Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 . __ . . -*- N A M V E T -*- ____/ \_ . . ( * \ . . Managing Editor \ Quangtri . . ---------------- \_/\ \_ Hue . . G. Joseph Peck \_Ashau Phu Bai . . \_* \_ . . Distribution Manager \ * ) . . -------------------- _/ Danang . . Jerry Hindle \|/ ( \_*Chu Lai . . --*-- \_ ------- \__ . . Section Editors /|\ \_ I Corps \ . . --------------- \ ------- ! . . IN-TOUCH: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau /\_____ ! . . INCARCERATED VETS: Joyce Flory / ! \ . . VETERAN BENEFITS: Jim Hildwine ! !___ \ . . VETERAN EMPLOYMENT: Fred Sochacki ! \/\____! . . KEEPER OF THE LIST: Charlie Revie ! ! . . Assisted by: Joyce Flory / Dak To ! . . GUEST CHAPLAIN: Rev. Ed Brant / * / . . ! \_ . . ! 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 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 1. Editorials & Comments Home - a full-time job! .................................. 1 OH, How Far It's Come .................................... 3 Forum Addresses Veterans' Job Needs ...................... 5 Bugles n' Over-40 ........................................ 8 Copyright Notice ......................................... 9 2. Drums be not Silent Help a dream come true ... TODAY!!! ...................... 10 They haven't forgotten US!!! ............................. 11 NamVet Distribution Survey Form .......................... 12 Once upon a nightmare .................................... 13 3. Forgotten - again? Incarcerated Vietnam Vets ................................ 15 A visit or note once in awhile? .......................... 21 4. Sister Vets VWMP's Sister Search ..................................... 22 Monumental Difference .................................... 23 Between the Raindrops - Honoring the Nurses .............. 24 VWMP's Sister Search Form ................................ 28 5. In-Touch Siblings In Touch ........................................ 29 In-Touch: What is it??? .................................. 32 IN-TOUCH Registration/Request Form!!! .................... 35 6. The NamVet Chapel Chaplain Ed's Monthly Editorial .......................... 37 The Electronic Chapel .................................... 40 Welcome Home ............................................. 41 7. Don't drink the water! A/O Exposure linked to elevated dioxin levels ........... 42 Break out the Clearasil ! ............................ 44 Casualties of (Viewing) War - A film review .............. 45 8. Things ya gotta know Ask the Veterans' Affairs Counselor ...................... 49 CompuServe's Military Forum Redesigned ................... 51 The Path to Permission ................................... 52 After the Storm .......................................... 55 Remember? ................................................ 62 Moving Wall #2 1992 Schedule ............................. 63 Vietnam Generation - Journal & Newsletter ................ 64 9. NamVet/IVVEC Concentrated Service NamVet/IVVEC Service Department! ......................... 68 SOVIMS: Veteran Service Officers' Helper! ................ 70 The Pen is Mightier - but a 2-by-4 helps! ................ 71 Make sure THEY follow their own rules! ................... 74 10. Charlie's Angels IVVEC Listings ........................................... 76 NamVet Article Submission Guidelines ..................... 80 Some Gave All... ......................................... 83 NAM VET Newsletter Page ii Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== Editorials & Comments ================================================================== Home - a full-time job! by Gjoseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 BBS - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Spring is finally here! The snow has finally disappeared off of my front lawn and there's that familiar energetic green that's beginning to show through all the brown and grey of once-frozen ground. Soon it'll be time to dig out the lawnmower, change the plug, sharpen the blade, and prepare myself to pull the rope and walk behind it . A quick upwards glance and I notice that there are little buds forming on the trees that surround our property (there's five of 'em - TALL maples!). EVERYWHERE there seems to be a promise of good things to come! In the middle of the worst of happenings, I can often just look around and find something to feel excited anticipation about - and NATURE is one of the best for me. The past few months have been kinda rocky here in Pittsfield MA. Phone bills seemed to skyrocket; sudden, unexpected travel and some surprise expenses really depleted any remaining amounts of my $25 savings account ; utility companies were a standin' in line ready to shut off electricity, gas and water unless some payment plan agreement had been made (we made it ); and the pressure has just been a building and a building. VETLink #1 is on its 4th (yeah - 4th!) motherboard in three weeks. The first time VETLink #1 locked up, I thought it was the hard disk(s) - they both have stiction problems and I've gotta start 'em manually (Frenchy keeps tellin' me I'm livin' on borrowed time ). Nah, it WAS the motherboard. Sadly, I had to retire the motherboard that Lefty gave me a long, long time ago. Changed it and ran into NEW problems that eventually led back to a defective XT motherboard that I've been keeping "just in case". More problems, more frustrations - but thanks to Frenchy and his MicroComputer Consulting Service, we're now operating off of a 12Mhz AT motherboard. Just as soon as I can scrape together enough to get 4 meg of SIMMS and maybe replace at least one of our "stiction-happy" hard disks (we have two), it should really be a flyin'. THANK YOU Frenchy!!! LIFE seems to be a full-time job ! Many of you that have been following the VIETNAM_VETS echo know that I'm presently engaged in another round of the DVA foot- dragging, dog-n'-pony shows that I've experienced in the past. Its been QUITE a struggle but, from the service I'm now beginning to see happen at the VA I've been going to for the requested examinations, seems that "lip service" is far from what they're now doing. (See our Service Section for full and more details). MEMORIAL DAY: Its quickly approaching. I've been thinking about it for a few days now. Memorial Day - somehow I feel saddened when I think of all the lives that have been given in defense of our freedoms. Its hard for me (maybe it has somethin' to do with my present situation ) to think of the holiday as a Celebration. Why? I really don't know. I think of Memorial Day and I envision tombstones and orphaned children; of widows and children without fathers; of uncompleted plans and unmet goals; of NAM VET Newsletter Page 1 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 hospitalized veterans, unable to do for their families or for themselves. What a PRICE freedom has! But its a price you and I and so many out here would gladly pay again and again and again so that our families could continue with a life they've come to dearly love. I dunno... I just overlook what we have NOW - freedom to choose our own occupations; to choose our own schooling and education; to communicate with whomever we please, and to say almost anything we want. Maybe some of you out here can help me see more than what I'm seeing now... VETLink #16: Soon to join our VETLink # BBS system will be Bob Wieters and his lovely wife Pamela. BOTH are veterans and BOTH can tremendously help and aid our veterans and their families. Bob is an MAS Director at the VAMC in Alexandria, VA and has promised to keep us all as up-to-date as possible on anything happening within the DVA-system that we should know about. I've talked VOICE to him a few times and cautioned him about some of the flak that he might encounter 'cause of his "position" from many of us who regularly participate in VIETNAM_VETS and some of the other VETNet echoes (Go easy on him, folks. He'll be a newbie for awhile! ). One of our telephone calls was delayed a bit because Bob had to spend time with a local VFW Commander - answering questions, resolving concerns about treatment of veterans in the facility where he's working. A past-Commander of 525+ member DAV chapter here in Pittsfield, MA, I KNOW the kinds of questions that Bob must have to answer and the "hot seat" he often finds himself on because of those who work with him at the DVA. We're hoping that his wife, Pam, will soon pop into some of our echoes and give us more of an insight on the Women Veteran perspective... Both Bob and Pam have a "vested interest" in seeing that the DVA *-DOES-* keep its promises to our veterans: their two sons are currently active duty military: one Army, the other Air Force. We look forward to seeing and hearing much more from all of them! In our Service Department this month you'll find a short write-up about a neat little program I've been evaluating called SOVIMS. From all that I've seen so far, its terrific and EVERY Veteran Service Officer or Veterans' Advocate should check it out. Its really terrific and a great time saver! I think I'd better let this month's issue fly now and get it onto the presses. So many, many of you have been asking "Where is it? Where is it?" and I've been really getting the "guilty's" when I know that its been tied up here - waiting for me to try to untangle all the submissions (PLEASE - when you're submitting articles, do 'em in ASCII format only and according to our Submission Guidelines! Rather than reject articles, I spent quite a few hours just trying to straighten 'em out so's YOU could read 'em in here. C'mon folks, cut ME some slack . Our list of Section Editors will be published in next issue!) 'til next month Show a brother or sister veteran that YOU care!!! Ci'ao for Ni'ao - Joe - NAM VET Newsletter Page 2 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 OH, How Far It's Come by Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans' Section Editor VETLink #13 - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 Back about September of 1989 a message thread was running in IVVEC about incarcerated Vietnam veterans. I was curious as to how a person went about finding a veteran to write to, maybe brighten a day or two, or maybe send copies of the NAMVET newsletter. I asked Gjoe how to go about this and was told, "Gee, Joyce, I don't know. Why don't you look into it and let us know what you find out." Little did I know what I was about to get myself into (grin). I collected the names and addresses of any and all organizations I thought could help. I put together a form letter and sent out a dozen or so of them. I got discouraged when the envelopes began returning; "No Such Person", "No Such Address", or "Moved, No Forwarding Address". Almost as bad were the letters telling me that though they'd like to help, they didn't have any information. I think the worst were the letters that told me the privacy act would not allow them to release names or addresses of the incarcerated. I kept sending letters and waiting for replies. Finally, in November, a letter arrived from the a national organization in Washington D.C. I thought it was going to be another rejection, but NO, a name, an address, a START! They told me this address "fell through the cracks" and though I "didn't get it from them" maybe it would help get me started. Did it ever!!! I wrote to Mr. Whitmarsh Bailey in Buena Vista, Colorado, explaining what I was trying to accomplish. In his kind response, he gave me three more names. Those three gentleman put me in touch with other inmates in other prisons and the program grew. Not quickly, but by dribbles. The pen-pal list expanded with each new letter that crossed my mailbox. Soon, someone sent me a "phone-book" for the National Incarcerated Veterans Network. My form letters started flying across the nation, four dozen letters in the first mailing. Soon, the replies were making their way back to me. So many incarcerated Vietnam veterans wanting to be on my list!! Many were just looking for someone to write to, some saying they'd only write to single females, others looking for long-lost buddies. Each so different, but so much the same. Today the list has grown to over three hundred incarcerated vets in thirty-five prisons spanning eighteen states. Two prisons in Alabama, one in Arkansas, three in Colorado, one in Connecticut, four in Georgia, two in Indiana, one in Kansas, four in Massachusetts, three in Michigan, one in Missouri, two in New York, three in Nevada, one in Ohio, one in Pennsylvania, one in Tennessee, two in Virginia, two in Washington, and one in Wisconsin. Just when I think my "reach" has stopped, another inmate from another prison drops a note to me. I've learned a lot about these gentlemen. The majority give unselfishly of themselves and their time. Some men fill their NAM VET Newsletter Page 3 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 hours building doll houses and wooden toys to donate to Toys For Tots or to be raffled off for local hospital funds for dying children. Others put together fund raisers to collect monies to buy food or wood for the less fortunate, year round, not just during the Holidays. Still others sponsor the Special Olympics teams in their area. I've been told of scholarship funding to local colleges, clothing drives, and many "Scared Straight" type programs they volunteer to take part in. While involved in these programs, many have chosen to go back to school. A few are finishing high school, some are taking what college courses are available to them, a couple are lucky enough to be able to carry a full course load in the field they'd like to pursue after their release. They learn or teach trades; cabinet making, woodworking, upholstering, and some construction work to enable themselves to make a living on the "outside". They are concerned with most of the same things you and I are. The shrinking economy, politics, changes in world order. They put together newsletters about VA updates, the MIA/POW issue, PTSD, Agent Orange, relate stories, and write poems, much the same as our NAMVET but with a much smaller readership. I have, also, learned that they prefer to being called "Vietnam veterans, incarcerated". They tell me they were Nam vets first, incarcerated second. When not using that "title", they refer to themselves as the "Forgotten Warriors", stating that once behind bars, no one cares about them. Not their families, not their friends, not other Vietnam veterans, not their government. They can't get adequate health care, they are denied the counseling they need for PTSD, their VA benefits are nowhere near what other veterans get, if they can get them at all. And this just seems to be the tip of the iceberg. The more I wrote to these gentlemen, the more I became involved in the issues that concern them. File upon file sits in my "worktable" on this computer with information found at one prison to be passed onto another. Copies of legislation, sometimes laying dormant, before Congress, copies of, sometimes bogus, programs for self-help in pre-release planning or PTSD treatment are sent to me either just for my information or with a plea to "Please look into to this". All this from one simple, innocent question. What started out to be the compiling of a list of Vietnam veterans, incarcerated seeking pen-pals, has gone on to be so much more. With this background of its beginnings, I'll be telling you next of how I'm becoming an advocate (admittedly reluctantly, at first) on behalf of these gentlemen and their incarcerated veteran concerns. For me, it's already been an interesting journey, one that's just begun. NAM VET Newsletter Page 4 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Transition Information Forum Addresses Veterans' Job Needs DAV Magazine December, 1991 Input by Fred Sochacki NamVet's Veteran Employment Section Editor VETLink #5 BBS - Passaic, NJ (201) 778-1879 Helping veterans find jobs in an era of military downsizing was the theme of a transition information forum in Washington, D.C. in late October. With the goal of coordinating employment and training services for soon-to-be-separated veterans and their families, representatives of the Interstate Conference of Employment Security Agencies (ICESA), the military branches and the Departments of Defense (DoD), Labor (DOL) and Veterans Affairs discussed their current transition programs and future plans. "We're here to identify the tools that are available" to help service men and women effectively transition to civilian jobs, said Millicent Woods, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense in DoD's office of Personnel Support, Families and Education. Citing an Army recruiting slogan, Woods urged groups at the forum to "Be all that we can be" in providing transition services to military personnel. "During this downsizing of the military, it's critical that we coordinate our transition programs," said Tom Collins of DOL, who called the conference essential for the "large partnership" of ICESA, DOL and DoD to meet the job assistance needs of service personnel. While what the forum participants presented sounded positive, DAV isn't convinced it will result in meeting all the needs of the dramatically increasing numbers of service men and women leaving the Armed Forces. "It's positive that the federal and state agencies involved in transitioning are talking to each other, but what are they accomplishing for veterans?" , asked Ronald W. Drach, DAV Employment Director. "This forum is telling us only what they plan to do, not what they've done. Where is the evidence that they're going to be able to meet the employment needs of thousands of veterans entering a recessionary job market?" Addressing that issue, Robert E. "Jack" David, Executive Director of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission and chairman of ICESA's Veterans Affairs Committee, noted that some soon-to-be-separated service personnel will have to learn new skills to obtain jobs. He added that veterans, because of their military training, have "great potential" in the current labor force, which needs higher qualified workers. Thomas Hines, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor, discussed the Interstate Job Bank (IJB), which provides access to all 2,300 Employment Service points of contact nationwide. He noted that the IJB has helped many of the up to 28,000 service men and women who return to civilian life in New York each year. He added that the New York Employment Service, down from 13,000 employees in the 1970's to 5,500 today, has experienced a downsizing of its own. "We've learned to do a lot more with a lot less," he said, noting the impact of automation and expanding points of employment service contacts for veterans. Chuck Middlebrooks, Assistant Secretary, Division of Employment and Training, Maryland Dept. of Economic and Employment Development, stressed that the Employment Service is "integral to the nation's employment system" by administering employment and NAM VET Newsletter Page 5 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 unemployment programs, providing labor market information and coordinating such programs as the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), which provides job training services for those who face significant employment barriers, including veterans. Middlebrooks noted the Maryland Employment Service's 24-hour veterans' preference job-hold, in which Job Service offices are instructed to put employer job orders "on hold" for 24 hours while they search for a qualified veteran to fill the position. Noting the impact of automation on job searches, Middlebrooks also discussed a fax-media resume bank called "Resume Classified." Through such programs, Middlebrooks said, in Fiscal Year 1989 over 200,000 veterans received job counseling, 1.1 million veterans were referred to jobs, and 60,000 were referred to training. "We're looking for ways to deal with a large number of people in a cost-effective way," said Middlebrooks. "We need to work hand-in-hand with veterans service organizations," he added. Robert Stein, Director of DoD's Office of Transition Support and Services, provided an overview of DoD's transition efforts, including preseparation counseling, and employment and relocation assistance. "These programs," he said, "run the gamut from retirement seminars to one-on-one counseling. We're looking for ways to make the whole separation issue a part of military life, to get all of the people and resources together. Regarding service men and women facing involuntary separation, estimated to be 25,000 of the 320,000 personnel who leave the service annually. DoD is providing them with travel reimbursements and transportation, commissary privileges, educational benefits and outplacement assistance. Linda White, Director of the Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP), said ACAP tries to determine transition needs before personnel leave the "arms of Mother Army." She stressed the transition services managers at installations coordinate with state employment services and job assistance centers. Army Transition Assistance Offices, she said, provided not just employment services, but also financial counseling, labor market information. Army Job Assistance Centers assist personnel in resume preparation, interviewing, and dress techniques. "The soldier's needs are assessed, and he walks out with a blueprint" for finding a job, she said. Through ACAP's Army Employer Network, said White, the Army sells to potential employers, a "drug free, disciplined asset to any organization in a community." Noting that some military occupational specialties don't translate well into civilian jobs, White added, "We tell them that an infantryman can do more than shoot a gun. He can also lead." Lt. William Berl, Transition Program Manager for the Navy's Transition Assistance Management Program or TAMP, discussed the Navy's 76 family service centers, which provide a broad range of employment counseling and training programs for Navy personnel and their families, including preseparation counseling, skills verification, release of personal info to employers, transition workshops. Berl reported that DOL's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is the Navy's "primary vehicle" for assistance. Currently, TAP offices serve 30 naval commands. "By the end of Fiscal Year 1992," said Berl, "We hope to have TAPS at all commands." Commenting on the forum, DAV's Drach cited such programs as the "24-hour job-hold" program. "We have no evidence that that hold is really working. They may put a job on hold, but they're not always searching for veterans to fill the position." NAM VET Newsletter Page 6 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Drach also noted that while the Interstate Job Bank is a "conceptually good" idea, there's potential for abuse. "There's no accountability built into the system to ensure that veterans are given priority." His biggest concern was the forum's "lack of emphasis" on veterans groups. "What is the role of veterans service organizations here?", he asked. "No one has yet defined that role. We're kind of left out there hanging in the wind." Drach gave credit to the Navy in its transition work with the DAV, but noted that veterans' groups "were not invited to the table" at the transition information forum. "We were not participants," he said. Drach noted that the DAV is involved in transition at 30 military bases. "Our primary role has been service-medical record review and counseling on veterans benefits," said Drach. He added that the recently published DAV transition assistance workbooks have been well received. "Some 3,500 sets of books have gone out so far, following requests from federal and state Tap providers. They're receiving widespread acclaim," said Drach. NAM VET Newsletter Page 7 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Bugles n' Over-40 by Jim Hildwine NamVet's Federal Benefits Section Editor VETLink #4 - Shady Side, MD (301) 261-5644 I was remembering way-back-when. Almost 30 years ago I joined the Army. In the time of my enlistment, the old Army was going out, and passing into transition to the New so-called U.S. Army. Taking a trip down memory lane, I was thinking of the HBT's, The Block Cap, and White Name Tags. Breakfast was 19 cents in the "Mess Hall" now called a "Dining Facility". KP and Guard were duties you pulled on a daily bases. Then to where the open barracks with sometimes 80 men plus being assigned to a floor. There were no rooms except for the NCO's. Well tripping back, I racked my mind for what keep me going during those days. I was having a hard time, then it hit me! The Army in those days ran on Morning Reports, and Bugle Calls. The following listed were the calls played everyday and what I in those young days ran my clock by. Oh, of course, a good PFC in those days drew a whopping $99.37 and that's before the mandatory deductions. ie savings bonds.. etc. Here are the calls the U.S. Army has run by for all of time since George Washington. Washington stated the following: "Soldiers have always marched". General George Washington ordered fifers and drummers to maintain morale. During the Civil War, bandsmen used instruments which pointed over their shoulders so that the troops marching behind could hear the music and keep step. At every juncture of our nation's history, soldiers have marched to band music." These were the calls, and still are played a some military posts worldwide. Not all are used today. But, from the beginning these were the orders via music transmitted to our Fighting men in the U.S. Army and our other Armed Services.. 1. First Call 2. Reveille (An all-time favorite) 3. Retreat 4. Assembly 5. To The Color 6. Mess Call 7. Tattoo (Well known by all Services) 8. Drill Call 9. Call To Quarters (Bed check right behind this one remember?) 10. Church call 11. Taps (The most played and known by all) 12. Pay Call (Only Once a Month but what a beautiful sound) 13. Adjutant's call There are a few more, but as the Army moved into the 50's thru the 60's the bugler was replaced by a turntable system, and soon just about all calls where left out except, Reveille, Tattoo, and Taps, and Call to the Color. Nowadays, I presume the calls are on CD's. I guess I will always remember my Platoon Sgt in Basic. He said, "When you hear the drum beat ya had better be a stepping down on your left foot!" Just throwing in this article for the over-40 bunch. NAM VET Newsletter Page 8 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 > * - Copyright Notice - * ____/~~\_ < < ( * \ > > \ Quangtri < < Prepared by G. Joseph Peck \_/\ \_ Hue > > NamVet Project \_Ashau Phu Bai < < Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. \_* \_ > > Copyright (c) 1987, 1988, \_ * ) < < 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 _/ Danang > > ( \_*Chu Lai < < All rights reserved. \_ ------- \__ > > \_ I Corps \ < < NamVet is a collective volunteer \ ------- ! > > effort comprised of articles and /\_____ ! < < items sharing veteran-related news, / ! \ > > experiences and resources amongst ! !___ \ < < veterans, their family members, ! \/\____! > > concerned others and health, ! ! < < educational and correctional / Dak To ! > > institutions. / * / < < ! \_ > > ! Phu Cat\ < < Segments of this newsletter may be \ * * ) > > excerpted for counseling, self- \ Pleiku ) < < help, dissemination amongst veteran \ \ > > organizations and groups, and for / / < < scholarly purposes without further ( -------- ! > > permission; it is requested only _\ II Corps ! < < that proper credit be given to the / -------- \ > > author of a particular article and \ \ < < the contributor who submitted it. ! * / > > _/ Nhatrang / < < Any other use requires the _/ / > > written authorization of __/ ! < < _ __/ \ ! > > Berkshire ____( )/ ! Camranh Bay < < Veterans' / !__ ! > > Center, / \ / < < Incorporated. \ Bien Hoa \ / > > ! Chu Chi * \ __/ < < \_ * --------- \ ___/ > > . ____ \ III Corps \ _/ < < / \_____) )_(_ --------- !__/ > > ! ( ___/ < < _____! \__ * ___/ > > ! Saigon/ < < \___ -------- / \/ > > \ IV Corps / < < ) -------- / CONTACT: > > / ! < < / ____/ Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. > > / Mekong/ ATTN: G. Joseph Peck < < ! Delta/ Managing Editor - NamVet > > ! ____/ Post Office Box 2056 < < ! / Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202 > < ! / (413) 442-1660 < < ! __/ > < \_/ gjp < NAM VET Newsletter Page 9 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== Drums be not Silent ================================================================== Help for a dream come true - Today!!! by Jose N Proenza Sanfiel 4230 POW's & MIA's Memorial Dr - St Cloud Florida USA 34772-8142 (407) 892-9006 - (407) 957-MIAS To: All POW's & MIA's Groups All American's Interested in the POW's & MIA's Subject: HELP FOR A DREAM COME TRUE.....TODAY. Greetings: Please be advised that on the week of March 16th 1992 US Senator Connie Mack of the Great State of Florida will be submitting to the Senate the Bill that will make it a reality to have two crisscrossing interstates at the Heart of America and reaching from Sea To Shining Sea bearing the Name POW'S & MIA'S. WE NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM ALL GROUPS AND STATES TO BE DIRECTED TO HIS OFFICE AND TO YOUR RESPECTIVE SENATOR ASKING HIM/HER TO SUPPORT THIS BILL. Senator Connie Mack (202)224-5274 Fax-(202)-224-8022 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg Wash Dc 20510. Please make sure that you pass the word on to any and all groups of persons if we get enough support from the beginning this will be a step that will keep the POW's & MIA's name in front of America in a daily time and Manner. I thank you for your support. God Bless America. God bless our POW's & MIA's and allow them enough strength to hang on cause we are coming. __________________________________________ Jose N Proenza Sanfiel for POW's & MIA's Project Interstate. NAM VET Newsletter Page 10 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 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 11 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 NamVet Distribution Survey Form NamVet's editorial staff would like to know where YOU received this copy of NamVet. Please take a few moments to complete and return this page (or a copy) to us. NAME_____________________________________________________________ ADDRESS__________________________________________________________ CITY_____________________________________________________________ STATE & ZIP______________________________________________________ Where did you obtain/read the NamVet Newsletter? ________________ _________________________________________________________________ Do you make NamVet available to others? _________________________ If YES: Individual / / Educational / / Vet Groups / / What do you find most/least helpful about NamVet?________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ What other information would you like to see in NamVet? _________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Additional Comments _____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ YOUR poem, letter, article about the veteran Experience - whether you were in Vietnam, in the military or not - is extremely welcomed by the editorial staff of NamVet. We invite you to include one (or many) with your return of this form. Thank You for your time and help in making NamVet *-THE-* electronic newsletter by, for and about veterans and the issues that concern them! Please return replies/articles/poems/etc. to: Mrs. Joyce Flory NamVet Distribution Survey 1825 Evelyn - Las Cruces, NM 88001 -or- Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. PO Box 2056 - Pittsfield, MA 01201 NAM VET Newsletter Page 12 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Once, Upon a Nightmare... by Joseph Thomas Fegan Sgt, Co. B, 1/12th Infantry Battalion 4th Infantry Division, Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam 15 October 1968 IPECS, Inc. BBS - San Jose, CA (408) 298-2740 It's mostly green, Shades vary from light to dark; A rustic, red-brown is felt, too. Hair: long veils, black; short quick movements Almost gliding, (But for the clomp-clomp). Cackling tongues. And flies. Warm smells: a cacophony of disgusting odors: Burnt diesel oil and human excrement mark centralized life, Proclaim safety. Poverty, pestilence, Toil, Disease, dying, Death... Each are Accepted companions. Passing convoys cut billowing wakes of red dust, enveloping squatting (always squatting: perched on chairs, fences, rocks, benches, but always perched on their haunches) Beggars. Bobbing, weaving, meandering through the living maze Of bamboo hats and peddlers, And vendors, And the blind, And thieves, and pimps; Lovely, and ugly, Well-travelled, And novice (but worldly), Smiling, beckoning Whores. (Buy from she who Accepts "No" as final; And then pay only 1/2 price.). Travelling a serpentine line: The shortest distance Between two points Is the Azimuth of Green doors, Bamboo huts, Noodles and rice. NAM VET Newsletter Page 13 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Sex: (Do you want it here, or "to go"?) Diseases, like prophylactics, Come in small containers. One step past the barbed wire, Three land mines, and you're out (take a rain check on tonight's party); Here comes live-giving red; Are toes really necessary? Coca Cola flavored with glass slivers Has a tangy, biting taste. Living day-by-day Is rewarding, Especially, when Tomorrow finds you alive. Chicken Little was right. But the gold in your Teeth doesn't show Unless you smile (or unless your lips are torn off: Shrapnel can penetrate "The Invisible Shield"). When in doubt, Remember the Cause: Die young So you can live free; Bear a shroud Of red, white, blue, and olive drab; Keep the mess Neat and orderly, Because it'll look Good from the outside. When the year ends, Turn your back on it; Go ahead, Try to forget.... (C) Joseph Thomas Fegan NAM VET Newsletter Page 14 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== Forgotten - again? ================================================================== Incarcerated Vietnam Veterans seeking pen-pals by Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans' Section Editor VETLink #13 - Las Cruces, N.M (505) 523-2811 Johnny Chadwick 110520 Don Miller Holman Unit 5-U-5 Health and Safety Holman 37 PO Box 7011 Atmore, AL 36503-0037 Carson City, NV. 89702 Willie Earl Thompson Sam Howard 18329 H-2-G-226-110125 Pete Huertas 15239 1000 St. Clair Rd. Jake Reynolds 21763 Springville, AL 35146 Paul Stadtlander 23389 Ely State Prison Chaplain Dennis G. Pigman PO Box 1989 Jerry Barnett 083876 Ely, NV. 89301 Michael Bass 086961 Ronald Brackett 800013 Ron Chamberlain Richard Brasher 077897 81-C-0459 C-17-41 Darrell Brooks 081683 Giacomo A. Frascone Henry Burris 081658 89-A-3512 A-6-22 John Campbell 078482 William L. Hargrove John Campbell 076674 83-A-4292 D-8-18 Tommy Chappell 091711 Andrews S. Tenny Stuart Clements 082516 81-B-2137 E-10-19 Hoyt Clines 000886 Thomas Delmonte Raymond Coble 088317 86-C-1021 A-1-20 Jessie Cockrell 082169 Robert T. Smith Benny Cooper 089393 81-A-2188 A-5-10 James Dansby 082797 Thomas H. Marlowe Thomas Dinger 088756 83-C-0834 E-9-16 Isiah Dumas 079752 Donald W. Knapp Donnie Dunivan 082890 88-C-0072 A-3-8 David Fain 083803 Ed Beaufort Cutner Lewis Fields 083568 89-C-1606 C-13-6 Dennis Glick 086895 Gary Emry Michael Hanshew 086275 89-C-1315 A-7-24 Johny Henderson 082960 Ervun L. Armlin Harold Hobbs 077219 86-C-0782 D-6-6 Herman Holland 084387 Ferdinand Quiles Dewayne Hulsey 000865 83-A-5609 A-4-38 Cecil Jeffers 073300 Elwood H. Fields Tim Keepes 085209 88-A-4043 D-8-13 Larry King 095569 Michael Mantice Harold Krigbaum 087060 90-A-7640 B-7-18 Eugene Lilly 091245 PO Box 618-135 Scott Macdonald 082181 135 State St. James Madison 083401 Auburn, N.Y. 13024-9000 Timmothy Mcdaniel078129 Gary Mcdonald 082306 Alexander Michael Marathon James Metcalf 088642 79D0127 D-1-26 George Moore 076781 Pouch 1 Charles Moorman 076535 Woodbourne, N.Y. 12788 NAM VET Newsletter Page 15 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Herbert Newman 093888 Michael O'Rourke 000903 Joe Lee Palmer 168-740 Michael Orndorff 000889 Rob Brady 237-196 William Parker 000899 Daniel Siders 234-394 Eldon Patton 060104 Orient Corr. Inst. James Perdue 084302 PO Box 511 James Phelps 084005 Columbus, OH 43216 Perry Powell 092346 James Renton 073560 Lou Muller BG 2894 Darryl Richley 000888 Vernon E. Miller Sr. AJ1004 Willard Robbins 080976 Darryl Houseman AJ1063 Larry Robertson 089180 Drawer A Old Route 22 Craig Ryan 093104 Cresson, PA. 16630-0010 Raymond Sanders 000918 Larry Sawdon 080276 Myer Pettyjohn William Smallwood090456 90722 Unit 9 Michael Smith 087109 Bobby Tate Reginald Smith 085042 123531 Unit 5 Jimmy Staton 089671 John Cobb Charles Stoner 084433 126878 Unit 12 William Sykes 084447 Stanton Easley Danny Taylor 083979 86354 Unit 2 Robert Upton 066236 Charles Sprinkle Arthur Walls 079942 109200 Unit 4 James Walters 087938 Grant Henderson Bruce Ward 000915 Unit 4 Derek Webster 091356 Johnny Ottinger Johnny Williams 079023 Unit 14 Alfred Wilson 062356 Kenneth Teague Johnny Witham 065978 112717 Unit 4 Billy Woodard 089235 John Slate Gregory Woods 077991 Unit 8 Arkansas Dept. of Corr. James Eades Maximum Security Unit Unit 4 Star Route, Box 22-B William Harris Tucker, AK. 72168-8713 77891 Unit 8 PO Box 2000 Chris S.Crespin 45523 Wartburg, TN. 37887 Dennis E.Prentis 43497 Jerry Baack 57098 Van Burton PO Box 2017 108483 (A-120) Buena Vista, CO. 81211 M Davenport 155165 (N-321) Whitmarsh Bailey 56715 M Donati P.O.Box 999 150219 (D-71) Canon City, CO. 81215-0999 Joe Grace 136189 (B-108) A. David Baez 57020 M Glennon Box 100 140901 (O-101) Sommers, CT 06071 J Heidinger 102513 (O-421) Albert Fetter Charles Ladison EF-257479 138228 (O-330) Michael L. Morgan G Magno D-11340 H B-Range 112810 (N-418) Raymond W. Myrick Jr. William Merriman EF-199153 H B-Range 131789 (A-66) David E. Shepherd L Rainsford EF-158022 H B-Range 126380 (B-108) NAM VET Newsletter Page 16 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Joe Crutchfield Abdul Shah EF-182342 FC-210 101250 (O-417) Gerald LaPalme Gerald Stovall Jr. EF-152010 JA-119 98899 (O-328) Howard David Kress R Sutton EF-245285 GA-109 141041 (O-317) Michael J. Previch PO Box 488 EF-278117 JC-211 Burkeville, VA. 23922 White Alvin EC-167140 KC-202 Jamal R Rashid James Talley 110781 D-2 EF-159938 HD-229 Joseph Huggins Clarence T. Plott 99433 D-6 EF-271182 FD-229 Preston Parker Garey Davis 118311 D-5 EF-185119 KA-119 William Moran Donald H. Crider 131271 D-2 EF-241524 KA-111 Le'roi Mason Metro Corr. Inst. 104969 D-5 1301 Constitution Rd. SE David Bailey Atlanta, GA. 30316-4698 153526 D-2 Oliver Mayfield Thomas Adams 106330 HA-2 Dwight L.Lyons John Harris Donald E. Head 133342 HA EG 172282 RCI Box 8409 Robert Hall Columbus, GA. 31907-8409 148001 HA James Moody David M. McCook 160399 D-4 (DA-118) EF 18354 William Simmons Jack T. Ruthledge C.I. 106399 D-4 PO Box 8409 Charlie Sherman Columbus, GA. 31907 128403 D-6 Carlton Heflin David W. Barrett 170297 D-5 EF 114584 004 Matthew Sanders CCCI 1 Felt Rd. 166545 D-4 Newnan, GA. 30263 Michael Kay 136567 D-5 Francis Smith A-83283 David Swink PO Box 4002 157682 D-6 Danville, IL. 61834-4002 Gordon Cawthron 135734 D-6 William R. McCall Curtis Wright 8031 ICH-404 125330 HA Karl N. Robinson Roger Baxter 852525 CCH-343 157594 D-2 James L. Davis Thomas Hawley 892971 E Dorm W-5 139294 D-1 Lowell K. Idle Luther C. Beasley 893265 DCH-424 110375 D-2 Larry Lisenby James River Corr. Ctr. 853325 CCH-149 State Farm, VA. 23160 Steve Swafford 874932 CCH-148 Larry DuBois 940561 J. Michael Ensley Rudolph Cleveland 939491 28828 F Dorm W-84 George Tate 621964 Joe DeRado Edward Froats 287159 902975 E Dorm E-42 Bernard Olson 900437 NAM VET Newsletter Page 17 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Richard Martin Lee Bruer 960286 9634 CCH-164 Walt Lamphere 936322 Pat McGuire George Wilson 263328 892476 DCH-153 Jerry Phelps 262365 Danny W. Hamby Pat Radford 280360 892631 E Dorm W-93 Jim Herrick 273217 Scotty Hammack PO Box 1000 10422 ACH-148 Steilacoom, WA. 98388-1000 Richard Kirby 31358 DCH-262 M.D. Sam Rosalez Dinzel Miller 627310 23977 CCH-370 8-F-17 (W.S.P.) PO Box 41 Donald C. Galbert Indiana State Prison 901522 Michigan City, IN. 46360 6-E-2 (W.S.P.) Jack Barnes Harold Mize 863934 938196 D Dorm 6-D-12 (W.S.P.) Cory Naples 901359 Darrell D. Richardson Westville Corr. Ctr. 914388 Box 473 8-D-13 (W.S.P.) Westville, IN 46391-0473 Frank R. Garcia 627398 Cecil Emerson 35427 8-E-3 (W.S.P.) HFC D1-118 Russell Coquillette PO Box 1568 277994 Hutchinson, KS 67504-1558 6-A-17 (W.S.P.) Brent Gidney Leslie Gomes 962194 PO Box 565 6-F-7 (W.S.P.) Billeria, MA. 01821 Thomas Baja 951519 Lance Koren 1-C-13 North (W.S.P.) PO Box 1069 Patterson Durryne Concord, MA. 01472 279920 6-C-1 (W.S.P.) Arthur Coy Louis Maryland Richard Ortiz 905616 Tyrone Smith 1-D-18 North (W.S.P.) Kevin M Pennell Joe Tigano Robert Thompson 952405 Frank Komnenus 6-E-14 (W.S.P.) PO Box 466 Chris Blystone Gardner, MA. 01440 939464 8 Wing (W.S.P.) George Hebert Patrick Rice Ron Gohn 916917 P.O.Box 1218 8 Wing (W.S.P.) Harvard Rd. Billy Jensen Shirley, MA. 01464 927130 6 W (W.S.P.) Terry Snyder 193889 Bill Sturph Alex Beaudine 145559 957368 Bill Hammes 204434 8-E-1 (W.S.P.) PO Box 1900 Kermit Redeagle-Belgarde Adrian, MI. 49221 905798 1-A-4 North (W.S.P.) Robert Dennstaedt 147258 PO Box 520 Mr. Peterson 167626 Washington State Penitentiary NAM VET Newsletter Page 18 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Mr. Vaughan 145696 Walla Walla, WA 99362 Mr. Ron Duvall 119293 Mr. Conklin 159051 Calvin Allen 203359 Mr. Thomas Van Antwerp John Banaszak 188690 184766 Edward Belamares 128592 Mr. Michael Deen 201339 Merrit Burright 5593 G. Robert Cotton Fac. Anthony Cartwright 2210911 PO Box 3003 Eric Collins 201910 Jackson, MI 49204 Charles Coogan 40001 Irvin Doxtator 16876 Willi Henderson-Bey 128457 John S. Deuchars 42641 Richard Sheff 180946 John Erdman 133557 Tony Slusarski 131661 Keith Fenderson 210194 Ronald Kramer 181007 Kevin Glover 167916 Ronald Triplett 132615 Roosevelt Hall 180767 Teddy Stephens 182636 Jerry Hammill 66235 Danny McKay 147064 Dane Hedstrom 125111 Edwin Zimmerman 184779 Mark Hinton 108536 Boyd Blair 156418 Colin Hutchinson 182042 William Letzgus 187075 Dale Hylok 110660 Herschel Davis 163765 Issac Jackson 186188 David Oates 190210 John Jaenke 89343 Thomas Siemoneit 179536 Tommy Johnson 138644 David Prieto 193367 Myung Jun 201398 Leonard Pikaart 179858 Dereck Kelly 209110 Wendell Neview 196387 Herman Krause 39312 David Martin 180065 James Lelivelt 26992 Teddy McCray 200255 Richard Lewan 169630 James Wilson 180186 William Lewis 44501 Tim Shagen 203886 James Lowery 166070 2400 South Sheridan Rd. Robert McQueen 5705 Muskegon, MI. 49442-6240 Ken Myers Jr. 173568 Aaron Overberg 142578 Robert White 182002 Joe Perkins 50736 Andy Cascarelli 201886 Robert Warren 104480 Eddie Stenton 198136 Jose Rodriguez 193528 Antonio Lyte 165094 Philip Roth 16844 Earl Lord 196758 Thomas Rush 177468 Tim Grassmyer 206270 Ruven Siebert 31311 Rick Isbell 207512 William Selmon 0259321 David Fox 200406 Robert Schmidt 187661 Charles Ray 205764 Wayne Schwamb 178746 8201 N. Crosswell Rd. John Stallins 125612 St. Louis, MO. 48880 Charles Stephenson 179459 Merlin Sternitzky 155685 Jeff Weil 28242 Gary L. Stibb 202596 Cecil Williams 23818 Kenneth Spears 88927 James McGee 31489 Gary Sutton 196088 Earl Grissom 27536 Ron Swartout 84812 Roy Fudge 29966 Thaddeus Sieger 215663 Eddie Sanchez 26895 Louis Tarentino 184595 George McIntyre 25124 Ronald Taylor 181190 Eddie Romero 22115 Eric Vogliotti 186603 Eugene Perry 29647 Hoyt E. Vrooman 210573 Brook De Nault 29594 Bernard Watts 177701 Harold Weaver 17624 Richard Webb 103925 Harry Lilly 29894 Milton Wendler 135295 Claude Theriault 11872 Randolph Whiting 158604 Dan Richmond 15601 Robert L. Guck 72598 NAM VET Newsletter Page 19 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Ken Jezierski 30790 Charles L. Marstan 210697 James Raines 31445 Brother Danny R. Heller John Doane 14686 149705 Robert Turner 30473 P.O.Box #351 James Bishop 31347 Waupun, WI. 53963-0351 Brain Hern 14535 Nevada State Prison PO Box 607 Carson City, NV. 89702 NAM VET Newsletter Page 20 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX \ \ \ \ \XXXX XXXXX XXXXX.::::::::::::::.XXXXX INCARCERATED XXXX XXXXX XXXXX --------- XXXXX \ \ \ \ \ \ \XXXX XXXXX .XXXXX W W I I XXXXX. VETERANS \ \XXXX XXXXX ::XXXXX --------- XXXXX::. \ \ \ \ XXXX XXXXX :::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::. XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX K O R E A XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX V I E T N A M XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX::::::::::::::::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX::::::::::::::::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX::' `::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX:: ::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX `..........''`XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX .:(O) . (O):. XXXXX:::' XXXX XXXXX ::' XXXXX .. XXXXX:: XXXX XXXXX .:' XXXXX . .. XXXXX: XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX . .. ` XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX ' '.. ` XXXXX. XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX" ' ` XXXXX . XXXX XXXXX ``. XXXXX ' . . . ` XXXXX '. ........., XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX'' ..''.'''. XXXXX .' '.XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX" ':.:'' XXXXX .'' .:::'XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX:.. .:XXXXX.'' .::::' .XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX '.. ..:' XXXXX ..:' . .:::'XXXX XXXXX ....::'XXXXX ':::::;' XXXXX .:''. .:::' XXXX XXXXX .:::::' XXXXX .: XXXXX :'. ..:... XXXX XXXXX.::' :: XXXXX: PREPARED TO XXXXX .'' ''.. XXXX XXXXX::' :: XXXXX`: FIGHT XXXXX.' '.XXXX XXXXX' :: XXXXX ``. XXXXX XXXX XXXXX '' XXXXX PREPARED TO XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX DIE ...'XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX `...' XXXXX XXXX XXXXX `..' XXXXX .' XXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX /\ .' .' XXXX XXXXX /\ \ . . XXXX XXXXX / \ \...' `. .' XXXX XXXXX / NOT PREPARED TO BE DESERTED XXXX XXXXX / .'.' . .`.' XXXX XXXXX / ~ | : : : . XXXX XXXXX / |`. : : . .__________ XXXX XXXXX / ~ ~ ||.` ` : || \ / XXXX XXXXX / WRITE OR VISIT AN INCARCERATED VETERAN SOON ! XXXX XXXXX / ~ || . .'. / / XXXX XXXXX/ ~ ~ ~|| ||/ / XXXX XXXXX ~ ~ ~ || || / XXXX XXXXX || || / XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX \_________XXXXX________|| XgjpX XXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXX NAM VET Newsletter Page 21 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== Sister Vets ================================================================== Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Inc. "Sister Search" Submitted by: Martha Green VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 The Vietnam Women's Memorial Project's "SISTER SEARCH" is a program designed to locate the military and civilian women who served their country during the Vietnam War. The goals of "SISTER SEARCH" are to facilitate hope and healing among women veterans; to provide a network for them; and to assist research efforts on women who served during the Vietnam War. Vietnam era women veterans are asked to provide as much information as they feel comfortable sharing. Although "Sister Search" is NOT a locator service, should an inquiry be made as to whereabouts of a person included in the "SISTER SEARCH" database, the VWMP will pass the inquiry along in writing to the individual, allowing her to decide whether she would like to respond. If the individual is deceased, the inquiry will be sent to the closest family member identified by the VWMP. All women veterans in the "SISTER SEARCH" database will periodically receive information on the Project's progress and ultimately receive an invitation to the dedication ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Women's Memorial Project is a non-profit, volunteer organization with the threefold purpose of: educating the public about the women who served during the Vietnam era; locating and providing a network for these women; and placing a realistic representation of a Vietnam woman veteran on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The Project has the support of every major veterans group in America, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. For more information, contact: "SISTER SEARCH" Vietnam Women's Memorial Project 2001 'S' Street NW Suite #302 Washington DC 20009 NAM VET Newsletter Page 22 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Even a small donation can make a monumental difference. Efforts are now underway to erect a monument on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that recognizes the role played by women veterans. The Vietnam Women's Memorial Project is conducting this drive as part of a larger effort to educate all Americans about the vital services provided by over 265,000 women, military and civilian, during the Vietnam War. O O O O O O O O O O O O O Your contribution, large or small, O O will help ensure that these women's O O sacrifices are not forgotten. O __________ O O ) O /(O) / O\ / / O \ / VIETNAM / \ / WOMEN'S /HONORING\ / MEMORIAL /\ THE \ / PROJECT / \ WOMEN \ / / \ WHO \ / / \ SERVED / (__________/ \ / \ / \ / \/ _ /_/ Yes, I want to help honor America's Women Vietnam veterans. My tax-deductible contribution is enclosed. _ /_/ Send me more information about how I can help make this dream a reality. _ /_/ I am a woman who served during the Vietnam era. NAME ____________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________________________________ CITY ______________________________________ STATE ______________ ZIP ____________________ PHONE __________________________________ Clip and mail along with your contribution to: VWMP 2001 S St., NW Suite 710 Washington, DC 20009 VIETNAM WOMEN'S MEMORIAL PROJECT A legacy of Healing and Hope NAM VET Newsletter Page 23 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Between the Raindrops - Honoring the Nurses by Jim Morison Submitted by NY Transfer News Service - LI, NY (718) 448-2358 With the recent interest for information about nurses in Vietnam I submit the following as my way of honoring those who gave so much. -- Jim Morison ************************************************* There is something ominous about waking up after surgery. I've done it more times than I can remember and it never gets easier. You never know what part of the body is missing. I had heard some stories about people who had had amputations swearing to God they could feel their toes or fingers itch. Somehow the thought of holding on to the gear shift of my car with a nonexistent hand wasn't my idea of having a good time. This particular surgery I developed the worst case of chills. I kept asking again for blankets and more blankets. Hot tea and lots of it. The poor attending nurse couldn't run fast enough. Finally, enough scalding tea made my belly glow on the inside but I still hid under a pile of blankets. I felt foolish knowing the temperature outside must have been hot enough to forge steel. I felt shattered. A heavily perspiring Navy surgeon told me I was damn lucky not to be paralyzed for life. Plus, he said, the hit could have made the thought of a wet dream only a pleasant memory. And he kept saying over and over again how lucky I was to be alive. "But,' he confided, 'you Marines are tough enough to eat nails." Then he laughed. But I didn't laugh with him. I was shattered. Shattered to the bone. I don't really remember the hit but I can recall certain details of that day in hell. The jungle had to be the worst. An alien territory where no-one in their right mind would live. There was life there all right, but there was also death--and lots of it. The heat and humidity would literally rot your clothing. When the rain would stop the sun proved it really was a molten furnace. I thought I knew what it meant to sweat. But there was nothing to compare to this. The sweat would burn my eyes unmercifully. Even wearing underwear be- came a nuisance. Fatigues were always wet either from the rain or from the sweat. There seemed no in-between. I was still one of the FNG's when I met Fitz. I couldn't believe he had already spent two years in the Army, was married, had two kids, and now was on his first tour of duty with the Corps. He would only say he needed the money. If I had told my friends back home I was enlisting in the Marine Corps for the money they would have laughed themselves silly. I liked Fitz. In his jokingly serious manner there wasn't hardly anything he didn't have an opinion about. He became my mentor, the older brother that I never had. As it turned out he must have been my guardian angel. Not that I ever believed in that sort of thing but maybe it is true. I was a fairly good marksman. There weren't many others that I couldn't compete against. The M-14 was a great rifle but the new M-16 made me nervous. Mine kept wanting to stop firing. Seemed like it needed to cool down. Occasionally a shell would jam causing me to drop to the jungle floor out of sight. NAM VET Newsletter Page 24 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 This gave me cover until the offensive shell could be eject- ed. I kept checking it again and again to the point of paranoia. After all, my very life depended on it. Fitz and I always seemed to walk near the front. Not always walking 'point' but close enough. Close enough to be near the dying. The heat was oppressive. I wasn't wearing underwear anymore mostly because they were rotted beyond recognition. Fitz was always pulling vegetation back far enough so it would snap back into someone's face walking behind him. A cheap, childish trick since that someone always seemed to be me. He would snicker. A deep guffaw. His moving branches made my senses keen and I would imagine it was the 'enemy.' Then it happened. The hit. A shout arose just ahead. I couldn't see very far ahead but it was close. Then the sound of automatic fire. Then the sound of hot fire flying through the leaves. As I pulled my M-16 up I bumped into Fitz. He had been just to my left and out of my limited vision. Soon there was an uproar. Automatic gunfire screaming from all directions. Gunships could be heard approaching soon to add their firepower to our aid. I heard Fitz yelling. His deep voice booming in the confusion. He was now right in front of me. He was screaming at me. "Get down! Get down!" Then the world exploded. The sun blew molten lava. Funny, I thought it was raining on a sunny day. I remember the medic leaning over me. He was talking all the time but there was little that seemed to make sense. I licked my lips thinking it had rained. I knew the rain would ease the severe dryness in my mouth. The moisture felt heavy -- the rain terribly bitter. I remember coughing. The medic continued speaking. "You'll make it, corporal, hang in there." The warm taste of rancid rain kept me awake. I couldn't feel my left leg and there was something against my right foot. Without thinking I tried to kick it away. Then reality took hold -- and I screamed. I had never screamed before but there was nothing I could do. The rain in my face had been blood. The object against my foot was Fitz' head. He had taken a direct hit -- blown apart. I screamed so hard my throat hurt. I remember the sun in my face. There wasn't a rain cloud in the sky. A Navy nurse helped me through the difficult times. She was always there to see how I was doing. Was there anything I needed? And then she would hold my hand. I couldn't remember the last time someone really held my hand. Well, I did but it was a soldier who had taken his shirt off to get some sun. A snipers bullet got him. A ghastly wound that was never going to heal. I held his hands until a medic arrived but there was no life to save. I helped with the body bag detail and strange as it seems, my hands somehow felt different. Kathryn had dark hair and blue eyes that sparkled. She would hold my hand firmly entwined in hers and sometimes put them to her breast. The hormones of youth should have risen like a volcano but my body only told my mind there was pain. Pain that bites. Pain that digs deep. Pain that doesn't let go. I only knew the pain sent hot jolts of shivers to my brain. Ofttimes when I awoke from drug induced sleep she would be sitting by my side even when she was off duty. She would smile, NAM VET Newsletter Page 25 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 eyes would sparkle and she would say she was just checking to see how I was doing. My spirits gradually improved and the pain in my body had a way of receding enough to let me try to walk. A disastrous affair. I fainted, stitches came loose and fresh blood covered the hallway. I awoke from emergency surgery to find her holding my hand so tight I was frightened that maybe there had been an amputation. There were no chills this time. I remember her leaning over me. Her cheeks wet. It didn't dawn on me at first why her cheeks were wet. Her blue, sparkling eyes were reddened and dark circles of fatigue surrounded them. Then she said something I will never forget: "I love you, Jim. More than life itself." I didn't know what to say but she hugged me and I tried to hug back. My body felt like hell warmed over as the anesthetic wore off. She continued to visit whenever possible and sometimes our intertwined hands were the only communication that existed. I still was at a loss for words. My worry about impotency shredded my thoughts and occupied my time alone. Surely, she couldn't love a man who couldn't be a man. I tossed and turned thinking about it. Maybe in time I would heal and be everything she wanted me to be. I thought of a thousand reasons why she didn't deserve to love me. How could she love someone she hardly knew? She said I was different than the others. There was something in my eyes. Something about me she had seen in no other man. I smiled at that statement. How stupid I was to equate my temporary impotency to the unfeigned love she offered. Her bedside vigil continued unabated. She told me about her hopes, dreams, and going home. How happy she would be just to go home. Yes, that was the dream of nearly everyone she met. They just wanted to go home. I really wasn't so sure. There wasn't a lot to go home for. I had received my 'Dear John' from the girl back home only three weeks into boot camp. Now I wasn't so sure if I would even be able to drive my car. Instead of just being grateful to be alive there I was brooding over something that wasn't important. Days turned into weeks. The sweltering weather continued unabated. Then the day arrived when Kathryn didn't visit. I asked everyone that came into my room about her. Nope, no-one had seen her. The minutes seemed like hours. The clock kept slowing down. The world was certainly dragging on it's axis. Late that night a sound by the bed caused me to stir from a light nap. It was Kathryn. The nurse who had whispered to me words that still today bring me wide awake. She broke the bad news. She was being transferred. The silence hung heavy. The hands nervous -- the palms sweaty. She said she was sorry. Very sorry. Her pale face -- red eyes again. We managed to laugh through the tears. She cried the day she left. My hands felt impossibly empty. Eventually I came home. My dad had my room freshly painted and laid new carpet. He had stored my car in the one-car garage while his sat outside in the weather. A return to the good life. My father with his cane while I hobbled around on crutches. The letters from Kathryn arrived regularly and we tried to hold hands over the phone. I guess time and distance are dangerous companions. The letters gradually slowed and Kathryn never seemed NAM VET Newsletter Page 26 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 to be available when I called. I was confused and bewildered when her letter arrived explaining how she had met someone else and thought it best we just be 'friends.' I continued having surgery and finally the body healed enough for me to live half-decent. I managed to take a nasty fall on some ice last winter and re-injured old wounds. Now I use a cane -- just like my dad. As part of the re-hab process I take long walks trying to strengthen the damaged flesh -- the aching bones. I came across two lovers on a park bench in the gathering darkness completely oblivious to their surroundings. A sudden surge of envy swept through me. As I passed unnoticed there came a memory of sparkling eyes, a wet cheek against mine, the words whispered in my ear. But most of all, I have missed the loving hands intertwined in mine. But I'm one of the lucky ones. I survived the rain. NAM VET Newsletter Page 27 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Inc. 2001 'S' Street NW - Suite 302 - Washington DC 20009 (202) 328-7253 FAX: (202) 328-0063 Submitted by: Martha Green VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 SISTER SEARCH Name:________________________Vietnam Era Name: ___________________ (If different) Address:_____________________________________ Work #: ____/_______ City:________________ State: __ Zip:________ Home #: Branch of Service or Civilian Organization: ___________________________________________ In-Country (Vietnam) Assignment #1: ___________________________________________________ Start Date: ___________________________ End Date: ________________ Assignment #2: ___________________________________________________ Start Date: ___________________________ End Date: ________________ Assignment #3: ___________________________________________________ Start Date: ___________________________ End Date: ________________ Vietnam Era (1959-1975) Assignment: ______________________________________________________ Start Date: ___________________________ End Date: ________________ The Project receives inquires from the press and researchers in search of Vietnam era women veterans who are willing to share their experiences.Your participation as a press/research/education contact is strictly optional. I authorize the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project to release my name to individuals or organizations who are seeking information on Vietnam era women veterans for press inquirries, research or educational activities. Signature ________________________________________ Date __________ I authorize the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project to release my name to the National Associate Volunteer, Regional and/or State Coordinator in my area. -------------------| FOR OFFICE USE | DATE RECEIVED: | | Signature ___________________ Date __________ TRANSFER: | | Please list the names and addresses of any ENTER: | other Vietnam era women veterans you know on | the back of this form. | COMMENTS: | -------------------| Thank you for participating in SISTER SEARCH NAM VET Newsletter Page 28 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== In-Touch ================================================================== Siblings In Touch Input by Ray "Frenchy" Moreau NamVet's IN-TOUCH Section Editor VETLink #2 - Herndon, Virginia (703) 471-8010 From: AMONG FRIENDS -- News of The Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial VOLUME 5 - NUMBER 2 FALL 1991 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The following article is a speech given by Jo Anne Seyfried at New York for brothers and sisters of those who died (or are missing) in Southeast Asia. For more information, call (202) 628-0726. He Was Just My Brother: The unknown Pain of Vietnam Siblings We are here today because we are survivors. I would like to tell about someone who has not been this fortunate - my brother Richard Alan Gilley. On January 31, 1968, the first day of the Tet offensive, he lost his life, along with 25 other guys of the 716th M.P. Battalion in Saigon. He would have been 21 years old on February 19th, just 18 months older than I. My first reaction to the news that my brother had been killed in Vietnam was, of course, shock. The second was denial. I thought "This can't be happening, he's my brother, the kid I grew up with. He's too young to have died." When his body was returned home, I had to face the truth, I had to acknowledge the fact that he was gone from my life. During the funeral, people showed a lot of compassion for my parents - you could see the deep hurt etched on their faces. Everyone did their best to console them on their loss. I, on the other hand, was given instructions - "Be strong for your mother. Don't cry, it will upset your parents. Be sure to make them proud of you." Gold Star Mothers came to speak with my Mom and she has been a Gold Star Mother since that time. By becoming active in Gold Star Mothers, she found a special way to cope with her loss. She is one of the past presidents of the Glendale Chapter in New York and is currently president of the Gold Star Mothers of the Volusia County Chapter in Daytona Beach, Florida. Mom is also very active in several other veteran organizations. I'm very proud of her for all her contributions. When my Dad withdrew from us in his grief, a friend of mine, Father Sal Castagliolla, spoke with him privately. It was acceptable and expected for parents to mourn, but what about the siblings? No one was there for me. What was said to me was of little or no comfort. Things like, "You're young and you have a life ahead of you," or, "In time, you'll feel better," would not take the hurt away. My brother was young too; this will never go away. "I was told to help them, but how could I when I needed Help myself?" NAM VET Newsletter Page 29 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 The worst was said when I was in hearing range: "He was just her brother! Just my big brother, just my only brother, just the only sibling I had! All of this made me feel as though my parents were the only ones that suffered a loss. I was told to help them, but how could I when I needed help myself? For years I did my best to follow all the instructions given to me during that time. I was full of anger, survivor's guilt, hurt and other feelings I couldn't identify. My parents, for all they lost, still had the parent/child relationship. But my relationship was gone - I would never again have a sibling. In 1989, I met Laura Palmer, a journalist who at the time wrote a weekly article for the 'New York Daily News' entitled "Welcome Home." We spoke, and to my surprise, I started to cry. She gently hugged me and afterwards gave me Melinda Knapp's telephone number, (she had also lost her brother Gregg in Nam) and took my number to give to her. Laura knew I was reluctant to call, so she had Melinda call me. We spoke for a few minutes about our losses, but because I held back, I felt no better. Months went by and I started to feel worse than ever about Richard's death, so I called Melinda and opened up my heart. It was the best thing I had done for myself in years. She didn't stop me from crying, like everyone else did, but cried with me - for both our brothers and ourselves. By the time we hung up, there had even been some laughter through all the tears. We were on the phone a lot - she knew how badly I was struggling and never let too many days go by without calling to say "Hi, how are you?" Any time I would ask "How are you?" she would say, and still says, "I'm here!" I guess that's why I kept calling - I knew she would be there. On Memorial Day, 1990, Melinda called me several times. It was really the worst year for me. The last time she gave me the number of Joe Tori, whose brother, Tommy, was also killed in action. The first time I called, I left a message on his answering machine as to who I was and why I was calling. When he called back, I asked if he was okay, and he said "I was until your call." Maybe he was - but I don't think so. By returning my call, he was reaching back to my reaching out. A few days later, Melinda asked me if I had ever been to the Wall in Washington, D.C. When I told her "no," she said I needed to go there, and before I knew it, she and Joey had made arrangements for the trip. At the last minute, while speaking to Joey, I tried to get out of going. But in the middle of one of my excuses, he stopped me cold and said, "You are going; Melinda and I are taking you." It was 4:00 a.m. when we arrived, and as I saw the Wall for the first time in the darkness, I froze with fear. Together they gently led me to the panel that bears my brother's name. As I stood staring at his name, they stood on either side of me. They heard and understood my screams of anger, frustration and sorrow. They cried with me for the loss of our brothers and the pain they knew I was in. When my legs gave out and I could no longer stand, they held me up. When I turned to run from the Wall, Melinda grabbed my shirt and told me I was running from myself and I couldn't do that anymore. That was the worst and best morning I had in 22 years. They knew and understood firsthand just what I was feeling. More importantly, they allowed me to voice some of what had been shut up inside me for so many years. Shortly after that trip, we founded the Siblings 'In Touch' program through the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This would enable NAM VET Newsletter Page 30 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 other siblings to be able to speak to one another about what they are feeling: To talk about it, to cry about it, or just call to say "hello" to someone who shares a common loss. If anyone here is interested in Sibling 'In Touch', or knows of anyone who may be interested, we want you to now that we are here to help. Before I close, I'd like to share something of my childhood with all of you. When Richard and I were little, there was a favorite show of ours on television - maybe some of you recall it. It was called "Winky Dink and Me." During the show, children got to draw along with Winky. There was a kit that contained a green piece of plastic you put on the TV Screen and drew on with special crayons. Rich drew the turtle and I drew the bridge. It was a work of art, we couldn't have been more pleased with ourselves. Mom, on the other hand, was less pleased because she hadn't bought the kit yet! She bought it that day! I always thought of Winky as a cute character - who was lost to me as Richard was. Recently, remembering Winky, I realized that his body was shaped like a star, and knowing that a star is a bright spot of light in the darkness, I've come to believe that although my brother cannot be with me, I have found Winky Dink once more. Winky lives within Melinda, Winky lives within Joey, and all the other siblings I have come to know through the program. They brighten the way for me to be helped, as well as help others come to terms with the loss of brothers or sisters in the darkness of loneliness and despair - and there's a lot of that. In closing, I just want to say to Melinda and Joey, that I love you and thanks for being here. I don't know where I'd be without you, certainly not here tonight. And to the siblings, that we of the "In Touch" program care about you and are here for you if you should need us. Thank you. NAM VET Newsletter Page 31 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 In-Touch. What is it ??? Input by: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau NAM VETs IN-TOUCH Section Editor Herndon Byte eXchange/VETLink #2 - 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 32 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 | | | 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 33 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 | 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 34 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 IN-TOUCH Registration/Request Form 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: ________________________________________________________ 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 NAM VET Newsletter Page 35 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 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 36 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== The NamVet Chapel ================================================================== Chaplain Ed's Monthly Editorial By Rev. Ed Brant NamVet's Guest Chaplain VETLink #7 BBS - Portland, Oregon (503) 775-1554 Many things have been seen here in Portland, Oregon by me that has moved my thoughts to the problem many of us had with the "Church" as we returned from the Nam. I can't speak for all of us, I'm sure, but I most certainly can speak for myself. You can also speak for yourself. As I returned, I became bitter against the clergy of the U.S.A. when I learned that some were marching at the head of protest marches against the war (some still refer to it as a conflict, but we who are the one's who fought in it, know it was a war). This affected my attitude concerning "religion", and I'm sure it did yours. From past issues, perhaps two years ago, some may remember my personal testimony to the change in behaviour, attitude, and lifestyle while still on active duty in the U.S.M.C. The change in lifestyle, now THAT'S something! From "can see to can't see" I was drunk, 24 hours each and every day for about 2 years. The Corps caught up with me, and miracle of miracles, I was allowed to stay in, till retirement. Drinking like that, why? Looking backward the only reason for drinking like that I can come up with seems to be to attempt to forget. But God used that troublesome time to drive me to Him. Although drink didn't leave me at once, it did leave over a period of time, and there is no way that I can say "when" it left. All I know is that as I read the Word of God, as I spoke with Him each day, as I began to be friends with some (heaven forbid) Christians, the desire for alcohol just left. Now what, pray tell, does that all have to do with my avowed subject? Just that I seem to see a change in the attitude of the Church. Not the denominations, but just in the Church which is made up of all those who believe in Him. Now that change in lifestyle mentioned in the beginning... I went from rough stuff to hard stuff as I live a Christian life honoring the King in all my actions, thoughts, and intents of life in the Corps. Some of you may understand that. Some may not. We can dialog in a separate column (Joe you listening?) if the editor will allocate space for your questions, and my short answers. I think the Church is undergoing a change. Have any of you seen the mega churches springing up? I speak of congregations numbering in the thousands. Multi services. Meeting in houses, restaurants, bars, (Yes! Grin! BARS!) and anywhere else people can gather and look at the Word of God (and each other). Sharing time. Having things in common, and using skills and ideas to help one another. Let's see if we can bring it closer home. One author I admire (Howard A. Snyder) speaks of a liberated theology. What I get from reading him is something like this. Sell the Church building. Give the money to the poor. Then go out among the peoples of the world, poor and rich alike, and begin ministering to them. Meet their need, and share the gospel at the same time. No forcing, stuffing it down throats, etc. Just a lifestyle that speaks holiness, love (an ACTION VERB if you can accept that), and NAM VET Newsletter Page 37 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 concern for the well-being of a fellow man. As an illustration, I can live an open and aboveboard lifestyle, and share what I believe, and leave everything else up to God and the individual. I don't have to prove anything. All I'm called to do is "go and tell". Kind of frees us up, wouldn't you say, from what was expected of a Christian in the past? Now how can we apply this idea to life? Your life, and mine? Well, let's consider the following as something to at least think over for a month or so, (till the next issue of NamVet). First Liberation Theology (that's what it's called) must have a model to follow. Let's develop that model. What do we as Vets desire to see in `our' Church? How about JUSTICE? What do we want to have liberated? To be liberated from? How does God enter into the picture as to time and the work of the Church in the ideals of our culture? Does this concern the Church as rules to be observed? As lifestyle within the community of believers? As serving the people of their communities who are needful? How should the service be accomplished? As witnesses of the One to whom the Church swears their allegiance? How? When? Is there a formula to be followed? And lastly, I think it good that we should look at the warfare in the trenches. After all, the one's in the battle determine the success of the ranking officer, true? Therefore, we fight, either on the side of the Church or against the Church. Oh yes, the Church. What IS it? Who is it? I suppose it'd be good to know what one represents in the battle, huh? Else can we have our heart in the good of the community? Let me ramble for a moment. At a recent Veterans campout, we had maybe 400 or so. This included family, i.e., wives, children, dogs, and us Vets. Some of you remember I was CORPS. Well, to shorten the story, within a half hour, I'd wager, ALL of USMC Vets had pegged each other. We knew who we were, and we tended to gravitate together at the campfire, the various gatherings we had. When one of us was in trouble, another came and helped. My little girl, age 3 1/2 at the time, was on top of a hill. (That's a mountain to you plains dwellers) and was afraid to come down after the older children ran on exploring. A vet picked her up and brought her down. I don't know who it was. Just one Vet helping another Vet. Before it was over, my wife made the comment "You're not afraid to let the kids run here, are you?" and I answered "No". You see, among the Vets and their families was a comradery that many organizations envy. I trusted them, and they trusted me. That's how I envision the Church. In the CORPS we said "ONE FOR ALL. ALL FOR ONE." And that's the way it was. Heart. That's where it's at. Well, the different services do something to establish "heart" in the troops. I met a retired MARINE awhile back when I was out of work, and for no other reason than I was a MARINE, he offered me a job. Called every day for about two weeks. I wasn't interested, but the illustration is there. Look out for one another. Take the Point. Act as Rear Guard. Well so much for digressing. You see, the Church is an organization that follows God. Not a denomination, but people created in the image of God. That's all of us, but not all of us belong to the Church. It's exclusive. There's only one way to become a part of the Church. That's something we'll discuss, too. NAM VET Newsletter Page 38 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 OK, I've just looked back over this paper, and it seems there's enough to take up a few pages each month as we develop the thoughts mentioned and implied. Till next time, I ask God to bless each one of you who are in the light. Rev. Ed NAM VET Newsletter Page 39 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 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 40 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Welcome Home by Willie G. Dougherty VETLink #1 BBS - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 "Welcome home soldier, we're proud of you" Spoken words were never so true. But that doesn't stop this hurt deep inside. God, would it had been easier if I had died? I want them to know how proud I am, and that I really do give a damm. But, it hurts me so to see everyone, forget that thankless job we had done. We didn't want to fight that war, didn't even know what we were fighting for Came home tired, hurt, and lost, so many lives that damm war cost. You expect me to talk, it will help me deal. But the nightmare for me is still so real. What can I say to make you see, the person that's here is no longer me. Will you ever understand how much I left behind in that land called Nam? My mind is numb, my heart is torn. My desolate past, I quietly mourn. This empty space inside of me, the space where life use to be. Now just sorrow, pain and fear. And one very lonely, solitary tear. copyright 1992 Willie G. Dougherty NAM VET Newsletter Page 41 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== Don't drink the water! ================================================================== Researcher Links Elevated Levels of Dioxin in Vietnam Vets To Agent Orange Exposure by Judy Daubenmier (Associated Press) Lansing State Journal (Newspaper) September 9, 1991 Submitted by ??? VETLink #1 BBS - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 A researcher studying Vietnam veterans from Michigan has found high levels of dioxin from Agent Orange in their blood more than 20 years after the defoliant was sprayed on Southeast Asian jungles. Dr. Arnold Schecter said the elevated levels were found in five of 20 blood samples tested this summer. Levels ranged from 22 parts per trillion to 130 parts per trillion. The average American's blood has between 3 parts per trillion and 6 parts per trillion. Schecter said the research, done for the Michigan Agent Orange Commission, eventually could help scientists determine what level of exposure to the herbicide is a health risk. "The question is what dose did they get and what dose level do we need to be concerned about," said Schecter, professor of preventive medicine at the State University of New York. The chairman of the Michigan Agent Orange Commission said the Michigan study is the only remaining hope for anxious veterans. "All veterans who served in the Vietnam conflict should definitely be concerned," said Keith Mino. "We know that they're suffering health effects. Wherever I've traveled, I've met with Vietnam veterans who are dying. I've met with widows who have watched young men die of strange, rare forms of cancer. It's been a terrible thing to witness." Dioxin, the by-product that occurred in the production of the jungle defoliant, has been shown to cause cancer, still births and birth defects in laboratory animals. Vietnam veterans blame the herbicide for more than two dozen health problems. But the Veterans Administration has agreed to compensate veterans for just three conditions. Those are chloracne, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and soft-tissue sarcoma. Mino lost his 2-year-old son to a rare form of liver cancer. He fears that was linked to his service in a part of Vietnam that Agent Orange turned from a dense jungle into barren sand dunes before he arrived. About 109,000 of the 400,000 Michigan residents who served in the military during the Vietnam War filled out Agent Orange questionnaires for the commission in 1987 and 1989. About 161,000 Michigan residents served in Vietnam. The 20 veterans whose blood was tested came from 2,000 who said they had handled Agent Orange or were part of Operation Ranch Hand, the Air Force mission responsible for spraying Agent Orange. Schecter said medical records will be reviewed to see if any of the five with high dioxin levels have a history of cancer or if their children have birth defects. Harry McGee, chief of veterans health promotion for the Michigan Department of Public Health, said dioxin levels will be studied in NAM VET Newsletter Page 42 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 another group of 29 veterans. They had high exposure to Agent Orange and have developed cancer or have children with birth defects. The uniqueness of the Michigan study is the long period of time since veterans initially were exposed to Agent Orange, McGee said. "We're looking at a period long enough after the war that cancers would be expected to show up. Some of the studies done elsewhere looked at cancers 10 years after the war and some you wouldn't expect to see for 20 years. Hopefully, we're looking for a better perspective than some of the other studies," McGee said. McGee said in the planning stages is a study of other veterans with high dioxin levels to see if dioxin can be found in their semen. Also on the drawing board is a study using death certificates to compare the death and cancer rates of Vietnam veterans with the general population, he said. The only other state with an active Agent Orange research program is New Jersey. Schecter said research is continuing in Vietnam, where many of the 32 million residents of the south were sprayed with 12 million gallons of the herbicide. PCBs may add to or multiply the toxic effects of dioxin so including them gives a clearer picture of the threat to veterans' health, he said. Schecter plans to complete his research on dioxin levels by October 1992. But full answers will take more time. "We're coming closer than we were five years ago but it's probably going to take another five to 10 years before we can tell someone, you do need to be concerned or don't need to be concerned," he said. Mino sand the commission's other goal is to prick the nation's conscience into aiding veterans it has so far ignored. "All we've ever asked for is honesty. Help us find the truth. We're hoping once we've established the truth the government will admit we've done a terrible thing and help these people, help their widows," he said. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Michigan Agent Orange Commission Michigan Department of Public Health Center for Health Promotion 3423 N. Logan/Martin L. King Jr. Blvd. PO Box 30195 Lansing, MI 48909 NAM VET Newsletter Page 43 Volume 6, Number 4 April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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 44 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Casualties of (Viewing) War - A film review by Joseph Fegan - 25 August 1989 VETLink #1 BBS - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Last weekend was particularly troublesome. On Saturday 19 August, I had visited the Moving Wall, a 50% replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which circuits the USA. It enables those who cannot afford the trip to Washington, DC an opportunity to pay homage to the American men and women who valiantly gave their lives during the Vietnam War. I had been an infantryman in Co. B, 1/12th Battalion, 4th Infantry Division from May, 1968 through May 1969. We "camped out" a lot. Our AO extended from the mountain ranges west of Kontum, and into the Plei Trap Valley. We also worked that part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail which dumped into the tri-country border area. Onwards, we patrolled and CA'ed to Pleiku in the Central Highlands, and on to the Mewal Rubber Plantation of Ban Me Thout. Additionally, we extended and as far southwest in II Corps as Duc Lap, on the Cambodian border. The enemy we fought were NVA regulars. We were a reaction force. Yes, atrocities did occur. We lost men in ambushes and in formal battles. We took lives, also, by direct rifle fire, grenade throwing, artillery and mortar direction, air strikes and arc lights. We committed these atrocities in defending ourselves. We buried dead enemies, body-bagged and carried our own fallen onto LZ's for medivac or dustoff. Later, greater atrocities occurred. At the battalion graves registration site, we would have to identify the corpses of our often shrapnel-shredded buddies. I distinctly remember having to identify eight men who had been left in the sun for four days. There were so many gooks around, and so many wounded, that we couldn't get out the dead right away. I live with the atrocity of being unable to identify positively my best friend. This was partially because I did not want to admit that Dean Johnson had bought the farm. Surely, he was wearing an O.D. Field jacket with his name on it, and surely, the dog tags stated his name. He was so bloated and blackened because of the extreme heat, and the length of time in the sun that it could not have been Dean. But it was. And that was a genuine atrocity. And the pain and suffering which his parents still feel. And the loss yet shared by his former fiancee. And these are atrocious, too. And so, to Dean, and the other men from Bravo Company, I had paid my respects on Saturday, 19 August. And it troubled me. And the next day I viewed "Casualties of War". Another damn "what if" rendition of an alleged atrocity. This one is worse than an atrocity. It is repulsive. It is an insult to the many fine people who had served our country, who had responded to the call to duty. I came away from viewing the movie with a sense of outrage. I also felt a vacuum of pity for the American public, an overlooked real casualty of war. Vietnam veterans have been working for the past decade and more on dealing with the trauma of war. We NAM VET Newsletter Page 45 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 continually do all possible to put it into its proper context, and continue with our lives. Many of us survivors have had to deal with inexplicable severe reactions to the formerly hostile society which had confronted us on homecoming. Many of us shut off the outside world, and forced some sort of self-medication to alleviate the pain which we bear. The fallout has posited a high rate of divorces, alcoholism, drug addiction, incarcerations, etc. The expression, "It don't mean nothin'," is alive within us. It is a mind-set. It is a defense. Irresponsible people within the media had conceived the "sniper in the park" concept. The film/television industry had depicted us early-on as criminals-at-large, and later, as "Rambozo, the ULTIMATE warrior." Brian De Palma, the eclectic plagiarist, has discovered a newer, lower depth, in this filmic comment on the condition of mankind. This vomitus celluloid-fantasy regurgitates a yarn, detailing the baptism by fire of an FNG (the last two initials mean "New Guy"), who was part of an Americal combat infantry outfit. The movie begins with text, stating that the film we are about to see is based upon an allegedly true 1969 magazine article. Visually, the film opens with an interior of a contemporary urban bus. A young, white man notices an attractive Oriental girl, boarding the bus. Dissolve to a night military operation, in which this man's platoon has become targets for mortar fire. The FNG falls through the roof of a VC tunnel, and is trapped. Braving incoming mortar rounds and rifle fire, his sergeant doubles-back, and in the nick of time rescues the "Cherry." They get away. Soon, they go to the rear for a beer. (Evidently, the current version of the fighting man in Vietnam resembles the 8-5 mentality of "Tour of Duty." My outfit had stayed in the bush for 12 - 16 months, even before standing-down. -JTF) These guys decide to go into the local village for drinks and sex. An MP blocks the way, stating that the VC are in town tonight, and it is unsafe. (No comments on any attempt by American warriors to trap Charlie, here. Nice job, Brian. Or, is that another story?) Disgruntled, the GI's return to their hootch, whimpering. Sunrise, and another mission, another village. The grunts CA into position. Casually, without incident move through the hamlet. The sergeant (Sean Penn) and another GI are very short-timers, each having less than 30 days left in their individual tours. The dialogue is stilted, strained. The writer uses terminology which came into existence long after the war had ended. (Bad writing, probably done by some wannabe.) The two short-timers instruct the FNG in the ways of the war, the enemy, the local people. Hometown rules do not apply. They are so engrossed in giving pointers, they failed to notice the indigenous rice farmers collectively and rapidly vacating the background, even though the sun is high in the sky. The black short-timer, buddy of the sergeant, gets hit by a sniper's bullet. The FNG is fascinated by what is happening to the dying black man. Instead of keeping his attention on the enemy, he keeps his back turned. At this moment the villagers provide the sniper with a hidden tunnel entrance, into which he disappears. And the FNG still has his head turned! And the enemy gets away. (No comment on the FNG's sin of omission.) End of mission. From this we are to deduct that the people, whom we were trying to help, really did not want us there. (What I observed was not to NAM VET Newsletter Page 46 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 rely upon FNG's.) Seething with sexual frustration, and revenge for the dead black GI, the short-timer sergeant decides, while on his next mission, to kidnap a village girl, "a travelling R&R." In the middle of the night, he and his team depart the base camp, and detour to a village nearby his assigned objective. They enter the hamlet, find a likely suspect asleep with her parents and sister. At gunpoint they abduct the young girl. Her parents' shrieking and wailing awaken the entire village. The GI's leave with the girl slung over the shoulder of one soldier, a prize of sorts. Next, we witness the five men and girl hiking to the objective site, in the middle of an enemy infested area. (Can you really believe this crap?) The GI's are supposed to be doing reconnaissance work. Now, however, they have time to host an unguarded open picnic, and find a vacant Motel 6 of convenience in which to enjoy their real objective of kidnap and rape. Except the FNG. He can't stoop to a Ghengis Khan mentality. Instead, he decides to jeopardize the whole mission, and put the recon team at risk of losing their lives. (Nice guy to have in a bunker with you, eh?) Deus-ex-machina arrives in the form of all the armaments in the world being brought upon an entrenched enemy. Generous primary and secondary explosions, and, of course, liberal use of napalm, result in killing all the bad guys. A couple of supporting American Riverine unfortunates get nailed, too. Meanwhile, the girl, also at the battle scene, gets stabbed and shot by most of the subject G.I. recon team. (Guess which boy scout didn't join the sport.) On returning to base camp (Again!), the FNG reports to his commanding officers the details of abduction and rape affected by the same sergeant, who previously had saved this FNG's life. (A real morality play.) The crusty Captain threatens the FNG with perennial tunnel rat duty, unless he drops the charges. But, no way. Boy scouts will be boy scouts, and even ignorant high- principled FNG's must stand up and be counted. The ensuing court martial results in Leavenworth-sentencing for the guilty G.I.'s. The vindicated FNG awakens aboard the bus in San Francisco. The Oriental girl who had evoked the memory of the incident, queries, "Do I remind you of someone?... Well, the war is over." The film closes with text, again stating that it is based upon an actual incident, which had been reported to a major periodical in late 1969. Now we can all live happily ever after. The war is over. Hooray. The war is over. Admittedly, a concerned viewer might inquire, "What would I have done, given the same set of circumstances?" The old art/life imitation adage. However, I believe essentially that the impressions reinforced by this film will be like those of the early post-Vietnam War years. Vietnam veterans again are being type-cast as outlaw dope- smoking rapists and murders. But now we have reached the nadir as betraying turncoats, haunted by memories of traumatic events. Perpetuating this negative image is the worst atrocity I can imagine. Brian De Palma's film is a detriment to the many fine actions affected by American citizens, during the Vietnam War. It speaks nothing of the aid which we had given to the starving Vietnamese, the hospitals which we had constructed for their use, NAM VET Newsletter Page 47 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 the lives which we had saved. It speaks not a word of the outrageous atrocities inflicted by the NVA and VC upon the people of the Republic of Vietnam. It fails to address any inferences of the communist brutality, which wiped-out an entire civilization of Montangards. No mention is made of the raping and pillaging and enslaving done by our former enemy, the honorable NVA and VC. Not only is this film myopic and opportunistic (even while attempting to portray the events with objectivity), but also it fails in its resolution, and leaves the viewer with disgust and despair. The biased portrayals of incidents such as these are not only unfair to the Vietnam veteran, but also have many potential negative after effects. Our society has long since become numbed by the Vietnam experience. Even the best memories of Vietnam (especially by those who had never been there) are negative. Now, when yet another filmmaker decides to jump on the nostalgic bandwagon concerning Vietnam, he could at least be responsible. He should consider the negative effects of depicting an alleged event, such as this. Why reinforce negative, ignorant, and poorly formed impressions of the Vietnam veteran? I posit that incidents such as those depicted in "Casualties of War" were extremely rare. (If they had happened at all.) Chances are, today's viewing audience will believe these actions were commonplace. America's fighting men and women deserve better than that. We do not ask for sympathy, but understanding. America's fighting men are doing all possible to self-heal. We do not appreciate cheap shots taken, especially, by greedy ex-draft dodgers. Atrocious is the lack of social responsibility evidenced by Brian De Palma and company. He is smearing the memory of the 58,000 American men and women who had died in that war, their families, and their loved ones. To date, 110,000 suicides have been committed by Vietnam veterans. Most of these happened within their first year of returning home. Should a responsible filmmaker risk adding to the distortions of, and about, the Vietnam War? Good work is very hard to find. Good films, even more difficult. I encourage every genuinely concerned human being to avoid tripe such as this counter-productive movie. Its only design is to grab your dollars from your pockets. If one is so-moved to share wealth, then by all means, contribute to a charitable organization of your choice. The war continues. Last weekend was atrocious. NAM VET Newsletter Page 48 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== Things ya gotta 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-- I participated in the Chapter 32 education program during my first enlistment and have since reentered the service. Since the new Montgomery GI Bill, chapter 30, offers better benefits, may I switch my entitlement to it? A-- No. Participants in Chapter 3 (Veterans' Educational Assistance [VEAP] may not participate in the Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 30. However, all of those on active duty on Sept. 30, 1990, who are discharged as a result of an involuntary reduction in force (RIF) after Feb. 2, 1991, may elect Chapter 30. Their military must be reduced by $1,200 and they must receive an HONORABLE discharge. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required before benefits can be authorized. Q-- My husband was killed in Vietnam. I remarried after his death, but was divorced in December, 1991. Can benefits from my first husband be restored? A-- No. A surviving spouse is not eligible for restoration of benefits unless her remarriage was terminated prior to Nov. 1, 1990. Q-- Can I use my VA home loan guaranty to purchase a motor home? A-- No. Motor homes are not included in VA's program; however, manufactured homes with or without a lot are. Q-- My husband has been rated 100 percent for a service-connected disability and has been receiving compensation for 15 years. If he dies from other than service-connected causes, will I be entitled to Disability Indemnity Compensation (DIC)? A-- Yes. The widow of a veteran who was 100 percent service- connected disabled for at least ten years prior to his death is entitled to DIC benefits, regardless of the cause of death, provided that they were married two or more years or that a child was born of the marriage. Q-- My husband was a naval officer killed in World War II and buried at sea. I never remarried and would like to be buried in a VA cemetery. May I? A-- Yes. The widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces lost or buried at sea, or officially determined to be in a missing or missing-in-action status, or whose remains have been donated to science or cremated, is eligible for burial in a national cemetery. NAM VET Newsletter Page 49 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Q-- Does VA offer special mortgage insurance for veterans? A-- A veteran may purchase Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance if he or she has received a grant for specially adapted housing. Q-- Can I be granted VA disability compensation for a medical condition that was directly caused by medication that VA prescribed for my service-connected disability? A-- Yes. You should file a claim for service-connection for the secondary condition as being due to, or the result of, the original disease or injury. Q-- I lost my original DD 214 and need a copy to apply for benefits. How can I get one? A-- Call your nearest VA regional office to determine whether or not a certified copy may be obtained from your claim file. If not, the office can help you complete an SF 180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) which should then be sent to the National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132. Q-- How can I get my Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal? A-- Contact your nearest VA regional office to obtain DD Form 2567 and send the completed form to the address on the back of that application. Q-- Who is eligible for a Veterans Readjustment Act (VRA) appointment? A-- Veterans who served more than 180 days of active duty, any part of which occurred during the Vietnam era -- Aug. 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975 -- and have other than a dishonorable discharge, are eligible if they have a service-connected disability or a campaign medal. Post-Vietnam era veterans, who enlisted after May 7, 1975 are eligible if they served on active duty for more than 180 days and have other than a dishonorable discharge. The 180-day requirement does not apply to veterans discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability. Q-- What jobs can be filled under the Veterans Readjustment Act (VRA) authority? A-- Federal agencies can now fill general schedule vacancies up through GS-11, wage grade vacancies up through WG-11 and equivalent jobs under the federal pay system. Q-- As a disabled veteran, am I entitled to special consideration when applying for a federal position under VRA? A-- Agencies must give preference to disabled veterans over other veterans and nonveterans. NAM VET Newsletter Page 50 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 CompuServe's Military Forum Redesigned CompuServe News Release Corporate Headquarters - Columbus, Ohio (614) 457-8600 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Debra Young COMPUSERVE INCORPORATED 614/457-8600 CompuServe Mail: 70004,336 Duane Goodridge Military Forum Administrator 614/837-9174 CompuServe Mail: 76711,217 Columbus, Ohio, 23-Apr-92 -- A redesign of the Military Forum on the CompuServe Information Service allows CompuServe members to access information and take part in discussions on an expanded list of military-related topics, including military history, active duty, military hardware, military & veterans' organizations, veterans' benefits, and Vietnam. A forum on CompuServe is a place online where people with a particular interest gather to attend online conferences, exchange information, and benefit from the expertise and enthusiasm of others who share that interest. There are more than 300 forums available to CompuServe members, including those devoted to personal computing. In addition to the reorganization of the Military Forum, a special section has been established to provide information and a schedule of events for the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Washington, D.C. Included in the celebration 11-NOV will be a reception for Military Forum members. According to Duane Goodridge, forum administrator, the real joy of the Military Forum is the opportunity to help people throughout the United States and the world. "Some recent examples include a member who needed a list of all U.S. Air Force officers who were killed or declared missing during the Vietnam War. He received the information from another forum member in less than 48 hours. On another occasion, a Desert Storm vet needed information on how to deal with a property tax matter. A high-level representative from the American Legion was able to help get the problem resolved." In addition to the Military Forum, the CompuServe Information Service offers its 980,000 members more than 1,700 databases, including personal computing support, electronic mail, personal investment information, news and reference services, home shopping, entertainment, and computer games. Anyone interested in military or veteran issues and becoming a CompuServe member can call 800/848-8199 and ask for representative #157 for a free introductory membership booklet. CompuServe Incorporated also provides electronic mail, database access, system integration, software, and wide and local area network services to major U.S. corporations and government agencies. CompuServe is an H&R Block company. NAM VET Newsletter Page 51 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 The Path to Permission By Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans' Section Editor VETLink # 13 - Las Cruces, NM (505) 524-2811 XXXX Evelyn St. Las Cruces, NM 88001 February 23, 1992 Mr. Walter Porges Vice President, News Practices, ABC News 47 West 66th St. New York, NY 10023 Dear Mr. Porges; I am an associate editor for a veteran's newsletter, primarily about and for Vietnam veterans, but is available to all veterans, that is sent electronically across the United States and Canada. This newsletter informs veterans of current issues and passes along any and all information that may be helpful to them. The plight of our homeless veterans is very important to them all. I would like permission to reprint the transcript section called "After the Storm" from the January 23, 1992 broadcast of PrimeTime Live. It would be reproduced in its entirety, giving full credit to ABC News, PrimeTime Live, John Quinones (as correspondent), Stanhope Gould (as producer), and you, for permission given. Enclosed you will find a copy of what will be submitted, upon your approval, to the newsletter as well as our copyright notice. If any further information is needed, please do not hesitate to contact me through any of the listed numbers below. Thank you, in advance, for any time or trouble taken on my behalf. Yours truly; Joyce Flory XXXX Evelyn St. Las Cruces, NM 88001 (505) XXX-XXXX (voice) VETLink #13 BBS (Bulletin Board Service) (505) 523-2811 FidoNet 1:305/105 or 1:305/11 The following arrived on March 5, 1992: ABC News 47 West 66 Street New York NY 10023 (212) 887 4008 Walter R. Porges Vice President News Practices March 2, 1992 Joyce Flory NAM VET Newsletter Page 52 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 XXXX Evelyn Street Las Cruces, NM. 88001 Dear Joyce Flory; You may reprint the PRIMETIME LIVE script if you will be good enough to sign and return our standard legal indemnification form. Thanks. Yours truly, s/ Walter R. Porges (enclosed) DATE March 2, 1992 Name Joyce Flory Address XXXX Evelyn Street Las Cruces, NM 88001 Re: PRIMETIME LIVE segment, ABC News, 1/23/92 (HOMELESS VETS) Dear Sirs; This is to confirm that we have granted you permission to incorporate up (entire transcript) to ______minutes (*the excerpts*) from the above-referenced ABC News broadcast in ...VETLink #13 BBS Our consent to use excerpts is subject to the following terms and conditions: 1. We make no representations or warranties whatsoever in connection with the excerpts. 2. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless us, Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., and other parties from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses or damages (including attorney's fees) arising out of or in connection with your use of the excerpts. 3. You agree to pay any and all fees required by any collective bargaining agreements for persons rendering services in connection with the excerpts and to make payments to any persons or entities otherwise required by virtue of your use of the excerpts. 4. ABC reserves all rights in the excerpts. Except as specifically provided for above, you agree not to reproduce the excerpts (or cause the excerpts to be reproduced) or to sell, license or otherwise attempt to dispose of any rights in the excerpts. 5. You agree to include a courtesy credit in your program indicating that material was furnished by ABC News ______________. NAM VET Newsletter Page 53 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 - 2 - Please indicate your acceptance of the foregoing terms and conditions by signing the enclosed duplicate copy of this letter in the space provided below and return that copy to me. Very truly yours, AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC. By: s/ Walter R. Porges Vice President News Practices ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO: By: (my) s/ Title:________________ Date: March 6, 1992 SS/CE Enclosure 00245 NOTE FROM JOE: Article follows... NAM VET Newsletter Page 54 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 After the Storm PrimeTime Live Broadcast Transcript Input by Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans' Section Editor VETLink #13 - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 DONALDSON: Good evening. Next time you see a homeless person, stop and think for a moment. What if you knew he risked his life for this country? What if you knew he was one of the troops we so proudly supported this time last year? You may not realize it, but after all the welcome home parties some soldiers from Desert Storm had no place to go. If you thought they could all count on the Veterans Administration, you're wrong. As John Quinones found out, many veterans are now fighting a different kind of battle, a battle to survive on the streets. JOHN QUINONES, ABC News: [voice-over] You'd never know it by looking at him, but Jessie Jones is a genuine American hero. Twenty years ago Jesse served in Vietnam where he was wounded twice. He came out of the war as one of its most highly decorated soldiers. His military record shows he was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Silver Star for bravery. JESSE JONES: I killed more than 30 men, 30 men in one day single- handed by myself armed with nothing but hand grenades and a .45 pistol. QUINONES: Thirty men? Mr.JONES: By myself. They sent a general over to Vietnam, stood him on a hill in front of everybody, and put a medal around my neck. QUINONES: You're proud of that. Mr.JONES: Oh, yes. QUINONES: [voice-over] A year ago Jesse was again on the front lines as U.S. troops liberated Kuwait. In fact, the hat he wears today was taken off a dead Iraqi soldier. Mr.JONES: And I like to wear it because in Massachusetts this time of year it gets cold. QUINONES: [voice-over] Jesse says he's needed that kind of protection from the cold because for much of the past year he's been living on the same streets where eight months ago he was welcomed. Mr.JONES: From Desert Storm, we came home. Everybody had a big parade for us. It was a popular war. We won the war. QUINONES: What happened when the music ended? Mr.JONES: The war's gone. It's forgotten. The veterans is forgotten. QUINONES: [voice-over] Today Jesse suffers from post-traumatic NAM VET Newsletter Page 55 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 stress, a psychological disorder caused by his years in combat. Because of that he's not been able to hold onto a job. He says he's been sleeping in shelters, subways and banks. [interviewing] How do you get in? Mr.JONES: Well, what I do is, I take my AMT card, just stick it in here like this. The door unlocks. Pull the door. QUINONES: [voice-over] Once inside, Jesse finds comfort on a piece of cardboard next to an automatic teller machine. [interviewing] But you were awarded the Silver Star, which is given for gallantry and bravery beyond the call of duty, right? Mr.JONES: Other than the fact of knowing that - you know, that you - as a soldier, you've achieved the highest that you can, other than that it counts for very little. I mean, it's not going to get you a place to stay. It's not going to get you a meal in the morning. QUINONES: [voice-over] Jesse is not alone. One third of all the homeless people you see on the streets of America today are veterans. That's about 200,000 people with nowhere to go because, they say, the V.A., which is responsible for the welfare of all veterans, has virtually ignored them. [on camera] The V.A. spends $32 billion a year on veterans, but only one tenth of one percent of that goes specifically to help the homeless, two programs designed to provide housing, jobs and health care, but they reach only 12,000 vets a year. That leaves 188,000 homeless vets out in the cold. FRED BARN: I'm not very happy about the fact that I'm standing before your cameras and telling America that I'm homeless. QUINONES: [voice-over] Meet Fred Barn. He's 33 years old and volunteered for Desert Storm because, he says, the cause was noble. Mr.BARN: You know, you had Desert Storm and now we're into after the storm. QUINONES: [voice-over] Before Desert Storm Fred, who says he has no family to turn to, was a college student. He's been looking for work, but in these times of high unemployment he's had no luck and now lives in a shelter. Mr.BARN: There's no reason why a veteran in this country should be homeless. There's no reason why a veteran in this country should be unemployed or underemployed. QUINONES: [voice-over] What is it like to be a veteran down on your luck in the streets of America? PrimeTime decided to find out. In New York last Saturday night, we followed a homeless vet with a hidden camera as he tried to find a place to sleep. First stop, a V.A. hospital in Manhattan. Increasingly, homeless vets are dropping into these hospitals throughout the country looking for a bed for the night. The administrator on duty here has some bad news. Hospital beds, he says, are for sick patients. There's nothing here for vets who are simply homeless. NAM VET Newsletter Page 56 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 1st VETERAN: [hidden camera] Are you going to just dump me? How about a token. ADMINISTRATOR: We don't have tokens any more. QUINONES: [voice-over] This man was sent off into the night. And what about our veteran? ADMINISTRATOR: [hidden camera] Right now what I can give you a list of shelters that we have. QUINONES: [voice-over] A list of local shelters, the closest one 25 blocks away. Since the V.A. doesn't provide transportation, no subway or bus tokens, it's a cold walk, the wind chill factor 10 degrees below zero. When our vet arrives at the shelter, he finds the place padlocked, moved to another location. When he arrives at the new location- 2nd VETERAN: [hidden camera] The V.A. sent me down. QUINONES: [voice-over] - he's told it's closed for a long holiday weekend. And besides, the office helps only stranded tourists. 2nd VETERAN: [hidden camera] Actually, I got no business coming here then? 1st SECURITY GUARD: No, no. Not tonight. QUINONES: [voice-over] Finally our vet heads for the last shelter on the list, another 40 blocks away, only to be told this is now a drug counseling center, no longer a shelter. 2nd SECURITY GUARD: [hidden camera] This is no more a shelter. 2nd VETERAN: All right. Do you have, like - so there's nothing here for veterans, right? 2nd SECURITY GUARD: No. 2nd VETERAN: It's not a shelter no more. 2nd SECURITY GUARD: No. 2nd VETERAN: So this is a mistake? 2nd SECURITY GUARD: Yes, a mistake. QUINONES: [voice-over] The end of the night finds our vet right where he began, still walking the cold streets of the city. At the V.A. hospital where his search for a bed started, we tried to get some answers from spokesman Leo Marinacci. [interviewing] I'm John Quinones from PrimeTime. How are you? We came to find out why the V.A. turns homeless veterans away at night. LEO MARINACCI: Well, we don't turn homeless veterans away. QUINONES: You give them this list of homeless shelters and some of these places don't exist any more. NAM VET Newsletter Page 57 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Mr.MARINACCI: Well, one of these places doesn't exist any more. QUINONES: Another place is not even a shelter. It's a detox center. Mr.MARINACCI: Well, we gave that information out and found that one of the places didn't exist. We updated the list immediately upon finding that out. QUINONES: What about the folks that have headed out there? What do you tell them? Mr.MARINACCI: We do the best we can. QUINONES: [voice-over] For homeless vets, the V.A.'s best is not good enough. Experts say their plight will grow worse as thousands more Desert Storm veterans join the ranks of the homeless, thanks to the recession and military cutbacks. [on camera] For too many Desert Storm veterans, banners like this have now replaced the "welcome home" signs. This is a shelter for the homeless in Boston and despite its military appearance, this refuge is run not by the armed forces or the Veterans Administration. It's privately operated by veterans for veterans, its founders determined to provide a safety net that the U.S. government either cannot or will not provide. KEN SMITH: The Marine Corps has a tradition that you don't leave your wounded on the battlefield. These men are wounded. The battlefield is our nation. QUINONES: [voice-over] Ken Smith is director of the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, a center run mostly on charity. Five hundred veterans pass through here every day, two dozen of them from Desert Storm. Mr.SMITH: Did I expect to see a Desert Storm veteran in 1991? No. But I did. Do I expect to see more now? Yeah. I do. But it doesn't shock me. It shouldn't shock you. There are thousands and thousands of homeless veterans in this country. They are the forgotten, the invisible. QUINONES: [voice-over] Smith was an Army medic in Vietnam and he runs his shelter like a drill sergeant. No drugs, no alcohol. And within 21 days after they arrive here, each veteran must enroll in school or get a job. Mr.SMITH: You can go day labor. You can go flip burgers at a McDonald's. You can work at the Post Office doing bulk mail, the overnight stuff. You've got to do something. QUINONES: [voice-over] The shelter is a one-stop center for homeless vets, thanks to tons of donated goods. Take a look at the clothing supply room. The vets get the basics here, like a meal, a shower and a bed and also a haircut. It's the remaking of an image. Mr.SMITH: If you stop looking homeless, you stop feeling homeless. NAM VET Newsletter Page 58 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 QUINONES: [voice-over] There's also health care. Bob Donahue says he tried to get an eye exam at the V.A. and was told he'd have to wait six to eight months. But here at Ken's shelter: BOB DONAHUE: I had an eye appointment within one hour of walking in the door. QUINONES: [voice-over] At the V.A. Tom Crossman says that he had to wait four months for a foot exam. At the New England shelter, they're performed every week. TOM CROSSMAN: It's really rapid, really quick. Instant relief. QUINONES: [voice-over] There's counseling for alcohol and drug abuse, and perhaps most vital of all, job training. [interviewing] Computer instruction in a homeless shelter? Mr.SMITH: These guys are really smart, John. They are homeless, they're not helpless. VETERAN: They sent me up to check out the job situation. JOB COUNSELOR: Okay. QUINONES: [voice-over] In the last year the shelter has found work for 800 veterans. They get some interesting referrals. VETERAN: The V.A. hospital referred me. A counselor over there referred me to this place here. QUINONES: [voice-over] Finally there's the security here, with the guards themselves homeless veterans, making this on any given night perhaps the safest shelter in Boston. Mr.SMITH: This is a homeless veteran helping a homeless veteran. That's different. This is another homeless veteran telling another homeless veteran, "You're important. You matter. We care. You can do it." It works. QUINONES: Why is this such a personal thing for you? Mr.SMITH: Because I am them. I'm a combat Vietnam veteran. I understand their pain. I have it, too. And because it's unconscionable to me to have this man eating from a dumpster and sleeping under a bridge. Dr.PAUL ERREDA: I think the V.A. can be very proud of what it's done for these men and women who are most deserving. QUINONES: [voice-over] Dr. Paul Erreda is a medical director at the Veterans Administration in Washington. He says the V.A. is doing a good job when it comes to homeless vets. Dr.ERREDA: We have 45 homeless, chronically mentally ill programs in 26 states. QUINONES: So you have no programs in half of the states. Dr.ERREDA: We have no programs in half of the states, that's NAM VET Newsletter Page 59 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 correct. QUINONES: How can you reach these people then? Dr.ERREDA: Isn't it impressive how much we've already done? QUINONES: When you hear the Veterans Administration say, "We're doing all we can for homeless veterans," what do you say? Mr.JONES: I say it's bull [expletive deleted]. I say it's hogwash. QUINONES: [voice-over] Jesse Jones says he feels like a walking casualty of war, abandoned by his government. His counselors at the shelter say he desperately needs long-term care for his post- traumatic stress, but so far, they say, the V.A. has not provided it. Mr.SMITH: They medicate him, counseled him, and let him go. He's an M.I.A. He's missing in America. Mr.JONES: Me, I'm right in there, 80 percent disability from Vietnam and Desert Storm. Mentally I cannot hold a job. Mr.SMITH: He's not all there, you know, but you just don't cut him away and leave him alone, you know? Not now. Not in this country. Not to this man. Mr.JONES: I sleep in the subway or either I sleep in the bank. I don't have no money in the bank most of the time. QUINONES: How'd you get in? Mr.JONES: Well, what I do is - QUINONES: [voice-over] At the V.A. we showed Dr. Erreda videotape of Jesse on the streets of Boston. Mr.JONES: Pull the door, get my card, put it right in here. QUINONES: Is this any way to treat an American hero? Dr.ERREDA: This is no way to treat an American hero. And to the degree that we know what he needs and were made aware of it, I agree with you. He belongs in the hospital and we'd be glad to take him. QUINONES: [voice-over] But what about all the other veterans out there, those proud heroes of yesterday who are homeless today? Mr.SMITH: The Desert Storm vet that walks in our door is the most embarrassed and ashamed veteran you've ever seen. He is so ashamed and so embarrassed. He feels that his heart is broken. And I don't think he should be that embarrassed or that ashamed. America should be embarrassed and ashamed. QUINONES: [voice-over] Ashamed if for no other reason than this. In the last year, 19 veterans died homeless in Boston. Four of them froze to death. [interviewing] What do you want? NAM VET Newsletter Page 60 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Mr.JONES: The only thing I want is for people to realize that after the veterans go and fight the war, it's not all over. They've still got to live. There are veterans out here today that are dying in the streets of America-every night, every day. DONALDSON: After we showed the V.A. pictures of Jesse, they did take an interest in him. We're told he's now in a V.A. medical facility while they figure out where to send him for long-term treatment. Also the homeless vet we followed with a hidden camera last weekend had no luck, so we got him a hotel room for the night. Since then he's been in a private shelter. CREDITS: Aired January 23, 1992 - transcript #229 (pgs. 3-8) ABC News, PrimeTime Live John Quinones - Correspondent Stanhope Gould - Producer Reproduced, with permission, from Walter Porges, Vice President, News Practices, ABC News 47 West 66th Street New York, New York 10023 _________________________________________________________________ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: While researching how to go about getting permission for this reprint, a staffer at the ABC Press Contact office gave me the following address for the homeless shelter in Boston. The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans 17 Court St. Boston, MA. 02108 NAM VET Newsletter Page 61 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 . =DMZ= Camp Carroll__Con Thien =DMZ= . . |___/ \_ Quang Tri . . Khe (| * * \ . . Sanh-/\* * Dong \Camp Evans . . (Hawk \_/\ Ha *\_ Hue . . LZ) / \_ \Phu Bai . . Cam Lo \_Bastogne\_ . . \ An. )Da Nang . . / Hoa \ (Marble . . ( ------- \_Mountain) . . \ I CORPS \__ . . \------ Hoi \ Chu Lai . . \ An ! . . /\_____ ! . . / ! Duc \ . . ! Ben !___ Pho\ . . ! Het \/\____! . . ! !English LZ. . / Pleiku ! Bong . . / Camp / Son . . V I E T N A M ! Holloway Happy \_Hammond . . ! Camp Valley \ LZ . . \ Enarl An Khe ) . . \ Qui) . . \ \ Nhon\ . . / Oasis / . . ( ! . . _\ -------- ! . . / II CORPS Tuy\ . . \ -------- Hoa \ . . ! / . . _/Ban Me / . . --------- _/ Thuot Nha / . . III CORPS Song Be_/ Trang! . . --------\Quan Loi __/ \ ! . . Katum\_____( )/An Loc! Dong Ba ! . . /Dau Loc Ninh!__ Thin ! Cam . . Tay /Tieng \ / Ranh . . Ninh\ Phu Phuoc Yinh\ Dalat / Bay . . ! Loi \ __/ . . Lai Khe\--* Di An \ ___/ Phan . . Cu Chi\ Bien Hoa \ _/ Rang . . / \_____) )_(_Tan San Long Binh !__/ . . ! ( Nhut Bearcat ___/ . . _____! An Long \__Long Thanh_/ . . ! | . \/ Long Giao . . \___ My /| \/ \ (Black Horse) . . \ Tho Dong / | \ Vung Tau . . )Vinh Long Tam / | Saigon . . / \\ ! Tan An . . /Can Tho Phu ___\\| . . /-------- Vinh . . !IV CORPS\ \ / . . !-------- \ \__/ (Due to rectangular restrictions of character . . ! Soc / placements/positions, locations approximate) . . ! Trang / . . ! __/ . . \_/ gjp . NAM VET Newsletter Page 62 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Moving Wall #2 1992 Schedule Submitted by James Venedam Ocean BBS - Melbourne, FL (407) 728-2523 Here is the 1992 schedule for the second Moving Wall. 3/29 - 4/05 Melbourne, Florida 4/08 - 4/14 Winnsboro, Louisiana 4/20 - 4/26 Lafayette, Louisiana 5/12 - 5/18 Springfield, Missouri 5/22 - 5/28 Minneola, Kansas 6/02 - 6/08 Pagosa Springs, Colorado 6/12 - 6/18 Azle, Texas 6/21 - 6/27 Enid, Oklahoma 7/13 - 7/19 Bollingbrook, Illinois 8/07 - 8/13 Negaunee, Michigan 8/17 - 8/23 Waupaca, Wisconsin 9/04 - 9/10 Merton, Wisconsin 9/21 - 9/27 Woodbridge, Illinois 10/01 - 10/07 Humble, Texas 10/09 - 10/17 Angleton, Texas 10/22 - 10/28 Beaumont, Texas 10/05 - 11/11 Buena Park, California 11/12 - 11/28 Hawthorne, California For further information concerning the schedules of the Moving Wall (there are more than one) please contact: Vietnam Combat Veterans Ltd. 1267 Alma Court San Jose California 95112 Jim NAM VET Newsletter Page 63 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 The Vietnam Generation - Journal & Newsletter Input by Joan Renne NamVet Guest Editor Friend's BBS - Omaha, NE (402) 896-2669 VIET NAM GENERATION is a quarterly journal/newsletter devoted to publishing the best contemporary scholarship, fiction, poetry, memoir, and narratives dealing with the Viet Nam war and the Viet Nam war era. Subscription price is $40/year for individuals and $75/year for libraries or institutions. Send subscription checks to: Viet Nam Generation, 2921 Terrace Drive, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; Phone: (301) 608-0622; FAX-(301-608-0761) What you get for your money: 1. Four issues of _Viet Nam Generation_ (8 1/2 x 11", perfect bound, approx. 100 pages). 2. One copy of every book we publish. This year's publications include THE LAND OF A MILLION ELEPHANTS, by Asa Baber. This classic novel of the Viet Nam war is written in the style of an adult fairy tale. The book has been out of print for years, and this republication is large format, richly illustrated. The author, Asa Baber, is a Viet Nam war veteran who is best known as the author of the "For Men" column in _Playboy_ magazine. INTERROGATIONS: POETRY BY LEROY V. QUINTANA. Quintana, a Chicano poet and Viet Nam veteran, has written a moving narrative of his tour as a LRRP in Viet Nam. Quintana is the author of several other volumes of poetry. THE SANKE AND THE TIGER, by Dan Barker. This novel about the Viet Nam war was written by a medic. Barker explains that his book was, for many years, impossible to publish because of its unflinching commitment to the realistic portrayal of combat. THE VIET NAM WAR: EARLY YEARS OF AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT, edited by Robert Brigham. This anthology focuses on the early years of U.S. involvement in Viet Nam and includes histories, political analyses and opinion pieces by prominent scholars. WE ACTIVELY SOLICIT SUBMISSIONS OF POETRY, FICTION, ESSAYS, ETC. FROM WRITERS. SEND MANUSCRIPT OR QUERY LETTER. VIET NAM GENERATION CATALOG $15 The Future of the Past: Revisionism and Viet Nam $15 A White Man's War: Race Issues and Viet Nam $19 Gender and the War: Men, Women and Viet Nam $12 GI Resistance: Soldiers and Veterans Against the War $15 Kent and Jackson State: 1970-1990 $12 Southeast Asian American Communities $10 Just for Laughs: Poetry by W.D. Ehrhart $15 Swords into Plowshares: An Antiwar Movement Literary Anthology $15 Australia R&R: Representations and Reinterpretations of Australia's War in Viet Nam $10 Informed Dissent: Generals Who Opposed the War in Viet Nam ADVISORY BOARD John Baky, La Salle University; Kevin Bowen, William Joiner Center, Univ. of Massachusetts; Jean Bethke Elshtain, Vanderbilt NAM VET Newsletter Page 64 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 University; Richard Falk, Princeton University; David Hunt, William Joiner Center; Philip Jason, U.S. Naval Academy; William King, Univ. of Colorado; Gabriel Kolko, York University; David Marr, Australian National University; John Clark Pratt, Colorado State University; Tom Riddell, Smith College; Ruth Rosen, U.C. Davis; William Searle, Easter Illinois University; James C. Scott, Yale University; Robert Slabey, Univ. of Notre Dame; Barbara Tischler, Columbia University; Christine Pelzer White, Univ. of Hawaii; David Willson, Green River Comm. College; Marilyn Young, New York University. Viet Nam Generation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit literary and educational corporation. Section formee, z'ef! by Alan Farrell, Modern Languages, Hampden-Sydney College This is a reprint of an article published in _Vietnam Generation_, Volume 3, Number 4. _Vietnam Generation_ is a quarterly journal and newsletter which features the best contemporary scholarship, fiction, poetry and book and film reviews dealing with the Vietnam war, Vietnam war era, and the 1960s. Subscription price is /year for individuals; /year for institutions. Send check or money order to _Vietnam Generation_, 2921 Terrace Drive, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; phone: 301/608-0622; FAX: 301/608-0761. If you wish to reprint this article, please attribute it to_Vietnam Generation_. Section formee, z'ef! One morning in 1968, six months in country, I stumble out for first formation at oh-dark-thirty to find my _section_ formed up by fours, after the French: ("Comptez-vous quatre!") The montagnard platoon leader bellows "Garde--vous": ("Faaaaall-hin!") Locks his heels, does a regulation pirouette, presents me a palm- out French salute, and announces impassively: "Section foooooormee, z'ef: (The platoon is formed, sir!) I take the salute, but something ain't right. I look around. Then it dawns on me, literally, in the crepuscular light. They all have red boots on! They're painted red! I know better than to look surprised. I squint archly at the toes, all pointing outward at the regulation 45 degrees. They are all red. I pull the montagnard first sergeant, Nhiao A, aside, put my arm around his shoulder, draw my face very near to his, and ask: "Pourquoi godasses rouges: (Why boot red?) "a faire bon, zef," comes the sober reply: "Seemed like a good idea at the time." The horror! The horror! What he meant, of course, was that of the two quite distant poles available to him for sorting out moral priorities, that is good and bad, the reason for painting boots red fell closer to the "good" pole than the other. And that was all the explanation he could or would give me, but between those poles lay a world of exquisite complexity and refinement into which I had a privileged glimpse for a short time. Nhiao A was _So-dang _. Served in the French Army in 1953. Quatime battailllllll-ong, zef, as he would announce to anyone who asked him, throwing out his meager chest and giving that backhanded French salute. Captured at Dien Bien Phu in the North, he served in a labor camp, and upon release, returned to his highlands (_Haute rgion_) where, of course, the New War was NAM VET Newsletter Page 65 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 brewing. He knew all the immediate actions and specifications for the Model 36 French carbine and the MAT 49: PM, mod 1949, zef. Pistolet mitrailleur. He had been _cabot chef _, senior corporal. Now he was Top Sergeant of my _section_ of strikers, _suppltifs_ as they still called themselves. Technical rank: Exploitation Force 0-1. And every morning as I staggered out into the compound of _Hruh Huong _, the Hornet Hive, Raider Battalion camp, he stood at rigid attention after the French fashion, snapped me a quivering salute, and reported proudly: Section fooooooooooorme, zef! He enjoyed the formality of his position, and I honored meticulously his role as _juteux_, adjutant. Hed turn and roar in his own language what sounded to me like : Binh...gia dai...Binh! The thirty-odd _So-dang _ in the section would hit the first position of attention, then pop to parade rest, then back to attention as I took over. French, I guess. One morning I take it upon myself to form the platoon alone. Binh..gia dai...Binh! I bleat. Yards look at me, motionless. Louder: Binh..gia dai...Binh! Nothing. Nhiao watches, at length marches discretely over to the side of the formation, says something in _So-dang_ to the troops, motions me to give the command again. Binh..gia dai...Binh! They pop from attention to parade rest and back. And from then on, each time I shout Binh...gia dai...Binh! at the platoon, they execute. After a while I decide to broaden our repertoire, so I ask him how to give the command: Repos! (At ease!) Pas moyen, zef, he says; No way. Of course I ask -- later I learn not to -- why. After a lot of downcast eyes and harumphs and so on, I extort from him that it would be too complicated for the men. Why? Because they have no idea what I am saying, so badly do I mispronounce the three lousy syllables I have set myself to intone; Nhiao has simply told them that whatever I shout, they should come to attention, snap to parade rest, then back to attention. Fact is that I could howl 54-40 or fight! and they would execute for me. I have, in my foolish and linear Western Way, been looking to associate cause and effect. I have assumed that when I give the command and witness the response, I have provoked the response. Error! I discover later that my orders in combat would come to the same end as well: when I shout the right thing, I get compliance. If not, then what they do is what I should have ordered. An unusual system, but one in the end I learn to live with. And through. Nhiao knows I am young and dumb, but he has an old man's patience and the patience of a people used to biding time. And he tries to explain _time_ to me more than once, but between my diffidence and his French, that elusive concept remains just that between us. I do come to comprehend that, though he wears a watch and evidently understands the meaning of the hands, he arrives places more or less on time and performs tasks more or less on time purely as the happy coincidence of when us _bou mis_ want things done and when he determines that the fullness of time has revolved. Moyen faire, zef (Can do, sir.) means that we can do it _now_, though why not before or why not after is never clear to me. Putain dgieu de merde de bordel de dgieu de merde de bordel de dgieu de merde de merde et merde! Faced with the perversity of things or events (though never at men) Nhiao would let loose his best string of genuine French invective, then punctuate it with a Vietnamese: dix mille fois! He has picked up from some _tirailleur colonial_ in the 50s the savory art of strung-together expletive, wherein all the dark terror and somber joy of a NAM VET Newsletter Page 66 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 soldiers life commingle brutally: God, shit, whore. Nomdedgieu, hed spit once again, though the god he thus invoked he knew not at all. On operations, we'd stumble up those Laotian mountain ridges till dark, then dig in. I can still remember squatting beside old Nhiao, chopping with an entrenching-tool at the rooty, fragrant soil. I would tend to hack out a shallow burrow and flop on my back like a beetle puffing and gasping and sucking water out of my canteen. Nhiao would take up the E-tool and methodically square off my crude hole and make it into a _fighting position_. Later, at 4 or 5 in the morning, when the first 82mm rounds began to slam into our perimeter, I would be grateful for his persistence. More than once, crouching in that hole in the darkness as explosions rocked the ground and shrapnel whistled and skittered through the brush, I felt him put his arms around me. Not for the sake of _his_ fear, but for _mine_. And I recall thinking -- when I recall thinking! -- that I could do worse than die in the company of a man like this. As surely I shall one of these days. Death came for Nhiao in January, 1969 during the routine sweep of a base camp in a region called merely Hotel-Nine, where he took a round in the chest. We hack frantically at a landing zone for a chopper. We huddle around the old man in the mud and rot. Can't get a vein for the IV. Respiration shallow. Pulse limping. He looks up as we try to jam the needle in his arm: "Moi, C'est foutu, zef," he says to me. "I'm done for." "Non, non!" I tell him, "Tu t'en tireras": You're gonna make it! He doesn't seem to acknowledge. Now Im choking: "Si tu peux tenir... L'hlico va arriver... Tu vas t'en tirer." I know he knows those words. He stares incredulously. I try again: "Si tu pouvais tenir, tu t'en tirerais." But the "helico" (chopper) I have evoked by my futures, my conditionals does not exist for him. Only the air he can't catch, only the numbness spreading across his chest. The conditional, the future are for Nhiao non- states, dislocated from tangible reality. The meaningless watch, remember? What is real is what you can touch, big dumb American. "Moi, C'est foutu," he corrects. And he is right. As he has been about many other things I have come slowly to understand. I have a photo of him. He stares sternly at the objective lens. Meager chest thrust out, black eyes burning. Still -- after so many years. He wears, for his own reasons, a pair of Western eyeglasses but with no lenses in them. It was his habit to carry them and to put them on with great solemnity. I never thought to ask him why. NAM VET Newsletter Page 67 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== NamVet/IVVEC Concentrated Service ================================================================== NamVet/IVVEC Service Department by G. Joseph Peck, ESO Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. Pittsfield, MA Now we've done it _____________ Electronic \ Service \ _____) Department )_____ _________(____(____________(_____(@) ) ) gjp / O O O O O O O O O/_/| /<> O O O O O O O O O/ | /MM O O O O O O O MM/ | / ___________ / . /O (___________) O O/ . 27 Apr 91 (====================(. For many of you who weren't aware, we have an Electronic Service Department here in NamVet which attempts to help any/all veterans and/or their families with things such as information requests, discharge upgrades, employment help and, generally, anything veteran-oriented that is needed to help America's veterans. It's been a busy, busy few months since last I wrote here!!! We've been working a a "catch-22" type case since about last August that involves upgrading a veterans' dishonorable discharge. We wrote to a few organizations, chief among them the National Veterans' Legal Service Project. THEY sent us a list of attorneys who'd be helpful in the case "'cause the results COULD bring monetary benefits to the involved veteran and NVLSP wasn't allowed to do that when/if a 'paid' attorney could do the job." We wrote to the attorneys. Three letters came back: Addressee moved, left no forwarding address; two responded. One of the respondees stated, basically, "I can't work for free and I'll need at least $3000 up-front." The other declined the case. The veteran, broke for many, many years, unmarried and living in a monastery last we had contact with him, still continues to hold out hope. Maybe we can connect with one of YOU out here who might be able to help (the case is EXTREMELY confidential). Also, maybe one of our NVLSP representatives just MIGHT be reading this and could offer some alternative suggestions. I mean, if the veteran is broke, has been broke, is just about destitute, WHY does NVLSP refer to attorneys who charge and CAN'T help without up-front monies? Speaking of "up-front monies" ... We're also working on a deadline-type of case. A veteran who'd gone through ALL the normal DVA channels of processing his case/claim finally had his case brought before the BVA in Washington, DC. He appeared personally at the BVA hearing. Still, walking with the aid of a cane and in pain each night, his claim for increased disability due to increases in severity of his s/c conditions and a rating for unemployability were denied. He brought the case before COVA and frantically went in search of an attorney to help him. Almost EACH attorney he spoke with concerning representing him/his claim before COVA almost DEMANDED "up-front monies" before they'd even touch his case/claim. One, though, did agree to accept it on a NAM VET Newsletter Page 68 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 contingency basis. Months went by and the veteran discovered that the accepting attorney had referred the case to another attorney in Washington, DC who then wanted $$$$ up-front! Unemployed for now several years, unable to walk/sleep without pain, WHERE is this veteran supposed to get the "up-front monies" attorneys who've offered to help him have demanded? He wouldn't have his case/claim before COVA if, in his opinion, the VA had treated him right and fair from the get-go. We have to do something QUICK on this one... the veteran just received a notice from COVA that, because he'd failed to file a BRIEF (thanks Willie for showing me WHAT a COVA Brief LOOKED like!) before COVA. He's got less than 20-days to show cause WHY he'd not complied with COVA's rules... ELECTRONIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT: Last issue, we'd commented that we were approaching NVLSP and the Disabled American Veterans concerning training many of our VETLink # BBS operators to be Electronic Service Officers (ESO's). We've heard from the Disabled American Veterans: Somethin' must be amiss up there at National Headquarters. They think we've asking them for a donation rather than helping our SysOps BE a service to America's veterans! NVLSP has, again, referred us to the State Vietnam Veterans of America Representative of our individual states to ask if WE might be 'sponsored' to go to a June, 1992 Service Officers School. I've written Massachusetts' Representative - but have still heard nothing. (I'm not too sure about the referral capabilities of NVLSP after the above experiences ). We'll keep you posted. AGENT ORANGE: We have produced an ASCII-text version of the AGENT ORANGE PAYMENT PLAN - a hardcopy of which is usually mailed upon telephone request to The Agent Orange Payment Plan at their 1-800- 225-4712 telephone number. I hope this will help each and every one of our proud veterans achieve the services to which they're entitled. Remember the OFFICE OF PERSONNEL PRACTICES IN COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS article we produced last issue concerning the Commonwealth's non-filling of a JOB SPECIALIST II - DVOP (Disabled Veterans Outreach Person) (a full/partially Federally funded position primarily intended for service-connected disabled veterans) position? The position is now filled by a service- connected disabled Vietnam veteran! (Thanx, Sarge Hultgren, for sending a copy of NVET0512 to the State Department of Labor!). (No... I didn't get the job . I was "warned" before I even brought this to NamVet attention that, if I did, I should never count on getting employed with the State. Even though "properly" interviewed, another service-disabled Vietnam veteran was chosen for the position.). There are many other areas in which we have served - and have been helped to continue in our efforts to serve you and all our brother and sister veterans and their families. For those of you who have helped - THANK YOU... For those of you we can help - THANK YOU... for allowing us the opportunity to prove the UNITY in our veteran commUNITY!!! There's LOTS more where that came from! NAM VET Newsletter Page 69 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 SOVIMS: Veteran Service Officers' Helper! Information provided by Willie Dougherty VETLink #1 BBS - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Are you a veterans' service officer or veterans' advocate? Do you have need to keep track of a veterans' personal, military or DVA benefit information? Do you need to keep tabs on a veterans' claim as it goes through the various processes of DVA claim approval/denial? If your answer is "Yes", then SOVIMS, The Service Officer Veterans' Information Management System, is a program that you'll really find helpful - and those veterans that have come to you for service(s) will be the beneficiaries of today's computer technology. From first entry of the veterans' or his/her dependents' name, the SOVIMS program begins its' powerful task: to make any and all important information relative to a veteran and his/her claim quickly available to YOU, the veteran helper. Contact and "to do" notes, a calendar, veteran benefit information and correspondence, model letters of correspondence (which can be quickly modified or changed to suit unique office requirements) are all accessible from the main menu. SOVIMS also has an on-line help system that can be easily modified that will keep the veteran-helper current and updated on changes in Veterans Benefits Rules and Regulations. Do you make "house calls" to veterans or their dependents? Do you often find yourself at a DVA hospital without a veterans' case/claim history? Utilizing either a PC or laptop computer, SOVIMS can import/export veteran records and information using itself or DBASE and a telecommunications program. SOVIMS ... a copyrighted software package designed and developed by JDM Enterprises of Austin, Texas and extensively tested "on the firing line" by Veterans Service Officers. For further information, contact Willie Dougherty (512) 459-6370 or Bill McLemore (512) 892-4308. Note from Joe: SOVIMS is currently under evaluation and being field tested at VETLink #1 by our Electronic Service Officer (me) for dispersal throughout the entire VETLink # BBS system as another way of utilizing today's electronic technology to provide FAST and dependable veteran services. We've found NO software limitations with it other than the amount of storage memory (i.e., hard or floppy disk). I will keep you posted on this exciting veteran-helper program. NAM VET Newsletter Page 70 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 The Pen is Mightier - but a 2-by-4 helps! XXXXXXXX Street Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 18 March 92 D'Wayne Gray Chief Benefits Director DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Washington, DC 20420 Re: 21A XXXX XXX XXX Dear D'Wayne Gray: A farmer I once knew carried a small tree branch and a length of two-by-four with him as he and his mule plowed his fields. One day I saw the farmer going about his daily routine and watched as he followed in the furrows behind the stubborn mule. The mule stopped to graze and would not respond at all to the impatient strikes of the thin switch on its rump. Amazed, I watched as the farmer picked up the length of two-by-four, walked around to the front of the mule, and struck it between the eyes. Without any further hesitations or stops, the farmer and his mule finished plowing the field. I asked him why he'd struck the mule with the two-by-four instead of the switch. "Why, that was to get his attention!" said the farmer. Sure enough, it got the job done. This is in response to your letter of 10 March 1992 in which you advise me of DVA procedures I have gone through many, many times in the 27-years since my Honorable discharge from the US Army subsequent to injuries I received when thrown from a jeep while on active duty. The length of two-by-four to which this is attached is to get your attention and to ask you to LISTEN to what I and many other veterans have been trying to tell you and the body-DVA for many years: "Please stop feeding us insensitive words off of dog-eared pages of 38 CFR (Title 38) that only open the door to more and more rounds of foot-dragging and lip-service and very seldom to successful resolutions of our cases and claims; please recognize that OUR service to America is/was Honorable and that all we've asked in return is Honorable treatment from a country we've served well; please understand that we do not DESERVE the adversarial and sometimes hostile role that many within the DVA have taken in providing us with services we proudly EARNED. Personally speaking, I didn't contact and share with Joseph Krickenbarger-Oliver and veteran advocates/agencies throughout the country the details of my case/claim because I wanted the DVA to do again what its already done - in 1965, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1976, 1979, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991. The FACTS are unmistakenly clear: I was erroneously discharged from the US Army because of their mistaken diagnoses of a character disorder manifested by schizophrenia, with hallucinations and delusions rather than the DVA-proven "misdiagnosed case of a Post Traumatic Confusional state coupled with a mild form of temporal lobe epilepsy". Were it not for the DVA's and US President Bush's blatant exercise of foot-dragging in my situation, my case/claim would long-ago have been before the Court of Veteran Appeals and NAM VET Newsletter Page 71 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 would probably now have been decided, and I would probably not be now facing immediate shut-off of utilities, the loss of my third home; nor would I probably be hurting as much when my children (I have five) ask "Why can't we do or have like other children, Dad?" I have ALREADY endured over six-weeks of evaluative hospitalization, social and psychological surveys and studies, hours with psychiatrists and orthopedic and other doctors so that the body-DVA could prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that my service-incurred injuries have long both physically and psychologically rendered me disabled. How many MORE hoops do I have to jump through before the DVA finally honors its commitment to me and other veterans? Speaking of "other veterans" ... How many more will have to climb towers and take out civilians; how many more will have to be involved in civilian massacres; how many more will have to take themselves out; how many more will be involved in avoidable accidents or try to stop trains or put themselves constantly in harm's way before the body-DVA begins to LISTEN to the veteran and what s/he is saying and tries to find sections of Title 38 that will help him/her rather than searching for obscure portions which will allow it (the DVA) to continue in its painfully apparent practice of lip-service, foot-dragging, carrot-and-stick, dog-and- pony shows until the veteran wearies of the battle? How many more military-age civilians will see how the DVA cares for its own and decide NOT to defend this country? How many more veterans will be lost before the DVA isn't really needed any longer? When "I" enlisted in the service, the answer was blowing in the wind. The answer today lies with you and other members of the DVA. Please turn over the two-by-four to which this letter is attached. I took a lot of time with it - measuring it; sanding it; engraving my return address on it; varnishing it; making SURE it complied with strict postal regulations of 108 or less inches in girth, no fragmented wood pieces that could splinter and cause damage to any postal employee; making SURE that the words "To care for him who shall have borne the battle..." ??? stand out clearly on the side you might now be looking at. Notice the three question marks after the DVA's motto. "Care" It means MORE than lip-service, foot-dragging, repeats of past examinations and studies to acquire information already at-hand; it means that the time for talking or writing is over and the time for DOING is now; I've done it for just about all my life. Long after my case/claim is settled, I would hope that the two- by-four to which this letter is attached will be a reminder to you and other members of the body-DVA that "caring" is more than writing letters, denying requested benefits, scheduling more examinations, doing more studies, completing forms, or hiring expensive attorneys to defend an unnecessary adversarial role against those who proudly put their lives on the line to ensure that freedom CAN be taken for granted in America. I sincerely hope so. In closing, I again state: My case/claim should NOT have been REMANDed and should, instead, have gone to the Court of Veteran Appeals for proper adjudication. I am incensed that it hasn't and NAM VET Newsletter Page 72 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 that again I have to jump through more hoops, go through more examinations, listen to more questions, questions, questions - and watch, helpless and almost hopeless as our utilities are turned off, our house/home is again taken from us, and my children honestly question and challenge when they're taught appreciation of values instead of material possessions. Just in case you or other members of the body-DVA forget what "caring" is really all about, I'd be glad to also send a small branch so that y'all can be gently prodded before any veterans feel they'd have to do something drastic to get your attention. Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man In kindness, honesty, and good faith G. Joseph Peck GJP/jct cc Joseph Krickenbarger-Oliver; US President G Bush; DVA Secretary EJ Derwinski; Massachusetts' Veterans' Service; Files NAM VET Newsletter Page 73 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 Make sure THEY follow their own rules! XXXXXXXX Street Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 11 April 92 D'Wayne Gray Chief Benefits Director DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Washington, DC 20420 Re: 21A C XX XXX XXX Dear D'Wayne Gray: The BVA REMAND decision of 21 Jan 92 specifically stated: "1. The veteran should be scheduled for special VA genitourinary, neurological, orthopedic, and psychological examinations to determine the nature and extent of his service-connected disabilities, as well as to address the claimed PTSD and iatrogenic disorder, claimed as a result of VA medical treatment. THE VETERAN'S CLAIMS FOLDER OR PERTINENT PHOTOCOPIES SHOULD BE FURNISHED TO THE EXAMINERS PRIOR TO THE EXAMINATIONS [emphasis mine]. The examiner should articulate the veteran's medical history pursuant to paragraphs 1.12 and 1.13 of the VA's PHYSICIAN'S GUIDE FOR DISABILITY EVALUATION EXAMINATIONS, as well as 38 C.F.R.  4.1 and 4.2 and should include a discussion of 38 C.F.R.  4.40 and 4.45 for the appropriate disabilities. The report of the examination should be associated with the appelant's CLAIMS FOLDER." "Hi. I'm from the DVA and I'm here to help you. Before we start, could you tell me your name, Date-of-Birth, SSN number and your DVA Claim Number? ... Now what I can do for you..." is an almost-verbatim transcript of the opening statements made by the Compensation and Pension Secretary and Doctor, the Social Worker and the Psychologist I spoke with at my 10 April 92 Albany, New York C&P examination. When asked, specifically, directly, and expressly whether or not the particular DVA representative I was speaking to had had an opportunity to review my case prior to examining me, each replied that they had NOT - and not until I was sitting directly in front of them and they had an opportunity to review the DVA routing and information material - which contained NO PERTINENT PHOTOCOPIES - did they have even a clue as to why I was there. This is in direct violation of the DVA's 21 Jan 92 REMAND decision which clearly states: "THE VETERAN'S CLAIMS FOLDER OR PERTINENT PHOTOCOPIES SHOULD BE FURNISHED TO THE EXAMINERS PRIOR TO THE EXAMINATIONS". A brief, from-the-veterans' perspective synopsis of 10 April 92: Not having had any breakfast (I've learned to get by on one meal a day because of my reduced income, etc), I appeared early for my scheduled C&P examination at Albany, NY's smokefree hospital at 0900. 15 minutes later, I learned that the C&P offices had moved to another floor and that I had been standing in the wrong line. Reporting, on time, to the C&P office and speaking with the secretary, I corrected an error in the pre- appearance documentation I had been furnished that said "Reports of my examination(s) would be sent to the NY VARO" (reports, as NAM VET Newsletter Page 74 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 per the REMAND decision, should be sent to Boston, MA VARO). A few minutes later, I saw the first doctor, went through all the "Hi! I'm from the DVA and I'm here to help you."'s and was then referred to X-ray for about 17 X-rays; the laboratory - where they took a couple of vials of my blood and took some urine samples, and returned to the C&P office for appointments with a Social Worker and a Psychologist where I went through the same "Hi. I'm from the DVA and I'm here to help you"'s. NONE of the people I spoke with had ANY prior knowledge of me or my case/claim. Without being allowed ANY time-out's for a smoke-break (I'm a smoker) or even to grab something to eat, I finished jumping through the latest "DVA hoops" at 1545 hrs. A CAT-scan, MRI, ElectroMyleogram and other tests are being scheduled - the earliest date of which is over a month away! With regard to DVA's COMPLIANCE with 38 C.F.R.  4.1, 4.2, 4.40 and 4.45 - as specifically MANDATED by the Board of Veterans' Appeals in their 21 Jan 92 REMAND decision - infuriated, I herein contend that the DVA, having had AT LEAST 4 months to prepare for it, has, to this honorably discharged service-connected disabled veterans detriment and disfavor, failed to comply with its own governing rules and regulations as set forth in 38 Code of Federal Regulations. By virtue of the FACT that each DVA Representative I met with 10 April 92 at Albany VAMC 500 had had NO opportunity to review ANY of the materials concerning my claim, an "as related by the hungry, no-break-allowed and cigarette-deprived veteran" case history case is now part and parcel of my claim. This is certainly not in accord with 38 C.F.R.  4.1 and 4.2! My 18 Mar 92 letter to you was attached to a two-by-four. Perhaps THIS one should be attached to a Giant Sequoia Redwood. WHAT is it going to TAKE to make the Department of Veteran Affairs wake up and follow its own rules and regulations? How many of my other brother and sister veterans will experience the ineptitude of the DVA BEFORE it finally gets its act together and provides the SERVICE it was created FOR? WHY is my case not NOW before the Court of Veteran Appeals in order that cracks through which "I" have fallen can't be closed so that it will NOT happen to others? Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man In kindness, honesty, and good faith G. Joseph Peck GJP/jct cc Joseph Krickenbarger-Oliver; US President G Bush; DVA Administrator EJ Derwinski; DVA Inspector General; Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals; Massachusetts' Veterans' Service; International Vietnam_Vets EchoConference; International Disabled_Vets EchoConference; Files NAM VET Newsletter Page 75 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 ================================================================== Charlie's Angels ================================================================== IVVEC Phonebook Updated as of 04-21-92 compiled by Joyce Flory VETLink #13 - Las Cruces, N.M. (505) 523-2811 AK Fairbanks Help Yourself BBS 907-451-0887 AL Huntsville Gateway 205-880-7723 AR Fayetteville Ozark Connection 501-521-4734 AZ Phoenix Nat. Congress For Men BBS 602-840-4752 AZ Phoenix Nighthawk BBS 602-582-1127 AZ Sierra Vista The Mall 602-459-3789 CA Antioch Cheers 510-706-0904 CA Azusa Azusa Pacific BBS 818-969-9170 CA Azusa Azusa Pacific Mail 818-969-9542 CA Benicia Byte Out of the Apple 707-747-5406 CA Benicia Byte Out of the Apple 707-747-0306 CA Benicia DCC BBS 707-746-6091 CA Castro Valley Combat Arms BBS 510-537-1777 CA Clovis Clovis-Net BBS 209-292-3530 CA Davis Dynasoft Node 916-753-8788 CA Folsom Second Opinion 916-985-4720 CA Los Angeles SoCalNet EC 818-969-9170 CA Mentone Mentone Beach RBBS 714-794-3031 CA Navato Mover Mouse BBS 415-898-2644 CA Oxnard SURFBOARD 805-483-1467 CA Ridgecrest Programmer's Inn 619-446-4506 CA Sacramento The Broken Rose BBS 916-483-8624 CA Sacramento Now and Zen Opus 916-962-1952 CA Sacramento Frogstar 916-739-8386 CA San Diego Rendezvous BBS 619-689-2817 CA San Diego Rendezvous BBS 619-692-0563 CA San Francisco SeaHunt BBS 415-431-0473 CA San Francisco Skeptic's Board 415-648-8944 CA San Jose 24 Hours-A-Day BBS 408-448-1126 CA San Jose Int'l Public Emergency Comm 408-298-2740 CA Twentynine Palm The Desert Night 619-361-3421 CN Regina, Sask Holistic BBS 306-789-9909 CO Boulder Pinecliffe HST DS 303-642-0703 CO Canon City Purgatory 719-269-9261 CO Colorado Sprgs Coffee House 719-596-1565 CO Colorado Sprgs Electronic Locksmith 719-390-9249 CT Branford Alice's Restaurant 203-488-1115 CT Branford Fernwood 203-481-7934 CT Cheshire Soapbox 203-271-2249 CT Concord Online Computer Reso 510-687-0236 CT Danbury Treasure Island(E-N*) 203-791-8532-NL CT Killingly Eastconn Echomail 203-779-3173-NL* (VETLink #11) CT Plantsville The Pig Pen 203-628-9346 CT Plantsville The Pig Pen 203-620-0562 CT Southbury Chubbs Place 203-266-7620 CT Southington DownStairs 203-621-1930 CT Wallingford Vampire Connection 203-269-8313 CT West Haven Ascii Neighborhood 203-932-6236-NL NAM VET Newsletter Page 76 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 DE Dover DELFIRE BBS 302-739-6757 DE New Castle Hackers BBS 302-328-3993 FL Clarcona West Orange BBS 407-293-2724 FL Fort Myers High Seas BBS 813-772-7602 FL Kissimmee Micro-Imaging BBS 407-847-5499 FL Kissimmee The Program Exchange 407-870-2735 FL Melbourne Ocean BBS 407-728-2523 FL Orlando Digital Connection 407-896-0494 FL Orlando Freedom Line BBS 407-423-2111-NL FL Orlando Gourmet Delight 407-649-4136 FL Orlando UP-EAST BBS 407-273-7849 FL Pembroke Pines Bitsy's Place 305-432-8210 FL St. Petersburg 1 Computers 813-521-3149 FL Sebring ANCESTRY TBBS 813-471-0552 GA Albany Combat Override BBS 912-883-1421 GA Augusta Fort Knox's BBS 404-592-6527 GA Savannah Night Owl 912-964-4266 GA Savannah Night Owl 912-964-1161 GA Savannah Night Owl 912-964-2425 GA Savannah Night Owl 912-964-1121 GA Savannah Night Owl 912-966-1167 GA Warner Robins TallyBoard (TallyCat) 912-328-6183 HI Honolulu Coconuts BBS 808-845-7054 IA Des Moines FOGLINE BBS 515-964-7937 IA Des Moines KARMA *VS* DOGMA 515-288-7793 ID Boise Compulink Northwest 208-375-4073 IL Chicago BIT WIZ Opus 312-935-6809 IL Chicago NETWORK ECHOGATE 708-887-7685 IN Ft. Wayne Semper Fi 219-424-4292-NL IN Terra Haute WVAU BBS 812-238-9295 IN Waldron Catacombs Computer Exchange 317-525-7164 LA Baker The Chatter Box 504-775-7825 LA Baton Rouge Ranger's Place 504-925-9307 LA New Orleans New Orleans MUG 504-837-8188 LA New Orleans Southern Star (E-N) 504-887-3348-NL MA Amherst Pioneer Valley PCUG1 413-256-1037 MA Andover Aeolus BBS 508-474-0328 MA Dalton Field St. BBS (E-N) 413-684-1938-NL MA Lynn Freedom's Choice:CBCS 617-593-2605-NL MA Pittsfield Berkshire Estates 413-499-1327-NL MA Pittsfield VETLink#1 413-443-6313-NL MA Springfield Macintosh Only BBS! 413-746-3202 MD Baltimore Jim's Hooch 301-866-8613-NL MD Shady Side VETLink #4 301-261-5644-NL MD Silver Spring Light Source BBS 301-439-7437 MD Wheaton PainFrame 301-649-3906 MI Dearborn Bruce's Place (VETLink #10) 313-562-0051-NL MI Kalamazoo The Graphics Shop 616-375-2083 MI Spring Arbor The Toy House 517-750-2003 MN Arden Hills The City Lights 612-639-1873 MN Blaine Manta Systems 612-780-7226 MO Cape Giradeau VETLink #3 314-334-6359-NL MS Vicksburg Southern Belle 601-634-1625 NC Charlotte Carolina Forum 704-563-5857 NC Charlotte Carolina Forum 704-568-1663 NC Charlotte Transporter Room 704-567-9513 NC Raleigh InfoSys 919-851-8460 NC Raleigh Shalom-3 919-851-3858 NC Spring-Lake Federal Post 919-436-2055 NAM VET Newsletter Page 77 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 NH Manchester Checkmate BBS (VETLink #8) 603-622-2371-NL NH Merrimack Outer Limits (VETLink #9) 603-424-4915-NL NJ Garfield Quill & Inkpot BBS 201-340-1340 NJ Lawerence Harbor Magic Dominion BBS 908-583-7894 NJ Lyndhurst Starship ][ 201-935-1485 NJ Lyndhurst Starship ][ 201-935-7036 NJ Madison Strand BBS 201-822-3658-NL NJ Old Bridge Net 107 EchoMail Distr. 908-721-3087 (Passin' Thru) NJ Passaic VETLink #5 201-778-1879-NL NJ Port Monmouth The POW/MIA BBS 908-787-8383 NJ Sayreville Cop Shop 908-254-8117 NM Alamogordo Casa de La Luz 505-437-8267-NL NM Las Cruces Desert Dolphin/VETLink#13 505-523-2811-NL NM Las Cruces MelMikes BBS 505-521-1527-NL NM Las Cruces NASW (E-N) 505-646-2868-NL NM Portales Piper's Dream (VETLink #12) 505-359-0668-NL NV Las Vegas The Sports Line BBS 702-565-5271 LV_Gambler NY Albany TIMES BBS 518-452-1721 NY Albany TIMES BBS 518-452-4757 NY Bloomfield Log Inn 716-657-7660 NY Chili Flower City Central 716-889-2016 NY Marlboro Acorn I BBS 914-236-3265 NY Phoenix Galaxia ! 315-695-4436 OH Akron Buckeye Hamshack 216-867-6984 OH Cincinnati KIC 513-762-1115 OH Rocky River Nerd's Nook II 216-356-1772 OH Rocky River Nerd's Nook 216-356-1431 OK Edmond The Far Side QuickBBS 405-341-4720 OK Norman The FAMILy TREE 405-321-0642 OK Oklahoma City Aviator's Haven 405-685-6960 OR Beaverton The Chess Board 503-629-5473 OR Portland Landing Zone (VETLink #7) 503-775-1554-NL PA Carlisle L & T's Spitfire BBS 717-243-0055 PA Harrisburg The Other BBS 717-657-7097 PA Harrisburg The Other BBS 717-657-2223 PA Johnstown The Family BBS 814-536-7617-NL SC Fountain Inn Programmers Forum 803-862-4616 TN Chattanooga Scenic City 615-499-6182 TN Knoxville TN Deafness Info Net 615-577-7290 TN Memphis Just Mail 901-683-5410-NL TN Memphis Memphis Mail Hub 901-353-2429 TN Memphis Ragin' Cajun BBS 901-452-1745 TN Nashville Homestead 615-385-9421 TN Nashville The Unicorn & Dragon 615-385-2260 TX Austin Connect America 512-454-9488 (Silver Xpress Mail System) TX Austin RiverSide MailBox 512-327-5376 (Vox Vietnam Vet) TX Dallas Aaron's Beard 214-557-2642 TX Dallas *Chrysalis* 214-349-9397 TX Fort Worth Revelstone 817-732-1767 TX Houston The Animal Kingdom BBS 713-496-7572 TX Houston The Fireside 713-496-6319 TX Houston The Leaders in Control 713-584-1821 TX Houston Info Net & Police Net 713-873-0403 TX Houston The Soldier's Bored 713-437-2859 TX Houston The Soldier's Bored 713-437-5170 NAM VET Newsletter Page 78 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 TX Katy Executive Washroom 713-347-2558-NL TX Pasadena Pier 7 713-477-2681 TX Richardson Night Lights 214-480-8170 TX Richardson Texas Talk 214-497-9100 TX Rockwall NCC-1701 214-771-3226 TX Rosenberg Merlin's Keep 713-342-7629 TX San Antonio Heidi Search Center 512-659-2305-NL TX Tomball Texas Father's BBS 713-376-4767 TX Universal City The Ranch House 512-945-9304 TX Wylie Diamond Lil's Saloon 214-228-9173 VA Chesapeake The Apex 804-436-3125 VA Falls Church GreyEagle 703-534-0177 VA Herndon HBX Veterans Memorial 703-471-8010-NL (VETLink #2) VA Herndon HBX Veterans Memorial 703-471-8563-NL VA Newport News Brokedown Palace 804-591-8537 VA Oakton Washington ZEPHYR 703-620-5418 VA Virginia Beach HandiNet B B S 804-496-3320 VA Williamsburg Rainbow's End 804-872-7171 WA Auburn The Boardwalk 206-941-4531 WA Auburn The Boardwalk 206-941-3124 WA Brownsville The Jimby BBS 206-698-1044-NL WA Edmonds Puget Sound TBBS 206-745-6340-NL WA Everett Mark's Point 206-486-2415 WA Everett Silver Lake 206-338-3723 WA Everett Silver Lake Too 206-338-3168 WA Ft. Lewis Silent Sentry BBS 206-984-1048 WA Graham The Last Frontier 206-847-8168 WA Kirkland SeaEast PC Exchange 206-822-4615 WA Kirkland SeaMist 206-822-8520 WA Puyallup The Eagles BBS 206-531-8304 WA Redmond GreyHounds BBS 206-868-4402 WA Spokane Think Tank II 509-244-6446 WA Tacoma Group Medical BBS II 206-581-9088 WI Greenfield PC-Express 414-327-4104 ** Goshen, AR The Ironhand Troll 391/1020.2 ** Phoenix, AZ Hirschfeld Law Office 114/74.2 ** Pittsfield, MA VetPoint 707 321/203.707 ** Portland, OR The Empty Bed Pan 105/41.20 ** Custer, SD GOTCHA! 109/312.348 ** Bremerton, WA British Hands Off 350/21.5 ** ............... Any Port in the Storm 106/499.1 ** ............... Nominal 104th Ohio Pt. 157/533.16 ** ............... Jim Meadors 160/230.1 ** ............... Support our men 343/15.10 (USS Liberty) ** ............... OLD Soldiers Home 343/58.2 ** ............... Jolly Green Giant 8:2040/38 ================================================================== (*) KEY: E-N = No IVVEC Echo, but does have the Nam_Vet newsletter NL = Carries both IVVEC and the Nam_Vet newsletter NAM VET Newsletter Page 79 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 NamVet Article Submission Guidelines Each article submitted for publication in NamVet should contain: a) The Title of the Article. b) The Author of the Article. c) The Name of the publication and the Date in which the contribution appeared. d) The Name of the person who submitted the article. * e) The BBS or Post Office Box address of the contributor - City and State are important. ** f) The telephone number of the BBS where the contributor can be reached. *** * In the case of an original submission, omit c) and d); ** FOR PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY PURPOSES, the use of street addresses and home telephone numbers are discouraged *** In the case of a non-bbs-using contributor, this can be the BBS telephone number of the Section Editor. Each article submitted for NamVet publication should be submitted in one of the following sample format(s): *NamVet Article from published source NAMVET ARTICLE FROM PUBLISHED SOURCE by XXX (the published author) XXX (published source) Submitted by (User) XX BBS - City, State (XXX) XXX-XXXX (BBS telephone number) - or - *NamVet Article from original author NAMVET ARTICLE FROM ORIGINAL AUTHOR by XXX (author) XX BBS - City, State (XXX) XXX-XXXX (BBS telephone number) Articles submitted for publication in NamVet are to be in 65- character format, flush left margin (i.e., Left Margin 0, Right Margin 65; Left Margin 1, Right Margin 66) and NOT be justified or have any special text formatting (i.e., underlining, bold facing, italics, etc.). Graphic "pictures" - as well as any articles - for NamVet are to be in straight-ASCII format only, comprised of regular keyboard characters, and can not exceed 65 characters in width nor 58 lines in length. NamVet is circulated to many veterans having a wide variety of computers and software processing equipment. The ASCII-only format assures that your graphic picture and/or article will be seen and printable by all. (The margin length of "graphic pictures" can sometimes be extended ot 70 characters) Where "columns" or "lists" are used in a contribution, if at all possible, the columns or lists are to be in two's rather than single-columned. Space is VERY limited in a NamVet and white- space is a source of frustration and added expense to a user who is printing out the NamVet with a limited supply of paper. this: YOUR VET CENTER MY VET CENTER NAM VET Newsletter Page 80 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 VET CENTER'S ADDRESS VET CENTER'S ADDRESS VET CENTER'S CITY, STATE & ZIP VET CENTER'S CITY, STATE & ZIP VET CENTER'S PHONE NUMBER VET CENTER'S PHONE NUMBER not this: YOUR VET CENTER VET CENTER'S ADDRESS VET CENTER'S CITY, STATE & ZIP VET CENTER'S PHONE NUMBER MY VET CENTER VET CENTER'S ADDRESS VET CENTER'S CITY, STATE & ZIP VET CENTER'S PHONE NUMBER Articles submitted for publication in NamVet should be no longer than 20,000 - 40,000 bytes in length unless "serialized" (a "serialized" submission is one that is in more than one part, each 'part' will have as its heading, the contributor, the source, and any other 'contact the submitter' information). Please indicate the END of the article (or serialization) by the journalistic -30- (The -30- is removed in the publication process but it helps our editors to know that the complete file has been received and that there is no more (of that article) to follow. REJECTED ARTICLES: To date, the PRIMARY reason for rejecting an article has been the contributors' _insistence_ that cursewords not be edited "because they'll change the _meaning_ of the article". The Managing Editor staunchly holds to the following: Articles submitted for publication in NamVet containing common cursewords shall be rejected unless said cursewords are asterisked (*) out (for example, sh*t, f*ck, g*dd*mn, etc.). Although you and many of our readers are oftentimes familiar with the meanings behind the words, asterisking them out STILL gets the meaning across and yet preserves the integrity of NamVet which *-IS-* transmitted to Junior and Senior High Schools; Colleges and various educational institutions. Asterisking the cursewords out shows the reader that WE (NamVet authors/contributors and staff) respect the feelings of our readers. Some "other" reasons for rejection of an article are: 1. It contains many misspellings 2. It is in a non-ASCII format 3. Margins exceed the 65-character line-length limit 4. It has been justified 5. It is too long and NOT serialized 6. Columns are in single- rather than double-column format 7. It is Anti-Veteran WHERE TO SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED ARTICLES You may submit your article/short story/poem/other item to any of the existing VETLink BBSs. Presently, the VETLink BBSs are: VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA 1-413-443-6313 VETLink #2 - Herndon, VA 1-703-471-8010 VETLink #3 - Cape Girardeau, MO 1-314-334-6359 VETLink #4 - Shady Side, MD 1-301-261-5644 NAM VET Newsletter Page 81 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 VETLink #5 - Passaic, NJ 1-201-778-1879 VETLink #7 - Portland, OR 1-503-254-6819 VETLink #8 - Manchester, NH 1-603-622-2371 VETLink #9 - Merrimack, NH 1-603-424-4915 VETLink #10 - Dearborn, MI 1-313-562-0051 VETLink #11 - Killingly, CT 1-203-779-3173 VETLink #12 - Portales, NM 1-505-359-0668 VETLink #13 - Las Cruces, NM 1-505-523-2811 VETLink #16 - Pineville, LA 1-318-449-1012 Each VETLink BBS will review any contributions that have been uploaded to his/her BBS and send them either to the Managing Editor who will, in turn, send them on to the respective Section Editor or to the NamVet Section Editor him/herself who handles the particular subject/topic matter. A list of our various Section Editors will appear in the next issue of NamVet. If YOU would be interested in handling a section of NamVet, please file request NVET9902.LZH from VETLink #1 BBS. We hope to see YOUR contribution published in a NamVet soon! G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor NAM VET Newsletter Page 82 Volume 6, Number 4 April 27, 1992 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 83