Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 . __ . . -*- N A M V E T -*- ____/ \_ . . ( * \ . . Managing Editor \ Quangtri . . ---------------- \_/\ \_ Hue . . G. Joseph Peck \_Ashau Phu Bai . . \_* \_ . . Editorial Assistants \ * ) . . -------------------- _/ Danang . . Pete Farias \|/ ( \_*Chu Lai . . Sarge Hultgren --*-- \_ ------- \__ . . /|\ \_ I Corps \ . . Distribution Manager \ ------- ! . . ------------ /\_____ ! . . Jerry Hindle / ! \ . . ! !___ \ . . Section Editors ! \/\____! . . --------------- ! ! . . IN-TOUCH: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau / Dak To ! . . INCARCERATED VETS: Joyce Flory / * / . . COAST GUARD: Jack Hawkins ! \_ . . NEED TO KNOW: Lefty Frizzell ! Phu Cat\ . . \ * * ) . . \ Pleiku ) . . -**- N A M V E T -**- \ \ . . / / . . "In the jungles of 'Nam, some of us ( -------- ! . . were scared and wary, but we pulled _\ II Corps ! . . one another along and were able / -------- \ . . to depend on each other. That has \ \ . . never changed. Today, free of the ! * / . . criticisms and misunderstandings _/ Nhatrang / . . many veterans have endured, _/ / . . NAM VET is a shining beacon, __/ ! . . a ray of hope, and a _ __/ \ ! . . reminder that the _____( )/ ! Camranh Bay . . lessons learned / !__ ! . . at such a high / \ / . . price shall not \ Bien Hoa \ / . . be forgotten - ! Chu Chi * \ __/ . . nor the errors \_ * --------- \ ___/ . . repeated!!!" ____ \ III Corps \ _/ . . / \_____) )_(_ --------- !__/ Duplication in . . ! ( ___/ any form permitted . . _____! \__ * ___/ for NONCOMMERCIAL . . ! Saigon/ purposes ONLY! . . \___ -------- / \/ . . \ IV Corps / For other use, contact: . . ) -------- / . . / ! G. Joseph Peck (413) 442-1660 . . / ____/ Managing Editor . . / Mekong/ . . ! Delta/ This newsletter is comprised of articles . . ! ____/ and items from individuals and other . . ! / sources. We are not responsible for the . . ! / content of this information nor are any of . . ! __/ NAM VETs contributors or Section Editors. . . \_/ gjp . . . NAM VET Newsletter Page i Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 1. Editorials Vested Interest ......................................... 1 2. Ol' Glory n' Shiftin' Sands She Flies Ever High!!! .................................. 3 Kuwait is not being portrayed Correctly ................. 4 Recipe for Good Tour and Happy Homecoming! .............. 7 Facts about Kuwait ...................................... 8 Hands Across Time ....................................... 11 Facts about IRAQ ........................................ 12 Desert Storm Army Addresses! ............................ 16 Desert Dogs and Scud Busters ............................ 18 Break out the Clearasil ! ........................... 21 The Consequences of War ................................. 22 SaudiNet - Its working!!! ............................... 24 3. Images A positive Vietnam Veteran Image? ....................... 26 Vietnam Army - Second to None ........................... 28 They haven't forgutten US!!! ............................ 30 Not this time! .......................................... 31 4. In-Touch It's Not Finished Yet ................................... 33 In-Touch: What is it??? ................................. 35 IN-TOUCH Registration/Request Form!!! ................... 38 5. The NamVet Chapel To Any Soldier... ....................................... 40 Deliverance ............................................. 41 The Electronic Chapel ................................... 42 6. Federal Veteran Service Federal Veteran Service Agencies/Facilities ............. 43 A visit or note once in awhile? ......................... 63 7. Hearts n' Minds Vets Hospital Echo is now on-line! ...................... 64 8. Uncle Sam wants YOU to know Ask the Veterans' Affairs Counselor ..................... 66 Bring them home - NOW!!! ................................ 69 oard of Veterans' Appeals - How to File ................. 70 Foot-dragging and Lip Service Continue in COVA! ......... 73 9. Concentrated IVVEC/NamVet Service Service - A legacy to be remembered ..................... 82 Dear Mrs. Conte ......................................... 83 Conte's Family Thanks his 'extended family' ............. 84 VA States: Guidelines Followed ......................... 85 IRS Steals Money From Newly Disabled Vets .............. 86 VETLink #1 reaches out .................................. 87 10. Look who's talking! BBS-Participants in VIETNAM_VETS EchoConference ......... 88 Some Gave All... ........................................ 92 NAM VET Newsletter Page ii Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= Editorials ================================================================= Vested Interest By G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Well folks, looks like I just barely made it in time for the February issue. So MUCH has been happening and to tell you the truth, I've been sort of overwhelmed. This month's NamVet may not have all that you expected but we hope that its informative to you, your children and others. Joyce Flory has done a TERRIFIC job of inputting all the names and addresses of Federal veteran service agencies. We've received NamVet contributions from many new areas of the country (Hiya Chick!). We've seen a tremendous increase in interest in communicating with and/or about Operation Desert Storm - from sending messages via computer to discussing operational strategies and the merit of any initiatives on OUR part. I've noticed that a lot of the focus in our VIETNAM_VETS echo has quite naturally surrounded Operation Desert Storm. As I'm writing this, Kuwait has finally been liberated, CNN and many major networks show film clip after film clip revealing how thankful and grateful the people are. Stormin' Norman has done a super-effective job and I am among those many who say to him: "Well done, Sir... WELL DONE!!!" Somehow though, in all the pictures of grateful people and news briefings and celebrations, I felt sadness and a little bit of depression. I feel like we've missed something. How many of my Vietnam veteran brothers and sisters would have enjoyed being at the center of throngs of cheering, happy people? How many of them have struggled all these years just to survive, just to be considered "equal" to veterans of prior wars - or, as in many cases, to the non-veteran? How many of them, even today, still experience difficulty in obtaining housing and gainful employment? How about caring and concerned medical treatment from the VA? The first of seven children, as I was growing up I often noticed that my younger brothers and sisters often did things that I had not been allowed to, often got what they asked for WHEN they asked for it and frequently experienced a lot more freedom in their actions. I guess that was because I was the "prototype model" for my parents and after they'd learned on/with me, they could more freely parent my siblings. With what you and I and so many other Vietnam veterans have experienced (the "prototype model" for recent-memory Mother America ), I kind of hope that our Desert Storm brothers n' sisters will find THEIR way easier and will experience the gratitude of a grateful nation. I kind of hope, too, that we are each aware of a normal and natural "sibling rivalry" that can, and oftentimes will, take place as we view the Welcome Home parades and other outpourings of thankfulness and pride. Let us, above all else, remember that we ARE the brothers and sisters of all the Operation Desert Storm veterans - and let NAM VET Newsletter Page 1 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 us be focussed towards helping make THEIR way a LOT easier than WE found it. Our Service Department experienced the loss of a very dedicated, helpful, and committed U.S. Congressman, Silvio O. Conte. His efforts were extremely helpful in providing needed and necessary services to our veterans and their families. The Congressman's funeral was an experience in how FAST security in a city can be established! U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle, Tip O'Neil and many others attended. CHAPLAIN's Department: Guest Chaplains - Where Are You??? AGENT ORANGE: We need another Agent Orange Section Editor!!! MIA/POW: We need another MIA/POW Section Editor!!! We have added another echo to our VetNet echoes: HOSP_VETS. Joan Renne, long active in veteran affairs and long a very welcome participant in the VIETNAM_VETS echo - as well as a contributor of some very well written articles for NamVet, would like to see this echo grow and possibly find its way into many VA hospitals and other veteran help facilities. Here at VETLink #1, we'll help all we can - its an echo that can prove to be VERY helpful to the veteran seeking treatment and/or his dependents. Speaking of VETLink #1... Thanks to the very welcome help and equipment donation of Ray "Frenchy" Moreau, SysOp of VETLink #2, we are just a half-step away from making our on-line Veterans' Mall a very active part of a service dedicated and committed to veterans and the issues that concern them. Easy-to-use and fast, the efforts of VETLink #1 were recently complimented by countless hours of technical advice and assistance provided by Mike Bryeans, SysOp of VETLink #3 as we added a Veterans' Benefit Section. We will soon be in the process of adding section(s) where YOU can obtain veteran information concerning YOUR state at the press of a key. I think that's about it for now, folks. Best be getting this editorial done and start compiling this month's NamVet else you'll not see it until March ... 'til next month Show a brother or sister veteran that YOU care! Ci'ao for Ni'ao - Joe - NAM VET Newsletter Page 2 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= Ol' Glory n' Shiftin' Sands ================================================================= NMNMNMNMNMNMNM\ Operation Desert Storm MH * * * HN/NMNMNMNMNMNMNMNNMNM\ NH * * * HM/MH * * HMNMMNMN/MMMMMMMMMMMMM\ MH * * * HN/NH * * * H////////MMMMMMMMMMMMM/MMMMMMMMMMMMMMH NH * * * HM/MH * * H//////////////////////MMMMMMMMMMMMMMH MH * * * HN/NH * * * HNMNMMNM/////////////////////////////H MH * * * HM/MH* * * HMNMNNMN/NMNMNMNNMNMNM///////////////H MH * * * HN/NH * * * H////////MNMNMNMMNMNMN/NMNMNNMNMNNMNHH NH * * * HM/MH * * H//////////////////////MNMNMMNMNMMNMNH MH * * * HN/NH * * * HMNMMNMN/////////////////////////////H H//////////////MH * * HNMNNMNM/NMNMNMNNMNMNM///////////////H H//////////////////////////////////MNMNMNMMNMNMN/NMNMNNMNMNNMNMH NNNNNNNNNNNNNN///////////////////////////////////MNMNMMNMNMMNMNH NNNNNNNNNNNNNN/NMNMNMNMNMNMNMNNMNM/////////////////////////////H H//////////////MNMNMNMNMNMNMNMMNMN/NMNMNMNNMNMNM///////////////H H//////////////////////////////////MNMNMNMMNMNMN/NMNMNNMNMNNMNMH MNMNMNMNMNMNMN///////////////////////////////////MNMNMMNMNMMNMNH NMNMNMNMNMNMNM\NMNMNMNMNMNMNMMNMNM/////////////////////////////H \NMNMNMNMNMNMNNMNMN\NMNMNMNNMNMNM///////////////H \MNMNMNMMNMNMN\NMNMNNMNMNNMNMH WELL DONE !!! \MNMNMMNMNMMNMNH NAM VET Newsletter Page 3 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Kuwait is not being portrayed correctly by Ajit mathew George 1/27/91 Delaware State News Input by: Chick Curry VETLink #1, Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 As one who was born and brought up in Kuwait. I've watched the recent events in the Arabian Gulf with mixed emotions. On one hand, I am excited that Kuwait looks like it will be liberated from Iraqi occupation. On the other hand, I am sad that so many people will die in this effort. I have read and watched what has been reported about Kuwait in the American media with a great deal of interest. I find the relative lack of background information on Kuwait astonishing given the fact that the United States and its allies are fighting to liberate Kuwait. In general, the few articles or stories on Kuwait itself portray this country as a feudal kingdom whose subjects are governed like vassals who do not receive any benefit from this country's oil riches. If this is really so, why should American and allied lives be sacrificed to restore the government of Kuwait? This misinformation that exists about Kuwait is simply astonishing. The news media has made little effort to inform people about Kuwait as it was before the Iraqi invasion of Aug. 2. In general, Americans are predisposed to view any non-Western country as being backwards compared to the U.S. This, combined with the simplistic portrayal in the media of the people of the Middle East and ignorance of how the bedouin monarchy in Kuwait works, reinforces the perception of a foreign and different country like Kuwait as being archaic, autocratic and thus inferior to us. REALITY,PERCEPTION DIFFERENT The reality and perception are very different. For example, the right to work is part and parcel of the official government policy. Kuwait has one of the lowest, if not the lowest, un- employment rates in the world. One does not associate virtual full employment with a backward country. Education is a right for all Kuwaitis. The government provides this higher education free of charge to all Kuwaiti citizens in all schools at the University of Kuwait. It even provides free transport and meals at nominal costs to the students. Kuwait has one of the most sophisticated health care systems including the latest, best and most sophisticated medical technology available anywhere. Kuwait's medical facilities attract some of the best medical doctors and specialists from throughout the world. What is most unusual is the fact that this health care system is available to all residents of Kuwait including citizens and all non-citizens free of any charge. "A home for every citizen" is a slogan of the Kuwait government. Unlike other countries, this is not an empty government slogan. For example, many people with limited and medium incomes are provided two-story houses. In addition, the government of Kuwait pays the rents of all Kuwaiti citizens living in rented houses who are still waiting their turn to move to their private homes on a first-come-first serve basis. NAM VET Newsletter Page 4 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Kuwait has an elaborate social security system for its citizens which guarantees help for the old-aged, the sick, the handicapped and the unemployed, offering the Social Security services at all levels. Interestingly enough, Kuwait does not have any income tax. For that matter there are virtually no other taxes whatsoever except a social security tax of 5 percent of gross income. 'A DEMOCRATIC TRADITION' On March 2, 1990, the Wall Street Journal reported that, "Kuwait is the only Gulf state with anything resembling a democratic tradition." While the kings of nearby nations, such as Saudi Arabia, in years past skewered recalcitrant subjects and seized power by the sword, Kuwatis in 1752 chose the al-Sabah family by consensus to govern what was then a "mud-hut trading outpost." In fact, the monarchy in Kuwait is not hereditary like in England. While Kuwait's freely elected parliament was dissolved in 1986, many people still believe that Kuwait is closer to democracy than any other country in the Middle East, except Israel. While Islam is the official religion of Kuwait, women aren't oppressed in the name of Islam like they are in Iran or Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, women are prohibited from even driving a car. Not only can women drive in Kuwait, women are actively encouraged to participate in virtually all aspects of society. The percentage of female students in all levels of education in Kuwait exceeds 46 percent, which ranks Kuwait among the highest in female education. PEARLS WERE TOP INCOME Prior to the discovery of oil, Kuwait's main source of income was natural pearls from the Arabian Gulf. The advent of cultured pearls by Japan in the mid 1920's destroyed the market for natural pearls from Kuwait. In 1934, the Emir of Kuwait granted a 75 year concession to the Kuwait Oil Company to explore oil. Kuwait Oil Company was a 50-50 joint venture between Gulf and Anglo-Persian which was then partially owned by the British government. Kuwait is very unusual in the Arab and Third World for its policies. Perhaps the most unusual policy was its creation of the Fund for Future Generations. Kuwait knew only too well from its pearling industry how perilous it could be to depend on one industry for all its income. Therefore the government made an enlightened decision years ago to invest a percentage of each year's oil revenues outside Kuwait in other investments that would generate future revenue which would not be dependent on oil. The total assets of the Fund for Future Generations is reputed to exceed $150 billion, a substantial amount of which is invested in the U.S. with most of the balance in Europe. Kuwait earned more income from these investments than from the sale of oil for the past several years. Kuwait, being not dependent solely on oil for its revenues, felt that it was in its economic interest not to increase the price of oil to such a level that it would cut consumption of and encourage alternative energy sources. While proponents of alternative energy in America would not rightfully approve of this policy, the Kuwati strategy was to sell oil at reasonable prices for as long as possible since oil was Kuwait's only natural asset. HUSSEIN DIDN'T INVEST NAM VET Newsletter Page 5 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 On the other hand, Saddam Hussein took the absolute opposite strategy. He didn't invest in this generation, let alone in any future generations. He squandered 10 years of oil revenue to build a vast army machine for Iraq. Why would Iraq, a country of just 21 million people, have a million person army? To fight the war with Iran, he borrowed a reputed $14 billion from Kuwait plus billions from other Arab countries like Saudi Arabia. When the Iran-Iraq war ended in stalemate after almost a decade of unnecessary suffering in the Gulf, Hussein wanted Kuwait to forgive the $14 billion loan. In addition, he wanted to redraw the boundaries of Kuwait to include, among other real estate, portions of an existing Kuwati oil field. Kuwait declined Iraq's attempt to blackmail it. Iraq invaded Kuwait so that it could have access to Kuwait's vast investments throughout the world including Fund for Future Generations and not repay any of its loans to Kuwait. If the world had not intervened under American leadership, Iraq would have access to this vast Kuwaiti wealth and make itself even a bigger menace. While Kuwait's oil reserves are immense, I believe it is the other Kuwaiti assets that were saved and invested prudently by the Kuwaiti government that whetted Saddam's appetite. Kuwait's major crime was that it didn't squander its wealth on a large military machine and instead accumulated a significant nest egg for rainy days. There is no question that Iraq would have used Kuwait's oil reserves and its vast overseas wealth to disrupt the economies of the Western world if Iraq's takeover of Kuwait was left unchanged. The first medical center in Kuwait was established at the American mission in 1911. The relationship between the U.S. and Kuwait began long before a drop of oil was discovered in the Arabian Gulf. With the advent of oil, this relationship blossomed. Most Americans forget that during the Iraqi-Iranian War, the U.S. at the request of Kuwait, reflagged virtually every Kuwaiti oil tanker to fly under the American flag. KUWAIT NOT PERFECT Kuwait is by no means a paradise. Kuwait is not perfect. No monarchy, however well intentioned, is the preferred of most people. Notwithstanding these frailties, Kuwait is by no stretch of the imagination a feudal monarchy which governs its citizens like a banana republic dictator. While Kuwait is not a democracy like the U.S., the system in Kuwait that provided free education, free housing, free health care and a right to a job with no income tax is not an unattractive alternative in a world where there are few countries that offer its citizens such extensive benefits. The world has proved that it can live without Kuwaiti oil since Aug. 2. Therefore this action by the U.S. and its allies to liberate Kuwait is not about oil. It is about the right of a small progressive and enlightened county, by at least Middle East standards, to live in harmony and peace without being bullied by a war monger neighbor. EDITOR'S NOTE: Ajit George lives in Wilmington DE. He came to Delaware in 1970. NAM VET Newsletter Page 6 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 RECIPE FOR A GOOD TOUR AND A HAPPY HOMECOMING! 1/18/1991 Missile Ranger (White Sands Missile Range) Input by: Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 Believe in yourself and your family! Say a prayer everyday and night that God will make you and yours stronger! Always ask, " Would the other approve of what I am doing?" Remember what is at home waiting for you and what you are waiting for yourself. Close your eyes often and think you are lucky you know someone who truly loves you and supports you! Write every day and call as much as possible. When one of you starts feeling down, the other needs to uplift! Understand it's not easy on either of you! Money will be tight, but it's been tighter! It's OK to cry. It cleans the soul. Remember the children and how they feel. Understand when they are bad, because it's hard on them too! Always take the time to answer all questions in each others letters! Take care of yourself. You have people who depend on you! Look forward to the homecoming! What a wonderful day it will be! Last but not least, the key to it all: honesty, to each other as well as yourself! Mrs. Dennis A. Junak USAF Dependent NAM VET Newsletter Page 7 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Facts abouit Kuwait Downloaded from Cloud Nine BBS - Houston, TX (713) 859-8195 Provided by: Lefty Frizzell NamVet's Need-To-Know Section Editor The Executive Washroom - Katy, Texas (713) 347-2558 GEOGRAPHY TOTAL AREA: 17,820 km2; land area: 17,820 km2 COMPARATIVE AREA: slightly smaller than New Jersey LAND BOUNDARIES: 462 km total; Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km COASTLINE: 499 km MARITIME CLAIMS: CONTINENTAL SHELF: not specific TERRITORIAL SEA: 12 nm DISPUTES: ownership of Warbah and Bubiyan islands disputed by Iraq CLIMATE: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters TERRAIN: flat to slightly undulating desert plain NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas LAND USE: NEGL% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 8% meadows and pastures; NEGL% forest and woodland; 92% other; includes NEGL% irrigated ENVIRONMENT: some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide most of water; air and water pollution; desertification NOTE: strategic location at head of Persian Gulf PEOPLE POPULATION: 2,008,053 (July 1989), growth rate 3.6% (1989) BIRTH RATE: 30 births/1,000 population (1989) DEATH RATE: 2 deaths/1,000 population (1989) NET MIGRATION RATE: 9 migrants/1,000 population (1989) INFANT MORTALITY RATE: 14 deaths/1,000 live births (July 1989) LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH: 72 years male, 76 years female (July 1989) TOTAL FERTILITY RATE: 3.9 children born/woman (1989) NATIONALITY: noun--Kuwaiti(s); adjective--Kuwaiti ETHNIC DIVISIONS: 39% Kuwaiti, 39% other Arab, 9% South Asian, 4% Iranian, 9% other RELIGION: 85% Muslim (30% Shia, 45% Sunni, 10% other), 15% Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other LANGUAGE: Arabic (official); English widely spoken LITERACY: 71% (est.) LABOR FORCE: 566,000 (1986); 45.0% services, 20.0% construction, 12.0% trade, 8.6% manufacturing, 2.6% finance and real estate, 1.9% agriculture, 1.7% power and water, 1.4% mining and quarrying; 70% of labor force is non-Kuwaiti ORGANIZED LABOR: labor unions exist in oil industry and among government personnel GOVERNMENT LONF-FORM NAME: State of Kuwait TYPE: nominal constitutional monarchy CAPITAL: Kuwait ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS: 4 governorates (muhafazat, singular-- muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al Jahrah, Al Kuwayt, Hawalli INDEPENDENCE: 19 June 1961 (from UK) NAM VET Newsletter Page 8 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 CONSTITUTION: 16 November 1962 (some provisions suspended since 29 August 1962) LEGAL SYSTEM: civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; Constitution took effect in 1963; popularly elected 50-man National Assembly (the 15 cabinet members can also vote) reinstated in March 1981 after being suspended in 1976, but in July 1986 parliament dissolved by the Amir; judicial review of legislative acts not yet determined; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction NATIONAL HOLIDAY: National Day, 25 February BRANCHES: Council of Ministers; legislature--National Assembly (suspended since July 1986) LEADER: Chief of State Amir Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al SABAH (since 31 December 1977); Head of Government Prime Minister and Crown Prince Sad Abdallah al-Salim Al SABAH (since 8 February 1978) SUFFRAGE: adult males who resided in Kuwait before 1920 and their male descendents (eligible voters, 8.3% of citizenry) ELECTIONS: National Assembly elected February 1985 (suspended July 1986) Political parties and leaders: political parties prohibited COMMUNISTS: insignificant OTHER POLITICAL OR PRESSURE GROUPS: large (350,000) Palestinian community; several small, clandestine leftist and Shia fundamentalist groups are active MEMBER OF: Arab League, FAO, G-77, GATT, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB--Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IPU, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION: Ambassador Shaikh Saud Nasir AL-SABAH; Chancery at 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 966-0702; US--Ambassador W. Nathaniel HOWELL; Embassy at Bneid al-Gar (opposite the Hilton Hotel), Kuwait City (mailing address is P. O. Box 77 Safat, 13001 Safat, Kuwait City); telephone [965] 242-4151 through 4159 FLAG: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side ECONOMY OVERVIEW: The oil sector dominates the economy. Of the countries in the Middle East, Kuwait has oil reserves second only to those of Saudi Arabia. Earnings from hydrocarbons generate over 90% of both export and government revenues and contribute about 40% to GDP. Most of the nonoil sector is dependent upon oil-derived government revenues to provide infrastructure development and to promote limited industrial diversification. The economy is heavily dependent upon foreign labor--Kuwaitis account for less than 20% of the labor force. The early years of the Iran-Iraq war pushed Kuwait's GDP well below its 1980 peak; however, during the period 1986-88, GDP increased each year, rising to 4% in 1988. GDP: $19.1 billion, per capita $10,410; real growth rate 4% (1988) INFLATION RATE (consumer prices): 0.8% (1988) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: 0% BUDGET: revenues $7.1 billion; expenditures $10.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.1 billion (FY88) EXPORTS: $8.7 billion (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--oil 90%; partners--Japan, Italy, FRG, US IMPORTS: $4.9 billion (f.o.b., 1988); @m5commodities--food, NAM VET Newsletter Page 9 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 construction material, vehicles and parts, clothing; partners-- Japan, US, FRG, UK EXTERNAL DEBT: $10.4 billion (December 1988) INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION: growth rate 3% (1988) ELECTRICITY: 7,687,000 kW capacity; 19,539 million kWh produced, 10,080 kWh per capita (1988) INDUSTRIES: petroleum, petrochemicals, desalination, food processing, salt, construction AGRICULTURE: virtually none; dependent on imports for food; about 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported AID: NA CURRENCY: Kuwaiti dinar (plural--dinars); 1 Kuwaiti dinar (KD) = 1,000 fils EXCHANGE RATES: Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US$1--0.2845 (January 1989), 0.2790 (1988), 0.2786 (1987), 0.2919 (1986), 0.3007 (1985) FISCAL YEAR: 1 July-30 June COMMUNICATIONS HIGHWAYS: 3,000 km total; 2,500 km bituminous; 500 km earth, sand, light gravel PIPELINES: crude oil, 877 km; refined products, 40 km; natural gas, 165 km PORTS: Ash Shuwaykh, Ash Shuaybah, Mina al Ahmadi MERCHANT MARINE: 38 ships (1,000 GRT or over), totaling 839,305 GRT/1,200,079 DWT; includes 17 cargo, 6 container, 5 livestock carrier, 9 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 1 liquefied gas CIVIL AIR: 29 major transport aircraft AIRPORTS: 8 total, 4 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m TELECOMMUNICATIONS: excellent international, adequate domestic facilities; 258,000 telephones; stations--3 AM, 2 FM, 3 TV; 1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT stations; 1 INMARSAT satellite station; 1 ARABSAT station; coaxial cable and radio relay to Iraq and Saudi Arabia DEFENSE FORCES BRANCHES: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police Force, National Guard MILITARY MANPOWER: males 15-49, about 668,734; about 400,529 fit for military service MILITARY BUDGET: $1.179 million, 10.5% of central government budget (FY89) NAM VET Newsletter Page 10 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 . . . For Information on our Saudi Soldiers: . . . . ARMY: 1-703-614-0730 . . 1-800-626-1440 . . 1-800-642-9254 . . NAVY: 1-800-732-1206 . . 1-800-255-3808 . . 1-202-746-5915 . . MARINES: 1-800-523-2694 . . AIR FORCE: 1-800-253-9276 . . COAST GUARD: 1-800-283-8724 . . . . Support Groups: . . National Guard Families: 1-800-356-2794 . . Army Reserve Units: 1-800-874-8451 . . . . . . xxxxx XXXXxxxxx, . . xx''xxxxxxX XX xX XXx . .xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXX x xX' x'' XXXx . . x x xX xXX Xx . . 'x' X XXxx . . xxx X. . xX . . xX . . VIETNAM x x x xX . . VETERANS x xX X x X IRAQ . . X X X X x < VETERANS . . X X X X X Xx . . xxxxxxxxxX X X X x Xxx . . XXX'' /__X__ XX__X___xXX xXxxxxx . . xXXX 'Xxxxx xX Xxx . .XX WE SUPPORT YOU XxxxxxxxxxxxX X. .X BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN SERVICE . . . . . . "We are with you . . Wherever you may be . . We are sailing . . With you on every sea . . We are standing . . With you on desert sand . . We're your country . . Together we stand!" . . . . . . The Staff of NamVet . . . . and participants in . . . . The International Vietnam Veterans EchoConference . . . NAM VET Newsletter Page 11 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 FACTS ABOUT IRAQ Downloaded from Cloud Nine BBS - Houston, TX (713) 859-8195 Provided by: Lefty Frizzell NamVet's Need-To-Know Section Editor The Executive Washroom - Katy, Texas (713) 347-2558 GEOGRAPHY TOTAL AREA: 434,920 km2; land area: 433,970 km2 COMPARATIVE AREA: slightly more than twice the size of Idaho LAND BOUNDARIES: 3,454 km total; Iran 1,458 km, Iraq - Saudi Arabia Neutral Zone 191 km, Jordan 134 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi Arabia 495 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 331 km COASTLINE: 58 km MARITIME CLAIMS: CONTINENTAL SHELF: not specific TERRITORIAL SEA: 12 nm DISPUTES: Iraq began formal UN peace negotiations with Iran in August 1988 to end the war that began on 22 September 1980-- troop withdrawal, freedom of navigation, sovereignty over the Shatt al Arab waterway, and prisoner of war exchange are the major issues for negotiation; Kurdish question among Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and the USSR; shares Neutral Zone with Saudi Arabia; periodic disputes with Syria over Euphrates water rights; potential dispute over water development plans by Turkey for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers CLIMATE: desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers TERRAIN: mostly broad plains; reedy marshes in southeast; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey NATURAL RESOURCES: crude oil, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur LAND USE: 12% arable land; 1% permanent crops; 9% meadows and pastures; 3% forest and woodland; 75% other; includes 4% irrigated ENVIRONMENT: development of Tigris-Euphrates river systems contingent upon agreements with upstream riparians (Syria, Turkey); air and water pollution; soil degradation (salinization) and erosion; desertification PEOPLE POPULATION: 18,073,963 (July 1989), growth rate 3.8% (1989) BIRTH RATE: 45 births/1,000 population (1989) DEATH RATE: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1989) NET MIGRATION RATE: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1989) INFANT MORTALITY RATE: 69 deaths/1,000 live births (1989) LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH: 65 years male, 67 years female (1989) TOTAL FERTILITY RATE: 7.1 children born/woman (1989) NATIONALITY: noun--Iraqi(s); adjective--Iraqi ETHNIC DIVISIONS: 75-80% Arab, 15-20% Kurdish, 5% Turkoman, Assyrian or other RELIGION: 97% Muslim (60-65% Shia, 32-37% Sunni), 3% Christian or other LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian, Armenian LITERACY: 55% (est.) LABOR FORCE: 3,500,000 (1980); 39% services, 33% agriculture, 28% industry, severe labor shortage; expatriate labor force about 1,000,000 (1987) NAM VET Newsletter Page 12 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ORGANIZED LABOR: less than 10% of the labor force GOVERNMENT LONG-FORM NAME: Republic of Iraq TYPE: republic CAPITAL: Baghdad ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS: 18 provinces (muhafazat, singular-- muhafazah); Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, As Sulaymaniyah, At Tamim, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Irbil, Karbala, Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit INDEPENDENCE: 3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration) CONSTITUTION: 22 September 1968, effective 16 July 1970 (interim Constitution) LEGAL SYSTEM: based on Islamic law in special religious courts, civil law system elsewhere; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction NATIONAL HOLIDAY: Anniversary of the Revolution, 17 July (1968) BRANCHES: Bath Party of Iraq has been in power since 1968 coup; unicameral legislature (National Assembly) LEADERS: CHIEF OF STATE AND HEAD OF GOVERNMENT: President Saddam Husayn (since 16 July 1979); Vice President Taha Muhyi al-Din MARUF (since 21 April 1974) SUFFRAGE: universal adult ELECTIONS: National Assembly election held October 1984; Legislative Council for the Autonomous Region election held September 1980 COMMUNISTS: about 2,000 hardcore members POLITICAL OR PRESSURE GROUPS: political parties and activity severely restricted; possibly some opposition to regime from disaffected members of the regime, Army officers, and religious and ethnic dissidents MEMBER OF: Arab League, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB-- Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WSG, WTO DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION: Ambassador Abdul-Amir Ali AL-ANBARI; Chancery at 1801 P Street NW, Washington DC 20036; telephone (202) 483-7500; US--Ambassador April C. GLASPIE; Embassy in Masbah Quarter (opposite the Foreign Ministry Club), Baghdad (mailing address is P. O. Box 2447 Alwiyah, Baghdad); telephone FLAG: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with three green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; similar to the flags of the YAR which has one star and Syria which has two stars (in a horizontal line centered in the white band)--all green and five- pointed; also similar to the flag of Egypt which has a symbolic eagle centered in the white band Economy ECONOMY OVERVIEW: Development of the economy is guided by central planning, although economic reforms instituted in 1987 allowed some privatization. The economy is dominated by the oil sector, which provides about 95% of foreign exchange earnings. Since the early 1980s financial problems, caused by war expenditures and damage to oil export facilities by Iran, have led the government to implement austerity measures and to reschedule foreign debt payments. Oil exports have gradually increased as new pipelines NAM VET Newsletter Page 13 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 have been constructed. Although the agricultural sector was privatized in 1987, development remains hampered by labor shortages, salinization, and dislocations caused by previous land reform and collectivization programs. The agricultural sector employs about 35% of the labor force but accounts for less than 10% of GNP. The industrial sector, although accorded high priority by the government, is under financial constraints. New investment funds are allocated only to those projects which rely heavily on local raw materials and result either in import substitution or foreign exchange earnings. GNP: $34 billion, per capita $1,950; real growth rate 0% (1988) INFLATION RATE (CONSUMER PRICES): 25-30% (1988 est.) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: less than 5% BUDGET: revenues $20.0 billion; expenditures $18.6 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1987) EXPORTS: $12.4 billion (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--crude oil and refined products, dates; partners--Brazil, Italy, Turkey, France, Japan, Spain, USSR, Yugoslavia, US (1987) IMPORTS: $13.0 billion (c.i.f., 1988); commodities--food, manufactures, consumer goods; partners--Turkey, US, FRG, UK, France, Japan, USSR, other Communist countries, Italy (1987) EXTERNAL DEBT: $40 billion (1988 est.); excluding nominal debt to Gulf Arab states INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION: growth rate 5% (1988) ELECTRICITY: 8,692,000 kW capacity; 22,839 million kWh produced, 1,300 kWh per capita (1988) INDUSTRIES: petroleum, textiles, construction materials, food processing AGRICULTURE: vegetables, wheat, barley, dates, rice, livestock AID: NA CURRENCY: Iraqi dinar (plural--dinars); 1 Iraqi dinar (ID) = 1,000 fils EXCHANGE RATES: Iraqi dinars (ID) per US$1--0.3109 (fixed rate since 1982) FISCAL YEAR: calendar year COMMUNICATIONS RAILROADS: 2,962 km total; 2,457 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 505 km 1.000-meter gauge HIGHWAYS: 25,379 km total; 8,190 km paved, 5,534 km improved earth, 11,655 km unimproved earth INLAND WATERWAYS: 1,015 km; Shatt al Arab usually navigable by maritime traffic for about 130 km, but closed since September 1980 because of Iran-Iraq war; Tigris and Euphrates navigable by shallow-draft steamers (of little importance); Shatt al Basrah canal navigable by shallow-draft vessels PORTS: Al Basrah, Umm Qasr, Al Faw (largely destroyed in fighting during 1980-88 war), Khawr az Zubayr MERCHANT MARINE: 43 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 906,496GRT/1,616,429 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 1 passenger- cargo, 18 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 18 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 1 chemical tanker PIPELINES: crude oil, 4,350 km; 725 km refined products; 1,360 km natural gas CIVIL AIR: 15 major transport aircraft AIRPORTS: 106 total, 97 usable; 69 with permanent-surface runways; 7 with runways over 3,659 m; 48 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m NAM VET Newsletter Page 14 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 TELECOMMUNICATIONS: good network consists of coaxial cables, radio relay links, and radiocommunication stations; 632,000 telephones; stations--9 AM, 1 FM, 81 TV; satellite stations--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; 1 Intersputnik coaxial cable and radio relay to Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey Defense Forces BRANCHES: Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Force, mobile police force MILITARY MANPOWER: males 15-49, 3,932,976; 2,193,448 fit for military service; 212,318 reach military age (18) annually MILITARY BUDGET: NA NAM VET Newsletter Page 15 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Desert Storm Army Addresses Input by: Mark & Linda Reynolds VIETNAM_VETS Echo Please support our military personnel in the Middle East. A postcard or a letter to someone will let them know that the people in the U.S. are supporting their efforts. Following is how mail can be sent to Airman, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines defending democracy in the Middle East. -+--------------------------------------------------------------+- The U.S. Army Community Relations Office has released the chart below as a guide for those wishing to mail letters and packages to units deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. -+--------------------------------------------------------------+- Name of Soldier, Rank, SSAN Any Servicemember Name of Unit Assigned Operation Desert Storm Operation Desert Storm APO New York, XXXXX APO New York, XXXXXX -+--------------------------------------------------------------+- Zip Codes of Major Deployed Units: 1st Armored Division Headquarters: 09761 2nd Brigade: 09663 3rd Brigade: 09665 4th Brigade: 09676 1st Cavalry Division: 09306 1st Corps Support Command: 09657 1st Infantry Division: 09310 2nd Armored Division: (Fort Hood): 09371 2nd Armored Division (European Element): 09758 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment: 09759 2nd Corps Support Command: 09754 3rd Armored Division Headquarters: 09760 1st Brigade: 09680 2nd Brigade: 09681 3rd Brigade: 09682 4th Brigade: 09683 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment: 09209 3rd Infantry Division (3rd Brigade): 09661 III Corps Artillery: 09218 7th Engineer Brigade: 09689 7th Medical Command: 09757 HQs, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade: 09616 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade: 09656 11th Aviation Brigade: 09684 12th Combat Aviation Brigade: 09849 13th Corps Support Command: 09218 24th Infantry Division: 09315 30th Medical Group: 09698 82nd Airborne Division: 09698 101st Airborne Division: 09309 197th Infantry Brigade: 09315 HQs, III Corps: 09218; HQs, VII Corps: 09756 HQs, XVIII Airborne Corps: 09657 Headquarters, U.S. Army Central Command: 09852 HQs, U.S. Army Central Command (Supt Cmd): 09616 -+--------------------------------------------------------------+- PROHIBITED MAIL TO SAUDI ARABIA: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES NARCOTICS WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES (WITHOUT PERMIT) NAM VET Newsletter Page 16 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 PORK AND PORK PRODUCTS PORNOGRAPHY MATERIAL CONTRARY TO ISLAMIC RELIGION NOTE: - PORNOGRAPHY IS DEFINED AS DEPICTIONS OF NUDE OR SEMI-NUDE BODIES AND ALL SEXUALLY-ORIENTED LITERATURES AND MATERIALS. THERE IS NO BAN ON PHOTOS OF FEMALE WHO ARE DRESSED IN SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE AMERICAN STANDARDS OF GOOD TASTE. -+--------------------------------------------------------------+- Mark E. Reynolds, Sr. Linda G. Reynolds TSgt USAF NAM VET Newsletter Page 17 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 "Desert Dogs" and "Scud Busters" develop a language all their own By Bill Gannon, 2/12/91 Newark Star Ledger, Newark NJ Input by Jack Hawkins NamVet's Coast Guard Section Editor Vetlink #1.72 - Staten Island, NY (413) 443-6313 DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia-- Each War makes its own somewhat dubious contribution to the English language, and this one is no different. The following is a list of buzz words, phrases and acronyms developed and frequently used by the 510,000 American soldiers of Operation Desert Storm. ARNETT-BOUND: Air Force pilot's term for departing on a bombing mission toward Baghdad. BAGH BOYS: Army tank crews name for their Iraqi counterparts. BAGHDAD BETTY: The troop's name for the female Iraqi radio announcer who broadcast anti-American propaganda to the troops before the war began. THE BEACH: The Saudi Arabian Desert. BEDOUIN BOB: Catchall name for any nomadic Bedouin salesman who lives in the desert and often sells goods to the troops. BLUE DOME BOYS/BABES: The rare sighting by troops in the desert of famous American television news correspondents out of their natural environment -- the illuminated blue domes of the pool cabanas at the Dhahran International Hotel. BOMBED-OUT BETTY: The troops name for the female Iraqi radio announcer who used to broadcast anti-American propaganda. BCGs: "Birth Control Glasses", a term used to describe the ugly military-issued eyeglasses. BDU: Battle dress uniform. BMO: "Black moving object", a term for the black-clad women of the KSA (see below). CHOCOLATE CHIPS: The desert camouflage pattern on the BDUs. DESERT DOG: Servicewoman's derogatory term for a male soldier who has been out in the desert too long and has lost all basic social skills. DIS MISS: Serviceman's derogatory term for an officious and not particularity friendly female member of the armed forces. DOG 'EM OUT: To criticize. A DOOGIE: A suspiciously young and seemingly inexperienced military doctor or dentist -- as in the TV show "Doogie Howser, M.D." NAM VET Newsletter stronger! Always ask, " Would the other approve of what I am doing?" Remember what is at home waiting for you and what you are waiting for yourself. Close your eyes often and think you are lucky you know someone who truly loves you and supports you! Write every day and call as much as possible. When one of you starts feeling down, the other needs to uplift! Understand it's not easy on either of you! Money will be tight, but it's been tighter! It's OK to cry. It cleans the soul. Remember the children and how they feel. Understand when they are bad, because it's hard on them too! Always take the time to answer all questions in each others letters! Take care of yourself. You have people who depend on you! Look forward to the homecoming! What a wonderful day it will be! Last but not least, the key to it all: honesty, to each other as well as yourself! Mrs. Dennis A. Junak USAF Dependent NAM VET Newsletter Page 7 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Facts abouit Kuwait Downloaded from Cloud Nine BBS - Houston, TX (713) 859-8195 Provided by: Lefty Frizzell NamVet's Need-To-Know Section Editor The Executive Washroom - Katy, Texas (713) 347-2558 GEOGRAPHY TOTAL AREA: 17,820 km2; land area: 17,820 km2 COMPARATIVE AREA: slightly smaller than New Jersey LAND BOUNDARIES: 462 km total; Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km COASTLINE: 499 km MARITIME CLAIMS: CONTINENTAL SHELF: not specific TERRITORIAL SEA: 12 nm DISPUTES: ownership of Warbah and Bubiyan islands disputed by Iraq CLIMATE: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters TERRAIN: flat to slightly undulating desert plain NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas LAND USE: NEGL% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 8% meadows and pastures; NEGL% forest and woodland; 92% other; includes NEGL% irrigated ENVIRONMENT: some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide most of water; air and water pollution; desertification NOTE: strategic location at head of Persian Gulf PEOPLE POPULATION: 2,008,053 (July 1989), growth rate 3.6% (1989) BIRTH RATE: 30 births/1,000 population (1989) DEATH RATE: 2 deaths/1,000 population (1989) NET MIGRATION RATE: 9 migrants/1,000 population (1989) INFANT MORTALITY RATE: 14 deaths/1,000 live births (July 1989) LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH: 72 years male, 76 years female (July 1989) TOTAL FERTILITY RATE: 3.9 children born/woman (1989) NATIONALITY: noun--Kuwaiti(s); adjective--Kuwaiti ETHNIC DIVISIONS: 39% Kuwaiti, 39% other Arab, 9% South Asian, 4% Iranian, 9% other RELIGION: 85% Muslim (30% Shia, 45% Sunni, 10% other), 15% Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other LANGUAGE: Arabic (official); English widely spoken LITERACY: 71% (est.) LABOR FORCE: 566,000 (1986); 45.0% services, 20.0% construction, 12.0% trade, 8.6% manufacturing, 2.6% finance and real estate, 1.9% agriculture, 1.7% power and water, 1.4% mining and quarrying; 70% of labor force is non-Kuwaiti ORGANIZED LABOR: labor unions exist in oil industry and among government personnel GOVERNMENT LONF-FORM NAME: State of Kuwait TYPE: nominal constitutional monarchy CAPITAL: Kuwait ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS: 4 governorates (muhafazat, singular-- anti- tank missile from the tops of their Humvees. VAMPIRES: Snipers. NAM VET Newsletter Page 20 Volume 5, Number 2 February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xxx _ -. . - .-. - . . . . - XXXXXxxXXXXXXXXXXXx -. - .- . - . . XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-. .--. - .- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -.- - -.- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -. -. -. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx .g -. -. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX .- j. .- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . p .-. XXXXXXXX ]XXXXXXXXX ]XXXXXXXX .- - -. XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXX -.- - -- XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX -- - XXXXXXXXX X'`XXX XXXXXXX Y Y XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXX X X XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXX XX X XXX XX XX XXXX XX XXX XX XX XX XXXX XXX]XXXXXXXXXXXX XXX[ XX XX XXX XXXXXXXXXX " I t ' s o n l y t e e n a g e a c n e ! " -Robert Nimmo- NAM VET Newsletter Page 21 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 The Consequences of War By Jesse Brown, Executive Director Disabled American Veterans - Washington, D.C. The DAV Magazine - February 1991 Input by: G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Like so many of you, I was struck by both the suddenness of the allied strike against Saddam Hussein and the massive scale of troops, materiel and fire power brought to bear on Iraq. Operation Desert Storm has been an international show of force unmatched in the history of the world. And as I write this - less than a day after the initial attack - it appears the size of the allied force is matched only by its resolve to free Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. As it must, our minds turn to what will surely be a new generation of American combat-disabled veterans, and how this nation will honorably respond to their special needs. During the debate in Congress over whether or not authority would be granted to the President to wage war in the Persian Gulf, I was repeatedly struck by the depth of the moral tone taken by so many Congressmen and Senators. I was moved by the deeply felt votes of conscience so many legislators cast. From both sides of the issue, both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Capitol there came a definite statement of the full support of Congress. Congress and the Administration agreed that the absolute commitment of the government was necessary for the troops in the Gulf. There was a clear statement of the missions and goals of the forces engaged in the operation and there was the repeated promise that whatever those troops needed to meet those missions and goals would be provided. Some Congressmen opposed the commitment of U.S. forces in the region. Others supported it. The majority were ideologically somewhere in between. But they were unanimous - resoundingly so - in the strength of their commitment to our young men and women in uniform serving in the Middle East. For some of those members of Congress, it was a terrifyingly new experience, which many of them acknowledged. They had cast votes that effectively committed more than 400,000 U.S. troops to combat - to the sure threat of disease, disability or death. In the process, the Congress of the United States sent a clear message to all Americans: America's troops in the Gulf will have the full and unwavering support of the nation. It is my wish now that the full strength of that commitment - the completely unwavering sense of moral duty that I witnessed during the Congressional debate - be present for those servicemen and women who will have incurred a combat disability as a result of their service. I hope we do not have to say to Congress that they gave America's soldiers everything they needed on the battlefield, but much less than what they needed as a result of their military service. And when they tally up the cost of war, we hope we need not remind them that the nation's responsibility to pay for a prosthetic arm or leg is equal to the responsibility that dictated the purchase of the bombs, bullets, tanks and aircraft that are the weapons of war. NAM VET Newsletter Page 22 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Some of you may view my statements as mean-spirited in the face of a Congress that has made the right moral decision and an Administration that has set the right course in the Persian Gulf. But I think our sense of duty as advocates on behalf of disabled veterans demands that we ensure everyone - from the outset - understands the consequences of sending Americans into battle. It was easy for the Congress to approve spending $4,000 for each 750-pound bomb that's been dropped on Baghdad. A similar sum could provide a state-of-the-art prosthetic limb for a disabled veteran. But most veteran amputees don't wear state-of-the-art prostheses because the funds to purchase them are not there. It was not so easy for Congress to find the same sense of moral purpose in appropriating those funds. Indeed, that sense of moral purpose has eroded just as surely as the federal deficit has grown - until now that is. And that's my point. We have seen the democratic process at its best, during one of its finest moments. I have seen our leaders in Congress speak from a strong and abiding faith in this nation, its citizens and the freedoms we cherish. And I watched and thought that this truly is what being an American is all about. Now we must ensure that our sense of duty is not diminished, nor promise of assistance dismissed. Much has been made of the blue-collar make-up of the troops of Operation Desert Storm. The sons and daughters of working-class Americans are the backbone of today's all-volunteer military. For the most part they are not from board rooms or boarding schools. Their roots are in the factories of this nation and the public schools of our communities. In the Persian Gulf they are doing a better job than even the most optimistic of battlefield commanders expected. And they are doing it with pride and dignity. We in the DAV, for the most part, share that background. More importantly, we share their pride. And we promise them our support - a support that will not be dampened by political concerns or fiscal expediencies. They may be the consequences of war, but they are also now the pride of America. And the DAV will not let them down. NAM VET Newsletter Page 23 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 SaudiNet - Its working!!! By Todd Looney NamVet Editor Emeritus APECS BBS - San Jose, CA (408) 298-2740 Hello All! Things are really starting to roll here in SaudiNet. We are incorporating as we speak as the American Public Emergency Communications System, Inc. Our legal department should be filing the papers within the next few days. I know there has been some concern about whether our letters were being delivered to Saudi Arabia or not and my response has been that we are in constant contact voice with our people in SA and they are delivering our letters into military hands within a couple/three days of their being written in the U.S. My major concern has always been that we lose control after that point and it has been taking up to 3 weeks to get them to the troops after that. Well, one of our dedicated members (Capt. Stan Hardegree) who has working (along with Dennis Hancock) with us on the military end of things to see what could be done to speed up delivery, just received a call from Marine Major Kerr with the Joint Staff (long distance call *from* Saudi Arabia!) Major Kerr was ordered personally by General Schwarzkopf, who received a letter written by Capt. Hardegree recently, to call us. He didn't have our number so he contacted AT&T Headquarters in the U.S. first to find the number. This is really good news because it means now that we have broken through the military problems in delivering mail, so much so that the top brass are involved. Here's the jist of the conversation as written by Hardegree: -Schwarzkopf is interested in the SaudiNet, interested enough in fact that he told this guy to call me...you may recall that Dennis Hancock and I sent the general a letter some time ago telling him what we are up to. Yes, he read the letter. -The guy I talked to is Marine Maj. Kerr from the joint staff there. Mail is his bailiwick. He had to call AT&T headquarters in the States to get my phone number, which is an indication of how serious they are about helping us with this. -He told me that he would GUARANTEE delivery of SaudiNet messages in two to three days anywhere in the theater...even as the fighting continues, if: The Saudi Sysop contacts Maj. Mike Whitaker (sincere apologies to Tim Jacobs). Whitaker commands the 4401st Air Postal Squadron and Kerr said that he is not familiar with this effort. He is familiar with Prodigy and Genie, but not SaudiNet. NAM VET Newsletter Page 24 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Kerr said that the 4401st will supply the Saudi SYSOP with official (military) mail pouches. Now this may have been done on a local level, but the 4401st will insure delivery ANYWHERE in theater after we contact them. Kerr said that I should expect a letter from Schwarzkopf reference the SaudiNet in the near future. He's that interested. I am going to send him (Schwarzkopf) a SaudiNet message today so that he has an example of what these things look like. If I do get a letter from Schwarzkopf, I will send you a copy and post it in the SaudiInfo echo if appropriate. Ciao for Niao Todd Looney NAM VET Newsletter Page 25 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= Images ================================================================= WITH ONSET OF A NEW WAR'S IMAGES, SOME COUNTY VIETNAM VETS CRASH By Linda Burchard 1/23/91 Berkshire Eagle - Pittsfield, MA Input by: G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Pittsfield - "The phone's been ringing off the hook" at the Veterans Outreach Center because of veteran troubled by images of war in the Persian Gulf, according to director Daniel Denault. Televised reports of the war against Iraq have stirred memories and, with them, the anguish that has for some lain just under an uneasy surface since their service in Vietnam 20 years ago. "It's the Persian Gulf," said Denault yesterday. "And with the POWs, it's going to get worse." Denault said that since the day before the United Nations' deadline of Jan. 15 for Saddam Hussein to withdraw from Kuwait, the number of calls has risen dramatically. PSYCHIATRIC HELP This week, the center transported three men, two Monday and one yesterday, to the Veterans Administration hospital in Northampton, which has an inpatient unit for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Another was referred to the Berkshire Mental Health Center. Denault said that of the approximately 85 calls the center has received since Jan. 14, 50 were prompted by the war in the Persian Gulf, and 20 of the callers were in distress. Of those, 10 were in such distress that they were advised to come to the center to talk and were told that if they could not get there by themselves, "we'll come for you," Denault said. One of these was suicidal, Denault said. Some calls, he said, were from veterans of World War II or the Korean War who wanted to know if they could help. While veterans with the most severe or acute problems are taken to Northampton, others are referred to the peer support groups run by the outreach center, and to the Hoosac Valley and Berkshire chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Berkshire Chapter 65 has a rap group that meets Monday evenings at its chapter house at 97 First St. Hoosac Valley Chapter 54, located at Firebase Trentino, 30 River St., North Adams, provides referrals and an informal support network. Hoosac Valley Chapter President William Bradley of North Adams said members here have had an increased number of calls prompted by the gulf war. "Right now, with the crisis the way it is, seeing the things we're seeing on TV, no one can help but remember," said Bradley. "Things like this bring it right back to mind," he said. Bradley said he expects it will be easier for military personnel serving in Saudi Arabia because unlike the Vietnam War, "the majority of people support our troops" in the war against Iraq, whether or not they support the war politically. "The Vietnam-era veteran just wanted to forget it all," he said. For Bradley, it is ironic that the Veterans Outreach Center, NAM VET Newsletter Page 26 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 which has offices in Pittsfield and Adams, has been without state funds since October, and Denault has been working without a salary. Denault said the center has been building up its presence for the past seven years, and he is hoping that the state will resume funding. In the meantime, the center is operating on donations to pay the $600 rent for both offices, in St. Luke's Square, 525 East St., and on Park Street in Adams, and pay its $400 a month in telephone bills. The center provides free transportation to VA hospitals to veterans with a handicapped-accessible van, bought for $24,000 through funds from the Agent Orange class action suit. Agent Orange funds also pay for maintaining the van, insurance, and the cost of a driver. Bradley said the Hoosac Valley Chapter formerly had a rap group but discontinued it for lack of demand. "We just weren't getting that many people asking," said Bradley. "The majority of Vietnam vets don't have PTSD. There's a lot of emotional distress, but a lot of fellows were able to deal with their problems." NAM VET Newsletter Page 27 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 THE VIETNAM ARMY --- SECOND TO NONE By Richard K. Kolb 1/25/1991 The Wall Street Journal Input by Jack Hawkins NamVet's Coast Guard Section Editor VETLink #1.72 - Staten Island, NY (413) 443-6313 Just when we thought the open season on Vietnam veterans had ended, the potshots have begun again. As veterans of Vietnam, we are all especially delighted to witness the enthusiastic and sincere public support offered U.S. troops now serving in Saudi Arabia. Those who fill the ranks of combat units - especially the grunts - are to be congratulated for their willingness to volunteer for such hazardous duty. But is it necessary for the so-called experts to denigrate the Vietnam veterans in analyzing today's military? The public is being bombarded by these experts with the same tired message pushed by the anti-war movement during the Vietnam era: that the typical Vietnam serviceman was poor, unmotivated, a high school dropout and overall, not a very admirable character, who had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, all the way to the draft center. So, the Cleveland Plain Dealer referred on Nov. 4 to "the high school dropouts and reluctant draftees who were sent to Vietnam a generation ago." In a confessional piece in Life magazine on October, a former draft dodger absolved his conscience by dismissing the Vietnam era military as "a fighting force made up largely of minorities and the poor ..." "Overall, today's voluntary force is far more representative of the middle class than the draftees of the Vietnam War, who included many high school dropouts, proclaimed U.S. News and World Report on Dec. 24. Talk of reviving the draft to make the military truly representative o the entire population elicits such responses as: "An Army drawn at random would have to include misfits, making discipline and unit cohesion harder to achieve-which would cost American lives in combat," according to that same U.S. News article. A former Reagan Pentagon official quipping that only "the dummies got put in the infantry . . ." under the draft. Observers of the army now in Saudi Arabia compliment it by insulting the army sent to Vietnam. The Associated Press noted on Dec. 13 that "the booze, broads and drugs' synonymous with Vietnam" are absent from Saudi Arabia. "(T)he draftees of Vietnam and their hatred of the military establishment are long gone," it added. Similarly, the Dec. 23 Washington Post associated "bellyaching, malingering, dissent and drug abuse" with the Vietnam soldier. "Vietnam," the Post continued, "also was fought mostly by draftees, amateurs ... some of them reluctant soldiers disgusted and demoralized by a war without end." These invidious comparisons could be listed "ad nauseam." But take a look at the facts: ^ The servicemen in Vietnam were not reluctant conscripts. Draftees constituted 25% -- 648,500 -- of the 2.6 million American servicemen who served in Vietnam. (By contrast, 66% of U.S. forces in the Second World War were drafted.) Draftees accounted for 27% -- 15,404 -- of combat deaths in Vietnam. ^ They were not disproportionately nonwhite. Whites made up NAM VET Newsletter Page 28 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 88.4% of the forces in Vietnam. Whites accounted for 86.3% of the deaths in Vietnam. Blacks suffered 12.5% of the deaths in Vietnam as a time when blacks of military age were 13.5% of the total population. ^ The soldiers in Vietnam were not drawn from the poor: 76% of the troops came from lower middle or working class backgrounds. ^ Nor were they ignorant. High school educations or better had been attained by 79% of the men sent to Vietnam, making this the most educated armed force fielded by America up until that time. ^ They did not disgrace themselves during their service to their country. Honorable discharges were earned by 97% of Vietnam- era veterans. ^ They did not crack up when they returned home. Surveys show 85% of the Vietnam veterans have made a successful transition to civilian life. Admittedly, 15% have indeed experienced varying degrees of emotional stress-but, by comparison, that less than half the rate of emotional stress suffered by veterans of World War II. According to a 1965 National Academy of Science study, fully one-third of 1941-1945 veterans suffered some neurotic problems. ^ Nor do they feel any shame for what they did in Vietnam. 91% of actual Vietnam War veterans and 90% of those who saw heavy combat tell pollsters that they are proud to have served their country. Vietnam veterans constitute more that 25% of the membership of each of the big three veterans organizations: the American Legion, the Disabled Americans Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. (The VFW has had two Vietnam vets as commanders-in-chief, and a third will assume that position in 1991-1992.) Simply put: The Vietnam War serviceman was not some sort of societal scum dredged from the bottom of a barrel. America sent some of it finest to Vietnam. The American public has finally begun to acknowledge this fact: According to an April 1990 Gallup Poll, 87% of the nation holds Vietnam veterans in high esteem. The question is, when will the country's opinion-makers do the same? NAM VET Newsletter Page 29 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 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 30 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Not THIS time! by Glenn Drohan 1/22/1991 Berkshire Eagle - Pittsfield, MA Input by G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 NORTH ADAMS -- "When it first started, I could hear automatic cannon fire - sounds I haven't heard for a long time," said Paul Markarian. "It stirred some old memories. It was like, "On, no, not again.'" Markarian, who served one year as a combat infantryman in Vietnam, was one of about 20 members of the Hoosac Valley chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America who stayed to watch news of the Persian Gulf war on the Cable News Network last night after a monthly meeting at Fire Base Trentino. Most of them said they have been glued to their television sets since the war began. They expressed differing reactions - regret that economic sanctions hadn't been continued, jubilation that America had "done the right thing," appreciation over what might happen in a ground war. 'BRINGS BACK THE TRAUMA' All agreed on one thing: This war stirs up memories, but it is nothing like Vietnam. "There's no trees to hide behind, for one thing," joked Eugene "Skip" Lyons, a helicopter pilot who was shot down and wounded. "It brings back the trauma of the war to a lot of Vietnam vets, when you see it," said Carl Wright, who served a year with the Seabees. "It's like somebody punching you in the stomach. When I got asked up, it was like my whole world crumbled." "The equipment is a lot more sophisticated. We had nothing like they have now," said Michael Chalifoux, a former combat infantryman. "Another thing I can't believe is these CNN reporters looking out the window in the Baghdad hotel and saying things like, "The TV tower is still standing, and over here there's artillery left intact.'" he said. "They were acting as forward observers. I couldn't believe they were broadcasting over the air and telling the world what was going on." "Vietnam was the '6 O-Clock War.' This will be the 'Instant War,' the 'TV War.' We're seeing it as it happens. It's amazing," said Lyons. "Is this going to go on for six months, day after day after day?" asked Chalifoux. "Is CNN going to be the War Station?" DUDS, NOT SCUDS "It's just in time to give the Hollywood moguls a whole new series of movies. They were running out of material from Vietnam," said Lyons. The men laughed and joked and sometimes debated as CNN reports continued. "Scuds should have been called Duds," said William Bradley, chapter president, after news that another Iraqi missile had fallen short of its target. "I've got a son, an Apache helicopter mechanic in North Carolina. He's pretty close to going over," said one man. His comment led the group to a question: "If you had a choice, would NAM VET Newsletter Page 31 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 you serve again? Would you go to this war instead of having your kids go?" Everyone said yes. "Definitely." "No question in my mind." "There's no choice at all." Later, the talk turned to protesters. "They don't bug me, as long as they don't break the law. As long as they're not burning flags or turning over police cars or beating each other up," said Michael Putnam, a Vietnam-era veteran who served stateside. All of the others agreed. "Protesters are protesting the war, but when they protest the military, they just have the wrong target," said Bradley. "The politicians are the ones they should protest." "If they had their way, we never would have gotten into World War II, and we'd all be speaking German today," said Lyons. "Nobody hates war more than a soldier, but freedom has its price. There are things worth fighting and dying for." Whether or not they agreed this war is worth fighting and dying for, they all were united in their support for the allied troops that will be doing the fighting and dying. "In Vietnam, people confused the warrior with the war. I hope they don't do that here," said Markarian. NAM VET Newsletter Page 32 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= In-Touch ================================================================= It's Not Finished Yet By: Ed Henry From: Among Friends - a FVVM Publication In October (1989) I began a new endeavor with The Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. For the past year the organization has manned an assistance booth near the Memorial. Bob Evans, a founding member of VVA Chapter 227, has established himself at the booth and he's been doing an outstanding job of meeting the public, answering the myriad of questions surrounding the Wall - and the war. Bob and I have worked on many Vietnam-related projects so he asked me to come down to the Memorial grounds and help him out. For those of you who have the privilege of knowing Bob, and I know there are many out there, you know what kind of sensitive bearing he can bring to this solemn place. Bob will let you know right up front about how he feel about the Vietnam war and what it did to him and his brother and sister vets. He bears the scars of it on his face, and in his heart. He nearly died in the A Shau Valley when an NVA bullet ripped through his lower jaw. His story really begins after that horrendous incident, and he has shared it widely with high school and university audiences and he shares it now with the multitudes of visitors at the wall. He never preaches, he doesn't proselytize. He only answers when asked about the events that have shaped his live as a Vietnam veteran. He is especially good with the younger generation. Always patient, he expresses a special need to assist the families and loved ones of those who are now memorialized on the black facade. One particularly beautiful October day I was with Bob at the booth near the Lincoln Memorial and that day the crowds were fairly heavy. The site is near the TourMobile stop and it can be an interesting day spent just watching all the various nationalities and tourists go by. The kids come noisily with not much understanding of the events surrounding this monument. The foreigners approach it with an interested curiosity. The families of the men and women whose names are on the Wall approach it with great solemnity and silence. They also come with anger and bitterness harbored too long. They come with questions that have tugged at their lives since the day they got the news that someone was no longer in their lives. On this day, Bob and I were standing there talking about nothing in particular when three or four women strode abruptly up to our table and practically yelled "It isn't finished yet!" in our faces. Bob and I just looked at each other and then we looked at the women. They were about my mother's age, and I felt like a son who had just gone a bit too far with the amount of cookies he'd had that afternoon. Bob spoke first with the ever brilliant and diplomatic "May I help you?" I chimed in with something as equally brilliant: "Excuse me, but what did you say?" She said "It isn't finished yet. It's just not done. I don't like it. It needs something more - a flag or something. Just something to make it not look so plain. The names are just startling, and stark. What do you think about it? Do you agree NAM VET Newsletter Page 33 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 with me?" After one great big pregnant pause I decided to break the ice with introductions all around. Her name was Marie Nissen and she and her friends were visiting from Waterloo, Iowa. She asked if we were Vietnam veterans and we nodded our heads. We don't wear fatigues down there. We don't promote the fact that we are vets and that in and of itself has a calming effect on the public. Bob immediately dove right in with an explanation of the design of the Memorial; how Maya Lin wanted the names above anything else to be the focus of her design. Both of us talked at length about what the Memorial meant to us as vets, and what it means to other vets and the thousands of families who have been touched by the war. Mrs. Nissen's persistence continued. She probed and questioned us about this and that and how we felt about the war and its aftermath. We soon found ourselves embroiled in a 45 minute historical-psychological-political discussion that involved the geo-politics of twenty or thirty nations. In the end she said, "Yes. But it's not finished YET!" Bob and I laughed. The women from Waterloo laughed. It dawned on me that this provocation was taking on a profound magnitude. The lady from Waterloo taught me a lesson that day. While she and Bob talked, and I thought about it, her every word was correct in the concept. I finally said, "You're right. You're brilliant. In your one little statement you've summed up the whole of the situation. This Memorial isn't finished and may never be finished. The war isn't finished and that may never be finished, either. The aftermath isn't finished yet. We veterans of the war aren't finished yet in what we have to do with ourselves and the rest of the population that's been affected by the war. In summation, Mrs. Nissen, nothing was finished from this thing we called the Vietnam War and discussions about it may never get finished. As a matter of fact, Mrs. Nissen, because of your discussion, I'm off to write an article about all this unfinished business we have on our hands as Vietnam veterans. And when people tell me to go away as a Vietnam veteran and stop talking about the war and its aftermath, I'll mention your name and tell them that a woman from Iowa told me it wasn't finished yet!" Bob just nodded in agreement and embarrassment, being the saint that he is. I felt like giving Mrs. Nissen and her friends a big hug. I felt renewed and enlightened through this simple conversation with the visiting heartlanders. I thank you, Mrs. Nissen, for the lesson you taught me that day. My own process of daily insight isn't finished either. God bless you, Mrs. Nissen, and all the rest of your generation. We have so much to learn from people like you, if we would only take the time to listen - closely. As a Vietnam veteran, I have a long road ahead of me in trying to finish this thing. NAM VET Newsletter Page 34 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 In-Touch. What is it ??? Input by: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau NAM VETs IN-TOUCH Section Editor Herndon Byte eXchange - Herndon, VA (703) 471-8010 ================================================================= |+++++++++++++++++++++++++ IN TOUCH ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++| | There are some 43 million people in the United States whose | | lives were directly and irrevocably touched by the Vietnam | | War. | | | | Almost four million people served in Vietnam -- the longest, | | and perhaps most difficult, war in our history. More than a | | quarter of a million were seriously wounded. 58,175 are dead | | or missing. | | | | Each of those who returned recognizes the true cost of war. | | But so too do the families and friends, wives and lovers of | | those listed on the Wall. They too paid a tremendous price, | | not always recognized... many still do. | | | | Though twenty years have passed, it seems that is the period | | people have needed to get the distance necessary to begin to | | address the unresolved, deeply personal issues that have | | been haunting them since the war. Perhaps that is a measure | | of the pain. | | | | But, the "healing of a nation" that was intended by the | | building of the Memorial, has begun. | | | | In the office of the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans | | Memorial, we hear them on the other end of the phone on | | any given day, and far into the night, they call from all | | corners of the country. | | | | "If only I could find out..." | | "I need to find his family so I can keep my promise..." | | "I just want to talk to someone who was with him... " | | "Please, can you help...?" | | | | At the Wall, we find them every day. Veterans who have not | | spoken of their experiences even to their most intimate | | family members are now beginning, tentatively, to seek a | | responsive ear. | | | | Brothers and sisters, parents and even wives who were simply | | never allowed full expression of their grief because of the | | fierce pressures of the time, are now coming forward, | | looking for someone who can help with their healing. | | | | We hear from children, now 15 - 25 years old, who are | | searching for bits and pieces of information they can | | assemble to help fill that empty place in their lives that | | is the father they never knew well, if at all. And they want | | to talk to each other, to share their special needs and the | | unique experience of growing up with a father on the Wall. | | They understand each other all too well. | NAM VET Newsletter Page 35 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 | | | Millions of Americans need to meet and talk because of the | | Wall, and only the Friends can help them. | | | | Initial discussions with many other national organizations | | whose work brings them into contact with Vietnam veterans | | and their loved ones have attested to the need for IN TOUCH | | and their willingness to help. | | | | Simply put, the Friends will draw on its special work at the | | Memorial, its acquired and available data bases and | | programs designed and integrated by Electronic Data Systems | | (EDS), and the commitment and concern of its volunteers to | | place people with a common association to a name on the Wall | | to be in voluntary communication with each other. | | | | From there, we will let human nature take its good course. | | And let the healing begin. | | | | The starting point for the data base will be the more than | | twenty thousand names of people who have requested name | | rubbings from our volunteers in Washington. Each will be | | contacted and given the opportunity to participate by being | | listed in the IN TOUCH central data base file. | | | | Confidentiality is the keyword to cooperation and IN TOUCH | | will respect the integrity of all lists and records. Lists | | will be unavailable for public use and will not be | | distributed for any commercial purpose. | | | | By its nature, IN TOUCH must reach far beyond the veterans | | community in order to be successful. With professional | | guidance, the Friends will develop a program of on-going | | articles and other coverage in major media markets, high- | | lighting the personal experiences of people as they are put | | "in touch." The International Vietnam Veterans Echo | | Conference via the Herndon Byte eXchange 1:109/316 node as | | the enter point for gathering and disseminating information | | will be used. Aside from bringing the program into public | | awareness, these articles and stories will serve as a val- | | uable tool for public education on a wealth of matters | | relating to the Vietnam era. | | | | As a preliminary test of the IN TOUCH project, the Friends | | has implemented a pilot project to test the design and | | demands of such a program. Several hundred requests with | | full background information have been entered into a system | | designed to match requestor data with the existing Memorial | | data. Even with such a small sample, limited data and a | | fairly unsophisticated cross-indexing system, matches have | | been made and IN TOUCH has produced its first real | | connections. The results have been as profoundly moving for | | the participants as expected. And as gratifying for the | | Friends. | | | | But it was clear that the information management system and | | the supporting hardware system would have to be more power- | | ful and more complex in order to handle thousands, perhaps | | hundreds of thousands, of requests. Confidentiality of the | NAM VET Newsletter Page 36 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 | system and information must be paramount. | | | | With well over 2,000 Vietnam veterans, Electronic Data | | Systems (EDS) became involved and has been generous in its | | assistance with designing the data management systems which | | will be critical to a successful program. The Friends have | | reached a three-year working agreement with EDS which | | promises continuity and maximum potential for success in | | building an information bank that can truly help people in | | their search for others who knew a loved one. | | | | The Friends are delighted that Bob Hope has agreed to make | | a public service announcement which we can use on radio and | | television to help get the word out to the public on the | | availability of the service. | | | | The Friends are also pleased to note that Hewlett Packard, | | Zenith Data Systems, Borland International, FASTCOMM | | Communications Corporation and the First National Bank of | | Chicago have all contributed computer equipment, computer | | software, and office equipment to the project, so they are | | beginning to feel fully functional. | | | | The Friends hear from people who have long been living with | | the pain of loss and looking for a way to heal. For | | instance, the Friends recently received a letter from a | | woman who wrote: | | | | Dear Friends: | | For quite some time I have been searching for a | | way to know my brother. It seems hopeless at times. | | I was 12 when he was killed... I had waited for the | | day he would come back to us. He never did. A part | | of me will always be 12 and continue to wait. | | Thank you for giving me hope that there may be | | a way to find him and bring him home to my heart..." | | | | + + + | | | | The Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial | | Electronic Data Systems | | Herndon Byte eXchange TCOMMnet BBS 1:109/316 | | | |+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++| NAM VET Newsletter Page 37 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 IN-TOUCH Registration/Request Form Input by: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau NAM VETs IN-TOUCH Section Editor Herndon Byte eXchange - Herndon, VA (703) 471-8010 THIS FORM REQUIRES SIGNATURE FOR CONFIDENTIALITY RELEASE PLEASE READ BELOW ------------------------------------------------------------------ I wish to be IN TOUCH with (Please circle and/or comment) Family, Friends and/or Fellow Veterans of the following: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ ----------- PERSON WHO DID NOT COME BACK FROM VIETNAM ------------ First Name_____________ Middle Name___________ Last Name__________ Relationship to You and/or Reason for Request (Answer as fully as possible)_____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ ================================================================== -------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HIM/HER - IF KNOWN --------- Rank_______ Birth Date ______________ Soc. Sec. # ________________ Tour Date of Birth _______________ Where Buried __________________ Branch of Service: AR__ NA__ AF__ MC__ CG__ RC__ CIV__ (Fill in his/her equivalent unit designations in the spaces below) Division ____________ Brigade ___________ Battalion ______________ Regiment ____________ Company ___________ Ship ___________________ Battles:__________________________________________________________ Locations:________________________________________________________ Nicknames:________________________________________________________ Hometown (while in Nam): ____________________ Home State: ________ ================================================================== ---------------------- INFORMATION ABOUT YOU --------------------- Title___ First Name ____________ Middle/Maiden Name _____________ Last Name ____________________ Address___________________________________________________________ City __________________________________ State ____ Zip: _____-____ Your Home Phone ( ) ____________ Work Phone: ( ) ____________ ---------------- IF YOU ARE A VIETNAM-ERA VETERAN ---------------- Tour date _______________________________ Rank __________________ Branch of Service: AR__ NA __ AF __ MC __ CG __ RC __ CIV __ Fill in your equivalent unit designations in the spaces below Division: __________ Brigade: ___________ Battalion: ___________ Regiment: __________ Company: ___________ Ship: ________________ Battles: _________________________________________________________ Locations: _______________________________________________________ Nicknames: _______________________________________________________ Hometown (when in VN) _______________________ Home State: ________ Comments: ________________________________________________________ NAM VET Newsletter Page 38 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT _____ I give permission to the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to release my name, address, phone number and relationship to other participants in the IN TOUCH project seeking information on the individual above (strike out phone number if you do not want it released). OR _____ I would like to have the names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons who knew my friend or relative, but prefer NOT to have my name, address, and phone number released. I hereby release the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from any and all liability that may arise from the operation of the IN TOUCH project. Signature ____________________________________ Date _____________ NOTE: Do not electronically transmit this form, instead mail to: Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 1350 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Suite 300 Washington, DC 20036 ----------------------------------------------------------------- NAM VET Newsletter Page 39 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= The NamVet Chapel ================================================================= To Any Soldier... In The Indianapolis News Input by Marty Schuch ATTEL BBs - Brazil, IN (812) 442-5354 I saw this letter in the Indianapolis News and thought I would share it here: =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= To Any Soldier: They said, "Write to any soldier," but you are not just any soldier. You are an American soldier. Even though I don't know you personally, I know you in my heart. You are someone's wife, husband, mother, father, son or daughter, and for that reason I know you. I know you are defending everything America believes in --- peace. We are glued to the television, afraid we might miss the latest update or the chance to sneak a glimpse of a loved one. The newspapers have become our photo albums of your trip to the Persian Gulf. Many of us live with lumps in our throats and tears in our eyes. The goodbyes get harder, and the days seem to get longer and longer. Yellow ribbons decorate our houses all across the U.S.A. Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and children of all ages wear the patriotic red, white and blue. The American flag has become our favorite team pennant, and you our most valuable team player. We give many thanks for your efforts in the Gulf. But we pray many prayers for your safe return home. You are our country's pride and joy, and you are our heroes. If we could wrap all of our love and support in red, white and blue and send it to you, believe me, we would. They tell us they have sent the best troops the United States has to get the job done. We believe in you, so don't ever doubt us. We love you and miss you very much. Come home soon. God bless you, American soldier. Lori Jo Simpson Indianapolis =*=*=*=*=*= /\/\arty NAM VET Newsletter Page 40 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Deliverance Input by: Dale Malone Midas Touch BBS - Orlando, FL (407) 648-1133 You stand for principles that bring a lump to my throat I have travelled this globe in support of your pure motives I trod the sands of San Angelo Texas The wrinkle in time called Karamursel Turkey I sipped the solitude of Shemya Alaska The backward deep southerness of Biloxi Mississippi Isolated Misawa in the steppes of Northern Japan The screaming winds of remote Wakkanai on The tip of Hokkaido, where you can Almost throw a rock and hit Russian soil On the "hill" at Osan Korea In sleepy Guam where Agana was "excitement" In a tankers belly out of Kadena Okinawa Triple play in Saigon, at busy Tan San Nhut With choppers from the in-country R&R and 3rd Field Hospital Whomping day and night, and 100,000 candlepower flares Lighting the night, and "Patches" Spraying the wee morning hours with kerosene blended poisons Accompanied by the heart stopping blast of her twin propellers Less than 200 feet above my sweat sogged bed Singular lines of steel death from "Shadow" and "Spooky" Redistributing my pay in Bangkok's bars In Manila, watching the "students" storm the Embassy Flying with no tower controller into wonderful CCK, Taiwan Listening on the tactical freq's as brothers Play deadly tag with AAA and SAM's along the Ho Chi Minh Trail Sweltering in Udorn whilst the lumbering, heavily laden B-52's Spewed volumes of black smoke as they Trundled down the runway, bristling with ordinance In places I could hardly spell like Nakon Phanom With a "downtown" shared by bordering Laos The cool evenings of the Highlands of Pleiku Spectating at ping-pong while the swing Shift sights in and clears their weapons TDY's to Nha Trang, Dalat, Phu Cat, Vung Tau, Da Nang Long Binh, Bien Hoa, Cam Rahn Bay, other's, now forgotten But not the unforgettable Phu Bai where first I experienced The noxious greasy smoke of feces incinerators Centuries later, back in America, My rusted and time-worn armor put away I am confronted by those that Would desecrate your magnificence by burning you in protest Playing up to the toadies of the unsuspecting media Salty tears blur my vision, a crimson rage, gnawing at my heart Then your regal voice whispers to me: "Be at ease my stalwart, unknowingly, these Philistines Proffer me reverence, and deliver me from this Shocking disgrace with full honors as they Retire me by fire and bring surcease to my travails." I sit in mute, stunned surprise Affirming in my inner soul That the flag's spirit has indeed uttered the truth. NAM VET Newsletter Page 41 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 I I IIIII I I 88888 ITTTI o88888888 I I o888888888888o 8888 I I 888888888888888888888888 I I 88888888888888888 8888 888 xI Ix 8888888888888888 88888888 T III T 88888888888888 888888 88 I III I 8888888888888888 88888888 xI III Ix 888 888 88888888888' T I I T 88888888 I I I I 8888 xI IIIII Ix TI IT II II II II The Quiet Place IT | TI II --|-- II XIII | IIIX oooo o II I I II o88 888) (888) II I IIII I II o88 88888888 8888) XII I II II I IIX (88 8 88 888888) XIII III III IIIX (8 8 8 88 88 88 8 888) XIIII I I IIIIX (88 8 8 8 88888888) II II I xIIIIIx I II II ( 8 88 888 88888) II I T T T I II (8888 88 8 8 8888888) II I I I I I II (8 88888 888 88 88) II I I I I I II (8888)888 88888) II I I II II I II (8) (I8I8I) 8 oo8888888o II I I I I I II IIIII X 8888888 888BII I I I I I IIXX III X XX 88 88 88 BII I TIIIIIT I IIXXX III XXXXX 888888 88BII I .... I IIXXXXXX III XXgXXX 888 888888888XXXXXII ... IIXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXjXX II .. IIXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXpX The Vietnam Veteran XII IIXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX has relatives in the III IIIXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX Old and New Testaments III IIIXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX who also experienced loss II IIXXXXXXXXX XXX and grief, guilt and shame, II IIXXXXXXXXX XX rejection and betrayal, I IXXXXXXXXX alienation and estrangement, I IXXXX XX isolation and withdrawal. II IIXXXX II IIX Adam and Eve tried to hide from God; II II Moses, born Hebrew and raised Egyptian IIII IIII searched long and hard for his real self; II II Job, losing his children and all he owned, II II became sorely diseased; IIII III Biblical Joseph was rejected by his brothers, II II lied about and imprisoned; I Peter denied Jesus. II I "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" Matthew 28:20 NAM VET Newsletter Page 42 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= Federal Veteran Service ================================================================= Federal Veteran Service Agencies/Facilities Furnished by: Veterans of the Vietnam War Inc 01/ 22/ 91 Input by: Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor The Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM (505) VET CENTER VET CENTER 520 5TH AVE APT 200 1075 CHECK ST, SU 111 FAIRBANKS AK 99701-4758 WASILLA AK 99687 907-456-4238 907-376-4318 VET CENTER VET CENTER PO BOX 1883 4201 TUDOR CENTRE DR KENAI AK 99611-1883 ANCHORAGE AK 99508-5913 907-283-5205 907-563-6966 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 235 E 8TH AVE 800 E DIAMOND BLVD #3450 ANCHORAGE AK 99501-3615 ANCHORAGE AK 99515-2028 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VET CENTER LOOP RD 110 MARINE ST TUSCALOOSA AL 35404 MOBILE AL 36604-3018 205-694-4194 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 700 19TH ST S VET CENTER BIRMINGHAM AL 35233-1927 14252 12ST S APT 108 BIRMINGHAM AL 35205-3841 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 205-939-2050 2451 FILLINGIM ST MOBILE AL 36617-2238 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PO BOX 1509 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN MONTGOMERY AL 36102-1509 215 PERRY HILL RD MONTGOMERY AL 36109-3725 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 474 S COURT ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN MONTGOMERY AL 36104-4135 TUSKEGEE AL 36083 VETERANS ADMINISTRATION VET CENTER PO BOX 1280 201 W BROADWAY ST APT A NO LITTLE ROCK AR 721115-1280 N LITTLE ROCK AR 72114-5505 501-378-6395 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1100 N COLLEGE AVE FAYETTEVILLE AR 72703-1907 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PO BOX 2586 PAGO PAGO AS 96799-2586 VET CENTER VET CENTER 3055 N 1ST AVE 637 W HILLSIDE AVE STE A TUCSON AZ 85719-2512 PRESCOTT AZ 86301-1909 NAM VET Newsletter Page 43 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 602-882-0333 602-778-3469 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VET CENTER 3225 CENTRAL AVE 141 E PALM LANE SU 100 PHOENIX AZ 85012-2405 PHOENIX AZ 85004 602-261-4769 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN PRESCOTT AZ 86313 VA HOSPITAL LIBARAIAN VA E INDIAN SCHOOL & 7TH ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN PHOENIX AZ 85012-1850 TUCSON AZ 85723-0001 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 3225 N CENTRAL AVE #910 PHOENIX AZ 85012-2410 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 2615 E CLINTON AVE 150 MUIR RD FRESNO CA 93703-2223 MARTINEZ CA 94553-4612 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 11201 BENTON ST 1515 CLAY ST LOMA LINDA CA 92357-0001 OAKLAND CA 94612-1430 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 5901 E 7TH ST 3801 MIRANDA AVE LONG BEACH CA 90822-5201 PALO ALTO CA 94304-1207 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 322 W COMPTON BLVD SUITE 104 4600 BROADWAY COMPTON CA 90220-3167 SACRAMENTO CA 95820-1527 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN LIVERMORE CA 94550 2022 CAMINO DEL RIO N SAN DIEGO CA 92108-1517 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 11301 WILSHIRE BLVD VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN LOS ANGELES CA 90073-1002 3350 LA JOLLA VLG DR SAN DIEGO CA 92161-0001 VA HOSPTIAL LIBRARIAN 425 HILL ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN LOS ANGELES CA 90013-1110 2022 CAMINO DEL RIO N PALOMAR BLDG VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN SAN DIEGO CA 92108-1517 315 CAMINO DEL REMEDIO SANTA BARBARA CA 93110-1332 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 211 MAIN ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905 1611 PLUMMER ST SEPULVEDA CA 91343 VET CENTER 305 V ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN EUREKA CA 95501-0831 4150 CLEMENT ST 707-444-8271 SAN FRANCISCO CA 94121-1598 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1340 VAN NESS AVE 2000 WESTWOOD BLVD FRESNO CA 93721-1714 LOS ANGELES CA 90025-6329 209-487-5660 213-475-9509 VET CENTER NAM VET Newsletter Page 44 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VET CENTER 313 N MOUNTAIN AVE 1111 HOWE AVE STE 390 UPLAND CA 91786-5116 SACRAMENTO CA 95825-8541 714-982-0416 916-978-5477 VET CENTER VET CENTER 5400 E OLYMPIC BLVD # 120 2900 6TH AVE COMMERCE CA 90022-5147 SAN DIEGO CA 92103-5905 213-728-9966 619-294-2040 VET CENTER VET CENTER 25 VAN NESS AVE 455 RESERVATION RD STE E SAN FRANCISCO CA 94102-6033 MARINA CA 93933-3328 415-431-6021 408-384-1660 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1300 SANTA BARBARA ST 515 NORTH GATE BLVD SANTA BARBARA CA 93101-2017 TERRE LINDE CA 94903 805-564-2345 415-492-8364 VET CENTER VET CENTER 251 W 85TH PL 287 17TH ST LOS ANGELES CA 90003-3303 OAKLAND CA 94612-4123 213-215-2380 415-763-3904 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1234 HOWARD AVE 1899 CLAYTON RD APT 10 BURLINGAME CA 94010-4215 CONCORD CA 94520-2541 415-344-3126 415-680-4526 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1022 W HEDDING ST 16126 LASSEN ST SAN JOSE CA 95126-1217 SEPULVEDA CA 91343-1618 404-249-1643 818-892-9227 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1830 WEST DR # 103/ 104 859 S HARBOR BLVD VISTA CA 92083 ANAHEIM CA 92805-5157 619-945-8941 714-776-0161 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VET CENTER 1227 O ST - ROOM # 200A 4954 ARLINGTON AVE STE A SACRAMENTO CA 95814 RIVERSIDE CA 92504-2746 714-359-8967 VET CENTER VET CENTER 411 S TEJON ST STE G 1815 FEDERAL BLVD COLORADO SPRINGS CO 80903-2146 DENVER CO 80204-1724 719-471-9992 303-433-7123 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 2128 PEARL ST # 527 FORT LYON CO 81038 BOULDER CO 80302-4525 303-440-7306 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 21 NORTH AVE VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN GRAND JUNCTION CO 81501 BUILDING 20 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DENVER CO 80225 1575 SHERMAN ST STE 122 NAM VET Newsletter Page 45 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 DENVER CO 80203-1714 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1055 CLERMONT ST DENVER CO 80220-3808 VET CENTER VET CENTER 562 WHALLEY AVE 370 MARKET ST NEW HAVEN CT 06511-2908 HARTFORD CT 06120-2901 203-773-2232 203-240-3543 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VET CENTER 450 MAIN ST 16 FRANKLIN ST RM 109 HARTFORD CT 06103-3002 NORWICH CT 06360-5824 203-887-1755 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 55 WILLARD AVE VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN NEWINGTON CT 06111-1138 WEST SPRING ST WEST HAVEN CT 06516 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 287 WEST ST ROCKY HILL CT 06067-3501 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 737 1/2 8TH ST SE 941 N CAPITOL ST NE WASHINGTON DC 20003-2802 WASHINGTON DC 20421-0001 202-745-8400 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 941 N CAPITOL ST NE 941 N CAPITOL ST NE WASHINGTON DC 20421-0001 WASHINGTON DC 20421-0001 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 50 IRVING ST NW 941 N CAPITOL ST, NE #1211F WASHINGTON DC 20422-0001 WASHINGTON DC 20421-0001 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1601 KIRKWOOD HWY BLDG 2 1601 KIRKWOOD HWY VA MEDICAL CTR WILMINGTON DE 19805-4917 WILMINGTON DE 19805-4989 302-994-2878 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PO BOX 1401 DOVER DE 19903-1401 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN GENERAL DELIVERY 1201 NW 16TH ST BAY PINES FL 33504-9999 MIAMI FL 33125-1624 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 2070 CARRELL RD 51 SW 1ST AVE FORT MYERS FL 33901-8009 FEDERAL BLDG - ROOM 100 MIAMI FL 33130-1608 VA HOSPTIAL LIBRARIAN ARCHER RD VA HOSPITAL LIBRARAIN VA GAINSVILLE FL 32602 301 BROADWAY EXECUTIVE PLAZA RIVERA BEACH FL 33404-7725 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1833 BLVD VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN JACKSONVILLE FL 32206-4374 83 W COLUMBIA ST ORLANDO FL 32806-1101 NAM VET Newsletter Page 46 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN S MARION ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN LAKE CITY FL 32055 144 1ST AVE S SAINT PETERSBURG FL 33701-4311 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 13000 N 30TH ST VET CENTER TAMPA FL 33612-4745 15 W STRONG ST STE 100C PENSACOLA FL 32501-3164 VET CENTER 904-479-6665 249 E 6TH AVE TALLAHASSEE FL 32303-6207 VET CENTER 904-681-7172 255 LIBERTY ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202-2871 VET CENTER 904-791-3621 315 NE 3RD AVE FORT LAUDERDALE FL 33301-1149 VET CENTER 305-563-2992 235 31ST ST N SAINT PETERSBURG FL 33713-1000 VET CENTER 813-327-3355 2311 10TH AVE N BLDG 13 LAKE WORTH FL 33461-6605 VET CENTER 407-585-0441 2700 SW 3RD AVE MIAMI FL 33129-2318 VET CENTER 305-573-8830 1507 W SLIGH AVE TAMPA FL 33604-5803 VET CENTER 813-228-2621 1800 SIESTA DR SARASOTA FL 33579-6009 VET CENTER 813-952-9406 5001 S ORANGE AVE SU A ORLANDO FL 32809 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 407-648-6151 PO BOX 14347 SAINT PETERSBURG FL 33733-4347 VET CENTER VET CENTER 922 W PEACHTREE ST NW 8110 WHITE BLUFF RD ATLANTA GA 30309-3802 SAVANNAH GA 31406-3406 404-347-7264 912-927-7360 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 730 PEACHTREE ST NE 1670 CLAIRMONT RD ATLANTA GA 30365-0001 DECATUR GA 30033-4004 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN AUGUSTA GA 30904 DUBLIN GA 31021 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FLOYD VETS MEM BLDG E-970 ATLANTA GA 30334 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 77 N DICKERSON ST AGANA GU 96910-3279 VET CENTER VET CENTER 75-5995 KUAKINI HWY SU415 3367 KUHIO HWY SU 101 KAILUA-KONA HI 96740 LIHUE HI 96766 808-329-0574 808-246-1163 NAM VET Newsletter Page 47 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VET CENTER VET CENTER 35 LUNALILO ST RM 101 1680 KAPIOLANI BLVD # F3 WAILUKU HI 96793-2511 HONOLULU HI 96814-3713 808-242-8557 808-541-1764 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1150 WAIANUENUE AVE # G-1 PO BOX 50188 HILO HI 96720-2020 300 ALA MOANA BLVD 808-969-3833 HONOLULU HI 96850-0001 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 300 ALA MOANA BLVD PO BOX 339 PJKK FEDERAL BLDG HONOLULU HI 96809-0339 HONOLULU HI 96850-0001 VET CENTER VET CENTER 2600 HARDING RD 706 JACKSON ST DES MOINES IA 50310-6218 SIOUX CITY IA 51105-1916 515-284-4929 712-255-3808 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 210 WALNUT ST IOWA CITY IA 52240 DES MOINES IA 50309-2103 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1515 W PLEASANT ST 30TH & EUCLID AVE KNOXVILLE IA 50138-3354 DES MOINES IA 50310 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 700 NW BEAVER DR C DODGE JOHNSTON IA 50131-1902 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1975 S 5TH AVE 1115 W BOISE AVE POCATELLO ID 83201-6905 BOISE ID 83706-3503 208-232-0316 208-342-3612 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 550 W FORT ST 5TH AND FT ST FEDERAL BLDG & US CRTHSE BOISE ID 83720-0001 BOISE ID 83724-0001 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PO BOX 7765 BOISE ID 83707-1765 VET CENTER VET CENTER 5505 S HARPER AVE 1600 HALSTED ST CHICAGO IL 60637-1829 CHICAGO HTS IL 60411-3525 312-684-5500 708-754-0340 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1269 N 89TH ST 605 NE MONROE ST E SAINT LOUIS IL 62203-2134 PEORIA IL 61603-3805 618-397-6602 309-671-7300 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1529 46TH AVE # 6 565 HOWARD ST MOLINE IL 61265-7020 EVANSTON IL 60202-4014 309-762-6954 312-764-6596 NAM VET Newsletter Page 48 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VET CENTER VET CENTER 155 S OAK PARK AVE 624 S 4TH ST OAK PARK IL 60302-2901 SPRINGFIELD IL 62702-1603 312-383-3225 217-492-4955 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 333 E HURON ST ( LAKESIDE) HINES IL 60141 CHICAGO IL 60611 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN MARION IL 62959 820 DAMEN WEST SIDE CHICAGO IL 60612-3740 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN DOWNS RD VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN NORTH CHICAGO IL 60088-2708 536 S CLARK ST CHICAGO IL 60605-1509 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 411 WEST 7TH ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN PEORIA IL 61605 DANVILLE IL 61832 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 833 S SPRING SPRINGFIELD IL 62704-2617 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VET CENTER 500 E WALNUT ST 2236 W RIDGE RD EVANSVILLE IN 47713-2438 GARY IN 46408-2059 219-887-0048 VET CENTER 311 N WEINBACH AVE VET CENTER EVANSVILLE IN 47711-6009 528 W BERRY ST 812-473-5993 FORT WAYNE IN 46803-2104 219-423-9456 VET CENTER 3833 N MERIDIAN ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN INDIANAPOLIS IN 46208-4000 2121 LAKE AVE 317-927-6440 FORT WAYNE IN 46804-1526 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS E 38TH ST 707 S STATE AVE 100 N SENATE MARION IN 46952 INDIANAPOLIS IN 46203-1302 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 413 S PATTIE ST 4201 S 4TH ST WICHITA KS 67211-1724 LEAVENWORTH KS 66048 316-265-3260 SERVICE, 42ND LIBRARY VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 2200 GAGE BLVD 5500 E KELLOGG TOPEKA KS 66622-0001 WICHITA KS 67218-1607 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 500 W KELLOGG DR 700 SW JACKSON ST JAY HAWK 701 WICHITA KS 67209-2345 TOPEKA KS 66603-3731 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1355 S 3RD ST 1117 S LIMESTONE ST LOUISVILLE KY 40208-2392 LEXINGTON KY 40503-1024 502-589-1981 606-276-5269 NAM VET Newsletter Page 49 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 600 FEDERAL PL LEXINGTON KY 40507 LOUISVILLE KY 40202-2239 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 600 FED PLACE - ROOM 136-J LOUISVILLE KY 40202 VET CENTER VET CENTER 2103 OLD MINDEN RD 1529 N CLAIBORNE AVE BOSSIER CITY LA 71112-2301 NEW ORLEANS LA 70116-1339 318-742-2733 504-943-8386 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 701 LOVOLA AVE 510 E STONER AVE NEW ORLEANS LA 70113 SHREVEPORT LA 71101-4243 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1601 PERDIDO ST ALEXANDRIA LA 71301 NEW ORLEANS LA 70146-0001 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PO BOX 94095 BATON ROUGE LA 70804-9095 VET CENTER VET CENTER 655 BEACON ST APT 1 330 UNION ST BOSTON MA 02215-3202 NEW BEDFORD MA 02740-3664 617-424-0065 508-999-6920 VET CENTER VET CENTER 800 N MAIN ST 73 E MERRIMACK ST AVON MA 02322-1744 LOWELL MA 01852-1206 508-580-2730 617-453-1151 VET CENTER VET CENTER 108 GROVE ST 1985 MAIN ST NORTHGATE PLAZA WORCESTER MA 01605-2629 SPRINGFIELD MA 01103-1016 508-835-2709 413-737-5167 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 150 S HUNTINGTON AVE N MAIN ST BOSTON MA 02130-4820 NORTHAMPTON MA 01060 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 53 N 6TH ST 50 KEARNEY SQ NEW BEDFORD MA 02740-6100 OLD POST OFFICE BLDG LOWELL MA 01852-1902 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 945 BELMONT ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN WATERTOWN MA 02172-1036 1200 MAIN ST SPRINGFIELD MA 01103-2101 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN JFK FEDERAL BLDG VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN GOVERNMENT CENTER 101 STATE ST BOSTON MA 02203 SPRINGFIELD MA 01103-2006 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 17 COURT ST 1400 VFW PKY BOSTON MA 02108-2601 BOSTON MA 02132-4927 NAM VET Newsletter Page 50 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 200 SPRINGS RD 575 MAIN ST BEDFORD MA 01730-1114 WORCHESTER MA 01609 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 100 CABRIDGE ST - ROOM 1002 BOSTON MA 02202-0001 VET CENTER VET CENTER 7 ELKTON COMMERCIAL PLZ 1015 SPRING ST STE 101 SO BRIDGE ST SILVER SPRING MD 20910-4012 ELKTON MD 21921-5916 301-745-8441 301-398-0171 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 777 WASHINGTON BLVD 31 HOPKINS PLZ FEDERAL BLDG BALTIMORE MD 21230-2330 BALTIMORE MD 21201-2822 301-539-5511 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 3900 LOCH RAVEN BLVD PERRY POINT MD 21902 BALTIMORE MD 21218-2108 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 31 HOPKINS PLZ FM 110 FORT HOWARD MD 21052 BALTIMORE MD 21201-2840 VET CENTER VET CENTER 352 HARLOW ST 63 TREBLE ST BANGOR ME 04401-4908 PORTLAND ME 04101 207-947-3391 207-780-3584 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN STATE OFFICE # 117 TOGUS ME 04330 AUGUSTA ME 04333-0001 VET CENTER VET CENTER 20820 GREENFILD RD 1940 EASTERN AVE SE OAK PARK MI 48237-3011 GRAND RAPIDS MI 49507-2771 313-967-0040 616-243-0385 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VET CENTER 1500 WEISS ST 1766 FORT ST SAGINAW MI 48602-5251 LINCOLN PARK MI 48146-1904 313-381-1370 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN ALLEN PARK MI 48101 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 260 JEFFERSON AVE SE VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN GRAND RAPIDS MI 49503-4597 2215 FULLER RD ANN ARBOR MI 48105-2300 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 477 MICHIGAN AVE VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN PTRCK V MCNAMARA FED BLDG IRON MOUNTAIN MI 49801 DETROIT MI 48266-0001 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BATTLE CREEK MI 49016 PO BOX 30026 LANSING MI 48909-7526 VET CENTER VET CENTER 405 E SUPERIOR ST 2480 UNIVERSITY AVE W NAM VET Newsletter Page 51 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 DULUTH MN 55802-2220 SAINT PAUL MN 55114-1735 218-722-8654 612-644-4022 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 54TH & 48TH AVE S ST CLOUD MN 56301 MINNEAPOLIS MN 55417 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN FORT SNELLING FEDERAL BLDG FORT SNELLING ST PAUL MN 55111 ST PAUL MN 55401 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 20 W 12TH ST - 2ND FLOOR SAINT PAUL MN 55155-0001 VET CENTER VET CENTER 2345 PINE ST 3931 MAIN ST SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2218 KANSAS CITY MO 64111-1916 314-231-1260 816-753-1866 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 4801 E LINWOOD BLVD 1520 MARKET ST FEDERAL BLDG KANSAS CITY MO 64128-2226 SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2620 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 8VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 800 STADIUM RD PEOPLE BLUFF MO 63901 COLUMBIA MO 65201-5275 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 601 E 12TH ST 915 N GRAND BLVD FEDERAL OFFICE BLDG SAINT LOUIS MO 63106-1621 KANSAS CITY MO 64106-2858 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PO BOX 147 JEFFERSON CITY MO 65102-0147 VET CENTER VET CENTER 158 E PASCAGOULA ST 767 W JACKSON ST JACKSON MS 39201-3901 BILOXI MS 39530-4207 601-965-5727 601-435-5414 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 100 W CAPITOL ST 1500 E WOODROW WILSON AVE JACKSON MS 39201-3008 JACKSON MS 39216-5199 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VETERANS BOARD STATE BILOXI MS 39531 4607 LINDBERGH DR JACKSON MS 39209-3855 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1948 GRAND AVE 500 N HIGGINS AVE BILLINGS MT 59102-2748 MISSOULA MT 59802-4535 406-657-6071 406-721-4918 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 210 S WINCHESTER AVE FORT HARRISON MT 59636 MILES CITY MT 59301-4742 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS NAM VET Newsletter Page 52 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 PO BOX 5715 HELENA MT 59604-5715 VET CENTER VET CENTER 4 MARKET SQ 223 S BREVARD ST STE 103 FAYETTEVILLE NC 28301-5652 CHARLOTTE NC 28202-2417 919-323-4908 704-333-6107 VET CENTER VET CENTER 2009 S ELM EUGENE ST 150 ARLINGTON BLVD SU B GREENSBORO NC 27406-2824 GREENVILLE NC 27834-5739 919-333-5366 919-355-7920 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 2300 RAMSEY SR ASHEVILLE NC 28805 FAYETTEVILLE NC 28301-3856 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1601 BRENNER AVE 508 FULTON ST SALISBURY NC 28144-2515 DURHAM NC 27705-3875 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 325 N SALISBURY ST # 1065 251 N MAIN ST RALEIGH NC 27603-1388 WINSTON SALEM NC 27101-3914 VET CENTER VET CENTER 108 BURDICK EXPY E 1322 GATEWAY DR MINOT ND 58701-4434 FARGO ND 58103-3545 701-852-0177 701-237-0942 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 21ST AVE & ELM ST 15 N BROADWAY- 6TH FLR FARGO ND 58102 FARGO ND 58102 VET CENTER VET CENTER 5123 LEAVENWORTH ST 920 L ST OMAHA NE 68106-1343 LINCOLN NE 68508-2228 402-553-2068 402-476-9736 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 4101 WOOLWORTH AVE 600 S 70TH ST OMAHA NE 68105-1873 LINCOLN NE 68510-2451 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 2201 N BROADWAY STATE OFFICE BLDG PO BOX 95083 GRAND ISLAND NE 6881 LINCOLN NE 68509 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 130 LIBERTY ST 708 SMYTH RD MANCHESTER NH 03104-3118 MANCHESTER NH 03104-7004 603-668-7060 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 359 LINCOLN ST 275 CHESTNUT ST MANCHESTER NH 03103-4901 NORRIS COTTON FED BLDG MANCHESTER NH 03101-2411 VET CENTER VET CENTER 327 CENTRAL AVE 626 NEWARK AVE NAM VET Newsletter Page 53 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 LINWOOD NJ 08221-2099 JERSEY CITY NJ 07306-2306 609-927-8387 201-656-6986 VET CENTER VET CENTER 318 E STATE ST 75 HALSEY ST TRENTON NJ 08608-1810 NEWARK NJ 07102-3005 609-989-2260 201-622-6940 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 20 WASHINGTON PL LYONS NJ 07939 NEWARK NJ 07102-3110 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 143 E STATE ST #505 TREMONT AVE & S CENTER TRENTON NJ 08625-0001 EAST ORANGE NJ 07019 VET CENTER VET CENTER 4251 E MAIN ST 1996 WARNER ST STE 5 WARNER PLZ FARMINGTON NM 87401-8600 SANTA FE NM 87505-5625 505-327-9684 505-988-6562 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 4603 4TH ST NW 2100 RIDGECREST DR SE ALBUQUERQUE NM 87107-3936 ALBUQUERQUE NM 87108-5138 505-345-8366 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN PO BOX 2324 DENNIS CHAVEX FED BLDG SANTA FE NM 87503-0001 US CRTHSE - 500 GOLD AVE SW ALBUQUERQUE NM 87102 VET CENTER VET CENTER 155 W 4TH ST STE 101 704 S 6TH ST RENO NV 89505-5146 LAS VEGAS NV 89101-6922 702-323-1294 702-388-6368 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 100 LOCUST ST 1201 TERMINAL WAY RENO NV 89502-1319 RENO NV 89502-3207 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 1703 W CHARLESTON BLVD 1201 TERMINAL WAY LAS VEGAS NV 89102-2334 RENO NV 89502-3207 VET CENTER VET CENTER 166 W 75TH ST 210 N TOWNSEND ST NEW YORK NY 10023-1903 SURACUSE NY 13203-2339 212-944-2917 315-423-5690 VET CENTER VET CENTER 165 CADMAN PLZ E 875 CENTRAL AVE BROOKLYN NY 11201-1402 ALBANY NY 12206-1309 718-330-2825 518-438-2508 VET CENTER VET CENTER 351 LINWOOD AVE 116 W MAIN ST BUFFALO NY 14209-1607 BABYLON NY 11702-3409 716-882-0505 516-661-3930 NAM VET Newsletter Page 54 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VET CENTER VET CENTER 4520 83RD ST 226 E FORDHAM RD ELMHURST NY 11373-3541 APT 216-217 718-446-8233 BRONX NY 10458-5029 212-367-3500 VET CENTER 200 HAMILTON AVE VET CENTER WHITE PLAINS MALL 294 PLYMOUTH AVE S WHITE PLAINS NY 10601-1809 ROCHESTER NY 14608-2239 914-684-0570 716-263-5710 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 100 S CLINTON ST FT HILL AVE US COURTHOUSE & FEDERAL BLDG CANADAIGUA NY 14424 SYRACUSE NY 13260-0001 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 252 SEVENTH AVE AT E 24TH ST 100 STATE ST NEW YORK NY 10001 FEDERAL BLDG & COURTHOUSE ROCHESTER NY 14614-1309 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN FIRST AVE AT E 24TH ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN NEW YORK NY 10010 LONG ISLAND MIDDLEVILLE RD NORTH PORT NY 11768 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 130 W KINGSBRIDGE RD VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN BROX NY 10468-3904 3495 BAILEY AVE BUFFALO NY 14215-1129 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN BATH NY 14810 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 111 W HURON ST FEDERAL BLDG VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN BUFFALO NY 14202-2301 REDFEILD PARKWAY BATAVIA NY 14020 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 35 RYERSON ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN BROOKLYN NY 11205-1305 IRVING AVE- UNIVERSITY PL SYRACUSE NY 13210 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 800 POLT PL VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN BROOKLYN NY 11209-7104 LEO W O' BRIEN FED BLDG CLINTON AVE & N PEARL VA HOSPITAL LIBRARAN ALBANY NY 12207 CASTLE POINT NY 12511 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 113 HOLLAND AVENUE MONTROSE NY 10548 ALBANY NY 12208-3410 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS STATE OFFICE BLDG 3RD FLR ROOM 3A-7 HAUPPAUGE NY 11788 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN CHILLICOTHE OH 45601 200 N HIGH ST RM #399 FEDERAL BLDG VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN COLUMBUS OH 43215-2408 1000 BRECKSVILLE RD BRECKSVILLE OH 44141 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1240 E 9TH ST NAM VET Newsletter Page 55 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN AJ DELEBREEZE FED BLDG 3333 GLENDALE AVE CLEVELAND OH 44199-2002 TOLEDO OH 43614-2409 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 10701 EAST BLVD 4100 W 3RD ST CLEVELAND OH 44106-1702 DAYTON OH 45428-1000 VA ADM OFFICE VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 36 E 7TH ST APT 210 456 CLINIC DR CINCINNATI OH 45202-4439 COLUMBUS OH 43210-1240 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 2134 LEE RD 3200 VINE ST CLEVELAND HTS OH 44118-2731 CINCINNATI OH 45220-2213 216-932-8471 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1054 E BROAD ST 30 E HOLLISTER ST COLUMBUS OH 43205-1323 CINCINNATI OH 45219-1700 614-253-3500 513-569-7140 VET CENTER VET CENTER 6 S PATTERSON BLVD 1511 LORAIN AVE DAYTON OH 45402-2133 CLEVELAND OH 44111-5402 513-461-9150 216-671-8530 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS STATE HOUSE ANNEX - ROOM 11 COLOMBUS OH 43266-0001 VET CENTER VET CENTER 3033 N WALNUT STE 101 W 1855 E 15TH ST OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73105-2833 TULSA OK 74104-4610 405-270-5184 918-581-7105 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 635 W 11TH ST 125 S MAIN ST FEDERAL BLDG TULSA OK 74127-9082 MUSKOGEE OK 74401-7041 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 921 NE 13TH ST MEMORIAL STATION OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73104-5028 HONOR HEIGHTS DR MUSKOGEE OK 74401 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PO BOX 53067 OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73152-3067 VET CENTER VET CENTER 615 NW 5TH ST 1966 GARDEN AVE GRANTS PASS OR 97526-2023 EUGENE OR 97403-1933 503-479-6912 503-687-6918 VET CENTER VET CENTER 318 CHURCH ST NE 8383 NE SANDY BLVD #110 SALEM OR 97301-3723 PORTLAND OR 97220-4948 503-362-9911 503-273-5370 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1220 SW 3RD AVE FEDERAL BLDG WHIT CITY OR 97501 NAM VET Newsletter Page 56 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 PORTLAND OR 97204-2825 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 3710 SW US VETERANS RD ROSENBURG OR 97470 PORTLAND OR 97201-2964 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 700 SUMMER ST, NE SALEM OR 97310-1201 VET CENTER VET CENTER 954 PENN AVE 5000 WALNUT ST PITTSBURGH PA 15222-3706 MC KEESPORT PA 15132-6320 412-765-1193 412-678-7704 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1026 ARCH ST G DANIEL BALDWIN BLDG RM 1&2 PHILADELPHIA PA 19107-3002 1000 STATE ST 215-627-0238 ERIE PA 16501 814-453-7955 VET CENTER 959 WYOMING AVE VET CENTER SCRANTON PA 18509-3023 101 W OLNEY AVE # C7 717-344-2676 PHILADELPHIA PA 19120-2421 215-924-4670 VET CENTER 1007 N FRONT ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN HARRISBURG PA 17102-3320 UNIVERSITY DR C 717-782-3954 PITTSBURGH PA 15240 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1000 EAST END BLVD PO BOX 8079 WILKES- BARRE PA 18702 5000 WISSAHICKON AVE PHILADELPHIA PA 19101-8079 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1111 E END BLVD VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN WILKES BARRE PA 18702-9791 1421 CHERRY ST PHILADELPHIA PA 19102-1428 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 135 E 38TH ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN ERIE PA 16504-1559 2937 HAMILTON BLVD ALLENTOWN PA 18103-2819 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN BUTKER PA 16601 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN HIGHLAND DR VA HOSPITAL LIBRARINA VA PITTSBURGH PA 15206 1000 LIBERTY AVE PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4004 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 228 WALNUT ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN FEDERAL BLDG LEBANON PA 98493-0001 HARRISBURG PA 17101-1714 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN PLEASANT VALLEY RD BLACK HORSE RD ALTOONA PA 16603 COATESVILLE PA 19320 VA HOSPITAL VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN P T S D UNIT UNIVERSITY & WOODLAND BLACK HORSE RD PHILADELPHIA PA 19104 COATSVILLE PA 19320 NAM VET Newsletter Page 57 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS C/O COURT HOUSE EAST WATER ST FORT INDIANTOWN GAP LOCK HAVEN PA 17745 ANNVILLE PA 17003 VET CENTER VET CENTER 52 GONZALO MARIN ST CONDOMINO MEDICAL CENTER ARECIBO PR 22612 STE LC8A & LC9 LA RIVIERA 809-879-4510 RIO PIEDRAS PR 00921 809-783-8794 VET CENTER 35 MAYOR ST VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN PONCE PR 00731 CALLE ISBEL NO. 60 809-848-4078 PONCE PR 00731 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN RD NUMBER 2 BARIO MONACILLOS RIO PIEDRAS MAYAGUEZ PR 00708 GPO BOX 4867 SAN JUAN PR 00918 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN US COURT & FED BLDG OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CARLOS E CHARDON ST 505 MUNOZ RIVERA AVE HATO REY, SAN JUAN PR 00918 HATO REY PR 00918 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRRARIAN 789 PARK AVE 321 S MAIN ST CRANSTON RI 02920-2036 PROVIDENCS RI 02903-7108 401-467-2046 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN METACOM AVE DAVIS PARK BRISTOL RI 02809 PROVIDENCE RI 02908 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1313 ELMWOOD AVE 904 PENDLETON ST COLUMBIA SC 29201-2107 GREENVILLE SC 29601-2314 803-765-9944 803-271-2711 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VET CENTER 1801 ASSEMBLY ST 109 BEE ST COLUMBIA SC 29201-2401 CHARLESTON SC 29401-5703 803-747-8387 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN GARNERS FERRY RD OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COLUMBIA SC 29201 1205 PENDLETON ST COLUMBIA SC 29201-3731 VET CENTER VET CENTER 610 KANSAS CITY ST 115 N DAKOTA ST RAPID CITY SD 57701-2712 SIOUX FALLS SD 57102-0506 605-348-0077 605-332-0856 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 2501 W 22ND ST HOT SPRING SD 57747 SIOUX FALLS SD 57105-1305 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 500 E CAPITOL FORT MEADE SD 57741 PIERRE SD 57501-5001 NAM VET Newsletter Page 58 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VET CENTER VET CENTER 425 CUMBERLAND ST STE 140 2817 E MAGNOLIA AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37404-1918 KNOXVILLE TN 37917-4514 615-752-5234 615-971-5866 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1835 UNION AVE # 100 703 S ROAN ST MEMPHIS TN 38104-3943 JOHNSON CITTY TN 37601-6829 901-521-3506 615-928-8387 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1310 24TH AVE S MURFREESBORO TN 37130 NASHVILLE TN 37212-2637 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1030 JEFFERSON AVE JOHNSON CITY MEMPHIS TN 38104-2127 MOUNTAIN HOME TN 37684 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 9047 EXECUTIVE PARK DR SUITE 110 9TH AVE S KNOXVILLE TN 37923-4605 NASHVILLE TN 37203-3817 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 215 8TH AVE N BUILDING 6300 NASHVILLE TN 37203-3501 EAST GATE CENTER CHATTANOOGA TN 37411 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1403 N SEYMOUR AVE 1317 E HACKBERRY AVE STE G LAREDO TX 78041-8711 MC ALLEN TX 78501-5702 512-723-4680 512-631-2147 VET CENTER VET CENTER 5232 FOREST LN #111 4905A SAN JACINTO ST DALLAS TX 75244-8004 HOUSTON TX 77004-5718 214-634-7024 713-522-5354 VET CENTER VET CENTER 231 W CYPRESS ST #101 3414 OLSEN BLVD #E SAN ANTONIO TX 78212-5510 AMARILLO TX 79109-3072 512-229-4025 806-376-2127 VET CENTER VET CENTER 3404 W ILLINOIS AVE APT 1 3134 REID DR MIDLAND TX 79703-5600 CORPUS CHRISTI TX 78404-2517 915-697-8222 512-888-3101 VET CENTER VET CENTER 2121 WYOMING ST 107 LEXINGTON AVE EL PASO TX 79903-3508 SAN ANTONIO TX 78205-1312 915-542-2851 512-229-4120 VET CENTER VET CENTER 3208 34TH ST 1305 W MAGNOLIA AVE STE B LUBBOCK TX 79410-3230 FORT WORTH TX 76104-4345 806-743-7551 817-921-3733 VET CENTER VET CENTER 3401 MANOR RD APT 102 8100 WASHINGTON AVE SU120 NAM VET Newsletter Page 59 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 AUSTIN TX 78723-5836 HOUSTON TX 77007-1055 512-476-0607 713-880-8387 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1901 S 1ST ST 5919 BROOK HOLLOW DR TEMPLE TX 76504-7451 EL PASO TX 79925-1810 HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1016 WARD ST 3385 FANNIN ST MARLIN TX 76661-2175 BEAUMONT TX 77701-3808 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1205 TEXAS AVE 6010 W AMARILLO BLVD FEDERAL BLDG AMARILLO TX 79106-1924 LUBBOCK TX 79401-4037 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1100 COMMERCE ST KERVILLE TX 78028 US COURTHOUSE & FED BLDG DALLAS TX 75242-1001 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1400 N VALLEY MLS DR VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN WACO TX 76799-0001 NINTH & LIMPSCOMB BONHAM TX 75418 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 4500 S LANCASTER RD VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN DALLAS TX 75216-7191 2400 GREGG ST BIG SPRING TX 79720-5533 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN PO BOX 2515 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN WACO TX 76702-2515 1220 W JACKSON AVE MC ALLEN TX 78501-5014 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 202 HOLCOMBE BLVD VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN HOUSTON TX 77030-4211 7400 MERTON MINTER BLVD SAN ANTONIO TX 78284-0001 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 2515 MURWORTH DR VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN HOUSTON TX 77054-1603 9502 COMPUTER DR SAN ANTONIO TX 78229-2025 OP CLINIC VET ADMIN 5283 OLD BROWNSVILLE RD OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CORPUS CHRISTI TX 78405-3908 PO BOX 12277 - CAP STA AUSTIN TX 78711 VET CENTER VET CENTER 750 N 200 W STE 105 1354 E 3300S PROVO UT 84601-1686 SALT LAKE CITY UT 84106-3074 801-377-1117 801-584-1294 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 125 S STATE SR FEDERAL BLDG 500 FOOTHILL BLVD SALT LAKE CITY UT 84138-1102 SALT LAKE CITY UT 84148-0001 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 150 W NORTH TEMPLE SALT LAKE CITY UT 84103-1507 VET CENTER VET CENTER 3022 W CLAY ST 320 MOUNTAIN AVE SW NAM VET Newsletter Page 60 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 RICHMOND VA 23220-4702 ROANOKE VA 24014-4011 804-353-8958 703-342-9726 VET CENTER VET CENTER 7450 1/2 TIDEWATER DR 7024 SPRING GARDEN DR NORFOLK VA 23505-3815 BROOKFIELD PLZ 804-587-1338 SPRINGFIELD VA 22150-2902 703-866-0924 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 1201 BROAD ROCK RD VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN RICHMOND VA 23249-0001 210 FRANKLIN RD SW ROANOKE VA 24011-2207 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN SALEM VA 24153 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 210 FRANKLIN RD SW # 1002 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN ROANOKE VA 24011-2207 HAMPTON VA 23667 VET CENTER VET CENTER UNITED SHOPPING PLAZA HAVENSIGHT MALL SUITE 4 CHRISTIANSTED ST THOMAS VI 00801 ST CROIX VI 00820 809-774-6674 809-778-5553 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PO BOX 890 CHRISTIANSTED VI 00821-0890 VET CENTER VET CENTER HOLIDAY INN DR BLDG 2 359 DORSET ST WHITE RIVER JCT VT 05001 SOUTH BURLINGTON VT 05401-6210 802-295-2908 802-862-1806 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WHITE RVR JUNCTION VT 05001 120 STATE ST MONTPELIER VT 05620-4401 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1708 W MISSION AVE 1322 E PIKE ST SPOKANE WA 99201-2759 SEATTLE WA 98122-4020 509-327-0274 206-442-2706 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 4435 BEACON AVE S 77 WAINWRIGHT DR SEATTLE WA 98108-1523 WALLA WALLA WA 99362-3975 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 915 2ND AVE FEDERAL BLDG SMITH TOWER SECOND & YESLER SEATTLE WA 98174-1065 SEATTLE WA 98104 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN N 4815 ASSEMBLY ST VANCOUVER WA 98661 SPOKANE WA 99280 OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PO BOX 9778 - PM-41 OLYMPIA WA 98504-0001 VET CENTER VET CENTER 147 S BUTLER ST 3400 W WISCONSIN AVE MADISON WI 53703-3415 MILWAUKEE WI 53208-3841 NAM VET Newsletter Page 61 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 608-264-5343 414-344-5504 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN TOMAH WI 54660 GENERAL DELIVERY WOOD WI 53193-9999 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 2500 OVERLOOK TER MADISON WI 53705-2254 VET CENTER VET CENTER 701 MERCER ST 138 W KING ST PRINCETON WV 24740-3113 MARTINSBURG WV 25401-3210 304-425-5653 304-263-6776 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1014 6TH AVE 1070 MARKET ST HUNTINGTON WV 25701-2308 WHEELING WV 26003-2914 304-523-8387 304-233-0880 VET CENTER VET CENTER 1191 PINEVIEW DR 1591 WASHINGTON ST E MORGANTOWN WV 26505-2700 CHARLESTON WV 25301-2505 304-291-4001 304-343-3825 VET CENTER VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 101 ELLISON AVE 1540 SPRING VALLEY DR BECKLEY WV 25801-4301 HUNTINGTON WV 25704-9300 304-252-8220 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 640 4TH AVE 11TH & CHAPLINE ST HUNTINGTON WV 25701-1340 WHEELING WV 26003 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 200 VETERANS AVE CLARKSBURG WV 26301 BECKLEY WV 25801-6499 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MARTINSBURG WV 25401 1321 PLAZA E BLDG 101 CHARLESTON WV 25301-1400 VET CENTER VET CENTER 3130 HENDERSON DR 111 S JEFFERSON ST CHEYENNE WY 82001-5841 CASPER WY 82601-2665 307-778-7370 307-235-8010 VA HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN 2360 E PERSHING BLVD CHEYENNE WY 82001-5356 NAM VET Newsletter Page 62 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX \ \ \ \ \XXXX XXXXX XXXXX.::::::::::::::.XXXXX INCARCERATED XXXX 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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 63 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= Hearts n' Minds ================================================================= Vets Hospital Echo is now on-line! Input by Joan Renne NamVet's Women Veterans Section Editor The Friends BBS - Omaha, NE (402) 896-2669 The Vets Hospital Echo is now on line! It came about after lengthy discussions with several veterans about the kind of care and treatment our newest wounded and disabled veterans will receive at Veterans Administration Hospitals. Many of us have experienced the good, the not so good, and sometimes the dreadful treatment from the Veterans Administration Hospitals and Clinics across the United States. It is not the purpose of this echo to cast blame on or aspersions at the staff or the administrative personnel of any V A Medical Center. Our purpose is to help presently hospitalized veterans of all wars, and especially the new disabled and wounded veterans from the war in the Gulf. Our second purpose is to help the family members of our veterans find their way through the red tape... to discover, as we have, what works, and what doesn't in dealing with the Veterans Administration or other institutions related to the veterans care. One thing we can all do is press our Senators and Representatives to restore the funds that have been cut from the budget of the Veterans Administration that has caused a shortage of doctors, nurses and research programs. Present staffing is way down, and beds are empty when there are many veterans who had been promised care, who are no longer considered a as "deserving" that care. It is my opinion that decreased budgets for the VA has created this situation which leaves many veterans without any care, many of them among the homeless and unemployed who need that care desperately. What can we do? President Bush has told us repeatedly that the war in the Gulf is not another Vietnam; that we will welcome home our Gulf War Veterans with Pride. Part of our pride in them must be that we respect what all veterans in time of conflict or war go through. We must also understand that the war does not stop once the wounded leaves the battle field. That last battle will remain in that veterans mind for the rest of his or her life. Not all of the wounded will bear the physical scars of war, but that many will have the psychological scars we cannot see. We *must* understand, and do all we can to help all the new veterans. Where can we go to get answers? Most of the answers we find will be through our own experience, plus information from the different service organizations such as the V.F.W., American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and their auxiliary members. Title 38, which is the section of Government rules and regulations pertaining to the Veterans Administration changes rapidly, and we must keep up with it. NAM VET Newsletter Page 64 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 G. Joseph Peck, from VETLink #1 in Pittsfield, MA and I will be co-moderators of this echo. I am a disabled Korean conflict veteran and G. Joseph is a Vietnam era veteran. Both of us care. Although neither of us have access to *legal* opinions, we *do have* opinions and a personal and historical knowledge of how the system works. =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= Note from Joe: This echo is, for the moment, not available on the FidoNet backbone. If you or your SysOp wish, you may request it from VETLink #1 (9600bps) or Friends BBS (2400bps). Remembering always "To care for him(her) who shall have borne the battle", I am both humbled and honored with this opportunity to see to it that America's veterans are never forgotten nor neglected. NAM VET Newsletter Page 65 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= Uncle Sam wants YOU to know ================================================================= "Ask the Veterans' Affairs Counselor" DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Office of Public Affairs - News Service Washington DC 20420 (202) 233-2741 Input by: G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor East VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 (Following are representative questions answered daily by VA counselors. Full information is available at any VA office.) Q-- Should my father die as a result of his service-connected disability while hospitalized in a VA medical center, will VA pay the costs related to transporting his remains? He wants to be buried in a national cemetery in his hometown. A-- Yes. When a veteran dies in a VA medical center, transportation costs may be paid by VA to the nearest national cemetery having burial space available. Q-- I am a veteran and also the widow of a veteran. Am I entitled to receive both a pension and widow's benefits? A-- You may be entitled to both. Eligibility requirements must be met for both benefits, including income limitations. Q-- I have a five-year level premium term insurance plan with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I would like to convert to one of the permanent plans. Will I have to take a physical to meet certain health requirements? A-- The five-year level premium term insurance plan can be converted without meeting health requirements at any time the policy is in force. However, if the veteran is totally disabled, it cannot be converted to an endowment type policy. Q-- How long does a power of attorney designating a service organization to represent me in VA claims matters last? A-- A power of attorney does not expire. It must be revoked or cancelled. The Department of Veterans Affairs treats designation of a new power of attorney as an automatic cancellation of an earlier one. You may cancel a power of attorney at any time by notifying VA. Q-- I just got married. Does my wife automatically become the beneficiary of my VA insurance policy? A-- No. You must notify the VA that you wish to make a change and provide complete identification of the new beneficiary. Q-- Can the interest rate on a VA home loan be changed? A-- The prevailing interest rate at the time the loan is made, established by the Government and set forth in the mortgage note, is a fixed, non-adjustable rate mortgage which remains the same for the life of the loan. However, to take advantage of a lower interest rate, refinancing of an existing loan could be an option. NAM VET Newsletter Page 66 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Q-- My mother receives a VA widow's pension and has recently lost her sight. Can the VA offer her any additional assistance? A-- Widows who qualify for death pension may receive increased benefits if they are blind, in a nursing home, or helpless or so nearly helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person. Q-- As the widow of a World War II veteran, I received Dependency and Indemnity Compensation until my remarriage to a nonveteran. My second husband died recently. Am I entitled to restoration of VA benefits from my first marriage? A-- No. As of November 1, 1990, a surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who remarries cannot have those benefits restored when the second marriage is terminated by death or divorce. Q-- I am not a veteran, but I am interested in purchasing a VA- repossessed home. Is this possible? A-- Yes. VA-repossessed homes are available for the general public to purchase. A listing of these properties is available at your local VA regional office. Q-- Can I use my VA-guaranteed home loan to buy land I plan to build a house on in the future? A-- A VA-guaranteed loan cannot be used to buy undeveloped land unless it is part of a package that includes the building of your home. Q-- Can I get a release of liability from the VA if a nonveteran assumes my VA-guaranteed home loan? A-- If the buyer meets with Department of Veterans Affairs approval, you may be released from liability. Q-- I recently heard that the VA home loan guarantee fee increased. What are the new amounts? A-- The Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 increased loan funding fees for veterans making no down payment from 1.25 percent to 1.865 percent of the loan amount. For those veterans making a down payment of 5 percent, but less than 10 percent, the loan funding fee went from .75 percent to 1.375 percent of the loan amount. Veterans making a down payment of 10 percent or more saw the loan funding fee go from .5 percent to 1.125 percent of the loan amount. These increases are effective for loans closed between Nov 1. 1990 and Sept. 30, 1991. Q-- I am a divorced veteran. Can my ex-wife force me to maintain her as my beneficiary on my VA life insurance policy? A-- Under your Government Life Insurance contract, you have the right to designate or change a beneficiary at any time. You can do this without the knowledge or consent of your designated beneficiary or beneficiaries. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that state courts cannot restrict your right to make changes to your beneficiary designation. Any changes must be made by submitting your written designation to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Q-- I retired from the Army in March 1988 after 20 years of service. I was told that I am not eligible for GI Bill education benefits because I retired before July 1, 1988. Is NAM VET Newsletter Page 67 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 this true? A-- A recent decision by the Department of Defense allows those who were involuntarily retired between January 1, 1988, and June 30, 1988, to qualify for GI Bill education benefits assuming they meet all other eligibility requirements. For more information, call the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in your state. The toll-free number is listed in your telephone directory under U.S. Government. NAM VET Newsletter Page 68 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 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 69 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 How to File an Appeal From the National Service Department of the DAV DAV Magazine, February 1991 Input by: G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS All questions on claims concerning benefits granted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are subject to review on appeal to the Secretary. The decisions on these questions are made by the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). All claimants have the right to appeal a determination made by the VA regional office originating the claim, including questions of timely filing and adequacy of the Notice of Disagreement and Substantive Appeal. But medical determinations, such as the appropriateness or need of a specific type of medical care, are beyond the BVA's jurisdiction. The VA is responsible for notifying the claimant and the representative, if any, of the right to (1) initiate an appeal and the time limit to do so; (2) the right to a personal hearing; and (3) the right to representation. This information will be included in each notification of a determination of entitlement or non-entitlement to VA benefits. An appeal consists of a timely filed Notice of Disagreement in writing, after which a Statement of the Case will be furnished by the VA, followed by a timely Substantive Appeal filed by the claimant. NOTICE OF DISAGREEMENT: A written statement by a claimant or representative expressing disagreement with a factual or legal conclusion will be accepted as a Notice of Disagreement. The statement should state the belief that a claim for benefits was improperly disallowed by reason of an error or fact of law. The claimant should outline where he or she believes the decision to be in error. According to DAV National Service Director Arthur H. Wilson, it is important to note that an appeal to BVA only covers questions of legal or basic entitlement to VA benefits, or entitlement to hospitalization, domiciliary and outpatient treatment. BVA cannot make determinations as to the "need for" or "nature of" medical treatment. A Notice of Disagreement must be filed within one year from the date of mailing of notification of the initial decision being appealed, otherwise that decision will become final. When a Notice of Disagreement is filed, the agency of original jurisdiction (usually a VA regional office) may develop and review the claim again. If no preliminary action is required, or the review is completed, the agency of original jurisdiction will prepare a Statement of the Case, unless the issues are resolved by granting the benefits sought in the appeal or the Notice of Disagreement is withdrawn by the appellant or representative. STATEMENT OF THE CASE: After a Notice of Disagreement is received, a Statement of the Case will be prepared by the VA. The purpose of the Statement of the Case is to give the claimant notice of the pertinent facts and the action taken. Information will also be provided regarding the claimant's right to file a NAM VET Newsletter Page 70 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Substantive Appeal to the BVA and the time limits to do so. The Statement of the Case will contain: ^ a summary of the evidence in the case relating to the issue(s) the appellant or representative disagrees with; ^ a summary of the applicable laws and regulations, with appropriate citations; and ^ the decision of the agency of original jurisdiction on each issue and the reasons for such decision. SUBSTANTIVE APPEAL: The claimant completes the appeal at the regional office by filing a Substantive Appeal. This is normally done on VA Form 1-9. In preparing the appeal, the claimant or representative should clearly identify the benefit sought and point out the errors of fact or law believed to have been made in the determination. All statements should related to specific items in the Statement of the Case, identifying any facts the claimant disagrees with. The BVA will make a decision on all issues stated in the Statement of the Case. If a claimant does not want a decision on an issue listed in the Statement of the Case, a statement should be made withdrawing that issue. A Substantive Appeal must be filed within 60 days from the date of mailing the Statement of the Case, or within the remainder of the one year from the date of mailing the notification of the initial decision. If there is a supplemental Statement of the Case, a period of 30 days will be allowed for reply. HEARINGS: A hearing may be granted at any stage of the appeal if an appellant and/or representative expresses a desire to appear in person. The appellant, the authorized representative, any witnesses, or any members of Congress and their staffs, may appear and present arguments and testimony in support of an appeal. The purpose of a hearing is to receive argument and testimony relevant and material to the appellate issue. Hearings conducted by and for the Board are EX PARTE in nature and non-adversarial. Personnel conducting the hearing will be permitted ot ask questions and follow-up questions of all witnesses, but cross- examination is not permitted. Proceedings will not be limited by legal rules of evidence, but reasonable bounds of relevancy and materiality will be maintained. A hearing may be held in one of the following places at the option of the appellant: ^ before a section of the BVA in Washington, D.C.; ^ if scheduling permits, before a traveling section of the BVA during visits to VA facilities; or ^ before appropriate personnel (Hearing Officer) in the VA regional office or other office nearest the appellant's residence, acting as a hearing agency for the BVA. Such personnel will allow the appellant and/or representative to present any argument and testimony, as well as witnesses before the panel. DECISIONS: At the present time, the Chairman of the BVA may authorize a case for reconsideration under his discretionary authority. The standards for review of motion of reconsideration will eventually be incorporated into new Rules of Practice of the BVA which are under consideration at this time. In the interim, the principles listed below, while not all-inclusive, reflect the present policy. The Chairman of the BVA may order reconsideration on a decision if he or she finds one or more of the following: NAM VET Newsletter Page 71 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ^ the members of the Board who entered the decision may have overlooked or misinterpreted controlling statutes or regulatory provisions, or may have misconstrued the record; ^ the findings of fact or conclusions of law set forth in the decision may not be supported by the evidence; or ^ in the judgement of the Chairman, the decision is manifestly unjust. It is important that a claimant fully realize the importance of an appeal and the impact of a final decision. According to BVA's own statistics during Fiscal Year 1990, over 46,500 claims were considered by the Board and nearly 24 percent of those were remanded for further development and only 13 percent were favorably resolved. It is vital that a claim be totally developed and that every avenue be exhausted prior to BVA's final consideration. Appealing a claim to BVA can be extremely complicated. Therefore, it is very important for claimants to work closely with their local DAV National Service Officer. [Note from Joe: While the DAV allegedly knows Title 38 U.S.C. (the VA "bible") quite well, there are other, quite knowledgeable organizations near you which can also help in filing a correct and successful appeal. Ask your local veterans' group WHO has represented THEM well. Ask in the Vietnam_Vets echo. Remember, the time from filing a Notice of Disagreement to Notice of Decision from the BVA most often takes in excess of 2 years! If the work is not done properly the FIRST time, you've got to begin all over again...] NAM VET Newsletter Page 72 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 The Court of Veterans Appeals Vs. The DVA By William Triplett The VVA Veteran - February 1991 Input by: G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 [Here we go again! A veteran spends YEARS, sometimes as long as s/he was old at the time of his/her military injury, getting his/her claim before the BVA and has it rejected. The only OTHER course then is to have it brought before the COVA. Now it seems that the BVA, behind closed doors, wants it to be "okay" to pull the case from the COVA, use an eraser, and fix its mistakes so that it can continue its practice of disservice to the veteran in question! And the Court of Veterans' Appeals was to be the final arbitrator in a veterans case... Kind of looks like the BVA is attempting to control the COVA. Read on and see what YOU think. - Joe ] By 12:45 p.m. last December 3, most seats were already taken inside the Court of Veterans Appeals (COVA) in downtown Washington, D.C. It was a cold gray Monday drenched under a bone- chilling rain - not exactly weather that brings people out - yet men and women continued to file in, dripping hats and umbrellas in hand, their eyes scanning the room for familiar faces or an empty seat. "Pardon me, if I could just get by..." "Sorry, these are saved." Many were from VVA as well as from Disabled American Veterans and the National Veterans Legal Services Project. Others were former colleagues and associates of Jonathan Steinberg, one of three judges who would be presiding over today's events. And today's events promised fireworks one observer described as simply "a lawyer's issue." But on a deeper level, the legal rights of all veterans were involved. Any veteran who might ever think of appealing a denial from the VA Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) had a stake in the proceedings. At issue was a complex question of authority. At different times over the last year, six veterans had gone to COVA seeking reversal of a BVA denial of benefits. Early last fall after the six appeals and supporting written briefs has entered COVA - the BVA - without notifying the veterans - decided to reconsider its denial in each of the cases. In effect, the BVA reopened the cases of its own accord. Since an appeal cannot rightfully be pending in COVA until a BVA decision is final, and since the BVA was now actively reconsidering these six cases, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) lawyers moved to throw the appeals out of COVA. =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= CHIEF JUDGE of the Court of Veterans Appeals Frank Q. Nebeker Age: 60 Nominated to the Court: April 5, 1989 NAM VET Newsletter Page 73 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Political Affiliation: Republican Military Service: National Guard, Artillery, 1948-1956 Vietnam Service: None Prior Judicial Experience: Associate Judge, District of Columbia Court of Appeals, 1969-1987 Professional Experience: Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Internal Security Division, 1956-1958; U.S. Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, 1958-1969; Director, Office of Government Ethics, 1987-1989 Prior Veterans Affairs Experience: None =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= Attorneys for the veterans cried foul: the appellants wanted their day in court with the COVA, not another go-around with BVA. The veterans' attorneys jointly filed a motion with COVA to stop the reconsiderations, arguing the BVA had no authority to essentially yank cases back from COVA. VA attorneys responded by taking a hardline stance, opposing the motion with a written brief indicating they were ready to fight tooth-and-nail that BVA DID have the authority. The court set December 3 as the date when both sides would present oral arguments over the ;motion, and they would begin at 1:00 p.m. - right about now. Sparks were sure to fly. Since the VETERAN'S last report (Joe Note: December 1989), the Court of Veterans Appeals has moved into new quarters that are more in keeping with its status as the federal government's newest specialty court. The court is on the eleventh floor of a government building at Sixth and Indiana. The court clerk called the room to order as Chief Judge Frank Nebeker walked in, followed by Judge Hart Mankin and Judge Steinberg. In his black robe and white hair, Judge Nebeker, taking the center seat on the bench, clearly looked the role of presiding wisdom. Judges Steinberg and Mankin took the flanking seats as Nebeker greeted the court. "I'd like to welcome everyone to our very first hearing in our new courtroom," he said. Indeed, so new was it that the court clock had yet to be mounted. For the moment, it rested on top of a railing and leaned against an immaculately white curved wall, which, along with the rich dark wood of the bench and pews and the bright recessed lighting, suggested an air of classy practicality. Nebeker then set a similar tone that he wanted to hear maintained throughout the proceedings. "We want to recognize the good faith on the part of EVERYONE in trying to resolve this matter," he said. "We would like to establish that the ground rule for resolving this will be everyone's good faith." As the atmosphere of the room implied, Nebeker made it clear that any and all business at hand (however sharp)n would be carried out with visible decorum. =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= ASSOCIATE JUDGE of the Court of Veterans Appeals John Farley Age: 48 Nominated to the Court: September 6, 1989 Political Affiliation: Nonaffiliated Military Service: Army, 1966-1970 Vietnam Service: First Lieutenant, Cu Chi, 1968-1969 Prior Judicial Experience: None Professional Experience: Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of NAM VET Newsletter Page 74 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Justice, 1973-1978; Assistant Director, Tort Branch, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 1978-1980; Director, Tort Branch, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 1980-1989. Prior Veterans Affairs Experience: None =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= Though several attorneys represented the veterans, lawyer Ronald Smith (the Disabled American Veterans' designated counsel in the case) was pointman for the oral arguments. As Smith stepped to the podium, Nebeker reminded everyone that the motion to stop BVA reconsideration represented a question of jurisdiction and not a debate over the merits of the appeals themselves. Exactly who had jurisdiction over the cases had to be established before anyone could begin addressing them. With the ground rule laid and the context of the proceedings thus framed, Smith began to list the reasons why COVA should uphold the motion to stop the BVA's attempt to reopen the cases. "We believe that jurisdiction over an appeal should not be between BVA and the court simultaneously," he said, suggesting that if BVA can continue to pull cases back after the appeals have been filed with COVA, then jurisdiction over an appeal is effectively divided. Smith said this is a violation of COVA's enabling legislation which states that "the court shall have exclusive jurisdiction" over appeals. "This 'residual' jurisdiction of the BVA results in confusion," Smith continued, pointing out that neither the veterans nor their lawyers knew BVA was initiating reconsideration until after the fact, and BVA did not state its reasons for invoking reconsideration. Smith maintained that once a case enters COVA, it should stay there, and he said, "We therefore believe that [after that point] BVA should not take any action for reconsideration without the prior approval of the court." To get approval, BVA would have to announce its intentions beforehand and submit its reasons for the record. The veterans could then decide whether they agree to a BVA reconsideration; if they don't, they can oppose it, and COVA would decide whether the case should go back or stay in COVA. Nebeker and Steinberg pressed Smith for some clarifications on his reading of the statutes concerning the end of BVA jurisdiction over a case. Smith said BVA's jurisdiction ended when the BVA issued its decision on a claim - "the day BVA puts notice of its decision in the mail." Smith then contended that, assuming BVA has denied the claim, future jurisdiction over the case is in effect decided by the veteran. If, as the statutes allow, the veteran asks the BVA to reconsider its decision, and the BVA agrees, then BVA jurisdiction extends until the BVA completes the reconsideration. Whether the BVA, after reconsidering, then chooses to grant the claim or stand by the original denial, BVA jurisdiction is once and for all finished (the veteran cannot ask for second reconsideration). =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= ASSOCIATE JUDGE of the Court of Veterans Appeals Ronald Holdaway Age: 56 Nominated to the Court: January 23, 1990 Political Affiliation: Nonaffiliated Military Service: Army, 1969-1970 Vietnam Service: 1st Cavalry Division, 1969-1970 NAM VET Newsletter Page 75 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Prior Judicial Experience: Chief Judge, U.S. Army Court of Military Review, 1987-1989 Professional Experience: Lawyer, Judge Advocate General Corps, U.S. Army, 1956-1989 Prior Veterans Affairs Experience: None =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= But if, as the statutes also allow, the veteran does not ask for reconsideration and instead goes directly to COVA with his appeal (as it happened in these six cases), things are not as clear-cut. With the option of reconsideration still open, BVA jurisdiction may still be open (the VA's brief insisted it was). And, as Steinberg pointed out, if BVA jurisdiction is still open, then the BVA decision is possibly not final - and a BVA decision must be final before COVA can consider it. Smith countered that the option for reconsideration lies more with the veteran than with the BVA. The statues, as he read from them, say that a BVA decision is final unless the chairman orders reconsideration "after such a motion has been filed." Smith contended that the only party who would file a motion for reconsideration would be the veteran (the BVA doesn't file motions with itself to reconsider). Therefore, if a claimant does not ask for BVA reconsideration, the BVA decision is final, and their jurisdiction is thus finished, just as it is finished after a claimant DOES ask for reconsideration and receives it. It may have sounded like a lot of legal hair-splitting, but broad implications hung in the balance, and Judge Nebeker began to broach them when he asked Smith, "Okay, it's clear you're not happy with [the way BVA is trying to impose] reconsideration, but if all you could ever get out of this court was an order to take your appeal back to the BVA for a reconsideration, would you be happy then?" "Only under the right circumstances," Smith said, which would involve an assurance that going back to the BVA was definitely a means of coming to some equitable settlement with the veterans' claims. But Smith told the court he could not get such an assurance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He said the VA general counsel's only offer of settlement was a BVA reconsideration but with no guarantee that compensation would result, saying that only the chairman of the BVA had such authority. Without the guarantee, Smith felt the reconsideration prospect was "fraught with danger," because even if in reconsideration the BVA decides to uphold its denial, the case is not over. The BVA knows the veteran can still take his case up to COVA, where this time the BVA denial will have to pass muster. Therefore, in a reconsideration, there may be less incentive to settle (and grant benefits that cost the VA money) than there is to simply use the reconsideration process as a means of STRENGTHENING the reasoning of the original denial so that it has a much better chance of standing up on appeal in COVA. =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= ASSOCIATE JUDGE of the Court of Veterans Appeals Donald Ivers Age: 49 Nominated to the Court: January 31, 1990 Political Affiliation: Republican Military Service: Army, 1963-1968; Army Reserves, 1969-present NAM VET Newsletter Page 76 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Vietnam Service: Captain, Air Cavalry, 1967-1968 Prior Judicial Experience: None Professional Experience: Attorney, Brault, Graham, Scott & Brault, Washington, 1972-1978; Chief Counsel, Republican National Committee, 1978-1981; Chief Counsel, Federal Highway Administration, 1981-1985; General Counsel, Veterans Administration, 1985-1989; Acting General Counsel, Assistant to the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1989-1990 Prior Veterans Affairs Experience: Veterans Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1985-1990 =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= This is precisely what some have suspected is the motive behind the BVA's actions. Said one attorney familiar with the case, "It's extremely rare that BVA ever volunteers to reconsider its decisions, and for the BVA to recall these six cases which had already been filed on appeal [with COVA] along with their briefs is an odd coincidence. Because in each case the VA general counsel did not file briefs in response like normal. Instead, they advised the BVA to initiate reconsideration. The cynic would say that the VA general counsel read the appellants' brief, realized the BVA denial in each case was weak, knew they were going to lose the cases in COVA, and therefore decided to take them all back for reconsideration in order to make the denials stronger." Smith concluded and sat down. Randy Campbell from the VA general counsel's office stepped to the podium. There was a palpable sense of anticipation not only in the gallery but along the bench - Nebeker and Steinberg leaned forward, as did Mankin, who had sat silent for almost all of Smith's argument - as Campbell prepared to speak. The fight was about to begin. In an uneven voice, Campbell introduced himself and then said, "It is my unenviable task to say we believe that the jurisdiction of this court is vacated when a BVA reconsideration goes into effect." Oddly, the tone was unsure of itself, nowhere near the hard-line of the VA brief. Instead of toughly marshalling supporting facts and reasons, Campbell seemed as if he was just trying to maintain balance. Almost immediately, both Nebeker and Steinberg questioned Campbell on some of the points in the VA brief, but it was Judge Mankin who zeroed in on the question that seemed to be on everyone's mind. "Why did the BVA chairman order reconsideration of these six cases?" =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= ASSOCIATE JUDGE of the Court of Veterans Appeals Kenneth Kramer Age: 48 Nominated to the Court: May 5, 1989 Political Affiliation: Republican Military Service: Army, 1967-1970 Vietnam Service: None Prior Judicial Experience: None Professional Experience: Colorado State Representative, 1973- 1979; U.S. Representative, Colorado, 1979-1987; Vice President, Aries Properties Inc., Colorado Springs, 1987; Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management, 1988-1989 Prior Veterans Affairs Experience: None =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= NAM VET Newsletter Page 77 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 "We don't know," Campbell said. "VA general counsel looked at these six cases and felt that to serve justice the BVA chairman should be asked to reconsider these cases." The implication was that general counsel had recommended the BVA chairman to reconsider, but exactly why the chairman agreed - exactly what their motive was - was left unanswered. And the only clue to VA general counsel's motive behind making the recommendation was Campbell's phrase, "to serve justice." Nebeker then raised a crucial question introduced by the main point of the VA's position in its brief. If, as the brief held, the BVA chairman could essentially invoke reconsideration at any time, the chairman could do so even after COVA had convened on a case and RULED on it. COVA decisions would, to an extent, be subordinate to BVA, thus inverting the hierarchy; COVA, not BVA, is supposed to be the higher authority. Campbell did not directly respond to this potentially volatile implication. But nebeker would not let it pass, pursuing it from another angle with his question, "Under what circumstances would you NOT go to reconsideration?" "That's a tough question, your honor." "Yea, and you've gotta answer it." Laughter rose from the gallery and Nebeker smiled wanly. But when the laughs died out it was clear neither Campbell nor a second attorney from VA general counsel next to him was prepared to answer. (Some observers understood the position Campbell was in. Said one, "That's a policy question, and Campbell does not make policy for either the VA or BVA. He was just told to go defend it.") "Look," Nebeker continued, "if you feel a case [already on appeal in COVA] should go back to BVA for reconsideration, why don't you just file a motion for that with us? Why would you not want to do that? That way everyone could see your reasons, and it would be done by public means, instead of the private means you've been using. As it is the appellant has no idea why it's going back. He's feeling the rug pulled out from under him." More than just proposing a compromise, Nebeker seemed to be trying to probe the VA's reasoning behind the hard-line stance in its brief, because when Campbell replied that this proposal might be acceptable, Nebeker appeared surprised. "Just a moment," Nebeker said. "Your briefs indicate [VA secretary Edward Derwinski] would not want this, and I have to say it's a mystery to me why he wouldn't. But now you're telling me it's a possible solution here." Campbell confirmed the possibility, and Nebeker - like many in the gallery - seemed confused. Campbell was backing away instantly from the tough stance in the brief. Ostensibly, the brief represented the views of Secretary Derwinski, and nowhere in it was there any indication of room to compromise. Nebeker asked Campbell point-blank exactly what was the secretary's position on negotiating a possible solution. Campbell said he did not know. Judge Mankin, indicating the direction in which the court was leaning in the proceedings, then commented, "If you want 'to serve justice,' as you say, it seems to me you should go down the path [of Nebeker's proposal] rather than keep playing 'I've Got A Secret.'" Following on Mankin's point and revealing the court's major concern, Nebeker then cut to the heart of the overall issue at NAM VET Newsletter Page 78 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 stake. If BVA continued to exercise reconsideration solely at its own discretion after a case had entered COVA, then, as Nebeker told Campbell, "You're controlling what cases we see. This court would only be for looking at winners for you, and any other opinions of ours would never see the light of day." In short, BVA would be able to greatly minimize - if not eliminate - the potential for adverse COVA rulings; veterans would be virtually guaranteed to lose every one of their appeals. =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= ASSOCIATE JUDGE of the Court of Veterans Appeals Hart T. Mankin Age: 57 Nominated to the Court: September 29, 1989 Political Affiliation: Republican; Co-chairman, Bush/Quayle '88 for Delaware Military Service: Air Force Reserves, 1954-1965 Vietnam Service: None Prior Judicial Experience: None Professional Experience: Attorney, Bryan & Patton, Houston, 1961- 1964; Attorney, Self-employed, Houston, 1964-1969; General Counsel, U.S. General Services Administration, 1969-1971; General Counsel, U.S. Department of the Navy, 1971-1973; Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, Columbia Gas System Service Corp., Wilmington, 1973-1989; Adjunct Professor, Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, 1989. Prior Veterans Affairs Experience: None =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= Though Campbell gave no indication that such was the BVA's intention, the reality that BVA could be doing this had to be acknowledged. It was essentially the powder keg of the entire issue, but Campbell's seeming willingness to compromise from the start defused it. Still, the court could not resolve things completely without knowing Secretary Derwinski's position on a compromise (as spelled out by Nebeker). Thus, Nebeker ordered a ten-day adjournment during which VA general counsel would consult with Derwinski and then submit a memo to the court clearly stating his position. Assuming the secretary agreed to the compromise, the jurisdictional question would be resolved (cases once in COVA would be COVA's jurisdiction alone), and the court could go back to dealing with the six appeals. The question that hung, of course, was, why did the VA back down from its tough stance? A VA spokesman told the VETERAN that as a matter of policy the agency does not comment on cases still in progress. The best theory then may be, as one observer put it, "Campbell was stuck with an indefensible position, and that kind of position will get you in trouble every time. So he did what he thought best." But as one attorney familiar with the case said, "It's still a puzzle. If the VA's tactics were NOT to present their case forcefully in court - if they were NOT ready to stick to their position - then why did they present that logic in their brief? It doesn't make sense. If they were going to cave in from the beginning like they did, they never should have filed a document taking such an extreme position in the first place." The puzzle led to some cynicism as to what would happen next. Said the same attorney, "It's possible the VA will not address any of the points the court asked them to in the memo and instead use NAM VET Newsletter Page 79 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 this time as an opportunity to draft a different, hard-line position." One they WOULD defend. As it turned out, though, the VA merely modified its stance. The submitted memo in effect accepted the Nebeker proposal, saying that should the secretary want the case to go back to the BVA for reconsideration, VA general counsel (representing the secretary) would file a motion for it and abide by COVA's ensuing decision. Yet, while the VA in effect ceded the important matter of jurisdiction - meaning the BVA would no longer try to yank back cases whenever it wanted - attorneys for the veterans felt there was good reason to oppose such attempts at reconsideration. =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= ASSOCIATE JUDGE of the Court of Veterans Appeals Jonathan Steinberg Age: 51 Nominated to the Court: May 15, 1990 Political Affiliation: Democrat Military Service: None Vietnam Service: None Prior Judicial Experience: None Professional Experience: Law Clerk, Judge Warren Burger, U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit (who later became Justice to the Supreme Court), 1963-1964; Attorney, Deputy General counsel, Peace Corps, 1968-1969; Subcommittee Counsel, Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, U.S. Senate, 1969-1977; Chief Counsel, Staff Director, Veterans Affairs Committee, U.S. Senate, 1977-1981, 1987-1990; Minority Chief Counsel, Staff Director, Veterans Affairs Committee, U.S. Senate, 1981-1987 Prior Veterans Affairs Experience: Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, Committee on Veterans Affairs, Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. Senate, 1969-1971, 1977-1990. =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*= Said a source close to the case, "The secretary says that the reason he wants certain cases to go back to the BVA is to serve justice. The implication is he sees an error in the way the BVA originally adjudicated the case, so take it back to BVA and get it fixed. Well, why not just acknowledge the error in COVA? Why not say, 'Okay, we made a mistake on this point and we concede it here.' There's just no need to go back for reconsideration.' Neither the secretary nor the BVA is making any acknowledgements, leading some further to believe the true motive indeed is not to redress wrongs but to strengthen denials. But even if reconsideration were offered with an assurance of compensation to result, there's reason to oppose that, too. As one lawyer experienced in veterans' legal affairs said, "There is a fundamental principle involved here, and that is the Board of Veterans Appeals should do the right thing the FIRST time around. If after you catch them doing the wrong thing, you then allow them to go back and do the right thing, then the incentive is to do the right thing only when they get caught. What about the times they don't get caught? The appellants in those cases will get screwed." Any case in which the BVA did the wrong thing would, if it stayed in COVA, result in an opinion binding upon the BVA to ensure that it never did the wrong thing again. Without such an opinion, the BVA could continue to "misapply" the laws, as one attorney said - all the more reason to keep all cases in COVA and NAM VET Newsletter Page 80 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 avoid attempts at reconsideration. About two weeks after the VA memo came in, the veterans' attorneys filed a memo of their own, essentially saying that reconsideration was neither a valid nor viable option for the secretary, and therefore he should not even be allowed ot file motions for it. The court was still reviewing it as of this writing. ^ The VETERAN will report the outcome in the next (March) issue. NAM VET Newsletter Page 81 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= Concentrated IVVEC/NamVet Service ================================================================= Service - A legacy to be remembered - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - SILVIO O. CONTE WASHINGTON ADDRESS First District, Massachusetts 2300 Rayburn Office Building Washington, DC 20515 COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Phone: 202-225-5335 Ranking Republican Member CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, DC 20515 SUBCOMMITTEES Labor - Health and Human DISTRICT OFFICES Services - Education Federal Building Transportation 78 Center Street Arterial Pittsfield, MA 01201 LEGISLATIVE Phone: 413-442-0946 Ex Officio Member Of All Subcommittees 187 High Street Holyoke, MA 01040 COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS Phone: 413-532-7010 Subcommittee on Procurement, Innovation, and Minority Enterprises Development MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION February 8, 1991 BOARD OF REGENTS SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION *-- In Memorium --* United States Representative SILVIO O. CONTE - Born November 9, 1921 - Married to Corinne L. Duval on November 8, 1947 - Senator - Commonwealth of Massachusetts - 1950-1958 - Member - United States Congress 1959-1991 1st District of Massachusetts - Died February 8, 1991 NAM VET Newsletter Page 82 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 XXX XXXX XXXXXX Pittsfield, MA 01201 12 February 1991 Mrs. Corinne Conte Pittsfield, MA 01201 Dear Mrs. Conte: My family and I extend to you and yours our deepest, most heartfelt and sincere sympathies at the loss of your husband and a dear friend. For me, in many times of extreme stress and trouble, Congressman Conte and his fine, fine staff came to be a strong source of support and guidance and a model to pattern myself after. By his own lifetime example, Congressman Conte taught me that it was okay to disagree but life was too short to be disagreeable. In late October, 1985, I lost my father. The eldest of seven children, it fell upon me to write his eulogy. Your husband and his staff were extremely helpful in my constant and consistent efforts to see that my mother received the VA survivor benefits due her - as well as a very comforting letter from our President. A copy of the eulogy (enclosed) sent to her and each of my six brothers and sisters constantly reminded and cajoled us in our family responsibilities. Much of the strength, understanding, caring and compassion reflected in my father's eulogy emanated from your husband's efforts - especially the focus on ALL: Allegiance, Loyalty and Love. I share with you, Mrs. Conte, the loss you've endured - just as I share with you the faith, hope and belief that Congressman Conte had in the fine, fine people of Berkshire County and that the things he began and supported will continue giving and helping for generations yet to come. If there is ever anything you or your family need, please do not hesitate to let us know. Your husband spent his life giving to us. We'd like to share that with you and your family in return. Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man In kindness, honesty and good faith G. Joseph Peck Encl. NAM VET Newsletter Page 83 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Conte's family thanks his 'extended family' The February 16, 1991 Berkshire Eagle Pittsfield, Massachusetts Input by G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 PITTSFIELD -- The family of the late Silvio O. Conte yesterday sent an open letter to residents of Massachusetts' 1st Congressional District expressing gratitude for the community's support during the days following the 17-term congressman's death. The letter, released through Conte's Pittsfield office, is addressed to Conte's "extended family" - his constituents. It is signed by members of Conte's real family: his wife, Corinne; son John F.X. Conte; daughters Michele Webb, Sylvia Certo and Gayle Fowler; and grandchildren Jason, Ryan and Corinne Webb, Jake and Patrick Conte, and Nicholas Certo. The 69-year-old Conte died Feb. 8 and was buried on Wednesday [February 13, 1991]. The letter reads as follows: "To Silvio's Extended Family: For three days, the people of Western Massachusetts patiently waited in long lines, enduring the cold in order to make us aware of the love and respect they had for my husband, our father, Silvio Octavio Conte. We, his immediate family, are writing this letter to let you know that we will be grateful always for that experience, and will never forget that Sil was an important part of an extended family, namely, you, the people of the First Congressional District of Massachusetts. During the wake there was an enormous outpouring of love and concern expressed by so many people in so many different ways that it is difficult to single them [out]. It was a great comfort for us to hear diverse stories about the things my husband, our father, had done for you, or with you over the years. Silvio would have been so proud of all the people who came to pay their last respects, often humbly introducing themselves as "just a friend." On the day of the funeral, to all those who stood vigil outside of St. Joseph's Church for hours, and the businesses and schools that closed their doors out of respect, we thank you. We want to acknowledge the honest, uplifting and beautiful service provided by all those who participated at the mass on behalf of all of us who shared in that wonderful ceremony. And finally, our hearts were touched to see the people who lined the streets, stood in doorways, waved flags, or held their hands over their hearts, observing the funeral procession. Sil loved parades, and it brought tears to our eyes to see such a tribute to him during his final parade. Please accept our gratitude for being there. Thank you for electing Sil for 17 terms so that he could do what he loved to do: be a public servant to the citizens of the First Congressional District of Massachusetts, and to his country. Thank you. With love and admiration, Corinne, Michele, Sylvia, John, Gayle, Jason, Ryan, Corinne, Jake, Patrick, and Nicholas" NAM VET Newsletter Page 84 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 VA States: Guidelines Followed DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Medical Center East Orange NJ 05019 February 5, 1991 In Reply Refer To: 561/05A Mr. G. Joseph Peck President/Service Officer Berkshire Veterans Center, Inc. P. O. Box 2056 Pittsfield, MA 01202 Dear Mr. Peck: This is in response to your correspondence regarding Mr. XXXXXXXXX X. XXXXXXXX, XX Xth Street, XXXXXXX, New Jersey XXXXX. As we informed Congressman Robert Roe, who also wrote to us on behalf of Mr. XXXXXXXX, Mr. XXXXXXXX applied to this Medical Center for our XXXXXX XXXXX position in Fiscal Service, but the position had already been filled by the time we received his application. Since we had another vacancy in Fiscal Service, that of XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX, we reviewed Mr. XXXXXXXX's application, determined he was qualified for the position and referred his application to the selecting official along with applications received from other qualified candidates. After considering all the candidates, an individual who was employed with the Internal Revenue Service was selected. In your letter you stated that Mr. XXXXXXXX "was apparently not considered for even a VRA appointment and/or trial period." Both you and Mr. XXXXXXXX should be assured that if Mr. XXXXXXXX is selected for a position for which he qualifies, he may be given a VRA appointment, or an appointment for veterans with a disability of 30% or more, or some other type of appointment for which he meets the eligibility requirements. However, being eligible for one of these appointments does not obligate a Federal agency to hire the individual. The applicant must still meet the qualifications for the position and be selected by the selecting official. We will continue to maintain Mr. XXXXXXXX's application on file and refer it to selecting officials for consideration if the qualifications for the position are met. We hope this information is helpful with your response to Mr. XXXXXXXX. Sincerely, PETER BAGLIO Medical Center Director NAM VET Newsletter Page 85 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 IRS Steals money from newly Disabled Veterans By Herb Reith Armed Forces Reunion BBS - Enka, NC (704) 667-8021 The IRS, in its latest outrage, is refusing to refund taxes it collected from disabled veterans even though another federal agency recouped the entire amount of money that taxes were paid on. How did such a state of affairs happen? Let's discuss a typical case. A man in his second enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps was involved in a training accident and was injured. After being released from the Naval Hospital he was informed that a Board of Medical Survey had been convened and that, due to the disabling conditions of his injuries, he could no longer meet the physical requirements of the Corps and was being medically discharged. As he did not have 10 years of active duty he was ineligible for a Disability Retirement. Upon being discharged he was given Disability Severance Pay (DSP) by a "grateful nation." Income tax was withheld on the full amount of the DSP and he was required to report it, and include it as taxable income on his tax return (1040). This sounds reasonable except for ONE MAJOR thing. The Marine Corps failed to tell him that upon applying for Disability Compensation to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) they would withhold any money due him from the VA until the FULL AMOUNT OF THE Disability Severance Pay was recouped by the VA. In effect what the Marine Corps (or any other branch of the service) giveth, the VA taketh away. So now good old Uncle Sam not only has back the full DSP payment but also the income tax paid on it. The IRS has ruled that the veteran was not entitled to a refund of taxes paid on the DSP as it was a lump sum payment. What in hell has that got to do with the issue. The fact is the government gave him money, the IRS made him pay tax on it, the government took the money back, the IRS won't refund the tax paid on the recouped money. If that is legal, moral or ethical then something is radically wrong with what this government has become. This particular Marine was taken by the IRS for over $1,800.00. He ain't got the severance pay and he ain't got the eighteen hundred bucks he paid in taxes on it. If you think that newly discharged wounded and injured veterans of Desert Storm, who will be the next class of disabled veterans to "get the shaft", deserve better then start writing your Congressman, Senator, President and every other SOB in Washington you can think of to stop this "Rape of service members who put their lives on the line for this country." WRITE, TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF TODAY TO STOP THIS TRAVESTY ON JUSTICE AND FAIR PLAY! NAM VET Newsletter Page 86 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. / VETLink #1 Post Office Box 2056 Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ February 2, 1991 To YOU, Very Important Serviceperson Operation Desert Storm APO/FPO New York, New York Dear Service Person: It is our prayer that this letter finds you in good health and spirits as you proudly defend the principles and honor of our great nation. We of Berkshire Veterans' Center are extremely proud of you. Our Electronic Veterans Center stands ready and waiting to serve you - now and upon your return (413-443-6313). The enclosed letter is from a student at one of our local schools. While substitute teaching last week, I sensed many of the childrens' NEED to reach out to you, to be able to DO something in a world so-often controlled by grown-ups, and their sincere desire to show YOU their support. Luckily, I "just happened" to have your address with me . When and if you have time in the near future, could you take a few moments and respond to the child who wrote the enclosed letter? I know that special person will be extremely pleased to hear from you. As a 50-per cent service connected disabled Vietnam era veteran, I know well the many trials you are now enduring and wish that I, too, could be there with you. However, my job now is to do what "I" can to make sure America keeps her promise to you and supports you. And I WILL! God bless and keep you well - and I salute you! Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man In kindness, honesty and good faith G. Joseph Peck PRESIDENT GJP/jct Encl Letter from Local School Student NAM VET Newsletter Page 87 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 ================================================================= Look who's talking! ================================================================= BBS-Participants in VIETNAM_VETS EchoConference Input by: Lefty Frizzell NamVet's Need-To-Know Section Editor The Executive Washroom - Katy, Texas (713) 347-2558 Please Remember and Honor Our Vietnam Vets & MIA's (1:3603/210) The Recovery Room BBS Rochester,N.Y. (716)461-5201 (1:260/207) "Andy's Point from GROUP MEDICAL BB'S" * (1:138/116.11) "I never accepted the Israeli explanation"Dean Rusk (1:160/230.1) Group Medical BBS * Tacoma, WA * (206) 581-9088 (1:138/120) WWWWWHHHHHAAAATTTSSS UUUPPP????? 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(803)763-4657 (1:372/1000) Chicago's BIT WIZ Opus HST (Net 115 NEC) (1:115/689.0) Classic City Node-2 (1:370/10) Clay's Point of View - Charleston, SC (1:372/4.4) CocoNuts BBs Honolulu Hi 808-845-7054 (1:345/2) Coffee House 719-596-1565 CoS CO (1:128/76) Combat Arms BBS - (415) 537-1777 (1:161/357) Coming to you From GROUP MEDICAL BB'S * Tacoma,WA *(1:138/116.11) Corrosion by the Ocean (1:160/50.9) Country Computer 1:154/288 Milwaukee, Wi. 414-355-3691(1:154/288) Crystal Palace The Ghost in the Machine (1:382/1.0) Custer's Last Point - Custer, S.Dak. (1:109/312.348) Dak To Ridge Runner - VetPoint 47 (1:321/203.47) DarkStar Prime - Lawton, OK (405)248-9884 [HST/V32] - (1:385/49) DD Connection 1, Arlington TX (817/640-7880) (Opus 1:130/10) NAM VET Newsletter Page 88 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Default origin line (1:150/201) Desert Dolphin...Remembering Our MIA/POW'S (1:305/105.0) Don't fight forces, use them. (1:105/204) E Pluribus Unum - The Mail Drop BBS (803)747-0559 (1:372/4) Electric Locksmith, Security, CO (719)390-9249 HST (1:128/22) Eschew obfuscation? The No*Name BBS, Norfolk VA (1:275/7) EX-USAF PJ, I got my senses back. (1:351/211) FAMILy TREE * (SDN 196.00) * 1-405-321-0642 * HST! (1:147/32) Flower City Central, Rochester, NY (1:260/204) FOG-LINE, Ankeny,IA, 515-964-7937, (1:290/627) Freedom Line BBS: Where the Kahuna IS!! (407) 423-2111 (1:363/10) Freedom's Choice << We Will Never Forget >> (1:101/215.0) GET SOME, Custer, SD. (1:109/312.348) GreyEagle - Falls Church, Va. 703-534-0177 (1:109/312) Grimace BBS >>> Ft. George G. Meade's Only Fido BBS! <<< HandiNet B B S Virginia Beach, VA (804)496-3320 (1:275/429.0) HARDWIRED - The WOCin' Bug Zapper (1:124/4210.0) HBX/EDS Vietnam Vet "In-Touch" Point 1:109/316.1 Hirschfeld Law Office - Phoenix AZ (1:114/74.2) If you don't like this wait, it will change (1:30022/3) In your heart, you know I'm right (1:114/74.4) Info-Net/Police-Net BBS (1:106/911) INTERSTATE BBS NETWORK Sea WA (206)631-3231 450 Meg (1:343/36) Jim's Hooch,Once part of Meyers Motel-21st SOS (301)866-8613 KIA USS Liberty = Scum; Mama, Your Son Could Be Next! (1:160/230) KIC-BBS (1:108/89.0) Leaders In Control (1:106/116.0) Live Free or Die! (1:132/130) Long_Island RB (Opus 1:102/138) LSO Systems * Everett WA * (RAX 1:343/17.28) McScott's NorthEast Arkansas' VetLink -HST- (1:389/2001) Melancholy Mikes (1:305/109.0) Mountain Retreat * Felton Ca * 408-335-4595 (1:143/506) My eXpress Response System Point-Less Point (RAX 1:343/17.28) Nat'l.Cong.for Men & Children (602)8404752 Voice(202)FATHERS NCC-1701: "Beam me up, Scotty!!" (1:124/1701.0) Nerd's Nook (216)-356-1431 - HST (1:157/3) NET 3603/Region 18 Hub - Cat House BBS! - HST/14.4 (1:3603/210) Network Echogate (1:129/34) Network Gateway to RBBS-NET (RBBS-PC 1:10/8) New Orleans MUG Multi-Line * RA/D'Bridge * PEP/V.32 * (1:396/13) NEW Safe Shareware & Multi-Line BBS HST 714-952-2110 (1:103/227) Nick's Nest (612) 490-3415 - (612) 490-0341 HST (1:282/3.0) Nightline BBS (1:203/39.0) Northwestern's - ACNS (WOC'n a thin line) HST, NEC 1:115 (Opus Now and Zen Opus HST (916) 962-1952 (1:203/34.0) NPI III (617) 592-5772 Lynn, MA 01904 (1:101/193.0) OIS/DSMUG BBS - Capitol of the First State (1:150/201) Ol'Codger's "Hats OFF" to our VETS 714-639-1139 (1:103/301) Ole Tinbrain - Charleston, SC (1:372/1) One of many 'YELLOW RIBBON'homes (1:138/116) Passing Thru [1:107/3] (107/583) PC-Express *Multiline HST* - Milwaukee, WI 414/327-5300 (154/200) Pinecliffe BBS (303)-642-7463, Multi-Line (1:104/28.0) Pioneer Valley PCUG1 (1:321/109) Point of Sunnyvale Fido Connection (408) 738-1119 (1:143/207.1) ProtoStar (1:13/13.0) Quadram (A Trilogy Affiliate) Newport News, Virginia (1:271/230) Rendezvous, San Diego - 619-275-1040 - 9 lines, 600 MEG (202/718) NAM VET Newsletter Page 89 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 RiverCity MailBox Austin TX 512-327-5376 (1:382/4.0) Scott's Bunker (1:106/449.1) SeaEast Exchange BBS (1:343/15) SeaHunt BBS, Burlingame, CA 415-344-4348 (1:125/20) SeaMist Point Alpha (1:343/6.1) Self-Help&Sciences of the Mind-Multi-Line 714-952-2110(1:103/227) Semper Paratus! - VetPoint 72 (1:321/203.72) Sonoma Online, RFE! 707/545-0746 Fido V12S/HST (1:125/7) SOX! Military spouses count too! (305) 821-3317 Hialeah, FL Still in after 24 years (1:389/2001.3) SURFBOARD BBS (805-483-1467) Oxnard, CA (1:206/2506.0) Texas Father's for EQUAL Rights, Houston, TX (1:106/1555.0) The F e d e r a l Post -*- Fayetteville, NC (1:151/301.0) The "Sandbox" Newport News, Va. (804) 874-5832 (1:271/210) The AIDS Chat Line HST-14.4 SDS/SDN/DDS (1:130/55) The Broken Rose BBS-Hear Our Songs-[CASAC]-(916)971-0589 (203/11) The Ca Self-Help Library SDN Software 714-952-2110 (1:103/228) The Chai Way - Dallas, Texas - (214) 239-7607 (1:124/4106) The Edge of the Pacific Rim: Azusa Pacific (1:102/895) The Executive Washroom -- An Alternet System (1:106/449.0) The Federal Post - * - Fayetteville, NC (1:151/301.0) The Fireside Houston, Texas (713)496-6319 (1:106/114.0) The Gordian Knot (1:261/1095) The Helix (1:343/74) The Homestead, Nashville TN (615)385-9421 HST (1:116/3000) The Hoosier Heart's Land (BareFoot Bliss) (1:231/290.0) The Intensive Care Unit II BBS 1:139/940 (1:139/940) The Jimby BBS! * QMX/XRS Response System (Quick 1:350/21.2) The Jolly Green Giant (USAF Rescue) - (1:366/38) The Just Talk BBS - Calgary - 403-273-5697 (1:134/30.0) The Landing Zone - HOT!Safety here - Jesus walks point.(1:105/12) The Last Frontier Graham,Wa (206)847-8168 (1:138/136) (1:138/136) The Leaders in Control (1:106/116) The Lighthouse BBS Austin, TX (512) 389-2839 (1:382/22.0) The McMaster Family ReUnion, RBBS-NET(8:924/1) FidoNet (1:375/20) The Medical Forum: Jacksonville, NC (919)455-1075 (1:3614/106) The Memory Board (916)361-7016 (1:203/530.0) The NETWORK Echogate [8:70/0] (1:129/34.0) The No*Name BBS, Norfolk VA (804)622-5236 (1:275/7) THE REAL AMERICAN BBS [Mpls, MN] **612-535-3196** (1:282/71) The Sandbox Newport News Va (804)874-5832 (1:271/210) The Soldier's Bored, Ft. Gordon, Ga. <> (1:360/12) The Toy Room BBS * Hudson, Nh * 603-886-5722 HST (1:132/159) THE TROJAN EXPRESS - V V A CHAPTER #25 - WPB FL - DS HST - The Williamsburg Trilogy (804)872-7171 (1:271/225) The Zoo BBS (1:108/50) There are only two kinds of ships: Subs & targets HST V42 Think Tank II - Spokane, Wa -=We DO Windows!=- (1:346/8) Thunder & Lightning for a KRACKling good time! (1:375/20.4) Trilogy: A Rainbow Connection (804)872-7171 (1:271/225) United we shall NEVER be defeated-God Bless the U.S.A.(1:105/204) USCATCOM * Quaboag Valley Ware MA HST (413)967-9541 (1:321/131) VETLink #1 - Home of the Floppy Disk VetCenter (1:321/203) VetPoint 707 "VetCenter on a Floppy Disk!" (1:321/203.707) Vietnam Veterans' Valhalla (408)298-2740 D'Bridge/Max (1:143/27) Vietnam Vets on <<< SYSTEM ONE >>> (803) 556-1999 (1:372/111) View from the Icehouse (1:106/449.1) Village BBS, Mahopac, NY 914-621-2719 *HST* (1:272/63) Vote the Incumbents out of office. HST 505-437-8267 (1:308/60) NAM VET Newsletter Page 90 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 Vox Vietnam_Vet from RiverCity MailBox (1:382/4.0) Winthrop's BBS - Rock Hill, SC 803-323-2369 (376/34) WVAU BBS (1:2230/111.0) Yorktown Opus - Not Saudi Arabia Again!!! (1:271/201.0) ZEPHYR, HST National Capital Area, 703-620-5418 (TComm 1:109/124) Lansing Forum Michigan - 517-337-0624 - (1:159/500) NAM VET Newsletter Page 91 Volume 5, Number 2 February 28, 1991 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 92