Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 +---------------------------------------------------------------+ | | | NN NN AAAA MM MM VV VV EEEEEEE TTTTTTTT | | NNN NN AA AA MMM MMM VV VV EE TT | | NN N NN AA AA MM M M MM VV VV EE TT | | NN N NN AA AA MM M MM VV VV EE TT | | NN N NN AAAAAAAA MM MM VV VV EEEEE TT | | NN N NN AA AA MM MM VV VV EE TT | | NN NNN AA AA MM MM V V EE TT | | NN NN AA AA MM MM VVV EEEEEEE TT | | | | The International Newsletter for Vietnam Veterans | +---------------------------------------------------------------+ Editor in Chief: Todd Looney Assistant Editor: G. Joseph Peck | NAM VET is a special )| electronic newsletter dedicated to _+|__|_ * VIETNAM |--- --| VETERANS * around the ------------------------=========================== world and \_______________________________________________) provided as a ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ service to participants in the International Vietnam Veterans Echo Con- ference (IVVEC) available on many FidoNet (tm) bulletin boards throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and Canada. _ Not all of the articles appearing in here | are written by participants in the IVVEC, but NAM VET | is very much an electronic newsletter by, -----/_\----- of, and for Vietnam veterans, their -O==============< : >==============O- friends, wives, and lovers. ( ) (...) ( ) If you are a veteran or anyone else wishing to express yourself concerning our Nation's Vietnam or other related experience, you are invited to submit material for publication to the Vietnam Veterans Valhalla (*DOWN*), VETLink #1 (321/203), or to any BBS carrying IVVEC whose sysop can forward your work from there. NAM VET is published | monthly by Vietnam Veterans Valhalla and/or VETLink #1. | The views expressed are not necessarily those of the NAM VET, | its staff, or any of its volunteers. |____====________ The newsletter is ||__________}____)==================|) made up of =============---------------------===_____ articles and items /| | | | |\\from other newsletters \________|__________|_________|_________|/ and a variety of \\(O)___(O)___(O)___(O)___(O)___(O)// other sources We are not responsible for the content of this information nor are any of the above-mentioned parties. ____________ ======= _________________/|_____... | | " === |_______________| |-----::: |._ - " ) |_|___| Duplication and/or distribution is / / |___| permitted for noncommercial purposes only For other /_/use, contact: Todd Looney at (408) 947-7668 - or - G. Joseph Peck at (413) 442-1660 ================================================================= T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 1. EDITORIALS Energy??? ............................................... 1 TWENTY TWO YEARS LATER .................................. 3 2. Missing!!! They haven't forgotten US!!! ............................ 7 Two Kinds of American Hero .............................. 8 He tackled a giant ...................................... 10 3. Remember Them!!! Imprisoned Vets' Benefits ............................... 15 A visit or note once in awhile? ......................... 17 4. Hearts n' Minds A Letter Home ........................................... 18 Finally Here!!! ......................................... 19 Welcome Home Bobbie ..................................... 20 5. G.I. NEWS Claiming your VA Benefits ............................... 22 VA Eligibility Criteria ................................. 39 Your Veteran Data Record ................................ 43 6. Battlin' City Hall!!! On the line! ............................................ 44 7. -- MEMORIES -- Lefty does Pleiku!!! .................................... 51 The Wall... A Poem ...................................... 53 VIETNAM VETERAN ......................................... 54 Hyupppp Two....Three... ................................. 55 Where are the answers? .................................. 56 8. SPECIAL NOTICES! Where's NAM VET going? .................................. 57 9. MOVING WALL SCHEDULE 1989 Schedule of the Mini-Wall .......................... 59 10. Subscribe Now! Subscribe to Nam Vet .................................... 60 11. IVVEC NODELIST Parameters of VIETNAM_VETS echoconference... ............ 61 Some Gave All... ........................................ 69 NAM VET Newsletter Page i Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= E D I T O R I A L S ================================================================= "ENERGY???" Editorial by: G. Joseph Peck Assistant Editor - NAM VET SysOp - VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 "Ya mean I gotta do an EDITORIAL, TOO!@? Sheesh! I just got done with the August edition of NAM VET and had to do about a zillion mad-minutes here tryin' to get information in for the September issue that our veterans will be able to use. There comes a time, o' critic-on-my-shoulder, when this guy just simply runs out of things to write about; when, no matter HOW close, goin' just one step more seems a little beyond my capacity. I'm plain emptied out of energy!!!" And the "critic-on-my-shoulder" reminded me that many of YOU went far, far beyond what you thought you could endure; you persisted and carried on so that you and your fellow veterans could reach a safe AO, could win a battle that looked almost lost. Who am "I" to say "I just got no more energy!"??? Besides, an issue of NAM VET wouldn't really be complete without an editorial from Todd or myself. Energy... good topic to write about. Seems so hard to find as I'm inputting this, yet I know its there. And as I'm thinking about THIS issue of NAM VET, maybe that's what the whole THEME is for September: ENERGY and the things we can do with it. Gunpowder... My American Heritage Collegiate Dictionary defines it as "n. Any of various explosive powders used to propel projectiles from guns; especially a black explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur." You and I and many like us didn't need a dictionary to tell us what it is/was - we learned from firsthand experiences. I'm pretty sure many of you still remember the odor that permeates your nostrils after you've fired a round or two... What would have happened if you or I would have broken open one of our rounds, sprinkled the gunpowder all 'round our perimeter, and ignited it? Don't have to tell me... I've seen it happen. A harmless puff of smoke that had no real effect, did no real damage to anything. Figuratively speaking, a lot like the fragmented energies you and I and thousands of other veterans have expended in the past - in achieving anything that proud veterans do. But you and I know, too, that if we take that same amount of gunpowder, gather it all together, put it in a shell and close it up, then put that shell in a rifle chamber - then there's going NAM VET Newsletter Page 1 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 to be some REAL effect on whatever we're aiming at, some REAL FORCE to be reckoned with on the other side of the projectile. Figuratively speaking, a lot like the concentrated energies of the many veteran groups I've been involved with and read about - in achieving anything that proud veterans do. With only ONE veteran quoting Title 38 USC or any of the many other state and federal regulations, not too much is accomplished either for that veteran and his/her family. When hundreds, thousands, and even millions, quote - the government listens!! One of the real good benefits of joining a veterans organization of YOUR choice - even if only to send in the membership dues. YOUR voice adds to the aggregate strength of the US Veteran and that STRENGTH is greater than the sum of all the individuals taken separately! Is there a service you and/or your family need? How about a benefit that you KNOW you and/or your brother/sister veteran are entitled to - yet denied? Someone that you know of needs help with getting his/her discharge upgraded? There's a Veterans' Service Officer (most are veterans like you and I) in your town (or should be) or a veterans' group nearby that can and will help you through the labyrinth of regulations, forms and procedures that must be followed to achieve your objective. There's a STRENGTH and a POWER in a veterans' group that has achieved so much for all of us - from the early days of our country 'til even now. And speaking of the "early days of our country"... a woman once asked Thomas Edison, "What is electricity?" Edison answered, "Madam, electricity IS... use it!" Whether it's Title 38 USC, education, compensation for injuries received while in military service, pension, wheelchair access to otherwise public places, or just plain being with your fellow veterans and sharing common experiences --- nothin' does it like the concentrated energies of a group of like-minded veterans... especially those who remember the words of Thomas Jefferson: "Eternal vigilance is the PRICE of liberty!" 'til next month... Show a brother or sister veteran that YOU care!!!! Ci'ao for Ni'ao -Joe- NAM VET Newsletter Page 2 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 Twenty Two Years Later By: Martin H. Kroll, Sr. Sysop - Fort Mountain BBS Chatsworth, Georgia 404 695 8703 It came as no surprise to anyone when I enlisted in the Army on May 1, l966. My family has had a long history of military service with members in every war and every branch of service. Although I never knew my ancestors from my mother's side of the family, I have heard stories of my Grandfather's service in the Spanish-American War. His children also served in the Military. My father's family immigrated to this country in the early 1900's and being a very proud family it was a necessity for all of the boys to "do their duty." And they did it very well and were danged well proud of it! My father was the only one not able to serve in the Military as he had a bad heart. I have the letters from the Government and my father to this day showing that my father practically "begged" to be allowed to serve in some sort of capacity during World War II and was denied. Unfortunately, I never got to see Dad as he died in December of 1947 while my mother was still carrying me. I had every reason to be patriotic when I joined the Army in 1966. My older brother John (whom I hadn't heard from in over a month) had been drafted at about the same time.....Shucks, I thought that he was still going to Concord College up in W.Va... Now talk about being a small world, I was sent to Fort Gordon, Ga. for basic training and as I was walking on the Post one weekend I "bumped" right into my own brother! What a reunion. It was in the works for him to attend Officer Candidate School and he was very excited... I hadn't applied as I just wanted to get on with business... I would be attending Clerk Typist School and then on to a nice tour of duty in Germany. So I thought. I had made very high scores on all the tests and the recruiter assured me of my place in the Army. Sometime in late May or June of 1966 our Company Commander called us into formation one morning and informed us of the bombing of Hanoi and the escalation of the action in Viet Nam... We shouldn't be surprised if our schools and duty assignments were changed. And they were for me. After basic training I was sent on to the "Driver's School" at Fort Jackson, South Carolina to learn how to drive all sorts of Military Vehicles under any conditions that you could imagine. In October of '66 I boarded that plane that would deliver me to Viet Nam and change my life forever. I served in Nam for a year with the 62nd TC, otherwise known as the "Orient Express". It was our job to deliver artillery rounds, mogas, ammunition, and other "goodies" to our units stretching from Tay Ninh over by the Cambodian Border to Xuan Loc over on the other side of the country and south into the Delta region. We also ran many convoys to Quan Loi and An Loc.... We travelled with and supported such units as the First Infantry (Big Red One), 4th Infantry, 25th Infantry, 11th Armored Cav, and even the 173rd Airborne on a few occasions. I can't even remember the names of the many Artillery units that we visited at their fire base camps. "Big Red One" and the 11th Armored Cav were our partners for the large part of my tour NAM VET Newsletter Page 3 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 though. There has always been a rivalry between the different branches of service and it was in Nam that I learned about the rivalry between the units. Always trying to outdo each other and always "The Baddest". There is no need for me to try and say that the "Orient Express" compared with "Special Forces" because everyone would recognize crap for what it is, but I will say that we didn't get many volunteers to pull a trailer-load of artillery rounds or a tanker-load of mogas (airplane fuel). Heck, we didn't even get any volunteers to "ride shotgun". Big Red One were our buddies and so was the 11th Cav as it was immediately evident that we all needed each other and there was no rivalry there. We all did our jobs and we all saw our fair share of the action and then when the opportunity presented itself we partied like crazy. As this is an "introductory" article it is not my intention to go into great detail about my tour in Nam... That can come later. It is my intention though to present a series of articles about how we were treated when we came home, how some of us have managed to overcome many of our problems related to service in Viet Nam, and what we can all do to help those more unfortunate ones that are still struggling. I have seen most of it first hand and believe me I know that it is no fun to be discriminated against, spit upon, called "baby killers", relegated to the trash heap of life, and largely forgotten by our Government and the VA. Many of us began seeing the discrimination even before getting out of the Army. It came from some of the "die-hard" lifers who served in Korea but didn't go to Nam and had no respect for us at all. I saw it from a First Sergeant King who came close to ruining my career when I went to Germany for an eleven month stay before getting out of the Army. He tried his best to break me and came darn near it. I finally went into a violent rage and was put under armed guard for the night. Fortunately, my brother was then a Captain stationed only 11 kilos away and I had a friend to contact him and he contacted the Inspector General who had me immediately removed from the company and saved me from a court martial. We had other soldiers in that unit to "crack" under the whip before I did though. To make a long story short, I ended up traveling Germany for the rest of my tour with the "V Corps Escape & Evasion Training Road Show". As soon as I was released from active duty with an honorable discharge I went about trying to resume my life. I tried very hard for awhile to get ahead but it seemed like everywhere I turned there were stumbling blocks. I had been introduced to pot, opium, and speed while in Nam and I was determined to put it all behind me and forget about it. It just didn't work that way for me though. I got married, applied to the VA for treatment for this strange skin ailment that I had and also to put it on record for my back injury in case I ever needed it. I was given a 0% disability status for my back injury which meant that I would draw no compensation but it would be on my record just in case. I was satisfied with that portion of the claim. The VA denied any treatment for my "skin ailment" saying that there was no proof that it was service connected although my medical records show that the first treatment in my life that I ever sought for this was in Viet Nam. It would be later that I would find out about Agent Orange. At this point I knew only that a lot of Veterans had a strange skin ailment. Musta been jungle rot or somethin! My NAM VET Newsletter Page 4 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 family doctor said that it was "some sort of allergy" and prescribed creams and other medicines for me. I looked like a "splotched up" set of cammies on my upper body and my ankles and feet and legs would take spells of rawness and then go away. The itching and bumps were constantly with me and still remain with the rash to this day. I filed for an appeal only to never hear from the VA about it again. When I learned of the Agent Orange suit, I added my name to the list and waited and waited to never hear anything from them again except a verification letter that my name had been added. Bluntly, I could not afford to keep going from Doctor to Doctor trying to find out about my skin ailment so I just said to heck with it, it's uncomfortable and doesn't seem to be killing me so I will just learn to live with it. The first three years of my marriage were pretty bumpy and we had all sorts of hard luck and I reverted to my "escape" that I had learned about in Nam. Pot in the beginning, and then some of the other exotics. I have no earthly idea why my wife stayed with me except to say that we must have truly loved each other. I would stay gone night after night and I was very fortunate to have not ended up dead or in jail. I knew that I was doing wrong but with the outbursts of rage coming from within me I just couldn't stop for several years. I settled down and went straight several times before I finally had it beat. My wife finally had reached her point and I was faced with making the decision of continuing like I was "on my own" or fulfilling my Fatherly duties to my children and proving my love for her and the kids. I chose the latter and have never looked back since that day. I want you to understand though that this is a special woman who would listen to me when I had to have someone to talk to. We are still happily married today. About 1982 our 12 year old son's health began going down hill very fast. None of the Doctors could tell us what was wrong because they didn't know. They would just say that he was anemic and lacking iron but we knew better. He was a skeleton compared to what he had been, having constant diarrhea and headaches. His fingernails and toenails were brittle and cracking all over the place and his fingers and toes had become "clubbed" on the ends and very tender. His tongue was dry and cracked and there were other abnormal symptoms. But the doctors insisted that it was only anemia and iron deficiency. We placed him in a clinic in Chattanooga for a series of tests only to come up emptyhanded. Then in the Dalton, GA hospital to come up emptyhanded again. Blood and Feces was sent to a center in New York to reveal nothing. My wife continued to pour through medical encyclopedias and one night she said "I found it!" I read it and we took it to our family doctor. Celiac Disease....a disorder of the stomach and intestines caused by an intolerance to certain foods. We then placed him in the children's hospital at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. After a week it was confirmed... this is something that he must live with and there is no treatment except for a special diet consisting of foods that contain no wheat products or Gluten. If you are not familiar with just how many food products this covers then you cannot imagine what he goes through. He is now nineteen and doing well although he still has a few problems from it. I wondered if this could have been caused from Agent Orange. NAM VET Newsletter Page 5 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 My wife had Cancer of the Cervix. I wondered if that could have been caused by Agent Orange. I am convinced that my skin conditions were caused by Agent Orange. I stood and watched them spray it on the jungle adjoining the back of our compound! I even took pictures with my 35mm camera of them spraying! Unfortunately, those pictures were destroyed in a fire that completely wiped out our mobile home in 1972. We had lived in it for six days. I had some pictures from Nam still in the trunk of our car and some of them were in a box in the mobile home. I still have a few pictures that are partially burnt around the edges but not those that could be all important to me. In the 22 years since I have returned from Viet Nam I have had many sleepless nights. I have laid awake wondering what I would do if I were to be told that I had Cancer caused by Agent Orange. Some of those thoughts were not pleasant when coupled with the denials from the Government and the VA. I have had nightmares and dreams that put me back in Nam just like so many other Veterans. I have had many outbursts of rage. I have it whipped now though! I just want to say that I am proud that I served my country even though it was in a controversial war. I did my duty when it was my turn. Why have I and so many others been ignored and pushed aside? I do feel fortunate to have come home alive. Let us not forget that many did not make it home. I feel fortunate that I returned with all my limbs intact. Many did not. I feel fortunate to have overcome many of my problems but it bothers me to know that many haven't. Yes, twenty two years later I am finally coming out of the shadows. I am stronger now and better equipped to cope with it. I want the respect that is rightfully deserved of Viet Nam Veterans. I want answers to our questions and I want solutions to our health care problems.....not denials and being ignored. The numbers are growing every day. Armed with information and the knowledge by the public at large that Viet Nam Veterans got screwed, we can turn things around twenty two years later.... NAM VET Newsletter Page 6 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= M i s s i n g ! ! ! ================================================================= W W M M W W M M M M W W \ / M M M M OOOO W W W --*-- M M M IIII O O W W W W / \ M M II O O W W W W M M II O O W W M M II O O II PPPPPP O O ..... II AA PP PP OOOO . '' '' .. IIII A A PP PP ..' '.. A A PPPPPPP ..' ''. A A PP ..' '. AAAAAA PP .' ''. A A PP .' '. A A .' .:::::.. '. .' .::::::::::. ' .' .::::::::::::::. '. .' __ .::::::::::::::::;:... '. .' _- -_ .:::::::::::::::::::::::. '. .' _-_ _ _ -_ ::::::::::::::::::::::::' '. .. _- -!!___!!!-_:::::::::::::::::::::::. .. .' ==_ _- _= .:::::::::::::::::::::::: ', . =-_= _= = :::::::::::::::::::::::: . .' =-_ =_- = ::::::::::::::::::::::: '. .' = - -_ =_:::::::::::::::::::::. '. .' -_ -_- .:::::::::::::::::::;;;. '. .' _-_ ..::::::::::::::::::::::::; '. . _ _ .:;:::::::::::::::::::::;, . ' _ .:::::::::::::::::::::::::. '. Y .'.....::::::::::::::::::::::::::;' '. N ::::::::::::::::::::::::' `''' ': O `::::::::::::::::::::::: \v/ \ / :'E `:::::::::::::::::::::: =========================== :' U `:::::::::::::::::::::. /^\ \ :'T `:::::::::::::::::::: .: A `:::::::::::::::::: .:'T `::::::::::::::::::. .;' R `:::::::::::::::::. .;' T `::::::::::::::::. .;' E `:::::::::gjp::: .:' O `:::::::::::::...........'' G N O T F O R " Bring them home --- NOW !!! " NAM VET Newsletter Page 7 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 Two Kinds of American Hero From: The Wall Street Journal July 5, 1989 By: Stephen T. Banko, III Decorated Vietnam veteran from Buffalo, New York As reprinted in VVA 351's 8/89 Chapter Newsletter Input by: VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 The final democracy of death has provided 2 departed souls with eternal equality in recent months. One was the world's oldest Yippie, Abbie Hoffman. The other was Col. James Nicholas Rowe, who spent five years in a North Vietnamese prison camp. Mr. Hoffman died by his own hand and attracted a ream of newsprint attention and miles of videotaped eulogies on television stations across the country. The media's fascination with Mr. Hoffman was a result, no doubt, of Mr. Hoffman's fascination with the media. And when he died of a drug overdose earlier this year, he was recalled by Mike Royko of the Chicago Tribune as a loveable guy, something akin to a playful puppy who is nice to pet but still does dirt on your best Oriental rug. Mr. Royko said that Mr. Hoffman was just having a little fun with America, just joshing and tweaking the country's collective nose with his outrageous behavior. Mr. Royko said the nation would sorely miss Abbie. But now every nose in America in those crazy days needed tweaking. A lot of 17, 18 and 19 year old noses needed wiping and other Americans went to Vietnam to take care of that chore. One of them was Col. Rowe. In pre-60's America, Col. Rowe might have been considered a hero. He graduated from West Point, became one of the nation's elite Special Forces and went to Vietnam as an adviser in 1963. He was in Vietnam for 3 months when he was captured by the Viet Cong after a ferocious firefight. He spent the next 5 years i prison camps, coping with starvation, disease, torture and thirst - 23 of those months in complete isolation in a box with a 21-inch screen, Col. Rowe was confined in a bamboo cage, three feet by four feet by six feet. Delicacies were the meat he could capture in the form of rats and snakes that ventured too close to his cage. Three of his comrades died of starvation while in captivity. But worse than the physical isolation of the prison routine was the emotional isolation inflicted by Col. Rowe's captors. They showed him newspaper photographs of teenagers burning the American flag in the shadow of the Washington Monument and college campuses sporting the flag of the Viet Cong. He escaped three times, only to be recaptured. After each failed attempt, he was severely beaten in retribution. Finally, NAM VET Newsletter Page 8 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 on his way to his own execution on New Years Eve, 1968, Col. Rowe escaped when the execution detail was surprised by a flight of American helicopters. Nick Rowe was an intense, soft-spoken man of firm convictions. None of those convictions were stronger than his love of his country. His years of captivity and deprivation had not robbed him of his sense of humor. In 1983, speaking at a Vietnam veterans luncheon in Buffalo, NY, Col. Rowe was served rice. "Could I speak with the man responsible for today's menu?" he asked, flashing his Texas grin. "I want to know if he worked a POW camp in Phuoc Long." Col. Rowe's speech that day never made the nightly news. Perhaps it was his subject matter. For he spoke not of hate of war or killing, but of love: love of his country, love of God, and love of his comrades-in-arms. He spoke in hushed tones about suffering and the price of his love. He spoke with a deep conviction and quiet confidence that radiated through the packed room. Anyone there that day in 1983 knew he was in the company of a true hero; not the comic book, hyperbolized heroism of Rambo and Norris and Schwartzenegger, but heroism in the tradition of real people with real feelings and real courage. On April 21, the Philippine communists did what Vietnamese communists had been unable to do: They killed Nick Rowe, assassinating him as he drove to work, still on active duty. Abby Hoffman and Nick Rowe, two men on two different paths; one to fame and fortune and the other to duty and sacrifice. One death stylized in print and videotape, the other death commemorated by the mournful notes of "Taps" at Arlington National Cemetery. It's strange how we pick our heroes. NAM VET Newsletter Page 9 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 Scott Barnes & BOHICA "253 pages of text - about another 350 in documents. Hmmm... must have SOMETHING to say. Think I'll read it." After I'd finished, I really have some questions. If YOU read it, maybe you, too, will. Input by: VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 Introduction to BOHICA - a true account of one man's battle to expose the most heinous cover-up of the Vietnam Saga! BOHICA By Scott Barnes with Melva Libb ISBN 0-938936-61-1 : $19.95 INTRODUCTION by Dennis W. Bartow, Publisher - The Bohica Corp. Most decent Americans would not want to believe this story; frankly, neither did I. However, as I researched Scott Barnes' story, the facts seemed to be overwhelmingly in his favor. BOHICA, code name for OPERATION GRAND EAGLE in October of 1981, was a government-sanctioned mission to scout for our POWs in Southeast Asia. Until recently, our government denied that there was ever such a mission. Bill Paul in an August 1986 WALL STREET JOURNAL article confirmed that a government-sponsored operation did occur. BOHICA is told by the only American survivor of this mission, Scott Barnes. He and another CIA agent - M. J. B., or Michael J. Baldwin, alias Jerry Daniels, actually saw and photographed two caucasian males under heavy guard and heard them speak English with a long-range listening device, in 1981. After dividing more than 400 exposures taken of these presumed POW's, Jerry Daniels left to hand-deliver his to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. Six months later, he died mysteriously in Thailand of carbon monoxide poisoning in his apartment there. Scott mailed his, as he was directed, to Daniel C. Arnold, CIA. He was later told that all the negatives had accidentally been destroyed in processing. His paid, round trip ticket back to the United States had been canceled by persons unknown and he had to pay a large sum out of his own pocket to get home. He was detained and searched three times. Back in America, Scott tried to reach his former contacts involved with this mission. Suddenly, no one knew him. Those who did claimed he was crazy, and since 1981, Scott Barnes has been harassed, threatened, called a flake and a liar, lost employment, and spent his meager financial resources on phone calls and travel to search desperately for someone to believe him. Not surprisingly, his family suffered also, and he eventually lost them in his obsessive quest for something to be done about our POWs. The only supposed "evidence" against Scott was based on a 1983 SOLDIER OF FORTUNE article, which branded him a "flake" but NAM VET Newsletter Page 10 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 offered no real evidence, only third-hand disinformation. Scott tells his side of that article in BOHICA. Interestingly, some of the people who claimed not to know Scott have been included in documents in this book, i.e., personally signed business cards, photographs, and letters. Even some people in the media were either deliberately duped, or did not research his story completely. Some claimed that his numerous exams; polygraph, psychological, and sodium amytal (truth serum) were scams; when, in fact, they were all administered by recognized experts in their respective fields, and all chosen by other parties; including Ted Koppel and ABC NIGHTLINE. Each of these experts proclaimed their belief that he was telling the truth. FACT 1 - At the request of Ted Koppel and ABC NIGHTLINE, Dr. Chris Gugas, world-reknowned polygrapher who has conducted over 30,000 such tests, many for the government, tested Scott seven or eight times and was so convinced that he was telling the truth, that he became involved in the POW/MIA problem. FACT 2 - Dr. Frederick Hacker of Beverly Hills, California, who has examined Patty Hearst and others, also tested Scott at the request of the NIGHTLINE program. He told Bill Redecker, who was then employed with NIGHTLINE, that Scott was not crazy or a liar. He said he believed Scott was telling the truth. FACT 3 - Dr. Robert Crummie administered an excessive dose of truth serum in the presence of BBS producer David Taylor, who filmed the entire episode. This event was also documented by two U.S. Federal Court reporters on behalf of Judge Boyle, and that film is now being used as evidence by attorney Mark Waple in his case for the Smith/McIntyre lawsuit against the United States Government for failing to do something to rescue the POWs in Southeast Asia. FACT 4 - After the Carter Administration declared all of our POWs to be dead, with the exception of Captain (now Colonel) Shelton, Bobby Garwood came home in 1979. He was never debriefed even though he told our government that there were other American POWs still in Southeast Asia. He was labeled a traitor, and fined for the exact amount of money that our government owed him for the years he was held captive. FACT 5 - Bobby Garwood told of a cistern in Hanoi where he saw a dozen or more American POWs bathing. Our government claimed there was no such place. Several U.S. congressmen went to Hanoi and walked away from their Vietnamese guides and found the cistern Garwood described in the presence of an ABC News 20/20 camera crew. The DIA now admits the cistern does exist. FACT 6 - A top secret CIA report states that Colonel Shelton was rescued by friendly indigenous personnel, but that he was recaptured on the way to freedom. FACT 7 - The bones which have been returned to our country and alleged to be those of POWs have been examined by forensic anthropologist Dr. Michael Charney and found not to be those the Pentagon claimed. These and other events are documented in BOHICA. It is such a tragic and complicated situation, but there are too many deceptive events and unanswered or ignored problems in this POW/MIA situation. We purposely chose a woman with no military background to write Scott Barnes' story. Melva Libb is a lay minister in the United Church of Christ, and has written curricula for church schools and other projects. She has spent a full year transcribing tapes, documents and videos, plus hours NAM VET Newsletter Page 11 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 talking to Scott to record his story. Based on my experiences as a book publisher and as a military officer (13 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces, 101st Airborne Div., and Psychological Operations), I came to the conclusion that with all the names, phone numbers, knowledge of events and connections that Scott Barnes has had plus documents of the same, it is crucial his story be made public. At no point did we find solid evidence to discredit him, rather the evidence continues to confirm his story through events revealed in the media this past year. Scott Barnes is no hero and never claimed to be, but it seems to those of us who have worked closely with him that even a flake or an opportunist would have quit long ago after six years of seeing no fame or fortune for his efforts. Quite to the contrary, Scott has lost much personally, and even turned down money offered in efforts to quiet him. It seems logical, in fact, to assume that only a man who had actually witnessed something so horrible, something indelibly printed in his memory, could continue in the face of so many trials, to persist in his quest for his story to be believed and acted upon by this great nation. Thus, our decision to publish BOHICA. In spite of the fact that efforts to hush and discredit Scott Barnes continue, a new wave of activities has begun. Numerous highly respected United States' citizens intend to restore his credibility. Some of their letters of recommendation and commendation are included in this book. New information confirming various previously debunked details of Scott's testimony has been uncovered. Several seemingly unrelated lawsuits have been filed - unrelated until the names of the people accused in these suits are recognized as those connected with the BOHICA mission. Scott Barnes' account of BOHICA is now being heard and believed. On November 13, 1986, along with seven other highly respected participants, Scott was a speaker at the MIA/POW symposium, MISSING BUT NOT FORGOTTEN, held at Colorado State University. (Document 6) Robert Smith, Vietnam Veteran and congressman from New Hampshire, said on that day: "In countless numbers of DIA folders in the Pentagon today, if you've flunked the polygraph you're a fabricator - that's a big word for liar. But if you don't flunk it, and you pass it like Scott Barnes did, seven or eight times... Well... polygraphs aren't all that credible." Dr. Chris Gugas, former Marine and CIA man who polygraphed Scott for ABC, admitted he first became intensely interested in the POW issue because of the results of the polygraph tests he administered to Scott. At the Colorado State Symposium, Dr. Gugas said in part, "What Scott Barnes did not tell you is that he lost his wife; he lost his car; he lost his furniture. He's lost any chance of getting a job in his particular area. Many of us that know him have checked him out. His credentials are impeccable. ... Here's a young man - I guess he's probably thirty-two - thirty-three - who out of his heart went over to try to do a job at the government's request, did the job, came back and was inundated with all types of hearsay and incompetency and was called crazy." Colonel Earl Hopper, who introduced each of the speakers, said of Scott, "Scott Barnes has been polygraphed seven or eight times, and he has passed every polygraph test. But he's gone a step farther. In December of last year, he took a sodium amytal truth serum test to prove again he was telling the truth. He has NAM VET Newsletter Page 12 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 an incredible story." Evidently the CIA files on Scott contain information they don't want even him to know about. His 1982 request for copies was met with a mostly deleted copy. His subsequent inquiries were delayed until early 1987, then refused. (Document 9 - A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H for history of Scott's request.) The basis of the refusal was referred to as (j)(1) and (k)(1) on a sheet of "Explanation of Exemptions." As a result of his appeal, the CIA has recently informed him his request will be referred to either the Deputy Director or the Senior Official of the CIA. To the many who are supporting Scott in his efforts to make the truth known about POWs and his involvement in the BOHICA mission, this reluctance to comply shows that somebody has something to hide and the referral to higher ups indicates the importance the CIA places upon keeping Scott's records secret from even Scott himself. Scott's resume includes a list of the organizations to which he belongs: (Document 10,11 - A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q.) If he is such an undesirable character, wouldn't he have been asked to resign or sever relationships from one, several - all? Yet not one has asked that he step down. On January 3, 1987, someone in government evidently thought Scott had important and credible information to share. He was subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury in Oklahoma City and deluged with phone calls from U.S. federal officials. (Appendix 12) The man responsible for the SOLDIER OF FORTUNE magazine article which has damaged Scott's credibility more than any other piece of false information has been busily trying to stop Scott from making mention of his wife, a Drug Enforcement agent, in this book. This publisher, as well as Scott has received numerous warnings. Finally Scott phoned the Drug Enforcement Agency to complain about these threats and to ask whether the man's wife was still in DEA employ. As a result, Frank Panessa, Senior Inspector for DEA Internal Security from the Office of Professional Responsibility, flew to California to meet with Scott and listen to his story. "These past few years you've been trying to make a point and no one would believe you. I believe you," he told Scott in a March 1987 phone conversation. "Every time you've approached the government they've said you're a flake. I know there's substance to the story you're telling and I would like you to tell me the story so I can pursue it." This was the breakthrough Scott had been looking for for nearly six years - someone with high official government responsibility to hear him out. David Taylor, Executive Producer for BBS (Document 13) in the United States was told by Mr. Panessa that someone involved with the BOHICA operation - "a very credible witness" - supports what Scott is saying. The opinion of many, who have voluntarily given hours and prayers to help Scott regain his credibility and discover why government officials refuse to acknowledge OPERATION GRAND EAGLE, is that Scott had no idea what he was really involved in. As this book goes to print White House Chief of Staff Howard Baker's aide called David Taylor to ask about OPERATION GRAND EAGLE, code named BOHICA. Evidently even the President has now begun to sit up and take notice. As Dr. Chris Gugas admits about himself and others, "Scott woke people up." Scott has received a letter dated May 27, 1987, from the U.S. NAM VET Newsletter Page 13 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 Strategic Institute of Washington, D.C. (The director of this institute is Richard Allen; the president, General Holloway; the vice president, Admiral Moorer), stating, "Please find enclosed President Reagan's new Central American policy doctrine. Please review at your earliest convenience for the crisis currently in Central America and forward a response back to us immediately." Regarding this request, Scott comments, "It's uncanny I have been asked to respond to a secret operation at the request of an institute for strategic studies, intelligence and counterintelligence." Scott Barnes' story is full of unanswered questions. Why does the government harass and seek to discredit the first American who, on a government-sponsored mission, did see and photograph two Caucasians who have now been confirmed to be Americans? What was the real purpose of BOHICA? Was its major purpose to VERIFY or DISCOUNT the hundreds of reports the U.S. government has received that POWs still exist in Southeast Asia? Was the reconnaissance team expected to actually find POWs? Who gave the order to kill the two men who were sighted and why? Did those who gave the order believe these men in captivity were PRISONERS OF WAR OR DRUG SMUGGLERS FOR OUR GOVERNMENT who got caught? Read the account of Scott Barnes' knowledge and experience, examine the documents and photographs and draw your own conclusion. We believe it to be one of the most heinous cover-ups in the annals of American history. Dennis W. Bartow Publisher NAM VET Newsletter Page 14 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= R e m e m b e r T h e m ! ! ! ================================================================= Imprisoned Vets' Benefits From: The VVA VETERAN March 1989 Input by: VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 When Lionel "Pete" Vaillancourt first began visiting the state penitentiary in New Hampshire two and a half years ago, five or six veterans would show up to meet with him. Now 25 to 30 inmates regularly attend his bimonthly meetings. Vaillancourt, a state service officer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), said many incarcerated veterans ask educated questions and are motivated to learn about veterans' benefits in order to help their families. "A lot of them realize they made a mistake, but why should their families suffer?" he asked. Inmates with 60 to 70 percent service-connected disabilities often are surprised when their disability benefits from the Veterans Administration are reduced to what those on the outside with 10 percent service-connected disabilities receive, Vaillancourt said in an interview from his Manchester, New Hampshire office. "By knowing the law," Vaillancourt said, "you can get some of those entitlements for the family members." "I think the basic misconception is (that) all benefits are lost," said Wes Riker, deputy national service officer for the American Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam (AMVETS). "Just because a veteran is incarcerated doesn't mean he's not eligible for any benefits," said Riker, who used to work in the Florida prison system for AMVETS. Riker said AMVETS helps incarcerated veterans get medical attention, fill out claims work, and prepare for release, which includes pulling together a variety of "loose ends" like arranging for a change of address and assisting them with forms. According to VA spokesperson Bonner Day, "Our policy is that if you are in prison or on parole, you may still be entitled to benefits from the VA," such as disability compensation, educational benefits, and burial benefits. Incarcerated veterans whose disabilities are 20 percent or more service-connected are eligible to receive payment at the rate of those who are 10 percent disabled and not in prison. Inmates with up to 20 percent service-connected disabilities receive half of the 10 percent disabled rate, or $73 a month. In some cases, Day said, the difference in the benefits they would receive if they were not incarcerated can be sent to their families. The number of inmates in federal and state prisons who are veterans of military service could number as high as 50,000, though nobody really knows for sure. Similarly, few veterans' organizations know how many of their members are behind bars, NAM VET Newsletter Page 15 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 except for the Vietnam Veterans of America, which has 3,000 incarcerated members. "I think most of the vets who are in prison do have contact with one of the service organizations," Riker said. "There's always more I feel should be done, but you're always restricted by money, manpower, etc.," Riker admitted. "I think anyone in this business would always feel there's more that should be done." Vaillancourt said, "I feel that the VFW is doing a lot for our incarcerated vets. We have not forgotten (them)." "For me, it's fruitful. I enjoy doing it," he said. "I've been very gratified to see some of these guys come out and be productive citizens." To show their appreciation for Vaillancourt's time and effort, inmates at the New Hampshire penitentiary made him a plaque in the prison woodworking shop. Vaillancourt said he cherishes this homemade plaque more than he would any plaque bought in a store. NAM VET Newsletter Page 16 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX \ \ \ \ \XXXX XXXXX XXXXX.::::::::::::::.XXXXX INCARCERATED XXXX XXXXX XXXXX --------- XXXXX \ \ \ \ \ \ \XXXX XXXXX .XXXXX W W I I XXXXX. VETERANS \ \XXXX XXXXX ::XXXXX --------- XXXXX::. \ \ \ \ XXXX XXXXX :::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::. XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX K O R E A XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX V I E T N A M XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX::::::::::::::::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX::::::::::::::::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX::' `::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX:: ::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX `..........''`XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX .:(O) . (O):. XXXXX:::' XXXX XXXXX ::' XXXXX .. XXXXX:: XXXX XXXXX .:' XXXXX . .. XXXXX: XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX . .. ` XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX ' '.. ` XXXXX. XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX" ' ` XXXXX . XXXX XXXXX ``. XXXXX ' . . . ` XXXXX '. ........., XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX'' ..''.'''. XXXXX .' '.XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX" ':.:'' XXXXX .'' .:::'XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX:.. .:XXXXX.'' .::::' .XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX '.. ..:' XXXXX ..:' . .:::'XXXX XXXXX ....::'XXXXX ':::::;' XXXXX .:''. .:::' XXXX XXXXX .:::::' XXXXX .: XXXXX :'. ..:... XXXX XXXXX.::' :: XXXXX: PREPARED TO XXXXX .'' ''.. XXXX XXXXX::' :: XXXXX`: FIGHT XXXXX.' '.XXXX XXXXX' :: XXXXX ``. XXXXX XXXX XXXXX '' XXXXX PREPARED TO XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX DIE ...'XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX `...' XXXXX XXXX XXXXX `..' XXXXX .' XXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX /\ .' .' XXXX XXXXX /\ \ . . XXXX XXXXX / \ \...' `. .' XXXX XXXXX / NOT PREPARED TO BE DESERTED XXXX XXXXX / .'.' . .`.' XXXX XXXXX / ~ | : : : . XXXX XXXXX / |`. : : . .__________ XXXX XXXXX / ~ ~ ||.` ` : || \ / XXXX XXXXX / WRITE OR VISIT AN INCARCERATED VETERAN SOON ! XXXX XXXXX / ~ || . .'. / / XXXX XXXXX/ ~ ~ ~|| ||/ / XXXX XXXXX ~ ~ ~ || || / XXXX XXXXX || || / XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX \_________XXXXX________|| XgjpX XXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXX NAM VET Newsletter Page 17 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= H e a r t s n ' M i n d s ================================================================= "A Letter Home" by: G. Joseph Peck VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 Dear Mom Remember how relieved we were when I wrote from my base camp in 'Nam about how easy it was going to be to see the enemy because we were spraying the area with that reddish-brown stuff that came in the orange-striped drums? Were we ever fooled when we thought I got home safely!!! Just a few lines to let you know that the operation went okay. The tumors in my legs and spine were benign. The VA doctors here don't really seem as bad as I thought they would be and they think that after a hip replacement like I just had I should be up and around in a few weeks. The "jungle rot" that I thought was liver spots or a fungus, though, turned out to be skin cancer and it looks like we've got a few more things to do. Did you hear about Times Beach, Mo? A flood not too long ago forced the evacuation of the whole town. While Federal Agencies (EPA) were checking to see if it was safe for the townspeople to return to their homes they found extremely high levels of the same contaminant that was in those orange-striped, Agent Orange, drums: Dioxin (TCCD) - which has been termed the most deadly chemical known to man and used to be manufactured in nearby Verona, MO by Hoffman-Taff, Inc. The EPA, reportedly headed by people who have all worked as lawyers and publicists for chemical manufacturers and other environmental polluters, bought the entire town on Feb. 22, 1983 for $33 million - less than 4 months after the flood!!! Love Canal; Three Mile Island; Dow Chemical in India... and the list goes on and on, Mom. Fast, efficient, expeditious settlements for any alleged damages. How long have WE, as Vietnam veterans, asked for settlement? The first dollars from the fund created so long ago have yet to be seen! Could you say a prayer, Mom, for Tracy and our new son? Let's all hope that he survives longer than our daughter did. Hope to be home soon. Take care of yourself. I'll write more later. Luv ya' Your son . . . The ex-G.I. NAM VET Newsletter Page 18 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 It's finally here - a patch which acknowledges the other side of the Vietnam Veteran: His wife! Hardly needing any explanation, it is multicolor with Red, White, Blue, Green and Gold for the Map of Vietnam. While the text drawing below doesn't really do it justice, I think if you run it out on your printer, you'll sorta get the idea of how special this unique patch is. They are available for $5 each from VETLink #1 - Dept. 65 P O Box 2056 Pittsfield, MASSACHUSETTS 01202 (Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery) @@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@ @@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@ @@@ @@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@@ V I E T N A M V E T S W I F E @@@ @@@ @@@ @@@ :@@@@@@@@@@@: :@@@@@@@@@@@: @@@ @@@ @.............@ @.............@ @@@ @@@ @...............@ @...............@ @@@ @@@ @.................@ @.................@ @@@ @@@ (...................@@...................) @@@ @@@ @............. ..............@ @@@ @@@ @.............. MAP OF USA ..............@ @@@ @@@ @................. .................@ @@@ @@@ @................. WITH .................@ @@@ @@@ @.............. ...............@ @@@ @@@ @............... MAP OF ...............@ @@@ @@@ (........ .......) @@@ @@@ @...... VIET NAM SUPERIMPOSED ......@ @@@ @@@ @........ .........@ @@@ @@@ @.......... OVER IT ............@ @@@ @@@ I @ ............................ @ N @@@ @@@ @............................@ @@@ @@@ @..........................@ A @@@ @@@ S @........................@ @@@ @@@ @....................@ M @@@ @@@ T @..................@ @@@ @@@ @................@ @@@ @@@ A @............@ Y @@@ @@@ @..........@ @@@ @@@ N @......@ M @@@ @@@ @..@ @@@ @@@ D @@ @@@ @@@ @@@ @@@ B Y @@@ @@@ @@@ @@@ @@@ @@@ @@@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ (c) 1988 VVA Chapter #65 Pittsfield, MA NAM VET Newsletter Page 19 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 "Welcome Home Bobbie..." Submitted by: Bob Johnstone CHRONIC FATIGUE ECHO, INFO FidoNet 1:103/227 714-952-2110 This story depicts the feelings of pain and frustration that many Vets felt upon returning home from the Vietnam and other confrontations. The story was written by a fifteen year old high school student in 1981. The basic premise of the character was taken from the author's own experiences with his brother who was a soldier in Vietnam. It was written as a school essay assignment on the subject of why Americans should be proud of the men and woman who have served in the service of this country up to and including those who have been held hostage in Iran. Welcome Home Bobbie - by Todd V. When Bob Walker was a child he would spend hour after hour playing in the woods that surrounded the neighborhood where he lived. He would pretend that he was tracking grizzly or he would practice the bird calls that his grandfather had taught him. As a teen he would go hunting for squirrel and rabbit with his father and brother. The forest brought endless hours of careless pleasure to young Bobbie Walker. Times have changed; Bob no longer takes leisurely walks through the trees. In fact, he can't even step into the familiar forest of his childhood without habitually scanning the brush in search of thin hidden trip-wires that would send a sharpened shaft of bamboo hissing toward his heart. Even the simple sound of a brittle twig of a dead tree being snapped by the breeze provokes an instant bellyflop to the hard forest floor as he waits for the rainstorm of metal that never comes. Bob's father tries in vain to get him to go squirrel hunting, like old times, but Bob no longer finds pleasure in hunting. Not after looking down the barrel of an M-16 and seeing another human being through the sights. There was a time, before the war, when Bob had many friends. He was known as the life of the party, the class clown. He had the kind of laugh that was always contagious and a trusting aura about him that allowed others to confide in him with complete confidence. Lately, Bob seems almost--afraid--to get close to anyone. You have to wonder if his fear is due to the fact that he witnessed so many of his buddies die on a field of red, their bodies invaded by sniper bullets. Even children bring back haunting memories of the land called Vietnam. Memories of how the Viet Cong would booby trap the Vietnamese children with explosives. Memories of fellow soldiers whose last thoughts were of the faces of those giggling kids seconds before both were ripped apart by the force of the blast. Crowds cheer and ticker tape spirals down from tall buildings. The Americans who were held hostage in Iran have been returned to NAM VET Newsletter Page 20 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 the open arms of their motherland and her relieved children. Bob sits alone in the dark, the glow of the television illuminating a sullen face. His thoughts are forced back to that big day when he finally made it back to what was home. There were no marching bands or spirited crowds of well wishers waiting to shake his hand. Just a small, fragile looking old woman showed up to welcome him home. She slowly walked up to him. Bob gave her a sad, grateful smile..... ..... She spit on him..... After suffering from the effects of my service in the 50's in Korea, I have been motivated to spend almost 40 years in research and practice in the field of Hypnotherapy. My goal has been to develop more effective techniques than were currently available. To be able to mentally process the experiences and emotions of those who suffer from Grief, Guilt, Frustration, Anger, Depression, and any other uncomfortable or overwhelming emotions that have scarred or even incapacitated many Veterans, because their experiences in combat. Over the last 17 years, I have had some dramatic breakthroughs in the field of therapy, to the extent that these techniques I developed, now help everyone. Because of my experiences, I am motivated to help others with their emotional problems. In order to make it affordable for all, I am teaching others to use their own mind, in a manner that is much more effective, dealing with emotions, in a way that is so effective that most people, even therapists, would not believe possible. Virtually teaching the individuals mind to become their own therapist. Because in many cases, emotional problems have even incapacitated Veterans and others to the extent that they may be unable to work, I now teach these mental processing techniques to Veterans or Others for a donation and many times at no charge. The individual simply donates whatever they feel it is worth to them or whatever they can afford, as most feel it is worth more than they can pay. I guarantee, you will receive more benefits, than you would think possible. That you will feel better, regardless of the cause of your emotions. Because of past experience, I am so sure this will help you, that I would even refund any donation you might make. If you know of any Veteran or ANYONE else, that needs help relieving emotions or effects of emotional trauma, give them a copy of this message... All they need to do, is call my office and say that they have read this message... Nadine will make a private appointment for them. From their very FIRST SESSION, they will experience some benefits... At each successive appointment, they will experience even more, until they can handle their own feelings, themselves. Have them call: Dr Bob Johnstone or Nadine Johnstone at 714- 828-4270. NAM VET Newsletter Page 21 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= G . I . N E W S ================================================================= HOW TO CLAIM YOUR VA BENEFITS From: The American Legion Magazine July, 1989 P. 24 Input by: VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 (NOTE: As Assistant Editor of NAM VET, I am deeply grateful to The American Legion for making available to each of its members the following information regarding VA and other veteran benefits. I was so impressed with the article and the condensed information it contained, I felt the IDEAL place for it would be in THIS issue of NAM VET - the waning days of summer, the preparations for fall and winter, and the concentration of our efforts for NEXT YEAR!) Millions of veterans have earned a variety of VA and other federal benefits for themselves and their dependents because of their honorable service to our country. By using this compendium, veterans can determine what benefits they are entitled to and how to claim them. As a veteran who honorably served the United States, you have earned benefits administered by VA and other government agencies. The benefits outlined on the following pages are a grateful nation's repayment to you and your family for the sacrifices you made while defending our country. ELIGIBILITY Eligibility requirements vary with the type of benefit sought. Some benefits require a certain number of active service days, others require a service-connected disability, but nearly all require that the veteran received a discharge which is other than dishonorable. Veterans with dishonorable or bad conduct discharges are usually barred from receiving benefits; however, they may apply for a discharge review by writing to the appropriate branch of service, or contacting a VA Benefits Counselor or American Legion Service Officer. Most VA benefits are not available to people originally enlisting in the military after Sept. 7, 1980, and to all other people entering the military after Oct. 16, 1981, who do not complete two years' active duty or serve the full period for which they were originally obligated. This provision does not apply to veterans with service-connected disabilities or those who were discharged for disability or hardship near the end of their enlistment. It also doesn't apply to insurance benefits. Veterans in prison or parolees may be entitled to certain VA benefits as well. For information, contact the nearest VA office or prison officials. WHERE TO APPLY You may apply for VA benefits at a VA regional office or VA medical center. Legion Service Officers also can assist you in applying for benefits. Many veterans' benefits administered by NAM VET Newsletter Page 22 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 the Department of Labor can be obtained by applying at state employment offices. BENEFITS PROGRAMS COMPENSATION ELIGIBILITY: Veterans disabled by injury or disease while on active duty who received a discharge other than dishonorable; and former prisoners of war incarcerated at least 30 days who are entitled to a presumption of service connection for disabilities resulting from certain diseases, including psychosis and anxiety, if manifested to a degree of 10 percent at any time after active service. BENEFIT: Monthly compensation payments based on percentage of disability, as follows: - 10 percent disability, $73 - 20 percent disability, $138 - 30 percent disability, $210 - 40 percent disability, $300 - 50 percent disability, $426 - 60 percent disability, $537 - 70 percent disability, $678 - 80 percent disability, $784 - 90 percent disability, $883 - total disability, $1,468 An eligible veteran may receive up to $4,195 per month for certain severe disabilities. Veterans with disabilities rated 30 percent or more are entitled to additional allowances for dependents and a special allowance for a spouse who needs aid or attendance of another person. A 24-hour, VA toll-free telephone number offers assistance to former prisoners of war. For assistance, call 1-800-821-8139. DISABLED BENEFITS AUTOMOBILES OR OTHER CONVEYANCES ELIGIBILITY: Veterans and current military personnel with service-connected loss of the use of one or both hands or feet, or permanent vision impairment of both eyes. Veterans entitled to compensation for ankylosis of one or both knees or hips also qualify to receive adaptive equipment. BENEFIT: The VA will pay up to $5,500 toward the purchase of an automobile on a one-term basis and will also pay for adaptive equipment, its repair, replacement or re-installation. BLIND AIDS AND SERVICES ELIGIBILITY: Veterans service-connected for blindness or entitled to VA compensation for any service-connected disability; veterans eligible for medical services; and veterans with corrected vision of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, or field defects of 20 degrees or less. BENEFIT: Adjustment to blindness training, home alterations for the blind, low-vision aids, mechanical aids, guide dogs, talking books, tapes and Braille literature. A total health and benefit review also is provided annually. CLOTHING ALLOWANCE ELIGIBILITY: Veterans with a service-connected disability who wear orthopedic or prosthetic appliances that wear out or tear clothing. BENEFIT: An annual clothing allowance of $395. NAM VET Newsletter Page 23 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 $38,000 GRANT FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES ELIGIBILITY: Veterans entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability because of the loss of use of both legs, or disability which includes blindness in both eyes with only light perception and loss of the use of one leg; or loss of the use of one leg and residuals of organic disease or injury, or the loss of the use of an arm which affects balance or propulsion and requires braces, canes, crutches or a wheelchair. BENEFIT: A grant of not more than 50 percent up to $38,000 of the cost of building, buying or remodeling an adapted home, or paying loans on such homes. $6,500 GRANT FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES ELIGIBILITY: Veterans must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability because of blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less, or loss of the use of both hands. BENEFIT: A grant of up to $6,500 for the purchase of a specially adapted home or to adapt a home for the veteran's disability. EDUCATION BENEFITS MONTGOMERY GI BILL ELIGIBILITY: Persons entering the military after June 30, 1985, will have their pay reduced $100 per month for the first 12 months of their service, unless they elect in writing not to participate. Servicemen and women eligible for post-Korean Conflict GI Bill benefits as of Dec. 31, 1989, who served three years of continuous active duty after June 30, 1985, or those who served two years' active duty followed by four years' satisfactory participation in the Selected reserve after June 30, 1985, may also be eligible, but will not have their pay reduced. They must have been on active duty on Oct. 19, 1984, and serve continuously without a break in service through the individual's qualifying period. Officers receiving their commissions after Dec. 31, 1976, are not eligible. Those persons seeking Montgomery GI Bill benefits must fulfill a minimal service obligation or be discharged for a service-connected disability, hardship or pre-existing medical condition. A secondary school diploma and honorable discharge are required. Eligibility for this program ends 10 years after the most recent discharge. BENEFIT: Benefits are paid for attendance at institutions of higher learning, non-college degree programs, apprenticeships, on- the-job training, correspondence training and cooperative courses. Length of active duty determines the amount of the benefit. Active duty for three years, or two years' active duty and four years in the Selected Reserve or National Guard will entitle servicemen and women to a basic benefit of $300 a month for 36 months. Persons who serve at least two years of continuous active duty, but less than three years, will be entitled to $250 a month. A discretionary kicker of up to an additional $400 also is available. Those who serve an additional five years' active duty or two years' active duty and four years in the Selected Reserve may receive a supplemental monthly benefit of up to an additional $300, with a discretionary kicker of up to $300 more for 36 months. MONTGOMERY GI BILL FOR SELECTED RESERVES NAM VET Newsletter Page 24 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ELIGIBILITY: Members of the Selected Reserve, including the National Guard, who after June 30, 1985, enlist, re-enlist or extend an enlistment for six years or more; and those serving as Reserve officers who agree to serve in the Selected Reserve for not less than six years in addition to any other period of obligated Selected Reserve service after June 30, 1985. To receive benefits, they must complete Initial Active Duty Training and 180 days in the Selected Reserve/National Guard; have a high school diploma or equivalent, but not have a bachelor's degree; and continue to participate satisfactorily in the Selected Reserve/National Guard. BENEFIT: An eligible Reservist is entitled to a maximum of 36 months of educational assistance at the monthly rate of $140 for full-time, $105 for three-quarter time; and $70 for half-time training. Eligibility will end 10 years from the date eligibility began or the date of separation from the Selected Reserve. Assistance is payable for an undergraduate degree and non-college degree programs at an institution of higher learning. NON-CONTRIBUTORY GI BILL ELIGIBILITY: Veterans who served on active duty for more than 180 continuous days after Jan. 31, 1955, and before Jan. 1, 1977, and who received a discharge other than dishonorable; veterans discharged for service-connected disabilities; and those who continue to serve on active duty are eligible. The Non- Contributory GI Bill ends Dec. 31, 1985. BENEFIT: Veterans are entitled to educational assistance of 1- 1/2 months for every month in the service, to a maximum of 45 months. Educational courses covered under the GI Bill include college or university, cooperative programs with businesses, farm cooperative training, apprenticeships or other on-the-job training, correspondence training, high school training, elementary education, tutorial assistance and work-study programs. SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR UNEMPLOYABLE VETERANS ELIGIBILITY: Veterans awarded 100 percent disability because of unemployability. This program extends to Jan. 31, 1992. BENEFIT: Veterans may participate in a rehabilitation services and training program and receive assistance in obtaining employment. Once the veteran is employed, his or her unemployment rating will remain the same until the veteran has worked continuously for 12 months. SPECIAL TRAINING FOR VETERANS RECEIVING PENSIONS ELIGIBILITY: Veterans receiving a VA pension from Feb. 1, 1985, through Jan. 31, 1992 may be eligible for vocational training based on a VA evaluation of their ability to benefit from such training. Veterans less than 50 years old who receive pensions must participate in the evaluation. Veterans 50 years old or older who receive a pension, or those awarded a pension before Feb. 1, 1985, may apply for an evaluation. BENEFIT: Veterans may receive up to 24 months of vocational training. Program participants may also receive up to 18 months of employment counseling, job search and work-adjustment services. If the pension is terminated by reason of income from work or training, the veteran shall retain eligibility for VA medical care based on prior receipt of pension for three years. VETERANS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM NAM VET Newsletter Page 25 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ELIGIBILITY: Veterans who began active duty after Dec. 31. 1976, and received a discharge other than dishonorable or continue to serve on active duty but have completed their obligated period of service, or serve six years, whichever comes first, and who contributed $25 to $100 per month from their military pay for the program, up to a maximum of $2,700. No one on active duty was allowed to enroll in this program after March 31, 1987. BENEFIT: The government matches, $2 for every $1 contributed by participants. In turn, participants receive monthly payments for the months they contributed, or for 36 months, whichever is less. The amount of payments is determined by dividing the number of months that benefits will be paid into the participant's fun total. Participants may leave VEAP after any 12-consecutive-month period of participation and will receive a refund of their contributions. Participants have 10 years from the date of their most recent discharge to use the benefits. VETERANS' JOB TRAINING ELIGIBILITY: Veterans who served honorably during the Korean War or during the Vietnam era for at least 181 days; veterans who were discharged for a service-connected disability; or are entitled to disability compensation. Veterans must be unemployed for at least 10 of the 15 weeks immediately preceding the application. To be eligible, veterans must train in an occupation in a growth industry or an occupation requiring use of a new technological skills, or a job for which demand for labor exceeds supply. Training will not be funded for seasonal or temporary jobs, jobs that pay commission or for political, religious or federal employment. The program must require at least six months' training. Payments for a job training program cannot be made on an application received by VA after Sept. 30, 1989, or if the training doesn't begin until after March 31, 1990. BENEFIT: 50 percent of the veteran's starting wage up to $10,000 is payable to employers of veterans participating in approved programs. Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated either at 30 percent or more, or at 10 percent or 20 percent, if the veteran has a serious employment handicap, are entitled to a maximum 15 months' training. Other veterans receive up to nine months' training. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION ELIGIBILITY: Veterans entitled to compensation for a service- connected disability suffered on active duty on or after Sept. 16, 1940, who received a discharge other than dishonorable; and those who are hospitalized awaiting separation for disability. Eligibility includes veterans who would receive compensation except for receipt of military retirement or severance pay. VA must determine the veteran needs vocational rehabilitation to overcome an impairment to obtain or retain employment, and the service-connected disability must contribute to the veteran's unemployability. Veterans' eligibility ends 12 years from the date they were notified of their entitlement to VA compensation. BENEFIT: Eligible disabled veterans may receive up to four years or more of full-time training. Veterans may enroll in trade, business and technical schools or colleges, or train on the job, either in special rehabilitation facilities or at home. After training, VA shall assist the veteran in finding a job. VA HOME LOANS NAM VET Newsletter Page 26 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ELIGIBILITY: Veterans who received a discharge other than dishonorable and served on active duty for at least 90 days during wartime or 181 days in peacetime before May 8, 1975, unless they received an earlier discharge because of a service-connected disability. POST-VIETNAM ELIGIBILITY: Veterans who enlisted before Sept. 8, 1980, or whose service as an officer began before Oct. 17, 1981, must have 181 continuous days of active duty which occurred after May 7, 1975, and received a discharge other than dishonorable or received an earlier discharge for service-connected disabilities. Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1981, or whose service as an officer began after Oct. 16, 1981, must have completed 24 continuous months of active duty or the full time (at least 181 days) for which they were called to active duty. Also eligible are veterans who completed at least 181 days of active duty and received a hardship discharge, those who received certain other discharges for the convenience of the government, those with compensable service-connected disability, or those who were discharged for a service-connected disability with less than 181 days of service. Military personnel currently on active duty are eligible. Also eligible are unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who served anytime since Sept. 16, 1940, and who died because of a service- connected disability; and spouses of service personnel listed as missing in action or prisoners of war for at least 90 days. When a veteran sells a home financed with a VA loan and the purchaser assumes the veteran's loan, the veteran may be released from liability to the government, provided the loan is current, the purchaser is rated a good risk by the VA and will assume all the veteran's liabilities. This release of liability does not mean veterans can have their VA home loan entitlement restored, unless the purchaser is an eligible veteran and agrees to turn over his eligibility to the seller. Usually, the VA restores entitlement only when it is no longer liable to the lender on the guaranty and when a veteran buyer uses his or her own VA entitlement to buy the home instead of the seller's. Since March 1, 1988, the VA must make a release-from-liability determination in every case involving the assumption of VA-guaranteed loans. The person who assumes a VA loan must pay a fee to VA equal to one-half percent of the loan balance. If a person disposes of property secured by a VA loan without first notifying the holder of the loan, the holder may demand immediate and full payment of the amount owing on the loan. Veterans may obtain their Certificates of Eligibility for a VA home loan by sending VA Form 26-1880, "Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement," along with required supporting documents to a VA regional office nearest them. BENEFIT: A VA home loan requires no down payments, and interest rates often may be less than conventional loans. There are no maximum loan amounts. VA guarantees 50 percent of loans up to $45,000 and 40 percent of loans more than $45,000 with a maximum guarantee of $36,000, but not less than $22,500. Loans may be used to buy, build, improve, repair or refinance homes, manufactured homes or condominiums. VA loans also may be used to equip a home with solar heating or cooling, or other energy- conserving measures. Veterans ineligible for a VA loan may be able to obtain a loan from the Federal Housing Administration. NAM VET Newsletter Page 27 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 INSURANCE SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY: Veterans separated from service on or after April 25, 1951, who are granted a service-connected disability but are in otherwise good health may apply for service-disabled veterans insurance within one year from the date VA notified the veteran of the service-connected disability rating. BENEFIT: Life insurance of up to $10,000 at standard rates. MODIFIED LIFE ELIGIBILITY: Effective May 1, 1965, a Modified Life at age 65 insurance plan became available to National Service Life Insurance policyholders. BENEFIT: The low premiums remain constant throughout the premium-paying period, but the face value reduces by 50 percent at age 65. If the policyholder desires, the reduced amount may be replaced with a Special Ordinary Life insurance plan. On July 1, 1972, a Modified Life at age 70 plan also became available. Similar to the age 65 plan, the face value of this policy doesn't reduce until age 70. DIVIDENDS ELIGIBILITY: Policyholders of U.S. Government Life Insurance plans, Veterans Special Life Insurance plans and some National Service Life Insurance plans may receive dividends. No application is necessary because the dividends are paid automatically on the anniversary date of the policy. Dividends are not paid to Service Disabled policyholders and certain National Service Life Insurance policyholders. SERVICEMEN'S GROUP LIFE INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY: All members of the armed services, including cadets and midshipmen of the service academies are automatically insured for $50,000 unless they state in writing that they do not wish to participate, or they wish lower coverage. Full-time SGLI coverage is also provided to volunteers in the Ready Reserves, persons eligible for assignment to the Retired Reserve and who have completed at least 20 years of creditable retirement service. Part-time coverage may be provided to Reservists who do not qualify for full-time coverage. VETERANS GROUP LIFE INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY: Persons released from active duty on or after Aug. 1, 1974; Reservists who, while on active or inactive duty for training less than 31 days who suffer an injury or disability which renders them uninsurable at standard premium rates; and members of the Ready Reserves and Inactive National Guard. Military members on active duty can convert their SGLI insurance to VGLI following discharge. BENEFIT: VGLI coverage may be in the amounts of $50,000, $40,000, $30,000, $20,000 and $10,000, but not more than the amount of SGLI carried when discharged. VETERANS MORTGAGE LIFE INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY: For veterans who have been awarded specially adapted housing grants, VMLI insurance is automatic unless declined in writing. Premiums are deducted from VA benefit payments or paid direct if the veteran does not draw compensation. Premiums will continue until the mortgage has been liquidated, the NAM VET Newsletter Page 28 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 home sold or until the coverage terminated when the veteran reaches age 70 or dies. BENEFIT: A group mortgage life insurance plan of up to $40,000. PENSIONS ELIGIBILITY: Wartime veterans with limited income who receive a discharge other than dishonorable and who served at least 90 days' service or were discharged earlier because of a service-connected disability; veterans who are totally and permanently disabled as long as the disability didn't result from willful misconduct; and veterans who are 65 years old or older and not working. Eligible veterans must have served during the Mexican Border Period, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam era. Veterans with estates that can provide adequate support are not eligible for VA pensions. Under the old pension law before July 1, 1960, pension is not payable to a veteran or surviving spouse whose annual income exceeds $6,435 for a veteran or surviving spouse with no dependents, and $9,279 for a veteran or surviving spouse with dependents. The income of the veteran's spouse is not countable. Under the Section 306 pension before Dec. 31, 1978, pension is not payable to a veteran or surviving spouse whose annual income exceeds $7,351 for a veteran or surviving spouse with no dependents, and $9,885 for a veteran or surviving spouse with dependents. The income of the veteran's spouse is countable in certain instances. Under the improved pension plan, pension is not payable to a veteran or surviving spouse whose annual income exceeds $6,463 and $8,466 for a veteran or surviving spouse with dependents. The incomes of the spouse and children are countable. The income limits are increased yearly based on the Consumer Price Index. Pensioners entitled to benefits as of Dec. 31, 1978, who do not elect to receive a pension under the improved pension program continue to receive pension benefits at the old rate as long as they remain permanently and totally disabled, don't lose a dependent or their incomes do not exceed the adjusted income limitation. When a veteran without a spouse or a child is furnished domiciliary care by VA, the pension is reduced to an amount not in excess of $60 per month after two full months of care. If furnished hospital or nursing home care, the reduction will be after three full months of care, unless the hospital or nursing home care is continued to provide the veteran with rehabilitation. Under the improved and section 306 pension plans, the pension is reduced to $60 per month after two full calendar months of domiciliary care, and after three full calendar months of hospital or nursing care. Under the old pension plan, the pension is reduced to $30 or 50 percent of the pension, whichever is greater, after six full months of domiciliary, hospital or nursing care. IMPROVED PENSION RATES Effective Dec. 1, 1988, the improved pension program awards eligible veterans annual payments based on the following scale: Veterans without dependent spouse or child, $6,463. Veterans with one dependent, $8,466. Veterans in need of regular aid and attendance without dependents, $10,338. Veterans in need of regular aid and attendance with one NAM VET Newsletter Page 29 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 dependent, $12,341. Veterans permanently housebound without dependents, $7,899. Veterans permanently housebound with one dependent, $9,902. Two veterans married to one another, $8,466. For veterans of World War I and the Mexican Border Period, add $1,461 to the applicable annual rate. For each additional dependent, add $1,098. DEATH BENEFITS SERVICE-CONNECTED VETERANS BURIAL ALLOWANCE ELIGIBILITY: Veterans who died as a result of service-connected disabilities. BENEFIT: An amount not exceeding $1,500 will be paid for veterans' funeral and burial expenses. VA will also pay the cost of transporting the remains of deceased, service-connected disabled veterans to the national cemetery nearest their home. NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED BURIAL AND PLOT ALLOWANCES ELIGIBILITY: Veterans entitled to pensions or compensation, or veterans who died while hospitalized or domiciled in a VA facility or another facility at VA's expense. Indigent veterans whose remains are unclaimed also may be eligible for a burial or plot allowance. Claims must be filed within two years of burial or cremation. BENEFIT: A payment not to exceed $300 for burial expenses. An additional payment not exceeding $150 for a plot or interment also will be paid when the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery or other cemeteries under federal government jurisdiction. BURIAL IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES ELIGIBILITY: Military members who died on active duty and veterans who were discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible to be buried in national cemeteries. Veterans who entered active duty as enlisted personnel after Sept. 7. 1980, and all veterans who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must serve at least 24 months of active duty or the period they were called to active duty, or have a hardship discharge or a service-connected disability. Burial in a national cemetery also is available to eligible spouses, unmarried widows or widowers, minor children and in some cases unmarried adult children. Applications for burial should be made only at the time of death of the veteran or that of an eligible dependent. Ordinarily this is done by the attending funeral director. Burial in Arlington National Cemetery, which is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Army, is limited to specific categories of military personnel and veterans, except in the case of cremated remains to be placed in the columbarium. For information about burial in the Arlington National Cemetery, write the Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211, or call 1-202-695-3253. BURIAL FLAGS An American flag is available to drape the casket of an eligible veteran. After the funeral ceremonies, the flag is given to the next of kin or a friend. VA also issues flags for veterans who are missing in action and presumed dead. Apply at any VA regional office or local post offices. NAM VET Newsletter Page 30 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 HEADSTONES OR GRAVE MARKERS ELIGIBILITY: See eligibility for burial in national cemeteries. BENEFIT: The government will furnish a free headstone for any eligible veteran buried in private or national cemeteries. Headstones in national cemeteries are also available for immediate family members of veterans. The applicant must pay the cost of placing the marker in a private cemetery. HEADSTONE OR GRAVE MARKER MONETARY ALLOWANCE ELIGIBILITY: The deceased must have been buried on or after Oct. 18, 1978. A claim must be filed within two years from the date of burial, purchase of the headstone, or additional engraving, whichever is later. The claim must be accompanied by a receipt. BENEFIT: VA pays an amount not to exceed the average actual cost of a government headstone or marker as partial reimbursement for the cost incurred by the person acquiring a non-government headstone or marker for placement in a cemetery other than a national cemetery, or for additional engraving of the veteran's data on existing monuments. The amount, which changes yearly, is currently $80. MEMORIAL MARKERS AND MEMORIAL PLOTS ELIGIBILITY: A memorial headstone or marker may be furnished on application by next of kin to commemorate any eligible veteran, including a person who died in active military service, whose remains have not been recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated to science or were cremated and the ashes scattered without interment. BENEFIT: A memorial may be erected in a private cemetery in a plot provided by the applicant or in a memorial section of a national cemetery. PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATES Presidential Memorial Certificates are available to the next of kin of deceased eligible veterans or persons who were military members at time of death. Eligible recipients include widow, widower, oldest child, parent, oldest sibling or friend. Notice of a veteran's death is normally received by a VA regional office and the office identifies the next of kin from the veteran's records, and requests a certificate from the National Cemetery System, Washington, D.C. SURVIVORS' BENEFITS DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION ELIGIBILITY: DIC payments are authorized to surviving spouses, unmarried children under 18, helpless children, children between the ages 18 and 23 attending a VA-approved school and some parents of service personnel, or veterans who died because of a service- connected disability or while on active or inactive duty for training. Also eligible are spouses of veterans who died because of a non-service-connected reason, if they were continuously rated totally disabled for 10 or more years, or five or more years from military discharge. If death occurs after service, the veteran must have received an other than dishonorable discharge for family members to qualify for compensation, and the death cannot be the result of willful misconduct. BENEFIT: Monthly DIC payments based on the military pay grade of the veteran are: NAM VET Newsletter Page 31 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 PAY MONTHLY PAY MONTHLY GRADE RATES GRADE RATES ----- ------- ----- ------- E-1 $539 W-4 $773 E-2 $555 O-1 $682 E-3 $570 O-2 $704 E-4 $606 O-3 $754 E-5 $622 O-4 $797 E-6 $636 O-5 $879 E-7 $667 O-6 $991 E-8 $704 O-7 $1,071 E-9^ $735 O-8 $1,174 W-1 $682 O-9 $1,259 W-2 $709 O-10^ $1,381 W-3 $730 ^ There are special rates for certain persons in these categories. REINSTATED ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS ELIGIBILITY: Survivors of deceased veterans who died of service- connected causes before Aug. 13, 1981. The benefits are similar to the benefits for students and surviving spouses with children between the ages of 16 and 18 which were eliminated from the Social Security Act. The amount of benefits is based on information obtained from the Social Security Administration. DEATH COMPENSATION RELATING TO DEATHS BEFORE JAN. 1, 1957 ELIGIBILITY: Surviving spouses, unmarried children under 18, certain helpless children, and children between 18 and 23 who are attending a VA-approved school, and dependent parents of servicemen and women or veterans who died before Jan. 1, 1957, from a service-connected cause that was not willful misconduct. BENEFIT: Monthly payments. However, survivors may opt for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payments which generally pay greater rates, especially for surviving spouses and children. NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED DEATH PENSION ELIGIBILITY: The veteran must have had 90 days wartime service unless discharged for a service-connected disability and have received a discharge other than dishonorable. If the death occurred in military service but not in the line of duty, benefits may be payable if the veteran completed at least two years of honorable active service. Surviving spouses and unmarried children under 18, or up to 23 if attending a VA-approved school, of deceased veterans with wartime or conflict service may be eligible for a pension based on need and income. Qualified children who become permanently incapable of self- support because of a physical or mental defect before becoming 18 years old may receive a pension as long as the condition exists, or until they marry. Also, a surviving spouse who is a patient in a nursing home or determined to need regular aid and attendance of another person or is permanently housebound may be entitled to higher benefits. Pensions are not payable to those with estates large enough to support the survivors. BENEFIT: The death pension is generally payable monthly, and annual payments are reduced by the amount of annual, countable income of the surviving spouse and dependent children. The annual NAM VET Newsletter Page 32 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 payments range from $4,331 for a surviving spouse without dependent children to $8,267 for a surviving spouse in need of regular aid and attendance with one dependent child. For each additional child, another $1,098 is added to the annual payment. SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATION ELIGIBILITY: Generally, survivors of deceased veterans, spouses of living veterans and children of either, attending school between the ages of 18 and 26, when the veteran dies or suffers permanent and total disability which was the result of military service after April 21, 1898, are eligible. Spouses and children of servicemen who were missing in action, captured, forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign power for more than 90 days also are eligible. The period of eligibility extends to 10 years from the date the veteran was first found to have a service-connected, total disability, or from the date of the service-connected death of the veteran, whichever is later. Eligibility ends on a child's 26th birthday. BENEFIT: In addition to educational assistance granted to family members of veterans, disabled children of veterans may receive special vocational or restorative courses and counseling from VA. HEALTH CARE AGENT ORANGE AND NUCLEAR EXPOSURE TREATMENT ELIGIBILITY: Veterans who served in Vietnam from Aug. 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, who suffer from ailments related to dioxin or herbicides used in Vietnam. Also, veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation while on active duty during a test of a nuclear device or during the American occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan, during Sept. 11, 1945, to July 1, 1946. BENEFIT: Veterans are given a comprehensive medical examination which assists in detecting any illnesses or injuries. The findings of these examinations are entered into a registry for future reference. Medical care is provided for conditions related to exposure. ALCOHOL AND DRUG DEPENDENCE TREATMENT ELIGIBILITY: See requirements from hospital and outpatient care, veteran eligibility categories A, B and C. BENEFIT: After hospitalization for drug and alcohol treatment, the VA may authorize outpatient treatment or pay for the services of a halfway house. BENEFICIARY TRAVEL ELIGIBILITY: Veterans with a 30 percent or more service- connected disability; veterans with less than 30 percent disability traveling in connection with treatment of a service- connected condition; veterans receiving VA pensions; veterans with annual incomes less than or equal to the maximum base VA pension rate; and veterans traveling in connection with a compensation or pension examination. BENEFIT: The VA will pay for travel in an emergency when a delay would have been hazardous to the patient's health or when transportation such as ambulances or wheelchairs are needed by the patient. Also, veterans may receive reimbursement for travel from one VA facility to another. Other travel payments are subject to a monthly deductible cap of $18. DOMICILIARY CARE NAM VET Newsletter Page 33 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ELIGIBILITY: Veterans with service-connected disabilities who have no adequate means of support, are unable to earn a living and meet certain other requirements. Veterans with non-service- connected disabilities who are unable to earn a living but do not require hospitalization are also eligible, if they are unable to defray the cost and meet other requirements. BENEFITS: Care is provided on a non-bedridden, self-care basis for veterans disabled from age or disease who do not require hospitalization and do not need the skilled services of nursing homes. HOSPITALIZATION ELIGIBILITY: Category A veterans SHALL receive VA hospital care; Category B veterans MAY receive treatment if space and resources are available; and Category C veterans MAY receive treatment if they agree to pay a deductible, and if space and resources are available (see (following) Categories of Veterans). BENEFIT: Hospital care at VA facilities or facilities approved by VA. Treatments include surgical and dental services, examinations and diagnostic services. NURSING-HOME CARE ELIGIBILITY: See requirements for hospitalization. Admission to private nursing homes at VA expense is available to service- connected, disabled veterans; and non-service-connected veterans whose income exceeds a certain amount, if they agree to make copayments. Normally, VA-authorized care may not be provided for more than six months, except for veterans who need nursing home care for a service-connected disability or veterans who are hospitalized primarily for treatment of a service-connected disability; military personnel who need extended nursing-home care; and veterans who are discharged from a VA medical center and receive VA home health-care services. BENEFIT: Skilled or intermediate-type nursing care and related medical care for convalescents or veterans who are not acutely ill and do not need hospital care. Veterans with service-connected disabilities are given first priority. MEDICAL CARE FOR DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS ELIGIBILITY: The Civilian Health and Medical Care Program of the VA (CHAMPVA) is available to dependents and survivors of certain veterans as long as they aren't eligible for CHAMPUS, the Civilian Health and Medical Care Program of the Uniformed Services. Eligible are the spouse and children of veterans with total, permanent service-connected disabilities; the spouse and children of veterans who died because of a service-connected disability; and surviving spouse and children of veterans who died on active duty and not because of willful misconduct. BENEFIT: Normally, care related to CHAMPVA will be at non-VA facilities, but VA facilities may be used when equipped to handle the care and when the use of the facilities does not interfere with veterans' treatment. Apply to CHAMPVA Registration Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1055 Clermont St., Denver, CO 80220. MEDICAL CARE FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN ELIGIBILITY: Certain Merchant Marine seamen who served in active, ocean-going service from Dec. 7, 1941, to Aug. 15, 1945, are considered veterans and may be eligible to receive VA health NAM VET Newsletter Page 34 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 care. In addition, Civil Service crew-members aboard U.S. Army Transport Service and Naval Transportation Service vessels i ocean-going service or ice vessels in ocean-going service or foreign waters also may be eligible to receive VA health care. Individuals should present their DD-214, discharge certificate or other proof of service at any VA health-care facility when applying. See requirements for hospitalization. OUTPATIENT MEDICAL TREATMENT ELIGIBILITY: Outpatient medical treatment WILL be furnished, without limitation, to veterans with service-connected disabilities; for any disability of a veteran with a combined service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or more and veterans who suffered an injury as a result of VA hospitalization; and any veteran in a VA-approved vocational rehabilitation program. Outpatient treatment for non-service-connected conditions is also available to any veteran on a pre- or post- hospital care or ambulatory care basis to prevent the need for hospitalization if the veteran is rated 30 or 40 percent service- connected and to any veteran whose annual income does not exceed the maximum applicable rate of pension for a veteran in need of regular aid and attendance. The veteran's income level must be lower than that level which will qualify him or her for Category A hospital care. Outpatient medical service MAY be furnished, without limitation, to any veteran who is a former prisoner of war; World War I or Mexican Border Period veterans; veterans receiving aid and attendance of housebound pension benefits; veterans on a pre- or post-hospital care or ambulatory-care basis to prevent the need for hospitalization, including veterans exposed to a toxic substance in a herbicide or defoliant used in Vietnam and those exposed to radiation because of participation in nuclear tests or while serving with occupation forces in Hiroshima or Nagasaki before July 1, 1946. Also eligible are Category A, B or C Veterans, however, non-service-connected Category C veterans must agree to pay the applicable copayment to be eligible for outpatient care. BENEFITS: Outpatient care includes medical examinations, medicine and medical services such as rehabilitation, consultation, professional counseling, training and mental-health services. OUTPATIENT DENTAL CARE ELIGIBILITY: Veterans with dental conditions which are service- connected and compensable; and veterans needing one-time treatment of dental conditions or disabilities which are not compensable but existed at time of discharge for at least 180 days. The veterans must apply to VA for outpatient dental care within 90 days following separation. Ineligible are veterans in this category whose separation documents indicate that dental examinations and treatment were completed by military dentists 90 days before separation. Also eligible are veterans who need care for service- connected, non-compensable dental conditions resulting from combat wounds or service injuries; and former prisoners of war with service-connected, non-compensable dental conditions. Complete dental care is available for prisoners of war for more than 90 days and veterans who are receiving disability compensation at the 100 percent rate for service-connected conditions. Outpatient care also is available for veterans with non-service-connected NAM VET Newsletter Page 35 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 dental conditions which the VA determines are associated with a service-connected medical problem; disabled veterans participating in rehabilitation programs and Spanish-American War veterans. Non-service-connected veterans whose incomes exceed the income threshold applicable to hospital-care eligibility may be authorized dental treatment only if they agree to pay a copayment. BENEFIT: Outpatient dental care includes examinations and diagnostic, surgical, restorative and preventative dental care. PROSTHETIC APPLIANCES ELIGIBILITY: Veterans are eligible based on a VA determination of feasibility and medical need when they are receiving hospital, outpatient, domiciliary or nursing-home care. VET CENTERS ELIGIBILITY: Veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam era may be provided counseling for readjustment to civilian life. Services include individual counseling, Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling. Group counseling, family counseling and employment counseling. OTHER FEDERAL BENEFITS FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION HOME MORTGAGE ELIGIBILITY: Veterans on active duty who originally enlisted before Sept. 7, 1980, or who were on active duty before Oct. 14, 1982 and who served at least 90 days and who received a discharge other than dishonorable; veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or who were on active duty after Oct. 14, 1982, must have served at least 24 months unless discharged for hardship or disability. BENEFIT: Home loans that require a smaller down payment than other FHA programs. The Department of Housing and Urban Development administers that program. EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: Vietnam-era veterans, veterans with more than 30 percent disability and those whose discharge from active duty was because of service-connected conditions. BENEFIT: The affirmative action federal law prohibits employers with federal contracts or subcontracts of $10,000 or more from employment discrimination against Vietnam-era veterans and special disabled veterans. Under the Labor Department program, contractors are required to take positive steps to hire and recruit Vietnam and disabled veterans. Vietnam veterans are covered by this program through 1991. DISABLED VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR JOBS ELIGIBILITY: Available to all disabled veterans, especially disabled Vietnam veterans. BENEFIT: The program provides states with funds to help disabled veterans find jobs, and is administered by the Labor Department's Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training. EMPLOYMENT IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ELIGIBILITY: Disabled veterans; Vietnam veterans; unremarried widows and mothers of certain deceased veterans; spouses of service-connected, disabled veterans unable to work in their occupations; and mothers of permanently and totally disabled NAM VET Newsletter Page 36 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 service-connected veterans. Under the expanded Veteran Readjustment Appointment (VRA) authority, a non-disabled Vietnam-era veteran who has completed no more than 14 years of education may be hired by a federal agency without taking a regular civil-service examination, provided that the veteran agrees to participate in an education or training program. The 14 years of education restriction does not apply to Vietnam-era veterans who receive disability compensation or Vietnam-era veterans who were discharged because of service- connected disabilities. Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more may be given a non-competitive appointment which might later lead to career employment. BENEFIT: The government promotes job opportunities for qualified disabled veterans and Vietnam veterans through the Vietnam-era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974. Veterans receive points added to their scores on federal civil-service examinations, waivers on certain job requirements, job preference and preference for retention in layoffs. For more information, write to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Federal Job Information Center, 1900 E St., N.W., Washington, DC 20415. JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE Veterans receive help in finding jobs through the local Job Service office. These offices offer job counseling, testing, employment referral and placement services for veterans. They also provide information about job markets, on-the-job apprenticeships and training opportunities. Both the Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) person, who are located at the local Job Service office, are specially trained to provide job services to veterans. JOB TRAINING PARTNERSHIP ACT Disabled, Vietnam and recently discharged veterans can receive assistance in acquiring skills for a job. The Department of Labor offers this program through state employment and job service offices. RE-EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: Veterans of World War II, Korean War, post-Korean period, Vietnam era and peacetime service who didn't serve more than five years after Aug. 1, 1961, may be reinstated in their jobs. Eligible veterans must have other than dishonorable discharges and be qualified to perform the jobs. Veterans must apply within 90 days of separation. BENEFIT: Veterans are restored in the position they would have attained if they had not been absent. The veteran should receive appropriate seniority, status, pay and benefits. Protection against dismissal without just cause for one year after re- employment is also ensured. The program is conducted on the state and local levels by the Department of Labor's Office of Veterans' Employment and Training Service. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management operates the program's federal employment opportunities. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL A weekly income is provided for a limited time to help recently discharged military personnel meet their basic needs while NAM VET Newsletter Page 37 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 searching for employment. The amount of income and its duration is determined by the state. Veterans should apply at their nearest Job Service office. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION The SBA administers a program to help Vietnam-era veterans and disabled veterans get loans to start or expand small businesses. SBA assistance includes surety bonding, and financial and management assistance. For more information about an SBA loan, call 1-800-368-5855. - 30 - NAM VET Newsletter Page 38 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ONE HUNDREDTH CONGRESS G.V. (SONNY) MONTGOMERY chairman Input by: VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS 336 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CARE BENEFITS Public Law 99-272, approved by the President on April 7, 1986, mandated the eligibility criteria for Department of Veterans' Affairs hospital care. Public Law 100-322, approved by the President on May 20, 1988, mandated the eligibility criteria for Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient care. Listed below are the criteria for inpatient (hospital) and outpatient care, beneficiary travel as well as certain other benefits: HOSPITAL CARE CATEGORY A: (1) The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is required to provide hospital care to: (a) Veterans with service-connected disabilities; (b) Former prisoners of war; (c) Veterans exposed to certain herbicides and ionizing radiation; (d) Veterans disabled as a result of VA treatment or vocational rehabilitation; (e) Veterans of the Mexican border period, or World War I; and (f) Non-service-connected veterans with one dependent whose income does not exceed $19,759 (or $16,466 for a single veteran). The income level is increased by $1,098 for each additional dependent. CATEGORY B: (2) The Secretary may furnish hospital care to non-service- connected disabled veterans whose income is between $16,467 and $21,954 for a single veteran and between $19,760 and $27,443 for a veteran with one dependent (plus $1,098 for each additional dependent) to the extent that resources and facilities are available. CATEGORY C: (3) The Secretary may furnish any non-service-connected disabled veteran whose income is at least $21,955 if single or $27,443 if married (plus $1098 for each additional dependent) hospital care to the extent that resources and NAM VET Newsletter Page 39 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 facilities are available and provided the veteran agrees to pay a nominal fee. The veteran would be charged the lesser of the cost of care received or $560 for the first 90 days of care (or part thereof) during any 365 day period. For each succeeding 90 days of care (or part thereof) the veteran would be required to pay the lesser of the cost of hospital care received or one-half of the amount of the inpatient deductible ($280). For nursing home care for each 90 days of care, the veteran would be required to pay the lesser of the cost of furnishing care or the inpatient deductible ($560). (4) Income for purposes of non-service-connected medical care eligibility will be determined on the same basis used for determining eligibility for non-service-connected pension benefits. The income limits for medical care purposes are increased effective January 1 of each year by the same percentage as non-service-connected pension rates. (5) The Secretary is authorized to recover from health insurers the reasonable costs of care furnished in Department facilities to insured veterans who have no service- connected disability. (6) The provision of law allowing veterans 65 years of age or older to receive care in DVA medical facilities regardless of income was repealed by Public Law 99-272. OUTPATIENT CARE (1) Effective July 1, 1988, the Secretary shall furnish on an ambulatory or outpatient basis such medical services, other than dental services, as the Secretary determines are needed to: (a) Any veteran for service-connected disability; (b) Any veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or more for any disability; and, (c) Any veteran disabled as a result of DVA treatment or in pursuit of vocational rehabilitation. (2) Effective July 1, 1988, the Secretary shall furnish outpatient or ambulatory medical services reasonable necessary in preparation for or to obviate the need for hospital admission for any disability to: (a) Any veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 or 40 percent; and (b) Any veteran whose annual income does not exceed the maximum annual rate of non-service-connected pension payable to a veteran in need of aid and attendance ($10,338 for a single veteran and $12,341 for a veteran with one dependent) for any disability. (3) Effective July 1, 1988, the Secretary may furnish on an ambulatory or outpatient basis medical services which the Secretary determines are needed to veterans in the following priority order: (a) Any veteran who has a service-connected disability rating of less than 30 percent or any veteran for a compensation or pension examination; NAM VET Newsletter Page 40 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 (b) Former prisoners of war and veterans with eligibility based on exposure to toxic substances in Vietnam or to ionizing radiation following the detonation of such devices in Japan during World War II; (c) Veterans of the Mexican border period or World War I whose annual income exceeds the maximum annual rate of pension; and, (d) Veterans in receipt of increased pension or compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound but whose income is below the Category A threshold ($16,466 for a single veteran or $19,759 for a veteran with one dependent). A payment is required of veterans seeking non-service-connected outpatient treatment whose incomes are at least $21,954 if single or $27,444 if married (plus $1,098 for each additional dependent) for each visit of 20 percent of the estimated nationwide average cost of the Department outpatient visit during the current fiscal year, but not to exceed during any 90-day period the amount of the current inpatient payment ($560). MISCELLANEOUS (1) In addition to medical treatment, certain veterans are eligible for dental services, prosthetic appliances and home health care services. (2) The Secretary may provide skilled or intermediate-type nursing care and related medical care in DVA or private nursing homes for convalescents or persons who are not in need of hospital care. (3) The Secretary may furnish needed domiciliary care to any veteran whose annual income does not exceed the maximum annual rate of pension payable to a veteran in need of aid and attendance or to any veteran who the Secretary determines has no adequate means of support. (4) The Secretary has authority to provide fee-basis care outside of the United States for service-connected disabilities related to service in the U.S. military forces of citizens of the Republic of the Philippines or Canada or elsewhere as determined by the Secretary. BENEFICIARY TRAVEL (1) Effective July 1, 1988, during any fiscal year in which the Secretary exercises the authority to make beneficiary travel payments, payments shall be made for travel in connection with examinations, care or treatment (i.e. hospital, nursing home, domiciliary or outpatient treatment) for which the veteran is eligible to: (a) Veterans for scheduled compensation and pension medical examinations (b) Veterans for a service-connected disability; (c) Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more; (d) Veterans in receipt of pension; NAM VET Newsletter Page 41 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 (e) Veterans whose annual income does not exceed the maximum annual rates applicable to the non-service- connected pension program; (f) Veteran for whom ambulance transportation, wheelchair van transportation or other special modes of transportation are medically indicated and the Secretary determines that the veteran is unable to bear the cost of such transportation; (no deductible applies) (g) Veterans whom the Secretary determines to be unable to defray the expenses of travel or such other persons as determined by regulation. (2) Eligible veterans will be responsible for the first $6 of the cost of travel to receive DVA medical care. For eligible veterans whose medical conditions warrant frequent visits, the maximum monthly amount for which the veteran will be responsible is $18. January 1, 1989 NAM VET Newsletter Page 42 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 VETERAN'S DATA RECORD From: The American Legion Magazine July 1989 Issue p. 51 Input by: VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 The American Legion (and many other veteran service organizations) has fully accredited Service Officers located in each VA Regional Office. These representatives are at your service to help develop and file claims and assist you and your dependents in applying for the various benefits to which you may be entitled. Local American Legion Posts generally have a Post Service Officer who can provide guidance necessary to filing your claim. It is recommended that you list numbers and locations of the following noted items so that your family will have the details necessary to file for benefits if you are incapacitated or deceased. You should file this form in a save place at your home or provide it to your Post (or veterans organization) for safekeeping. Full Name ______________________________________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________ Location of Birth Certificate __________________________________ Social Security No. ____________________________________________ Military Service No. ___________________________________________ Branch of Service ______________________________________________ Place of entry into Service ____________________________________ Dates of Service _______________________________________________ Discharge Type _________________________________________________ Location of Discharge Certificate or DD-214 ____________________ Name/Address of those you served with __________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Duty Stations __________________________________________________ VA Claim No. ___________________________________________________ County/State where Discharge is recorded _______________________ ________________________________________________________________ Spouse's Full Name _____________________________________________ Date/Place of Marriage _________________________________________ Location of Marriage Certificate _______________________________ Names of Children ______________________________________________ Location of your Children's Birth Certificates _________________ ________________________________________________________________ Other Information: Wills __________________________ Location _____________________ Insurance ______________________________________________________ Bank Accounts __________________________________________________ Mortgage _______________________________________________________ Miscellaneous: You have earned the right to certain veterans' benefits. Use this form to make it easier for your family in case of an emergency. Make sure to retain a copy for your own records. NAM VET Newsletter Page 43 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= B a t t l i n ' C i t y H a l l ! ! ! ================================================================= How badly do you want a Vet Center in YOUR town? by: G. Joseph Peck President Berkshire Veterans Center, Inc. SysOp - VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 I've spoken VOICE and CHATTED on VETLink #1 with so many of you! In so many, many instances I've heard of the lack of local veterans' services in YOUR area. It's difficult to condense in a matter of a few minutes VOICE or longer on the BBS "What it takes to get a Vet Center" in YOUR town. Believe me, I've tried. Said quickly, in 1982/83 I looked around for a leader and bureaucracy battler, couldn't find one, had to be one or else give in and let the efforts for a Vet Center in the Berkshires die. It took nearly three years of concentrated and focussed effort; radio talk shows; town meetings; constant involvement in veteran issues; AND the ability to get by on 20 minutes sleep a day! Today, in Pittsfield, MA there IS a Veteran Outreach Center as a result of all those efforts. It is state-funded and is there to help the veteran in need. It is NOT Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. - but Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. (the oldest Vet Center in Berkshire County, MA) was the driving force which brought Vet Center services to Berkshire County. I'd like to share with you all the last step I took (the following article - along with about 150 pages of documentation!) before the Veterans Outreach Center of Pittsfield, MA became a reality for our brother and sister veterans because, if its at all in YOUR dreams and hopes for YOUR community, there's some valuable information YOU can use to get YOUR Vet Center into operation! What now follows is a brief history of ME and the many efforts that went into bringing a Vet Center to Pittsfield, MA. If WE did it, so can you - IF you want to! A VETERANS CENTER FOR THE BERKSHIRES? (c) 1984 G. Joseph Peck A veterans' center in the Berkshires? Why, you might ask, do we need one. A few words here may help to explain. My name is George Joseph Peck. In 1964, heeding especially the words of assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy to "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what YOU can do for your country!" I enlisted in the U.S. Army. My military career began well, what with extremely high marks on all the intellectual tests, an M-14 rifle EXPERT rating, Honor Graduate of the Signal School I attended, and many leadership positions throughout both Basic and Advanced Infantry Training NAM VET Newsletter Page 44 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 programs. Suggestions made by persons in authority to apply for a "From the Ranks" nomination to West Point Military Academy were declined in favor of Officers Candidate School. In was my fullest intention to make the U.S. Army my lifetime career. However, on 13 Mar 65, while on a mission I had volunteered for, the driver of the M151 jeep in which I was riding either hit a bump or a ditch in the road, lost control, and we overturned - while travelling 55-60 mph. I was ejected and hit the pavement, head and elbow first. I don't remember the trip to DeWitt Army hospital in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. I don't remember the next few weeks. Military records show that I was comatose for 6 days before I regained any form of awareness. As I recall, it was nearly a month before my speech made any sense, before I could walk with any degree of steadiness, before I became aware of what had happened before, as my training had taught me, I left the hospital in an attempt to return to my duty station, MY unit, MY company. The following day, diagnosed (according to the psychiatrist at DeWitt: "For OUR protection because we can't watch over you all the time and you keep wanting to return to duty.") as "Schizophrenic - with hallucinations and delusions" I was transferred to Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC> In a locked ward, with my every movement watched and recorded, I stayed there for nearly three weeks and then was given a convalescence leave to return home to my family in California. When the realization of what had happened to me began to sink in; as I began to assess the skills I had lost because I could no longer coordinate my body's movements and no longer did I seem to possess the mental faculties I previously had, a deep, deep depression overwhelmed me. I didn't want to live. I was very seriously contemplating suicide. Instead of "doing myself in", telephoning and wiring the doctors at Walter Reed, I sincerely requested a transfer to a VA hospital near my parents home in California. I was no longer able to perform the duties of my position in the manner I did prior to the accident. Intellectually and physically, in my mind, what I once was had been destroyed. I couldn't walk straight; I couldn't talk without appearing as if I had been drinking; physically I hurt very bad; and it was difficult for me to interact with others above a level of simple, non-abstract matters. The doctors gave me an extension of my leave, but my situation did not improve - it worsened. I DID NOT WANT TO CONTINUE LIVING with an awareness that had changed and in a body that had changed. The Walter Reed doctors, in a telephone conversation, first threatened me with the concept of great expense to my parents "to reclaim government property" and then told me, if I really wanted to get past this troubled period in my life, I would have to have enough courage to come back and face what was troubling me - come back to Washington, DC ... and the locked wards ... and the constant analysis. When I returned - on time - the "help" I had been promised did not materialize. Instead I was told, "You're not going to manipulate people any longer with your threats of suicide. We're making the recommendation that you be discharged from the U.S. Army. You should make arrangements with your civilian employer to return to work." Less than three weeks later I was returned to my duty station NAM VET Newsletter Page 45 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 with the recommendation that I be discharged from military service because of "character and behavioral disorders not amenable to hospitalization or any other form of treatment." Nowhere was it noted that I was enduring the physical manifestations of a mild case of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy; nowhere was it noted that I was enduring the psychological manifestations of a Post Traumatic Confusional state. Receiving an Honorable discharge and Letters of Recommendation, I unsteadily and fearfully boarded a Piedmont Propjet and became a civilian again 28 July 1965. As I was soon to discover, the VA - or any other medical facility - doesn't listen too attentively to one labelled as "Schizophrenic, with hallucinations and delusions." Requests for treatment for my headaches, constant losses of balance, etc., were seen only as "somatic complaints" and no one seemed to pay serious attention to what I was saying. Approximately 6 months after military discharge my head began to clear. I began to realize what had happened to me and feel even more saddened at the career I had lost because of something, beyond my control, that had happened to me. Save my own business, I have not been able to hold a job for a period longer than 3 years since. It took a little over 18 years of constant, determined, and persistent effort before I was finally accurately evaluated for the injuries I received. I am presently rated as 50% service- connected disabled. It did not happen though, without my involving many Federal and State representatives (Still ahead of ME is the actual correction of my erroneous Department of the Army discharge); without my discovering the absence of concerned, solution-oriented, state or federal agencies to aid the veteran. For awhile, it was a lonely battle. Lonely until I discovered that in a VET CENTER were people who had had similar experiences to mine; people who could lead me through the maze of bureaucratic paperwork, talk to me in words I could understand, talk to me from the point-of-view of someone who's been there too - people who would teach me that I was a part of the Vietnam veteran family; that because I had joined the military, served honorably, and was discharged through no fault of my own without getting to 'Nam, did not mean I, too, had not put my life "on the line" to protect, preserve, and defend our country's principles and beliefs, and that I, too, was entitled to the benefits of being a Vietnam veteran. After all - I, too, paid the price of a negative homecoming, of a not-provable discrimination in the job market, of a bureaucracy and a public that, if they closed their eyes long enough, ignored us long enough, hoped we would go away, wanted us to go away. I, too, was a part of the toughest, most persistent and determined veterans in all of American history! The VET CENTER nearest to Berkshire County, though, is in Albany, New York - a distance of approximately 39 one-way miles into a different state, with different laws, different benefits for veterans; only similar in respect that there are brother and sister veterans there. The nearest VET CENTER to Berkshire County in Massachusetts is NAM VET Newsletter Page 46 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 in Springfield, MA - a distance of approximately 106 round-trip miles. Appearing there on a regular basis, especially in the wintertime, was almost an impossibility for me. Yet, as a person, as a veteran, I had to have help. The correction of my original mistaken diagnosis did not happen either, without my becoming aware of the similar plight of many of my brother and sister Berkshire County and other Vietnam era veterans, without my realizing that there are other veterans in my county who would long ago have given up a battle for restoration of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence. I have seen the quiet acceptance of an Agent Orange-affected veteran who has had his hips replaced and who endures a continual onset of skin disorders - what the VA's Robert Nimmo once called "Teenage Acne." I have seen, too, my brother veteran - taken into service just after completion of high school, trained as a motor pool maintenance person - work at a job whose immediate monetary benefits are a little above average but when he's retirement age there will be nothing... because he was being paid "under the table." No one has told him of educational benefits that are available to him; no one has told him of the aid available through State Agencies. What OUTREACH has he seen from a bureaucracy that, even today, says: YOU come to US - between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - for services you don't even know exist. WE won't come to you!" Today he is separated from his wife and beautiful family, lives alone, and continues to work for the PRESENT but not the FUTURE. And what of the WOMAN veteran? I know personally only two or three. They are the quiet ones - the ones whose job it once was, and still is, to serve. They care for their families; they do their jobs; for the most part - they exist. Almost to a person, they tell no one they served in or near 'Nam. Some husbands don't even know their wives served in the military. Yet the woman veteran, too, had traumatic military experiences. Who can she go to for help? Who can she tell she's having problems? On the following 110 pages (there were 45 in FRONT of this cover letter) is part of - but not all of - my efforts to bring a VET CENTER to the Berkshires, beginning on the last page and working forward with an honest and frank assessment by Pittsfield, MA's BERKSHIRE EAGLE, of the "foot dragging" and "lip service" that, in some quarters, still exist in a bureaucracy we call American Government. Throughout your review of the following pages please keep in mind that, at all times, I had a choice: I could be part of the solution or, in bitter and resentful actions, I could have, in an EXPERT and INTELLECTUAL manner, been a part of the problem. I choose to be a part of the solution - and, in my mind, one of the first steps towards solving the alienation, the isolation, the discrimination; establishing comradery, and a link, a bond, between those veterans who served our nation during one of its most unglamorous periods - and to share that experience with our family of veterans - is the creation of a VET CENTER in the Berkshires WHICH WILL COMPLEMENT - NOT REPLACE - ALREADY EXISTING STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES. In MY review of the following pages, I do have some serious NAM VET Newsletter Page 47 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 criticisms about the lack of responsiveness of certain individuals, certain agencies and the unavailability of certain services. With no apologies being necessary or due from where I have been patiently, persistently, and determinedly waiting for the past two years, I would specifically direct your attention to the following: CHARLES SMITH AS MAYOR OF PITTSFIELD, MA: has NOT responded, either verbally or in writing, to written communications sent to him during the course of the last two years. Himself a veteran of the Korean Conflict period, the Honorable Mayor Smith - with recent media coverage about efforts to provide complementary services to Berkshire County's veterans which would hopefully be located in Pittsfield, MA - has neither acknowledged, recognized or attempted to aid in this matter. THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE - AS ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT, WIDELY-READ NEWSPAPERS IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY: In my opinion, a community newspaper should not only report on the NEWS of a community but also about the events that may hopefully better it. The press has no power save the power to influence. In my own personal experiences with THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE, during the course of the last two-to-three years, I know of many submissions by different veterans' organizations that have not been published, many submissions that were not timely published. IT IS MY SPECIFIC SUGGESTION - AND "SUGGESTION" ONLY - THAT THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF, AND RESPONSIBLE FOR, THE PUBLICATION OF MATTERS CONCERNING VETERANS AND VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS BE A VETERAN, BE A PERSON SENSITIVE TO THE ISSUES AND TIMELINESS OF VETERANS' HAPPENINGS - AND - IN RECOGNITION OF THE MANY PURCHASERS OF ITS PUBLICATION, THAT IT FULLY AND TOTALLY SUPPORT THIS EFFORT TO PUT UNITY IN OUR BERKSHIRE COUNTY COMMUNITY; BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE has, in the past, allowed a non- veteran to act in the capacity of Veterans' Counselor and, when the situation was questioned, replaced him with a person not intimately familiar with the unique workings of the college - even though a Vietnam Combat Veteran/Clinical Psychologist, genuinely interested and concerned about the welfare of the veteran, actively and energetically applied for the position. When the BCC veteran population failed to materialize for the new Veterans Counselor, it was to be his year-end recommendation that the Veterans' Counselor position be eliminated. Presently, BCC HAS NO VETERANS COUNSELOR. THERE IS ALSO MUCH GOOD TO COMMENT ON. For instance: THE SPRINGFIELD MORNING UNION, specifically Mr. David Vallette, has been very, very helpful and receptive to the plight of Berkshire County's veteran population - not only for THIS veteran, but many others. Both THE SPRINGFIELD MORNING UNION and MR. DAVID VALLETTE are to be highly commended for community involvement, care, concern, and sensitivity; REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT "FRANK" JAKUBOWICZ has continuously supported the Berkshire County veteran, not only in words, but also in actions; MANY OTHER VETERANS, POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES, MEDIA NAM VET Newsletter Page 48 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 PERSONNEL, AND OTHER BERKSHIRE COUNTY RESIDENTS are beginning to come forward with donations and much needed letters of support. WHAT MUST NOT BE DONE? WHAT MUST NOW BE DONE? WHAT "CAN" WE DO NOW?!? As a single, lone individual I have done all that I can. What has been accomplished, to date, could not have been so without the aid of THE SPRINGFIELD UNION and Berkshire County's veteran population. As is evidenced in the many preceding paragraphs and in the following pages, I WILL, without regard for the personal benefit or gain of myself, point out, and attempt to change, what I perceive to be not right, fair, or proper. Many times I have been mistaken. I do not know all of the answers or of the many different ways of looking at things. For the BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER a Director who is aware of the political and social implications of his/her actions and reactions is needed. Because of MY background, where, I feel, I have justifiably challenged a mistaken authority, it has now become my "trigger" to challenge, to lay my life on-the-line again, when someone says that I'm wrong, that I have incorrect facts, or tries to lie to me (Nobody knows that better than the wife who has stuck by my side through ALL the hell we've been through). As a community-based organization, I feel THE BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER should be able to work WITH other, already-existing organizations and their shortcomings. It is beyond my present capabilities - and sensitivities - to speak for, and act, in/on behalf of all Berkshire County veterans. I do not know how to lead in this instance. The path I have been on for the past few years, initiated by my own experiences of missing services and help, is an uncharted one for me. There are no guidebooks, very few guides. THE FUTURE OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY VETERAN'S CENTER IS UP TO YOU, THE READER; YOU, THE VETERAN; YOU, THE POLITICIAN As has been directed by Representative Jakubowicz in his most recent letter, WE MUST, in very short order, prepare a project proposal. I, George Joseph Peck - in addition to paying close and tenacious attention to my college studies, raising my fragmented family of five children, caring for my wife and home - have gone, what I feel, "above and beyond the call of duty" and stepped into a world of Love, Care, and Concern... for my brother and sister veteran, for my community, and for my country. What has been done, up to this point, is now in your hands, too. Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man In kindness, honesty, and good faith G. Joseph Peck ACTING DIRECTOR BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER NAM VET Newsletter Page 49 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 01202 September 1989 Update: The VET CENTER became a reality in 1985 as Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #65 became its first operator; the Mayor is now retired; The BERKSHIRE EAGLE became a little more responsive to Vietnam veterans. In fact, they sent a reporter on the bus trip with us to The Wall in Washington, DC; our community has supported us (Vietnam veterans) in almost our every endeavor; and THE SPRINGFIELD UNION and DAVID VALLETTE are still as supportive and strong as ever when it comes to veterans and veterans' affairs. And, oh yes, Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc., the oldest veterans center in Berkshire County carries on - at a grass roots, gut level height "Helping those who served..." and is the SPONSOR of VETLink #1! NAM VET Newsletter Page 50 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= - - M E M O R I E S - - ================================================================= Psssst! Or Lefty does Pleiku By: Lefty Frizzell "Thas' just IT, bubba!" BBS It was the early part of the monsoon season. And because of the monsoon, my Infantry unit had been pulled back and was detailed security for one of the Support Groups in Pleiku. It was some pretty easy living. Running water, prepared meals, a PX on compound, hot and cold running women, and maid service. After 2 months in the field, it was a very welcome break. Sleep the majority of the day, and BS on guard all nite. Heck, I even saw a Donut Dolly and smelled a little Avon Topaz. Ahhh, this was the life. After each man had had a chance to raise a ruckus at the club and unlax a little, the First Shirt posted our duty roster. The Installation Coordinator (read that REMF Colonel) decided that his troops needed some exposure to the real world and put some of his men on each guard post. I guess we were supposed to school them in the realities of life. I never did understand exactly what we were supposed to do - verbally instruct or bore them to death with tales of our prowess. After our arrival on our guard post, we set up the claymores and hung the 60 from some commo wire. Tuned in AFVN, heated up some beans and wienies, and settled down for another nites light show courtesy of the Engineers at Cheo Reo. Those poor suckers probably felt like they were part of a shooting gallery as they averaged 2 ground probes and one rocket or mortar attack a week. There had been lots of intel about sappers, and as I had never seen one (other than at In-country Orientation), I was most anxious to keep it that way. Pleiku was famous for its nighttime fog. That coupled with the monsoon, and the lack of perimeter lights in our areas made for a spooky situation. They had brought out two Deuce-and-a-half's and were letting them idle and using the lights from them to illuminate the perimeter. I mean, this position sucked to the max. But, being the good little trooper that I was, I volunteered for second watch and curled up with my poncho liner in a corner of the bunker. About 1 am, Eddie Roo (dontcha just love those old nicknames?) woke me up. He said that he thought he had seen movement all evening and he was expecting the worst. The fog had lifted, but with the rain, you still could not see your hand in front of your face. We were standing around doing an ole smoke and joke, when Eddie stopped me with, "Did YOU hear that?" ... "Hear what" ... NAM VET Newsletter Page 51 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 "THAT!"..."THAT what?" ... "THAT!" ... "THAT WHAT?" ... "THAT DAMMIT!" ... (silence) ... psssssssssss.. (silence) ... psssssssssssssssssssssssss ... (silence) ... pssss ... After about 45 seconds ... pssssssssssssssssss ... (quiet) "Say Eddie?" Eddie (whispered), "what sound does a satchel charge make"... "Hell, I dunno" ... "I think we're getting ready to find out... get that other guy up" ... psssssss ... (silence) ... "Look, I ain't stayin' up here and gettin blown up ... I'm gonna find that satchel charge and stuff up Luke's satchel. Cover me with that 60... If I yell start shootin'... But for Christ's sakes don't shoot me!" Down the ladder, I went. Doing my best not to make any racket and wanting to blend in with the tower and the drizzle as best I could. I hit the bottom of the ladder and laid down in the mud, trying to silhouette my target against the perimeter lights. Psssssssssssssssssss only this time it was right by my ear... psssss... pssssss "Oh sh*t!" ... this is just about the time that a bolt of lightening with just about the output of 3 Hoover Dams hits the perimeter. I mean, it hit the wire. The charge jumped from the fence to the claymores and the rest is history. "BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!" The guy that had installed the claymores (the REMF's had cemented them down) had daisy-chained about 15 together. These 15 and 'bout 5 more went all at one time. Twenty claymores... and 2 kidney's let go. I just laid there on the ground. I figured that the Valkyrie were gonna be there anytime ...and I was going to have eternity to answer that question: "Is there life after death?". I must have laid there for 10 minutes, when I heard, through ringing ears, "Hey Lefty! You ok?" "Say what?" "You ok?" "Hell, ya mean I ain't dead?" "That's what I'm asking YOU!" "Guess so" ... psssssssss ... "QUIET!" ... psss "oh man..." ... pssssss ... I just laid my head in the mud, and prepared for death. I knew it was coming ... I felt something touch my face ... I yelled and swung my arm ... and knocked a beetle off the side of my boonie hat. This bug was about 3 1/2 inches long ... and I got up and commenced to stomped him into the mud. Friend, I mean I WALKED ON HIM! And all the time that I'm doing the stroll on his carapace ... he went PSSSSSSSSSSSSS! NAM VET Newsletter Page 52 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 "The Wall" By: Robert A. Chapin Sergeant - United States Army 13th Signal Battalion 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) Copyright 1985 Input by: VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 When you gaze upon the Granite Wall, And fix your eyes upon the name. You will see the one for whom you call, When he died in America's shame. You can see his young and frightened face, See the awesome firepower. How do you tell a Gold Star Mother, She has lost her blooming flower? When you listen to the Granite Wall, You hear their cries of death and pain. How we tried to comfort them, Only God knows if they died in vain. You can also hear your congressmen, "America is not at war." With 58,000 who lost their lives, If no war, what did they die for? Take a step and touch the wall, Find the name you know so well. You have no voice, you cannot hear, As your tears begin to swell. It has been too long for the names to appear, A token sign points the way. Tell me America what is your fear? Is it more fiery thunder . . . on a not too distant day? Now speak as one, so loud and clear, A message to those on The Hill. Must you persist to bury our sons, In lands that never lay still? The Vietnam Vet has a painful heart, -- Memories that refuse to fade. We too proudly served in time of need, But the hostages had the parade. NAM VET Newsletter Page 53 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 VIETNAM VETERAN By: S. M. Whiting (c) 1985 Input by: VETLink #1 FidoNet 1:321/203 AlterNet 7:46/203 (413) 443-6313 Hush be still do you hear it? It's the sound of an anguished cry A cry that asks the reason Why in God's name did I die? Why shouldn't I be remembered Why do you speak in shame Wasn't I fighting for the cause of man And in my country's name? Why am I scorned, rejected as my comrades, too in life are faced with hypocritic taunting and criticisms knife. Someone out there hear me, Let my soul feel no regret Someone out there hear me I am a Viet Vet. Does anyone out there hear me? If you do then tell me why, Hush, listen do you hear that? It's a lonely soldier's cry. Hush my lonely soldier. Yes I can tell you why. I can tell you why you fought the fight I can tell you why you die. You heeded to your country's call For in a distant land were those locked in persecution But it was you who took the stand. You gave your all, to your country's call. With your brothers you fought true. So rest each one, our country's sons You've the respect now that you're due. You're not scorned, you're not rejected So go to God above. Go with your country's thanks and go with your country's love. Hush now, do you hear it? In the dark of night it's still The crying now is quiet On cemetery hill. NAM VET Newsletter Page 54 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 FREEDOM CADENCE Submitted by: Rod Germain 1625 S. 4th Ave. Arcadia, Ca. 91006 Home Phone 818-447-6732 Compuserve I.D. # 73267,3355 I thought some of the guys might get a kick out of the cadence song the Medical Unit at Fort Sam Houston taught my son while he was in training there to be a Medic. Here it is if you can use it: I'm the early morning rain with my weapon in my hand, My pockets are full with sand, On alert half past three, Big bad Russian calling to me, Got to keep this country free. 101st up in flight, Flying high all through the night, Yeah, were lookin for a fight. Have my parachute on my back, Just waiting for them to attack, There's no turning back. I've got the enemy to my front, The ocean to my rear, There is no time for feeling fear. If I die before you do, Make sure they bury me Red White and Blue, U.S.A. I love you. Now they lay me down to rest, With this bullet in my chest, Yet I know, I've done my best. Oh my darling don't you weep, God has laid me down to sleep, For the price of freedom is not cheap. Contributed by P.F.C. James A. Germain (soon to be Spec 4) NAM VET Newsletter Page 55 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 The Wall Submitted by: Joe Lizotte The Debate Place BBS Houston, Texas (713)451-6066 FidoNet 1:106/113) "...I can not resist but send one from my wife back in return. This is also titled 'The Wall' " I walked across the clover My heart and soul alone Knowing I must confront it That gleaming wall of stone To see the names inscribed there Arranged by date and time Wondering each and every day Why isn't one of them mine Did I do the most I could Did I do my best Was lack of knowledge or trying what sent them to their rest The answer still eludes me Even after all these years As silently I walk away from that granite wall of tears Shan Lizotte copyright November 88 all rights reserved NAM VET Newsletter Page 56 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= S P E C I A L N O T I C E S ! ================================================================= WHERE are we goin' with NAM VET??? There's only four issues left of NAM VET 3... help us make this more YOUR newsletter by letting us know how you feel... Here's the last four NAM VET publication dates: ISSUE ARTICLE PUBLICATION MONTH DEADLINE DATE ---------------------- ---------- ----------- October 1989 2 OCT 89 7 OCT 89 November 1989 30 OCT 89 4 NOV 89 2nd Anniversary Issue 6 NOV 89 11 NOV 89 December 1989 29 NOV 89 2 DEC 89 When Todd and I first began production of NAM VET back in 1987 (November 11, 1987 - FIRST edition), we put together a "Production Schedule". Added to that schedule since first we created it (and we've only missed it twice - both of 'em MY fault), are the Anniversary edition(s). We're down to the last five and the time is rapidly approaching when we're to create a new one (I'd LIKE to have a little 'lead- time' on the next one prior to publishing it in IVVEC). BEFORE creating the NAM VET 4 and 5 schedule, I'd like to ask YOUR input... WHO -- among you would like to join the staff of NAM VET and help us get this thing out on time EVERY month (with a couple of SPECIAL issues produced once in awhile)? WE NEED: People to do articles of their choosing for the following sections: POW, INCARCERATED VETERANS, VETERANS' BENEFITS, AGENT ORANGE, HOMELESS VETERANS, FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATION, CRISIS SUPPORT NETWORKING, PTSD, Etc. Do YOU have a favorite topic of interest that you'd like to take charge of? WHAT -- do you think we should try to include in your NAM VET? Have we been focussing too heavily on Agent Orange, Incarcerated Veterans, MIA/POW, PTSD, or some other topic? Have we been including things in it that you think we could eliminate? What HAVEN'T we put in it that YOU'VE been hoping to see? WHEN -- during the month would a new edition of NAM VET be most welcome and helpful at YOUR BBS? Presently we try for the first Saturday of the month - but maybe some of you would rather pick it up on the second or third Saturday... or maybe on a Sunday... or maybe...????? WHERE -- do you feel we should try to distribute it? Can YOU pick it up with a local call - or do you have to File Request or Download long-long distance? Already we've got an international distribution network in somewhat-smooth operation and Jerry Hindle (NAM VET's dependable, faithful paperboy) helps us by distributing NAM VET Newsletter Page 57 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 it all over creation ... Got some ideas for Nam Vet? Got some suggestions? Wanna help? (This thing is getting TOO big for one person to handle!!!!) Let us know... NOW... while you're thinking about it... Ci'ao for Ni'ao -Joe- NAM VET Newsletter Page 58 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= M O V I N G W A L L S C H E D U L E ================================================================= 1989 Schedules of the Mini-Wall Wall "A" - 1989 Aug 27-Sep 04.....Akron OH Sep 11-----17.....Kokomo IN Oct 16-----22.....Mobile AB Oct 27-Nov-02.....Jacksonville FL Nov 11-----17.....Bayaman PR Wall "B" - 1989 Sep 06-----12.....Round Rock TX Sep 16-----22.....Ventura CA Oct 23-----27.....Orange CA Nov 02-----08.....San Clemente CA Nov 11-----17.....Los Angeles CA NAM VET Newsletter Page 59 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= S u b s c r i b e N o w ! ================================================================= -- SUBSCRIPTION FORM -- The Nam Vet Newsletter is a nonprofit publication available free of charge to anyone wishing to have a copy. It can be obtained in electronic computer format by anyone having access to a computer and modem by dialing up any of the IVVEC hosting bulletin board systems listed in this issue of the Nam Vet. It can also be mailed to you in printed format if you are willing to pay the $1.67 cost for postage and the mailing envelope. If you desire to have the Nam Vet mailed to you in printed format, please complete the subscription form below, clip it out, and mail it to: Nam Vet Newsletter Vietnam Veterans Valhalla 28 Cecil Avenue San Jose, California 95128 If you send your payment in check or money order, please make it payable to Todd Looney. NAME_____________________________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS __________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP __________________________________________________ AMOUNT ENCLOSED ($1.67 per month desired) _______________________ If this subscription is for someone else, to whom shall we credit the gift? ______________________________________ September89 NAM VET Newsletter Page 60 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 ================================================================= I V V E C N O D E L I S T ================================================================= This message will be placed by myself or Todd Looney 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 jointly moderated by Todd Looney and 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 echomail "backbone" and through parts of AlterNet and other networks. Where policies of FidoNet or other networks and those of VIETNAM_VETS conflict, every effort will be made to reach an amicable solution to any posed problem. Todd Looney, Originator/Co-Moderator, and G. Joseph Peck, Co-moderator/EchoMail Coordinator, herein reserve the right 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 Todd Looney's Vietnam Veterans' Valhalla, finding a way to satisfy the needs of these - the toughest, most persistent and determined veterans in ALL of U.S. 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 NAM VET Newsletter Page 61 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 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 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"! 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. 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 backbone which is part of the distribution topology currently in effect. Other nets distributing the VIETNAM_VETS EchoConference must follow proper procedures for zonegating as established by the FIDONET International Coordinator. All messages in the echo must have a FidoNet compatible origin line. The Origin line should contain the word ORIGIN: followed by the originating systems name, zone, net, node and point number if applicable. 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. IVVECLST.020 ================================================================== OFFICIAL NODELIST - INTERNATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS ECHO CONFERENCE ================================================================== 28 August 1989 As of the above date, these are the net/nodes currently receiving the IVVEC Echo that we know of. If you have any ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, or CHANGES to report, please Contact Woody Carmack at 1:153/130 (1-604-462-8753 Data) or leave a message in the IVVEC. We will acknowledge receipt of your note. ================================================================= NAM VET Newsletter Page 62 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 NET/ MAX NODE BBS NAME City/State/Country Phone BAUD ================================================================ 632/350 Yarra Valley BBS Melbourne Austr AU 61-3-848-331 1200 114/113 Corwin's Keep Tempe AZ 1-602-894-1470 2400 114/13 Corwin's Keep Tempe AZ 1-602-894-1470 2400 153/123 DAETECH Burnaby BC 1-604-420-2641 9600 153/130 VETSTAR (Northwest) 1-602-462-8752 2400 HST 24 hrs Headquarters, Vietnam Veterans In Canada 153/508 Ebenezer Christian BBS Mission BC 1-604-826-6607 9600 153/133 Hot Line Data Network Langley BC 1-604-533-0421 2400 220/20 Old Frog's Almanac Nanaimo BC 1-604-758-3072 2400 103/507 Philosopher's Log Anaheim CA 1-714-535-1258 9600 200/100 The Board Room Belmont Shores CA 1-213-498-6425 2400 161/502 Wildcat Benicia CA 1-707-746-5820 2400 161/66 Generic BBS Citrus Heights CA 1-916-722-3659 2400 203/66 Generic BBS Citrus Heights CA 1-916-722-3659 2400 161/1 Nerd's Nook Concord CA 1-415-672-2504 9600 202/401 jabberWOCky Escondido CA 1-619-743-9935 2400 161/34 Now and Zen OPUS Fair Oaks CA 1-916-962-1952 9600 161/56 Nat'l Family Forum Freemont, CA 1-415-651-4147 2400 161/7 Mover Mouse BBS Fremont, CA 1-415-883-1644 2400 200/200 CSULB Long Beach, CA 1-213-494-8737 1200 161/39 Nightline Mather AFB, CA 1-916-362-1755 2400 161/509 Enterprize Pinole, CA 1-415-758-1650 2400 161/11 The Byte Boutique Sacramento CA 1-916-483-8032 2400 161/5 River City II OPUS Sacramento, CA 1-916-646-9678 9600 161/943 Eagle's Nest Sacramento, CA 1-916-334-2822 9600 10/215 Silver BBS San Diego, CA 1-619-226-4502 2400 125/31 Echo Coord San Francisco CA 1-415-621-5206 9600 143/27 Vietnam Veterans Valhalla San Jose CA 1-408-293-7894 2400 Todd Looney 24Hrs 365Days BinkleyTERM 2.0 CM NAM VET Newsletter Page 63 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 *DOWN* Headquarters, Vietnam Veterans Valhalla 143/31 Tranquility Base 143/40 The Dungeon 143/86 Cat's Tail BBS S T O P San Mateo CA 1-415-349-8245 2400 125/78 Living Sober BBS San Mateo, CA 1-415-342-2859 2400 125/12 The Grape Vine Santa Rosa, CA 1-707-546-4938 2400 125/7 Survival Forum Santa Rosa, CA 1-707-545-0746 9600 HST 103/501 Mount Silverthorn Tustin, CA 1-714-544-3369 2400 104/28 Pinecliff BBS Boulder, CO 1-303-444-7073 2400 128/13 COSUG-Colorado's User Clrdo Spg CO 1-404-548-0726 2400 128/16 Firenet Leader Colorado Spring CO 1-303-591-9600 2400 104/739 The Phoenix Parker, CO 1-303-841-9570 2400 104/51 P2 B2 South Denver, CO 1-303-329-3337 2400 141/488 Alice's Restaurant Branford CT 1-203-488-1115 2400 141/250 Wilton Woods Wilton, CT 1-203=762-8481 9600 135/27 Bitsy's Place Miami Beach FL 1-305-865-0495 9600 135/35 The Sober Way Out BBS Miami, FL 1-305-445-6917 2400 363/9 MaMaB--Mark's Bedroom, Orlanda, FL 1-407-894-0807 9600 363/10 Midas Touch Orlando, FL 1-407-648-1133 2400 366/38 Jolly Green Giant Shalimar, FL 1-904-651-3875 9600 370/10 Classic Quick Echo, Athens, GA 1-404-548-0726 2400 370/5 Athens Forum Athens, GA 1-404-546-7857 9600 12/7 HPCUA Honolulu HI 1-808-422-8406 9600 12/1 Aura Net Honolulu, HI 1-808-533-0190 2400 115/761 ICS/TRIX 1 OPUS Chicago, IL 1-312-761-7887 2400 115/529 Elk Grove Repeater Elk Grove Vlg IL 1-312-529-1586 2400 115/20 North Shore BBS Evanston, IL 1-312-491-2611 2400 115/429 Chicago Business Evanston, IL 1-312-491-2611 2400 232/4 Runways End OPUS Peoria, IL 1-309-691-5416 9600 HST 11/202 The SouthSide BBS Indianapolis, IN 1-317-882-9330 1200 NAM VET Newsletter Page 64 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 227/1 Michiana TechLine Mishawaka, IN 1-219-258-0286 9600 227/150 The SX Project Whiting IN 1-219-659-2711 2400 108/90 DATANET Information Syste Erlanger KY 1-606-727-3638 2400 108/50 The ZOO BBS Independence, KY 1-606-283-2040 2400 321/109 PIONEER VALLEY PCUG #1 Amherst, MA 1-413-256-1037 9600 HST 321/203 VETLink #1 Pittsfield, MA 1-413-443-6313 2400 G. Joseph Peck 321/210 Berkshire_Estates Pittsfield, MA 1-413-499-1327 9600 HST Pete Farias 109/722 Ronnie's Roadies BBS Camp Springs MD 1-301-736-0135 1200 109/648 Falcon's Rock College Park, MD 1-301-345-7459 2400 109/124 ZEPHYR National Capital Area 1-703-620-5418 HST 9600 13/33 Avi-Technic Lutherville, MD 1-301-252-0717 9600 13/30 The Futurists BBS Perry Hall, MD 1-301-529-0716 9600 261/628 Liberty Hall Reisterstown, MD 1-301-833-8933 2400 261/628.1 Systemhouse Link Reisterstown, MD 1-301-833-8933 2400 261/1044 Firestation BBS, Baltimore, MD 1-301-866-8613 2400 CM Jim Henthorn 109/717 The Tin Badge BBS Silver Spring, MD 1-301-589-2016 1200 379/201 Metro Link Charlotte, NC 1-704-553-9534 9600 151/601 VMC-BBS Winston-Salem_NC 1-919-744-0883 2400 151/100 NC Central Raleigh, NC 1-919-851-8460 9600 151/1000 REDCON Raleigh, NC 1-919-859-3353 9600 285/622 Friend's BBS Omaha, NE 1-402-896-2669 2400 Joan Renne 132/101 BBS Source Archive Nashua, NH 1-603-888-8179 2400 150/803 Jersey Vertex Moorestown, NJ 1-609-869-0139 2400 305/101 NASW New Mexico Las Cruces, NM 1-505-646-2868 2400 381/401 Border Connection White Sands, NM 1-505-678-1318 2400 107/105 NY Transfer Staten Island, NY 1-718-448-2358 2400 108/105 Global Time Systems Cincinnati, OH 1-606-341-7910 2400 157/1 Auer Register Cleveland, OH 1-216-883-0578 2400 NAM VET Newsletter Page 65 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 110/20 EDS Data Dayton, OH 1-513-455-2431 2400 157/501 The PC-Key BBS Girard OH 1-216-545-9205 2400 385/4 Info-Net Lawton, OK 1-405-357-6181 2400 385/6 Bink's Barn Lawton, OK 1-405-357-2473 2400 147/14 Dark Star TBBS Oklahoma City, OK 1-405-691-0863 9600 148/120 Genetic Research Vat Toronto ON 1-416-480-0551 2400 11/700 FCAU IBM Net Toronto, ON 1-416-427-0682 9600 221/156 Waterloo CBCS PUBLIC Waterloo, ON 1-519-746-5020 9600 221/157 Waterloo CBCS Echomail Waterloo, ON Unpublished 9600 105/16 Net 105 EchoMail Hub Portland, OR 1-503-761-3003 2400 105/61 Shotgun OPUS Portland, OR 1-503-760-4521 2400 157/506 Beacon Hill OPUS Transfer, PA 1-412-962-9514 2400 362/1 The Mines of Moria Chattanooga, TN 1-615-344-9601 2400 362/501 Coconut Telegraph Chattanooga, TN 1-615-698-4858 2400 130/5 CUSSNET UTA Arlington, TX 1-817-273-3966 2400 136/200 The Chai Way II Austin, TX 1-214-358-3738 2400 124/4210 Hardwired Dallas TX 1-214-437-4075 9600 124/4214 *CHRYSALIS* Dallas TX 1-214-895-9054 2400 124/106 CHAI Way II Dallas, TX 1-214-250-3323 9600 124/110 Flying Dutchman Dallas, TX 1-214-642-3436 9600 124/117 NCC-1701 Node 1 Dallas, TX 1-214-240-8821 2400 124/4117 NCC-1701 Dallas, TX 124/14 Chrysalis Dallas, TX 1-214-985-9054 2400 124/200 Dallas Outbound Dallas, TX 1-214-437-4075 2400 124/201 Hardweird Dallas, TX 1-204-931-2987 2400 19/5 Micro Application El Paso TX 1-915-594-9738 2400 106/386 Information Center Exchan Houston TX 1-713-872-4429 2400 106/108 Stormy Weather I Houston, TX 1-713-644-4345 9600 106/1108 Stormy Weather II Houston, TX (number & baud unavailable) NAM VET Newsletter Page 66 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 106/111 Shutterbug's OPUS Houston, TX 1-713-880-4329 2400 106/113 The Opus Network Houston, TX 1-713-780-4153 2400 106/114 The Fireside Houston, TX 1-713-496-6319 2400 106/357 TMBBS Houston, TX 1-713-497-5433 2400 106/132 Fast BBS OPUS Katy, TX 1-713-392-0093 2400 382/1 Crystal Palace Lake Travis, TX 1-512-339-8037 2400 382/14 Corona Del Mar Rockport, TX 1-512-729-7026 9600 381/201 Pro Link San Angelo, TX 1-915-944-2952 2400 387/401 Comp-U-Gen II San Antonio TX 1-512-496-9373 2400 387/601 NCOA International BBS San Antonio TX 1-512-653-0409 2400 109/604 ShanErin Alexandria, VA 1-703-941-8291 2400 109/639 The RENEX BBS Woodbridge, VA 1-703-494-8331 2400 343/111 Lessor Puget TB Edmonds, WA 1-206-742-8067 2400 343/9 Everett OPUS Everett, WA 1-206-355-1295 1200 138/4 PTC Net Mount Vernon, WA 1-206-757-5248 2400 1/217 Region 17 Echo Coord Puyallup, WA 1-206-848-5317 2400 138/101 Story Board Puyallup, WA 1-206-848-5317 9600 138/3 Region 17 ADVISOR EMERITUS Puyallup, WA 1-206-848-9232 2400 138/49 The Cohort Puyallup, WA 1-206-848-2646 9600 138/35 US HDS Human Service Seattle, WA 1-206-442-8127 2400 138/52 Burrell's Ballpark Tacoma, WA 1-206-752-4672 2400 139/640 Fox Valley Tech Appleton, WI 1-414-735-2513 2400 154/200 PC-Express Greenfield, WI 1-414-327-5300 2400 261/1004 The PainFrame 1-301-488-7461 UNK 343/26 AFMINS BBS 1-206-488-4309 9600 HST 387/801 The Commo Bunker Phone number not available. 161/208 G.A.D.M. Multi-User Hayward, CA (415) 581-3019 139/630 APPLEGATE Appleton, WI 261/1007 FINAL FRONTIER (301) 947-4404 344/117 LSO QuickBBS, Everett WA (206)334-3088 9600 HST NAM VET Newsletter Page 67 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 7:49/0 ALTERNET The Flying Dutchman, Grand Prairie, TX 7:440/1 Lord Frog Of Swamp (715) 362-3895 7:43/15 NITEWING HST Addr Unk AFIMS BBS *WILDCAT* HST PCP (206)488-4309 231/70 ISU BBS Terre Haute IN 170/203 The GUNNER'S MATE 347/2 Computers on line 370/11 Classic City Vet's Conference, Athens, GA (404)548-0130 143/20 SeaHunt BBS, Burlington, CA (415) 343-5904 9600 Michael Nelson 14/703 Telen-Quest BBS (417)882-5108 154/288 The Inner Circle 19/43 McScott's BBS, Blytheville AR, (502)532-6212 9600 HST 344/9 The Precedent, Everett WA (206)355-1295 322/230.0 Denis's OPUS!, Ayer, MA (Ft.Devens) 1-508-772-6373 Denis Marchand 7:520/563 EEE's BBS, Clifton NJ Ed Edell 107/563 NAM VET Newsletter Page 68 Volume 3, Number 9 September 4, 1989 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 69