massachusetts' DAV Commander, with text-
file copy in IVVEC:
To date: NO response - VERBAL or WRITTEN
-- Copy of above letter dated 1/1/90 to DAV National Commander,
with text-file copy in IVVEC:
To date: NO response - VERBAL or WRITTEN
-- Letter dated 1/13/90 to U.S. Congressman Silvio O. Conte, with
text-file copy in IVVEC was received 3/26/90.
Flurry of activity! See following letters included
in this issue of NamVet. (Progress again!!!!)
-- Letter(s) dated 1/21/90 to Commissioners and Directors of
Veterans Affairs in 50 states and 2 Territories, with text-
file copy in IVVEC:
To date: 24 positive and helpful responses w/literature;
7 letters returned ADDRESSEE NOT HERE UNABLE TO FORWARD
We are now beginning to receive newsletters produced by the
Veterans Departments of a few states!
I will keep you posted here and in the VIETNAM_VETS echo as to
continuing developments on any of the above issues.
Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man
In kindness, honesty, and good faith
G. Joseph Peck
Moderator, VIETNAM_VETERANS INTERNATIONAL ECHO
Managing Editor, NAMVET
SysOp - VETLINK #1
President, BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER, INC.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 90
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
SILVIO O. CONTE WASHINGTON ADDRESS
First District, Massachusetts 2300 Rayburn Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Phone: 202-225-5335
Ranking Republican Member
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
SUBCOMMITTEES
Labor - Health and Human DISTRICT OFFICES
Services - Education Federal Building
Transportation 78 Center Street Arterial
Pittsfield, MA 01201
LEGISLATIVE Phone: 413-442-0946
Ex Officio Member
Of All Subcommittees 187 High Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS Phone: 413-532-7010
Subcommittee on
Procurement, Innovation, and
Minority Enterprises Development
MIGRATORY BIRD
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 1990
BOARD OF REGENTS
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Mr. G. Joseph Peck
XXX XXXX Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
Dear Mr. Peck:
Enclosed herewith, please find the response that I have received
from Mr. William T. Johnstone, Assistant Postmaster General in
Washington, D.C.
As you will note, Mr. Johnstone has explained that it is the
perogative of the Office of Personnel Management to hand down
determinations with regard to the eligibility of veteran preference
spousal transferrals. A decision by the Office of Personnel
Management to allow or disallow cannot be overruled by the United
States Postal Service.
Mr. Johnstone has further mentioned that you may be eligible for
other positions with the Postal Service. Mr. Larry DeStafano,
Examinations Specialist in Springfield will contact you with regard
to this matter.
I trust that this information is helpful to you. As always, it is
a pleasure to be of service to you. With my continued best wishes
and warm regards, I am
Cordially yours,
/s/
Silvio O. Conte
Member of Congress
SOC:cl
Enclosure
NAM VET Newsletter Page 91
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
)|
_+|__|_
|--- --|
------------------------===========================
\_______________________________________________)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Larry Jewell
NAM VET Newsletter Page 92
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
ASSISTANT POSTMASTER GENERAL
Government Relations Department
Washington, DC 20260-3500
April 10, 1990
Honorable Silvio O. Conte
Member of Congress
Federal Building
78 Center Street Arterial
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201-5092
Dear Congressman Conte:
This is in response to your March 19 letter to Postmaster General
Anthony M. Frank on behalf of Mr. G. Joseph Peck, concerning
Postal Service employment.
The Veterans' Preference Act applies to the Postal Service as it
does to other federal agencies. In compliance with that Act, the
Postal Service has established procedures to implement its provi-
sions. Appointing officers make the decision on claims for most
types of preference. However, cases involving wife or mother
preference based upon physical disqualifications of an ex-service
husband or child, must be made by a medical officer. Appointing
officers at installations are required to refer such claims to
the nearest area office of the Office of Personnel Management
(OPM) for determination. Therefore, the decision by OPM to dis-
allow transfer of 10-point spouse preference to Mr. Peck's wife
cannot be overruled by this agency.
Mr. Peck may be eligible for other positions with the Postal
Service. Springfield Examinations Specialist Larry DeStefano
will contact Mr. Peck regarding other available positions and
their requirements. In the meantime, should Mr. Peck wish to
contact Mr. DeStefano, he may call him at (413) 731-0268. He
is aware of Mr. Peck's concerns and is in the best position
to advise him of postal employment opportunities.
Enclosed is additional information on our selection procedures.
If I may be of further assistance, please let me know.
Sincerely,
/s/
William T. Johnstone
Enclosure
NAM VET Newsletter Page 93
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
XXX XXXX Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
19 April 90
The Honorable
Silvio O. Conte, Member of Congress
78 Center Street Arterial
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
Dear Congressman Conte:
I received your April 12, 1990 letter with enclosures today.
Thank you for all the work you've been doing in and on my behalf
with respect to my 1986 denied and consistently appealed employment
with the US Post Office.
From my 8 Mar 90 letter to Postmaster General Frank:
"Since 1986 I have been denied the position applied for at
the Pittsfield, MA USPO - without even a chance to try - and
all retirement and other attendant benefits that come with
federal employment. Since 1988, my wife has not been afforded
the 10-points preference that were mine. In both instances, my
family has been shortchanged and deprived. I am sure this is
not the way the USPO really is."
Your March 19, 1990 letter advised me that you were forwarding
all the information I had prepared and delivered to your office to
Postmaster General Frank. The reply you forwarded me came from
Assistant Postmaster General Johnstone. I would hope that you
don't feel I'm a tad ungrateful for his response but, somehow, he
seems to overlook the above-quoted paragraph in my letter to
Postmaster Frank. His response also seems to make inconsequential
the FACT that we have now invested 4 (FOUR) years in attempting to
work for the US Post Office - and completely overlooks the FACT
that I wasn't even given a chance to TRY! (For Your Information:
My efforts at attaining US Post Office employment go back quite a
few years. I originally took a US Postal Exam in Los Angeles, CA
in 1966, passed with extremely high scores, had the scores trans-
ferred to Hartford, CT. At that time I was offered MANY different
postal positions but never accepted - in EACH of those offered
positions I was CERTAINLY ENCOURAGED to at least TRY!!!)
While I sincerely appreciate what you and your staff are doing
in and on my behalf with respect to my employment (or lack thereof)
with the US Post Office, in that the answer furnished to you by
Assistant Postmaster General William T. Johnstone is not
satisfactory in that it did not address the issues brought to your
attention and that of Postmaster General Frank but only appeared to
open the door to another round of foot-dragging, lip service, and
raised hopes of possible employment which, as it has in the past,
will most predictably result in disappointment.
Yours, In Service to America ... and my fellow man
In kindness, honesty, and good faith
/s/
G. Joseph Peck
GJP/jct
cc Files
NAM VET Newsletter Page 94
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
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) )
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/ ___________ / .
/O (___________) O O/.
(====================(
NAM VET Newsletter Page 95
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
XXX XXXX Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
20 April 90
The Honorable
Silvio O. Conte, Member of Congress
78 Center Street Arterial
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
Dear Congressman Conte:
There are often times, Sir, when I wish I'd held off my
responses to a letter, communication, or action for at least a day
before I quickly sat down at my computer and fired off a letter.
When I wrote yesterday's letter to you, I kept telling myself
"Wait. Wait. Wait!". My concerns that you (or any person in a
position such as yours) should know a constituents feelings sort
of won out.
I'm surprised that I quickly fired off a letter to you letting
you know that, to me, the response from the USPO was unsatis-
factory. I'm even more surprised that you, knowing what I've been
through for at least the last 9 years, would find the response
from the USPO acceptable. But, being employed yourself and not
having to be concerned about just meeting the daily needs of
yourself, your staff, and your family, I can understand how you
and I would tend to view things in a different perspective.
I keep asking myself, "HOW do you feel that the answer furnished
you is unsatisfactory?" Here's what I keep answering:
1. I surmised from my communication and involvement with
Congressman Conte's office that my letter and concerns
regarding USPO employment would be given directly to
Postmaster General Frank.
The response Congressman Conte and I received was not
from Postmaster General Frank, but his Assistant. Did
Congressman Conte actually bring this matter to the
attention of Postmaster Frank? Did my concerns get HIS
attention?
2. Nearly four years ago, after successfully completing a
Postal Exam and completing two interviews at the USPO
Pittsfield, MA, I was looking forward to working at a job
that would bring my family an income of at least $17000
per year (four times 17000 = $68000 - the MINIMUM amount
that my family and I have been deprived of). As a result
of it being judged that "postal carrier work would be
injurious to my health" (NOT that I could not THEN perform
the duties of the position), I was simultaneously denied
the position and my name was removed from the list of
those eligible for consideration for a Clerk/Carrier
position.
Assistant Postmaster General Johnstone's response
brushed aside the fact that, had my name NOT been removed
from the list of those eligible for consideration for
Clerk/Carrier, it was possible that another Post Office in
the area COULD have used an inside carrier or window
attendant.
3. Assistant Postmaster General Johnstone's response that
NAM VET Newsletter Page 96
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
"Mr. Peck may be eligible for other positions with the
Postal Service." simultaneously seems vague and again
overlooks the four year period that my name has been
removed from any list of eligibles.
Understandably, Mr. Johnstone's response HAS to be vague
where he's mentioning "...MAY be eligible for other
positions..." BUT he makes NO comment concerning the
apparently inappropriate removal of my name from the list
of eligibles nor the denial of, at least, the opportunity
to TRY Postal Carrier work (there IS a probationary period
that ALL USPO employees are subject to upon their hire)
4. The USPO denied ME the position I applied for. If that is
the case and they wouldn't give ME the job BECAUSE OF MY
DISABILITIES, since my wife now HAS to work in order for
our family to survive, at least the USPO could have
allowed the transference of my 10-points preference to her
for a similar position.
When Assistant Postmaster General Johnstone replied that
" ... cases involving wife or mother preference based upon
physical disqualifications of an ex-service husband or
child, must be made by a medical officer. ... Therefore,
the decision by OPM to disallow transfer of 10-point
spouse preference to Mr. Peck's wife cannot be overruled
by this agency.", it sort of reminded me of a ping-pong
match between the USPO and OPM. On one side of the table
is OPM saying, "Its the USPO's decision". On the other,
the USPO saying, "...cannot be overruled by this agency."
It also indicated, to me, for my wife to gain the 10-
points preference because her husband has been physically
disqualified for a USPO position, we would have to file
appropriate appeals/claims with OPM. And then, as in the
past, OPM would say, "Its the USPO's decision." It seems
a real good exercise in "passing-the-buck" - with no one
really wanting to make a decision.
I know that you and your office were happy to send me the news
from the Assistant Postmaster General's office, and I know, too,
that, had you not experienced what I have, you would have felt a
certain optimistic promise reading that "Springfield Examinations
Specialist Larry DeStefano will contact Mr. Peck regarding other
available positions and their requirements." "I" felt happy when
I opened your letter and saw an enclosure from the US Postal
Service.
In the process of declaring Chapter 13 bankruptcy (Attorney
XXXXXXX XXXXX is our representative in this issue); on the verge
of losing our house and home; working as a dishwasher (at the
XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXXX, XXXXXXXXXXX, MA) - 'cause I've been non-
successful with my efforts at seeking employment and I HAVE to
take care of my family; my VA Claim for Unemployability again
denied and now awaiting notice from an appeal of its denial (with
new evidence furnished)... almost totally sleepless nights (I'm
writing this at 4 in the morning - Worried, I've been up all night
again...
I hope, Congressman Conte, that I've detailed in a better manner
the reasons WHY I felt the response from the USPO was "not satis-
factory" - and that I've somehow communicated to you WHY you and
I, at this time, MIGHT see things in a different perspective.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 97
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
THANK YOU for understanding - and for helping where you can.
Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man
In kindness, honesty, and good faith
/s/
G. Joseph Peck
GJP/jct
cc Files
NAM VET Newsletter Page 98
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
SILVIO O. CONTE WASHINGTON ADDRESS
First District, Massachusetts 2300 Rayburn Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Phone: 202-225-5335
Ranking Republican Member
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
SUBCOMMITTEES
Labor - Health and Human DISTRICT OFFICES
Services - Education Federal Building
Transportation 78 Center Street Arterial
Pittsfield, MA 01201
LEGISLATIVE Phone: 413-442-0946
Ex Officio Member
Of All Subcommittees 187 High Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS Phone: 413-532-7010
Subcommittee on
Procurement, Innovation, and
Minority Enterprises Development
MIGRATORY BIRD
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
April 20, 1990
BOARD OF REGENTS
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Mr. G. Joseph Peck
XXX XXXX Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
Dear Mr. Peck:
Once again, I am writing to acknowledge receipt of the two letters
you hand delivered to my Pittsfield Office which voiced your
objections to the response received from the office of the
Postmaster General in Washington, D.C.
Please note, Mr. Peck, that I have again forwarded your
correspondence to Postmaster General, Anthony Frank, for his review
and have pointed out that you require a personal response directly
from him.
As always, I will not delay in sending you the response that I
receive from Mr. Frank.
Wish my best wishes and warm regards, I am
Cordially yours,
/s/
Silvio O. Conte
Member of Congress
SOC:cl
NAM VET Newsletter Page 99
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
XXX XXXX Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
7 May 90
The Honorable
Silvio O. Conte, Member of Congress
78 Center Street Arterial
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
Dear Congressman Conte:
This is an update to my situation concerning lack of employment
within the US Postal Service that you have so often helped me with
during the past few years.
On or about 26 April 90, stating that he'd received a telephone
call that date from Washington DC to "call Mr. Peck", Examinations
Specialist Mr. Larry DeStefano ofthe Springfield, MA Post Office
telephoned me to see if there was anything he could do to answer
my questions and/or resolve the situation concerning employment
positions within the US Post Service.
Mr. DeStefano informed me that he was at a slight disadvantage
because he only had my name and no other records or information to
deal with. As best I could, I attempted to "fill him in" on how
we got to where we are now. Mr. DeStefano then described US
Postal Service positions such as Custodian and Letter Sorter
(which entails sitting at a machine and keying in the correct
destination for an article of mail according to its Zip Code) for
which a disabled veteran is specifically entitled and that there
are no examination requirements other than proof of disability.
Saying that examinations for those type of positions would not be
held for at least two months and that the letter-sorter position
is in the process of being phased out, Mr. DeStefano asked for my
Social Security Number, address, and telephone number and said
that he would put me on the list for any future examinations and
that I would be mailed notification of when/where to report.
I deeply appreciate your involvement and concern in this
situation and will promptly advise you should I be offered - and
allowed to begin - employment within the Postal Service.
Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man
In kindness, honesty, and good faith
/s/
G. Joseph Peck
GJP/jct
cc Files
NAM VET Newsletter Page 100
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Now we've done it <grin>
__________
\ NamVet \
_____) Summary )_____
_________(____(_________(_____(@)
) ) gjp
/ O O O O O O O O O/_/|
/<> O O O O O O O O O/ |
/MM O O O O O O O MM/ |
/ ___________ / .
/O (___________) O O/. 9 May 90
(====================(
Well... now that we're in sort of a "holding pattern" waiting
for the US Postal Service to come through with their possible
employment, it seems like a good time to review what's transpired
with this entire matter in a way that YOU - or someone you know -
may be able to positively benefit from it.
When the veteran (me, in this instance) successfully completed
the examination for Postal Clerk/Carrier and two subsequent
interviews with the USPO but was eventually denied the position
because of his service-connected disabilities, an appeal of the
decision was made to Office of Personnel Management in
Washington, DC which was denied. Since the veteran was denied
USPO employment, he then requested that his 10-points
veteran-preference be granted his spouse, who was also seeking
USPO employment. That, too, was denied.
Finally, he took everything to his congressman. The congressman
began, essentially, the SAME steps that the veteran had already
taken. After two or three of these "steps," the veteran, in a
letter to the congressman, objected to "duplication of efforts"
and requested that another approach be taken. The congressman's
office suggested that the veteran write a letter to the United
States Postmaster General. Upon receipt of the letter from the
veteran, the congressman's office assured the veteran that the
congressman would personally see to it that the Postmaster
General received the letter.
A few months passed and the veteran received news from his
congressman that the Assistant Postmaster General had replied to
his letter.
At first pleased that he HAD heard something from both the
congressman and the Postmaster General's office, the veteran then
took a second look and objected to the letter, stating that it
was "not acceptable," hand-delivering a letter to the
congressman's office. A few hours passed, the veteran thought
that the congressman should know WHY he'd objected to the contents
of the letter from the Assistant Postmaster General, and
explained and detailed the reasons in a second letter to the
congressman, which he also hand-delivered the following morning.
Now CLEARLY understanding the veterans' position, the congressman
wrote back to the veteran that he would do all possible to see to
it that the Postmaster General was aware of the veterans
situation(s).
NAM VET Newsletter Page 101
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
In educational summation: If there's something that displeases
you and you involve your political representatives, be sure to
explain to them in the greatest detail possible EXACTLY what it
is that you, as a veteran/dependent/other, are seeking. It helps
your representative do the things you ask of them.
I will keep you all apprised of any changes in this situation -
but, for now, I think we've got a pretty good handle on it.
Ci'ao for Ni'ao
-Joe-
__________
\ NamVet \
_____) Summary )_____
_________(____(_________(_____(@)
) ) gjp
/ O O O O O O O O O/_/|
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/O (___________) O O/. 9 May 90
(====================(
NAM VET Newsletter Page 102
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
==================================================================
I V V E C & N a m V e t - W H E R E ?
==================================================================
The NAM VET Roll Call
The following are the current locations where the NamVet
newsletter and Annual editions are currently sent and, as I
understand it, available for Bark/Wazoo File Requests.
FidoNet & AlterNet Nodes:
------------------------
Scott McKnight 1:389/2001 Blytheville, Arkansas
Mike Nelson 1:125/20 Burlingame, California
Greg Peters 1:103/232 La Mirada, California
Sam Saulys 1:141/488 Branford, Connecticut
John McCorkle 1:369/10 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Charles Harper 1:370/10 West Athens, Georgia
Gene Clayton 1:161/414 Kauai, Hawaii
Gordon Kaough 1:380/5 Lake Charles, LA
Mort Sternheim 1:321/109 Amherst, Massachusetts
G. Joseph Peck 1:321/203 Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Pete Farias 1:321/210 Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Vern Pero 1:321/212 Dalton, Massachusetts
Jim Henthorn 1:261/1044 Baltimore, Maryland
Bob Rudolph 1:261/0 Reisterstown, Maryland
Wayne Parrish 1:308/20 Alamogordo, New Mexico
Chuck Haynes 1:308/60 Alamogordo, New Mexico
Mike Connealy 1:305/101 Las Cruces, New Mexico
Kathleen Kelly 1:1033/0 Staten Island, New York
Tom Mickus 1:480/114 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bob Currie 1:105/204 Milwaukie, Oregon
Luis Salazar 1:367/16 San Juan, P.R.
Jerry Hindle 7:48/0 Stratford Heights, Tennessee
Aaron Schmiedel 1:124/4106 Dallas, Texas
Carrie Brown 1:130/10 Fort Worth, Texas
Rick Edwards 1:106/113 Houston, Texas
Bob Davis 1:106/116 Houston, Texas
Art Fellner 1:106/437 Missouri City, Texas
Ray Moreau 1:109/316 Herndon, Virginia
Jim Barth 1:350/21 Brownsville, Washington
Ralph Sims 1:350/341 Grapeview, Washington
Other Nets:
----------
Martin Kroll MetroLink Chatsworth, GA
Lefty Frizzell RelayNet Houston, Texas
Ed Lucas QuickLink Houston, Texas
Edward Green Shop Qbbs Exeter, NH (603)778-1698
Areas not covered:
If *-YOUR-* BBS is in any of the areas listed below *-AND-* you
have the NAM VET available for File Requests, please let us know
your BBS (and SysOp) Name, its net/node number (if any), and its
telephone number so that we might be able to direct a user in *-
YOUR-* area to you.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 103
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
- * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * -
Australian Continent - All European Continent - All
Alabama Alaska Arizona
Calgary, Canada Colorada Delaware
Idaho Illinois Indiana
Iowa Kansas Kentucky
Maine Minnesota Wisconsin
Mississippi Missouri Connecticut
Montana Nebraska New Jersey
Nevada North Carolina North Dakota
Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania
South Carolina South Dakota Utah
Vancouver, B.C Vermonts Washington, D.C.
West Virginia Winnipeg, Canada Wyoming
Thanx for your help...
Ci'ao for Ni'ao
-Joe-
NamVet's Managing Editor
NAM VET Newsletter Page 104
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Parameters of VIETNAM_VETS echoconference...
This message will be placed in the VIETNAM_VETS echomail
area at regular intervals. This message constitutes the
parameters regarding the use, access and distribution of
the VIETNAM_VETS EchoConference.
LEGALITIES: VIETNAM_VETS is an International "veteran-support"
EchoConference that is privately owned and operated as both a
support mechanism and outreach effort by its originator, Todd
Looney and G. Joseph Peck, President, Berkshire Veterans' Center,
Inc.
VIETNAM_VETS is moderated by G. Joseph Peck.
The ECHOMAIL COORDINATOR of VIETNAM_VETS is presently G. Joseph
Peck - FidoNet 1:321/203; AlterNet 7:46/203 (1-413-443-6313).
VIETNAM_VETS is carried as a courtesy and service to America's
veterans on the FidoNet <tm> echomail "backbone" and through parts
of AlterNet <tm> and other networks.
Where policies of FidoNet <tm> or other networks and those of
VIETNAM_VETS conflict, every effort will be made to reach an
amicable solution to any posed problem. The right is
herein reserved by the Moderator/EchoMail Coordinator, G. Joseph
Peck, to remove VIETNAM_VETS from a network should the
policies of that network prove to be obstructive rather
than conducive to the mission of this EchoConference.
OVERVIEW: For some Vietnam Veterans, every day is a bitter
struggle to survive as they try to find some way to either escape
the horrible memories of that war or to come to terms with
themselves so they and their families can begin a normal life.
For other veterans of the Vietnam era there is often a fervent
desire for comradery with members of the military who also served
during that troubled time in our nations history. Until May of
1986 and the creation of the International Vietnam Veterans
EchoConference (IVVEC) at the Vietnam Veterans' Valhalla, finding
a way to satisfy the needs of these - the toughest, most
persistent and determined veterans in ALL of US history - as well
as give non-veterans and others a chance to interact and learn
firsthand from the Vietnam veterans about the war and its
complexities, was difficult at best. IVVEC has changed all
that!
DESCRIPTION: VIETNAM_VETS is an "open forum" type conversational
conference for the discussion of topics related to service in the
Southeast Asian and other theaters, crisis support and possible
intervention, state and federal benefit entitlements, employment
rights and guarantees, discharge upgrading, and other veteran
service-oriented topics.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the International VIETNAM_VETS
EchoConference (IVVEC) is to be the support vehicle through which
the veteran, particularly the Vietnam veteran, and his or her
family will have an opportunity to communicate about his or her
war experiences, often for the first time since returning from
Vietnam. Each of us - as veterans, significant and/or concerned
others - participate in the IVVEC to help each other with support,
suggestions, ideas and comments. Together, as one of America's
proudest groups, we can share resources and experiences which will
strengthen and build our fellow veterans and may help provide a
NAM VET Newsletter Page 105
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
guide through the labyrinth of state and federal services many of
us have honorably earned and have every right to expect.
HANDLES: The use of "handles" in VIETNAM_VETS is allowed, only if
the handle that you use is the name you normally use on the board
on which you access the conference.
MESSAGE CONTENT(S): Personal attacks on individuals whose
sometimes-strong opinions differ from the IVVEC "norm" are
discouraged. The object is to learn from and support others, not
argue with them or "go for their throat"! <grin>
Aside from the parameter concerning attacks upon other users, it
is hereby stipulated that messages in the conference will use
tasteful language.
Flames, comments, suggestions and such should be addressed to
the conference moderator/coordinator via netmail at 1:321/203 and
NOT posted in the EchoConference.
Generally, messages should relate to the discussion of topics
related to service in the Southeast Asian and other theaters,
crisis support and possible intervention, state and federal
benefit entitlements, employment rights and guarantees,
discharge upgrading, as related to prior military service.
ADVERTISING: Advertising of for-profit organizations is not
allowed. Acceptable advertising is that which announces a
veteran-oriented BBS, supports a veteran-related enterprise of a
veteran-member of the EchoConference, or of the efforts of a
nationally recognized veterans' group or organization.
DISTRIBUTION: The conference is commonly known as the
International Vietnam Veterans EchoConference (IVVEC) and is
distributed throughout America, Canada and parts of Australia as
"VIETNAM_VETS". Distribution in America is generally via the
FidoNet <tm> backbone which is part of the distribution topology
currently in effect. Other nets distributing the VIETNAM_VETS
EchoConference are asked to follow proper procedures for
zonegating as established by the FIDONET <tm> International
Coordinator.
All messages in the echo MUST have an ORIGIN: line which
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Distributing messages between systems of various networks
without authorized zonegating and/or changing of distribution
topology beyond the original transfer is in direct violation of
the distribution topology of this conference.
Fido-AlterNet Nodelist as of 03/01/90, Sorted by Area Code
Also received on RelayNet; MetroLink; QuickLink
Max
Net/Node Name, City Telephone No Baud
========= ================================= ============== ==
7:520/563 3 EEE's BBS, Clifton NJ Ed Edell 1-201-340-3531 96
107/563 EEE's BBS Clifton NJ Ed Edell 1-201-340-3531 96
141/488 Alice's Restaurant Branford CT 1-203-488-1115 24
141/250 Wilton Woods Wilton, CT 1-203-762-8481 96
124/201 Hardwired Dallas, TX 1-204-931-2987 24
344/117 LSO QuickBBS, Everett WA 1-206-334-3088 96
344/9 The Precedent, Everett WA 1-206-355-1295 ?
138/35 US HDS Human Service Seattle, WA 1-206-442-8127 24
NAM VET Newsletter Page 106
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
343/26 AFMINS BBS 1-206-488-4309 96
343/111 Lessor Puget TB Edmonds, WA 1-206-742-8067 24
138/52 Burrell's Ballpark Tacoma, WA 1-206-752-4672 24
138/4 PTC Net Mount Vernon, WA 1-206-757-5248 24
138/49 The Cohort Puyallup, WA 1-206-848-2646 96
138/101 Story Board Puyallup, WA 1-206-848-5317 96
138/3 Reg17 ADVISOR EMERITUS Puyallup WA 1-206-848-9232 24
200/200 CSULB Long Beach, CA 1-213-494-8737 12
200/100 The Board Room Belmont Shores CA 1-213-498-6425 24
124/117 NCC-1701 Node 1 Dallas, TX 1-214-240-8821 24
124/106 CHAI Way II Dallas, TX 1-214-250-3323 96
136/200 The Chai Way II Austin, TX 1-214-358-3738 24
124/4210 Hardwired Dallas TX 1-214-437-4075 96
124/110 Flying Dutchman Dallas, TX 1-214-642-3436 96
124/14 Chrysalis Dallas, TX 1-214-985-9054 24
157/501 The PC-Key BBS Girard OH 1-216-545-9205 24
157/1 Auer Register Cleveland, OH 1-216-883-0578 24
227/1 Michiana TechLine Mishawaka, IN 1-219-258-0286 96
227/150 The SX Project Whiting IN 1-219-659-2711 24
13/33 Avi-Technic Lutherville, MD 1-301-252-0717 96
109/648 Falcon's Rock College Park, MD 1-301-345-7459 24
261/1004 The PainFrame 1-301-488-7461 ?
13/30 The Futurists BBS Perry Hall, MD 1-301-529-0716 96
109/717 Tin Badge BBS Silver Spring, MD 1-301-589-2016 12
109/722 Ronnie's Roadies, Camp Springs MD 1-301-736-0135 12
261/628 Liberty Hall Reisterstown, MD 1-301-833-8933 24
261/1044 Firestation BBS, Baltimore, MD 1-301-866-8613 24
261/1007 FINAL FRONTIER 1-301-947-4404 ?
104/51 P2 B2 South Denver, CO 1-303-329-3337 24
104/28 Pinecliff BBS Boulder, CO 1-303-444-7073 24
128/16 Firenet Leader Colorado Springs CO 1-303-591-9600 24
104/739 The Phoenix Parker, CO 1-303-841-9570 24
135/35 The Sober Way Out BBS Miami, FL 1-305-445-6917 24
135/27 Bitsy's Place Miami Beach FL 1-305-865-0495 96
232/4 Runways End OPUS Peoria, IL 1-309-691-5416 96
115/20 North Shore BBS Evanston, IL 1-312-491-2611 24
115/529 Elk Grove Repeater Elk Grv Vlg IL 1-312-529-1586 24
115/761 ICS/TRIX 1 OPUS Chicago, IL 1-312-761-7887 24
11/202 SouthSide BBS Indianapolis, IN 1-317-882-9330 12
380/5 Duffy's Tavern Recovery Board 1-318-436-2992 96
285/622 Friend's BBS Omaha, NE Joan Renne 1-402-896-2669 24
370/5 Athens Forum Athens, GA 1-404-546-7857 96
370/11 Classic City Vet's Conf, Athens, GA1-404-548-0130 ?
370/10 Classic Quick Echo, Athens, GA 1-404-548-0726 24
128/13 COSUG-Colorado's User Clrdo Spg CO 1-719-633-4563 24
385/6 Bink's Barn Lawton, OK 1-405-357-2473 24
385/4 Info-Net Lawton, OK 1-405-357-6181 24
147/14 Dark Star TBBS Oklahoma City, OK 1-405-691-0863 96
363/10 Midas Touch Orlando, FL 1-407-648-1133 24
363/9 MaMaB--Mark's Bedroom, Orlanda, FL 1-407-894-0807 96
157/506 Beacon Hill OPUS Transfer, PA 1-412-962-9514 24
321/109 PIONEER VALLEY PCUG #1 Amherst, MA 1-413-256-1037 96
321/203 VETLink #1 Pittsfield, MA 1-413-443-6313 24
321/210 Berkshire_Estates Pittsfield, MA 1-413-499-1327 96
154/200 PC-Express Greenfield, WI 1-414-327-5300 24
139/640 Fox Valley Tech Appleton, WI 1-414-735-2513 24
125/78 Living Sober BBS San Mateo, CA 1-415-342-2859 24
143/20 SeaHunt BBS, Burlington, CA 1-415-343-5904 96
143/86 Cat's Tail BBS STOP San Mateo CA 1-415-349-8245 24
NAM VET Newsletter Page 107
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
161/208 G.A.D.M. Multi-User Hayward, CA 1-415-581-3019 ?
125/31 Echo Coord San Francisco CA 1-415-621-5206 96
161/56 Nat'l Family Forum Freemont, CA 1-415-651-4147 24
161/1 Nerd's Nook Concord CA 1-415-672-2504 96
161/509 Enterprize Pinole, CA 1-415-758-1650 24
161/7 Mover Mouse BBS Fremont, CA 1-415-883-1644 24
11/700 FCAU IBM Net Toronto, ON 1-416-427-0682 96
148/120 Genetic Research Vat Toronto ON 1-416-480-0551 24
14/703 Telen-Quest BBS 1-417-882-5108 ?
19/43 McScott's BBS, Blytheville AR 1-502-532-6212 96
105/61 Shotgun OPUS Portland, OR 1-503-760-4521 24
105/16 Net 105 EchoMail Hub Portland, OR 1-503-761-3003 24
305/105 Desert Dolphin, Las Cruces, NM 1-505-523-2811 96
322/230 Denis's OPUS, Ayer, MA (Ft.Devins) 1-508-772-6373 ?
382/1 Crystal Palace Lake Travis, TX 1-512-339-8037 24
387/401 Comp-U-Gen II San Antonio TX 1-512-496-9373 24
387/601 NCOA Intl BBS San Antonio TX 1-512-653-0409 24
382/14 Corona Del Mar Rockport, TX 1-512-729-7026 96
110/20 EDS Data Dayton, OH 1-513-455-2431 24
221/156 Waterloo CBCS PUBLIC Waterloo, ON 1-519-746-5020 96
153/130 VETSTAR (Northwest) 1-602-462-8752 24
114/13 Corwin's Keep Tempe AZ 1-602-644-0179 24
132/101 BBS Source Archive Nashua, NH 1-603-888-8179 24
153/123 DAETECH Burnaby BC 1-604-420-2641 96
153/133 Hot Line Data Network Langley BC 1-604-533-0421 24
220/20 Old Frog's Almanac Nanaimo BC 1-604-758-3072 24
153/508 Ebenezer Christian BBS Mission BC 1-604-826-6607 96
108/50 The ZOO BBS Independence, KY 1-606-283-2040 24
108/105 Global Time Systems Cincinnati, OH 1-606-341-7910 24
108/90 DATANET Info System Erlanger KY 1-606-727-3638 24
150/803 Jersey Vertex Moorestown, NJ 1-609-869-0139 24
362/1 The Mines of Moria Chattanooga, TN 1-615-344-9601 24
362/501 Coconut Telegraph Chattanooga, TN 1-615-698-4858 24
10/215 Silver BBS San Diego, CA 1-619-226-4502 24
202/401 jabberWOCky Escondido CA 1-619-743-9935 24
109/639 The RENEX BBS Woodbridge, VA 1-703-494-8331 24
109/124 ZEPHYR National Capital Area 1-703-620-5418 96
109/604 ShanErin Alexandria, VA 1-703-941-8291 24
379/201 Metro Link Charlotte, NC 1-704-553-9534 96
125/7 Survival Forum Santa Rosa, CA 1-707-545-0746 96
125/12 The Grape Vine Santa Rosa, CA 1-707-546-4938 24
161/502 Wildcat Benicia CA 1-707-746-5820 24
106/132 Fast BBS OPUS Katy, TX 1-713-392-0093 24
106/114 The Fireside Houston, TX 1-713-496-6319 24
106/357 TMBBS Houston, TX 1-713-497-5433 24
106/108 Stormy Weather I Houston, TX 1-713-644-4345 96
106/113 The Opus Network Houston, TX 1-713-780-4153 24
106/386 Info Center Exchange Houston TX 1-713-872-4429 24
106/111 Shutterbug's OPUS Houston, TX 1-713-880-4329 24
103/507 Philosopher's Log Anaheim CA 1-714-535-1258 96
103/501 Mount Silverthorn Tustin, CA 1-714-544-3369 24
7:441/1 Lord Frog Of Swamp 1-715-362-3895 ?
13/1033 NY Transfer Staten Island, NY 1-718-448-2358 24
12/7 HPCUA Honolulu HI 1-808-422-8406 96
12/1 Aura Net Honolulu, HI 1-808-533-0190 24
130/5 CUSSNET UTA Arlington, TX 1-817-273-3966 24
366/38 Jolly Green Giant Shalimar, FL 1-904-651-3875 96
19/5 Micro Application El Paso TX 1-915-594-9738 24
381/201 Pro Link San Angelo, TX 1-915-944-2952 24
NAM VET Newsletter Page 108
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
161/943 Eagle's Nest Sacramento, CA 1-916-334-2822 96
161/39 Nightline Mather AFB, CA 1-916-362-1755 24
161/11 The Byte Boutique Sacramento CA 1-916-483-8032 24
161/5 River City II OPUS Sacramento, CA 1-916-646-9678 96
161/34 Now and Zen OPUS Fair Oaks CA 1-916-962-1952 96
151/601 VMC-BBS Winston-Salem NC 1-919-744-0883 24
151/100 NC Central Raleigh, NC 1-919-851-8460 96
151/1000 REDCON Raleigh, NC 1-919-859-3353 96
632/350 Yarra Valley BBS Melbourne AU 61-3-848-331 12
NAM VET Newsletter Page 109
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Some Gave ALL ... Some Still Give!!!
O O
O SOME GAVE ALL ...
________O__________________________________O______________
! O O !
! pow mia pow mia - BRING THEM HOME NOW! - pow mia pow mia !
! O O !
! ~~~~~ ~ ~ O~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~ O ~~ ~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ !
! ~~~~ ~ ~~ O ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~O~~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~~ ~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ O~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ O ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~ !
! ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~ O ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ O ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ ~ !
! ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ O ~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ O ~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ !
! ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ O ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ O ~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ O ~_~_~_~_~_ ~ O ~ ~~~~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~~~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~ O ) O ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ /(O) / O \ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ / / O \~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ !
! ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ / PRISONER / \~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~~~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ / / MISSING \~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~ !
! ~~~ ~ ~~ ~~ / OF /\ \~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~ !
! ~ ~~~~ ~~ ~ / / \ IN \~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ !
! ~~~ ~~~ ~ / WAR / ~~ \ \ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~ ~ / / ~ ~~ \ ACTION / ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~~ ~~ ~~~(__________/ ~~ ~~~ \ / ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ !
! ~~~~~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~~ \ / ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ !
! ~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~ \ / ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~ !
! ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ \ /~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
! ~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~ SOME STILL GIVE
! ~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~
! ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ !
! mia pow mia pow - BRING THEM HOME NOW! - mia pow mia pow !
!__________________________________________________________!
NAM VET Newsletter Page 110
Larry Jewell
brother and sister veterans.
I am part of a proud and patriotic family that has served in the
Spanish American War, World War 1, World War 2, The Korean War,
and Vietnam. When soldiers came home from all but the Vietnam war
they were treated as heroes, gained instant respect in the
NAM VET Newsletter Page 13
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
community, and had no troubles obtaining further education and
meaningful employment thus making their transition back into
civilian life a little bit easier to handle. The Vietnam veterans
came home from a war that was not won to be spat upon and face
chants of "baby killer" and "murderer." Those of us who applied
to the VA as early as 1971 for service connected skin disorders
were denied our claims. Employers did not want to take a chance
on hiring "crazed" Vietnam veterans in more cases than we would
like to admit. Many of us who attempted to further our education
through the GI Bill were discriminated against also. I can give
you a good personal case history if you are interested but will
not go into it at this time. So where were we to turn for help?
When many of us tried to affiliate with The American Legion and
The Veterans of Foreign Wars we were not welcomed. After all we
were losers and had not fought in a "real" war, or so we were
told. At this point I, and many other Vietnam veterans, just said
"to hell with it" and tried to get on with our lives in the best
way that we could. In other words we became "loners" and withdrew
into ourselves. We had many problems to face and conquer and some
of us have been successful and many others have not been quite so
fortunate.
Compounding the problems were the fact that at that time many
people viewed The American Legion and the VFW as just a place to
go get drunk, tell war stories, dance a little, and get into a
fight. Many posts still have that reputation whether it was
"earned" or not. Our local Dalton Post was the subject several
years ago of a highly publicized raid that netted a drug bust and
an illegal gambling operation. The Post was subsequently
padlocked by court order and shut down for quite a period of time.
Although it is questionable as to just how many of the individuals
involved were actually veterans, people tend to link these
unfortunate events with veterans and do not forget easily. It
seemed that the "Legion" was not for veterans, but rather for
anyone that had the cover charge to get in the door, the price of
a few beers, and looking to have a good time.
In light of all these circumstances, I hope that it is now clear
to you why many Vietnam veterans have not been aware of The
American Legion's leadership in the areas of Agent Orange and
PTSD. Many of us were already burdened with more problems than we
needed, had been shunned by society, employers, educators, and
veterans organizations alike, and just simply chose to withdraw
into a hardened shell and ignore many things that we should have
been paying attention to all along.
It is easy to see now though that there have been not one, but two
"American Legions" all along. There is the one that you and many
others are a part of and the rest of us are deeply indebted to.
Proud, hard-working individuals at the forefront of the battles
for gaining and keeping benefits and rights for veterans. Always
diligently striving to do your best and not receiving much
publicity or reward for your efforts. Then there is the "other"
American Legion, the one that many veterans see when they return
to civilian life. The Legion where you go to get drunk, tell war
stories, dance a little, and maybe get into a fight or two. This
is the one that is seen by the average working class veteran and
much of the public.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 14
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
I fully understand that the Legion can not survive on membership
dues alone and continue to do the good work that they do. It can
also be argued that the "bar room" atmosphere of many of the
veterans organizations local posts is indeed what attracts many
veterans to come in to begin with. I can't help to feel though
that a change of image on the local level would do quite a bit to
enhance the respectability of veterans overall. Don't get me
wrong here Robert, occasionally I like to have a drink as much as
the next person, but my opinion is that if the veterans organi-
zations must engage in a business to survive, then it should be an
exclusive place for veterans and their guests where you would not
care to take [Editor note: Regional colloquialism - meaning the
same as: "not care about taking"] your children and the atmosphere
would be more conducive to discussing matters of importance to
veterans over a nice dinner, enjoy family activities, and be a
pillar of respectability in the community. I may again be wrong
on this one since I have not been inside a Legion Post for a
number of years. If things have indeed changed please accept my
apology, set me straight, and understand that this may be one of
the reasons that many veterans are not aware of the tremendous
amount of good that you guys of the "other" American Legion are
doing.
You also stated that "Perhaps what we have been doing for dozens
of years might not have been exciting, it might not have gotten us
into the headlines, but it sure kept us in the forefront of our
main mission -- that of veterans affairs and rehabilitation."
This is very true, and The American Legion should be commended for
hanging in there when many of us didn't. These actions have been
a labor of love and a sacrifice for the many Legionnaires like
yourself. Times do change though as do wars and attitudes.
The Agent Orange and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder issues are
different from the issues of previous wars in many respects. The
only way that these issues will be resolved in an acceptable
manner though is through massive public support. Enough support
that the voice of the veterans and the public at large will be
heard loud and clear in Washington D.C. and government officials
get the message that "they are our servants" paid for by our blood
and our tax dollars "rather than us being their subjects!" The
only way that I see to gain that public support is by gaining
respectability in all areas, drawing all veterans into one massive
group effort, getting much more publicity for our accomplishments
than we have in the past, and yes.... We MUST capture the
headlines in a favorable way! Are you aware that almost one out
of six home mortgages in this country are Veterans Administration
guaranteed? How could so large a segment of this population
possibly have to be always on the alert and forever struggling and
fighting for benefits that are regularly threatened or never given
to begin with? The answer is because of a severe lack of unity.
Can we work together to correct this?
You also said that you welcome anyone to assist where it counts
and that "Frankly it angers me that people have a tendency to
write about an issue when it's "hot," but when it concerns helping
a veteran and his family, more times than not they are left
wanting." This is a very good point, but maybe it should anger us
more that the issues do not stay "hot" for long enough periods to
NAM VET Newsletter Page 15
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
encourage the massive publicity that is severely needed to reach
into every nook and cranny of our great nation.
Just in the past year I discovered Vetlink #1, an electronic BBS
in Pittsfield, Massachusetts that is dedicated to helping
veterans. I began to come out of my shell and realized that I had
given up the fight too soon but at the same time I questioned
whether or not I would have been capable of continuing the battle
intelligently at that point in my life. So full of resentment
because we were shunned and discriminated against, so full of
anger at the government for exposing us to toxic chemicals and
denying that they harmed us, I doubt if I could have continued at
that time without exploding. Through reading the many messages to
and from Vietnam veterans on Vetlink #1 and reading the monthly
Namvet Newsletter, I soon understood that I was not alone and I
wanted to be in the mainstream again so I became more and more
involved with Vetlink #1 and Namvet.
It saddens me to know that there are many thousands of other
Vietnam veterans still out there in their own little hardened
world who have not been reached yet. It saddens me to know that
veterans organizations are fragmented and not pulling together.
It saddens me to know that many veterans and their wives and
children still suffer from just not knowing how their health and
lives have been affected by Agent Orange and PTSD. It saddens me
to know that a massive battle must be fought in order to gain the
proper health care for veterans and their families when it is
common knowledge that health care is justifiable and deserved,
bought and paid for not only with our blood, but in this case with
the physical and emotional health of our wives and children also.
It makes me happier to see an individual such as yourself who is
dedicated to our cause and willing to remain open minded and
continue with the battle when so many of us have failed.
I appreciate your decision to add me to your mailing list and
sincerely hope that we can all work together to gain the momentum
that we so desperately need at this point in the history of our
great nation. I agree with you that we are part of a brotherhood
that should be committed to those that still need our help and
would like to add just one last thought... "United we stand, and
divided we fall!" I would also appreciate it very much if you
would make copies of this response available to Miles Epling,
Robert Turner, and Lew Wood.
Sincerely,
Martin H. Kroll, Sr.
Vietnam Veteran 1966-67
Sysop - Fort Mountain BBS
Namvet Agent Orange Editor
P.S. Would you by chance have access to a computer system and
modem? Your presence in the International Vietnam Veterans
Echo Conference from time to time wouldn't hurt a thing, and
who knows just what good might come from it? Heck, you
might even bump into some old friends there and make some
new ones too.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 16
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
_ ______ _______ __ _ _______
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H_____H H \\ / \\ H \\H H_____M H______
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- . .. V I E T N A M V E T E R A N . _ -
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- .- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -.- -
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.-. XXXXXXXX ]XXXXXXXXX ]XXXXXXXX .- -
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" I t ' s o n l y t e e n a g e a c n e ! "
-Robert Nimmo-
NAM VET Newsletter Page 17
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
"Cancer-stricken veteran hopes recent VA decision covers illness"
By: Laura Palmer
El Paso Times Sun. Apr. 8,1990
Input by: Joyce Flory
NAM VETs Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor
Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM
(505) 523-2811
Rick Strubeck, a Vietnam veteran in East Brunswick, NJ, clutches
to hope the way he once held an M-16. It's almost the only weapon
he has in his desperate struggle against bone marrow cancer.
The 39-year old, who was heavily exposed to Agent Orange in
Vietnam, is hoping his cancer will be included in the latest
Veterans Administration ruling, which makes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
a service-connected disability. In the six months since his story
appeared in this column, Strubeck's health has deteriorated. The
pain is relentless and he needs a cane to walk.
His doctor describes Strubeck's cancer as a "next-door neighbor
to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, "so there's a possibility that because
it's a related illness, he may soon be eligible for benefits.
Now, because his illness is not considered service-connected, he
gets nothing and is treated as a charity case at a nearby medical
center.
His main concern is for his wife and two small children. This
week he felt a flicker of hope. "If I was getting money every
month and I could know that my children could go to college if
they wanted to and have medical coverage, that would mean a great
deal to me. I can't go out and work."
The latest ruling, handed down late last week, will mean a
maximum monthly payment of $1,500 for veterans who are 100 percent
disabled by their cancers. Veterans who have had earlier non-
Hodgkin's lymphoma claims denied will receive payments retroactive
to the time of denial.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Edward Derwinski says: "When in
doubt, give veterans the benefit. I don't think I should make a
judgment in any other way."
Derwinski's action was based on a Centers for Diseases Control
cancer study that found men who served in Vietnam had a 50 percent
greater chance of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma than men who
didn't.
What would Derwinski have done if the study had concluded that
Vietnam vets had only a 25 percent greater chance of developing
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
"Frankly, yes, "Derwinski said.
Fifteen percent? "Probably." Even 10? "Probably."
Derwinski is a man who plays his cards close to his chest. He
looks like a linebacker, but politically he moves like Fred
Astaire. The job gets done.
This latest decision will cost the government at least $20
million. What if Derwinski had been told the cost was too high?
"Any dollar and cents argument would not have washed, in my
opinion," he said. "When you say the (VA) benefits budget is $16
billion, $20 million is absorbable."
Derwinski says he hopes to complete work on additional Agent
Orange guidelines by the end of May. His adviser on the issue,
Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, is due to hand in his report at the end of
April. Derwinski will then consult with his advisory commission
in May and make his decision.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 18
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
"I don't want to announce that we are going to wait another year
and a half for some other study, "Derwinski says. "We are not
going to be ducking."
Meanwhile, Strubeck lives in pain and waits with expectation.
"Benefits for my family would take a load off my mind," he says.
"If this disease overcomes me and they planted me 6 feet under I
would rest in peace knowing that my family wouldn't be left
struggling."
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NAM VET Newsletter Page 19
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
For these women, the battle continues
By: Cal Orey
Woman's World Investigates - April 17, 1990
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
In the last 10 years, Lily Adams's life has been one medical
crisis after another. She's suffered from skin disease, endured a
life-threatening pregnancy and given birth to a son with serious
intestinal problems.
Maureen Nerli has also lived through medical nightmares. She
speaks wistfully of the days when she was "as healthy as a horse."
Now her life's a round of migraines, body rashes, dizziness and
thyroid problems.
Illness is Penny Burwell's constant companion too. She's been
hit with bone disease, kidney stones and gynecological problems
that resulted in a hysterectomy. Penny says her doctors think
"I've come into contact with something that's done very bizarre
things to my body."
According to Lily, Maureen and Penny, Agent Orange is the cause
of their problems.
All three say they were exposed to the dangerous chemical when
they served in Vietnam. From 1962 to 1971, 12 million gallons of
Agent Orange were dumped on the tiny country. American troops
sprayed it from the air and sea in an effort to strip away the
enemy's jungle cover.
Ironically, the chemical once used in an effort to save American
lives may now be destroying them.
One of the reasons Agent Orange is so dangerous is that it
contains dioxin, a cancer-causing contaminant that has been linked
to birth defects, infertility, miscarriage and disorders of the
immune system.
Because dioxin doesn't dissolve in water, Americans in Vietnam
were inadvertently exposed to it in their drinking and bathing
water and in the local food.
Out of the more than 500 military women who have reported coming
in contact with Agent Orange, 85 to 90 percent were nurses.
"Many nurses told us they were stripping clothing off the dead
and dying soldiers," says Paul Sutton, head of the New Jersey
Agent Orange Commission. These soldiers had been out in the
jungle, and their clothing was probably saturated with the deadly
chemical spray.
Marilyn Edgerton-Mallard was one of the Army nurses who tended
these men. Today she is certain that her exposure to Agent Orange
is the cause of her infertility.
"I didn't think being around Agent Orange had affected me until
many years later," Marilyn says. "I tried to get pregnant and
couldn't." Eventually Marilyn underwent a hysterectomy, which she
believes was necessary because of her exposure to the chemical.
What does the government have to say about an issue that may
affect thousands of women who served in Vietnam?
Not much. Hard, scientific data is sketchy. The government
paid the Centers for Disease Control $20 million to conduct an
Agent Orange study but, like most research on this subject, it
didn't include women.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 20
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
And, shockingly, women who served in Vietnam, in the Red Cross
and USO, both civilian volunteer organizations, are being totally
ignored.
Maureen Nerli, who is a former USO worker, says, "Ever since I
came home from Vietnam I have had one illness after another."
Maureen is also distressed that although she served 18 months in
Vietnam as a volunteer, her service isn't officially recognized by
the government, which excludes her from VA health benefits.
"The VA doesn't deal with us. They classify us as non-Vietnam
veterans," she says. Therefore, USO and other civilian workers
can't get compensation. (Army nurses can, but only if they are
seriously disabled.)
Vernon Houk, M.D., of the Environmental Health and Injury
Control of the Centers for Disease Control explains, "It's
possible to do a study of military women who served in Vietnam
because we know who they are, but it is not possible to do a valid
study of the non-military women because there is no master list."
Maureen Nerli understands the frustration. "I have a friend who
served in Vietnam with the Red Cross," she explained. "My friend
called me a couple of months ago. She was hysterical. She said,
"I'm so nervous and depressed. I can't have kids because I was
sprayed with Agent Orange when I was in Vietnam. Does anybody
care?"
Lily Adams, 41, an Agent Orange activist from California, was an
Army nurse in Vietnam. Says Lily, "We keep on saying to the
government we don't want compensation - we want you to do
research. The VA is saying that if it does the research and it
proves there's a connection it's going to go bankrupt."
The issue of compensation is thorny. In 1984, after years of
litigation, a $180 million fund for Vietnam veterans was created
by Agent Orange manufacturers to resolve the class-action suit
filed against them. The fund excludes spouses an birth-defective
children of vets - and, of course, it excludes all civilian
volunteers such as Maureen.
Since there's not enough money to cover all vets, disabled
veterans and their dependents are angry.
So is Karen Johnson, a vet who spent two years in Vietnam as an
Army reporter. She's being compensated with a small monthly
amount because she'd 60-percent disabled, but she is still irate
over what she calls the government's "gobbledygook."
She suffers from a chest ailment and is desperate to know more
about Agent Orange. Will she get worse or die from long-term
effects of the poison?
Says Bart Stichman, attorney and litigating director for the
Vietnam Veterans of America, "The VA would be compensating
veterans if it believed there was a connection between Agent
Orange and various disabilities. But it doesn't. So no vet with
an Agent Orange-related illness is getting very much now." The
government must step in to compensate vets, he says. So far, it
has refused, but is reexamining its position.
For the women who gave so generously of their time, energy and
talents during the war, this realization is cruel. It's ironic
that after serving their country faithfully, they don't know whom
to turn to for answers about the mysterious Agent Orange.
Until there is more medical data, the thousands of women who
served in the U.S. during the Vietnam War will continue to fear
the enemy within.
In a very real sense, they have met the enemy - and it is their
own government.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 21
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
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NAM VET Newsletter Page 22
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
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V e t e r a n B e n e f i t s & I n f o
==================================================================
"Beefed-up VA examines choice meats in federal pork barrel"
"Secretary pledges Agent Orange action"
El Paso Times, March 11, 1990
Input by: Joyce Flory
NAM VETs Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor
Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM
(505) 523-2811
(AP) Washington -- It's starting to sprinkle on the election-
year parade that last March brought the nation's 27 million
veterans more access to the White House.
Not that the marching and music will stop anytime soon.
The Bush administration's 1991 budget proposal asks for a
record $31 billion for the Veterans Affairs Department, including
an unheard-of $12.3 billion for health programs.
The proposal is "the best VA medical care budget request by a
president in more than a decade," Sen. Alan Cranston, D-Calif.,
chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, said.
And VA Secretary Edward Derwinski has raised the hopes of the
3.1 million Vietnam War veterans by promising he personally will
settle the Agent Orange question this spring. Derwinski, more than
any VA official in the recent past, has opened his doors to that
group of veterans, Paul Egan of Vietnam Veterans of America said.
But the same members of Congress who praised the budget already
have begun tinkering with it, and have refused to go along with a
review of the VA medical system that could mean closing hospitals
or clinics. Veterans groups demanded $1.1 billion more and are
attacking VA's effort to review the benefits system.
Derwinski is the first VA secretary of the United States. Until
March 15, 1989, VA stood for the Veterans Administration - just
another government agency, albeit a massive one. Now it is a
department, giving Derwinski full Cabinet status.
Va helps educate, house, treat, and bury people who served the
country in war or peace. It operates the largest health-care
system in the free world.
Second in size only to the nation's veteran-producing machine,
the Pentagon, VA employs about a quarter of a million people. Its
172 medical centers and other facilities are choice cuts of meat
in the federal pork barrel.
Since they make up well over a tenth of the US population and
are all of voting age, veterans are a political force to be
reckoned with.
Derwinski, a wily former congressman from Chicago, knows that
hard times lie ahead.
He must decide what to do about 9 million or so World War II
veterans who are getting older - and many of them sicker and
poorer. Large numbers have moved South and West away from
existing facilities in the East and Midwest.
He must deal with an overstrained bureaucracy that forces young
veterans to wait months for their claims to be handled or just
can't get through to VA on the telephone. He must deal with
chronically underpaid doctors and nurses.
Finally, Derwinski must develop and maintain good working
relationships with Congress, where he served 12 terms before
NAM VET Newsletter Page 23
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
joining the Reagan State Department, and with the veterans' lobby.
Congress and the veterans groups "tend to be better second-
guessers than blocking backs," Derwinski said recently in a rare
show of pique.
"They tend to be less cooperative about proposals to innovate
than they do critiquing our past performance," he said. "That's
the headache part of the job."
When Derwinski made those remarks, the Disabled American
Veterans had just questioned "the department's commitment to its
role as veterans' advocate." The group had discovered VA was
quietly studying benefit reforms."
That study includes a look at the sacred cow known as
disability payments. VA is looking at ways to restore fairness to
the system, including equal death benefits for survivors of
privates or generals.
Derwinski ran up against a brick wall in Congress last July
when he asked for legislation to create a study commission that
would examine the VA's network of hospitals and clinics. He said
no such review had been done for 25 years."
NAM VET Newsletter Page 24
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
DERWINSKI FEATURED AT PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Office of Public Affairs - News Service
Washington DC 20420 (202) 233-2741
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
Organizers of a Washington luncheon to honor federal career
employees have announced that Secretary of Veterans Affairs Edward
J. Derwinski will be a keynote speaker at the Private Sector
Salute to Public Service on May 9.
Derwinski will be joined by famed business entrepreneur H. Ross
Perot to deliver remarks recognizing the contributions of the
nation's public employees. Office of Personnel Management Director
Constance Berry Newman will be master of ceremonies for the event,
to be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the J.W. Marriott Hotel.
Some 750 civil servants, chosen to represent the nation's
federal work force, will attend the luncheon which will include
special awards for exemplary public service. The privately funded
program takes place during Public Service Recognition Week.
Derwinski was named the nation's first VA Secretary on March 15,
1989, when VA was elevated to Cabinet status. A former 12-term
Chicago-area congressman, Derwinski served for many years on the
House Post Office and Civil Service Committee where he played a
major role in the passage of federal-employee reform legislation.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 25
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
VA VIDEO PROMOTES UNDERSTANDING OF AIDS
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Office of Public Affairs - News Service
Washington DC 20420 (202) 233-2741
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
The Department of Veterans Affairs has produced a videotape
designed to help health-care personnel, as well as the general
public, in their understanding of the effects of AIDS.
Entitled "...like any other patient," the tape includes
interviews with AIDS patients and their families, and provides a
powerful insight into what it is like to have AIDS. A workbook
accompanies the program.
The 26-minutes, 1/2-inch videotape has been distributed to all
VA medical center libraries, VA outpatient clinics and Vietnam
Veteran Outreach Centers (Vet Centers) throughout the country.
Individuals interested in viewing the tape should contact their
local public or school library and arrange to borrow it from a VA
medical center library. Copies also may be purchased for $55 from
the National Audiovisual Center, 8700 Edgeworth Drive, Capitol
Heights, MD 20743; telephone: 1-800-638-1300.
The AIDS Program in VA has become the largest single source of
direct health-care services available for treating the AIDS
epidemic in the United States. VA also conducts a variety of
AIDS-related research projects and operates six AIDS Research
Centers at VA hospitals in Baltimore; Durham, N.C.; San Diego; New
York; Houston and San Francisco.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 26
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
"Ask the Veterans' Affairs Counselor"
(Following are representative questions answered daily by VA
counselors. Full information is available at any VA office.)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Office of Public Affairs - News Service
Washington DC 20420 (202) 233-2741
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
Q-- I am submitting paperwork to VA for a headstone to mark my
father's grave in our family plot. Should I include any
documents regarding his service in the Navy with the
application?
A-- To assist in processing our application a copy of any official
document attesting to service in the armed forces should be
submitted along with the application form. Please send only
copies of documents to the Department of Veterans Affairs
(42), Washington, D.C. 20420.
Q-- I send VA a check every month for my insurance premium. Do I
have other payment options?
A-- Yes. You may pay your premiums quarterly, semiannually or
annually and receive a discount. If you receive VA disability
or pension benefits, your premiums can automatically be
deducted from your monthly checks. Similarly, if you receive
military retired pay, an allotment can be established to pay
your premiums. YOu can also use the new VA Matic option,
where monthly premiums are automatically deducted from your
checking account. These payments options can be effected by
calling 1-800-422-8079.
Q-- I am a divorced veteran. Can my ex-husband force me to
maintain him as beneficiary on my VA life insurance policy?
A-- Under your Government Life Insurance contract, you have the
right to designate or change a beneficiary at any time.. YOu
can do this without the knowledge or consent of your
designated beneficiary or beneficiaries. The United States
Supreme Court has ruled that state courts cannot restrict your
right to make changes to your beneficiary designation. All
changes must be made in writing to the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Q-- How can I apply for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH)?
A-- Application for RH insurance must be made within one year from
date of notification by VA that a service-connected disability
has been established.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 27
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
Project Transition
By: Kathleen Cassedy
VVA Veteran - March 1990 Edition
VVA Members in Ohio
Have Created A Model For Community Organizations Everywhere
By: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
Forty dollars isn't much money, unless of course you just don't
have it. It's even more money if that's the amount you owe the
electric company - which just sent you your last cutoff notice.
That's how bad finances had become for Vietnam veteran Thomas
Pastor of Columbus, Ohio, after an accident left him disabled.
Even with workers' compensation, he was barely able to support his
wife and small child.
"We can scrape by, but if anything out of the ordinary comes up,
then that leaves us with nothing," confides Pastor, 42, a Vietnam-
era veteran who served in the Navy between 1965 and 1969.
"It's just that each month I've slipped a little further behind.
Now I'm in such a hole, there's no way I can get myself clear....
If I could get caught up, I could stay caught up," he declares.
Enter Project Transition, a program started in 1988n by the VVA
Ohio State Council to help veterans who are homeless, economically
disadvantaged, or hitting temporary hard times. The project's
goal is to help veterans make a better life for themselves.
Sometimes this involves locating affordable housing, helping to
find jobs, or providing emergency funds, as in Pastor's case.
Concerned about what kind of Christmas he could provide for his
two-year-old son, Pastor didn't know about Project Transition when
he telephoned a VVA chapter in December to inquire about a "Toys
for Tots" program. Not only did he receive gifts for his son; but
he learned about Project Transition, which gave him money - fast -
to pay his outstanding electricity bill. Project Transition
coordinators also put him in touch with local agencies that can
assist him with food and additional funds, if the need arises.
Pastor, an electrician, says he never needed special assistance
until he was injured three years ago. While wiring a ceiling, he
fell off a scaffold. He shattered bones in his heels and
fractured a vertebrae in his back. Today, he walks with a limp,
due to a locked ankle, and he is unable to lift his 30-pound son.
Pastor is optimistic that his rehabilitation will conclude this
year, but he'll never be like he was. "I won't be able to go back
to my previous employment," he explains, and he adds that since
his accident, he has had difficulty climbing and standing for long
periods.
When Pastor is ready to find new employment, Project Transition
can help him locate new work or refer him to agencies that provide
job training. At the Columbus office where Project Transition is
located, a counselor from the Ohio Bureau of Employment and a VA
job specialist are on duty each week.
The Ohio-based project is administered by David Bradley,
executive director of the VVA Department of Ohio, and by the
assistant director, Carol Tolliver. Four full-time VISTA
volunteers coordinate the project, three of whom are Vietnam
NAM VET Newsletter Page 28
Volume 4, Number 5 May 9, 1990
veterans, two with disabilities from their combat experiences.
The program, which serves the greater Columbus area (where about
400,000 veterans and their dependents live), is aimed at helping
Vietnam-era veterans, but no veteran, regardless of time or type
of service, is refused aid.
"Project Transition is veterans helping veterans and their
families," explains Executive Director Bradley. "If veterans want
to help themselves, we are here to help them make a difference in
their lives."
The idea for Project Transition came in 1987, and soon it
attracted a $15,000 grant from the Vietnam Veterans of America
Foundation and a $77,000 grant from the Agent Orange Assistance
Program. The Agent Orange money is allocated separately as this
grant stipulates that the money must be used to help Vietnam-era
veterans who served in-country between 1961 and 1972.
Help provided by Project Transition to veterans and their
dependents is based on a well-defined class of circumstances. For
instance, if a veteran needs counseling and can't make it to a
community-based "storefront" vet center, the program will pay for
private counseling or provide bus tickets or gasoline money.
In addition to these services, Project Transition has undertaken
a Homeless and Incarcerated Veterans Project. This separate
project is designed to help homeless veterans and ex-felons find
jobs and affordable housing. At the same time, the project
provides these veterans with emergency assistance during the
period of their reacclimation to society. The Project Transition
team estimates at least 1,000 veterans are homeless each night in
their region - the best proof possible - perhaps - that
homelessness remains endemic among Vietnam veterans.
While Project Transition provides emergency funds to individual
veterans in need, it is also an agency that places great emphasis
on "networking." The project puts veterans and their dependents