Hundreds of thousands of servicemen were exposed to asbestos over decades, especially during the period from 1940 to 1980. Asbestos was used in construction of naval vessels as well as shore facilities. All branches of the military used asbestos, which was also widely used in civilian applications. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma. Because this cancer has a particularly long latency period, many servicemen who were exposed years ago are now developing this disease.
- Mesothelioma Patient & Family Resources: Mesotheliomahelp is provided by Belluck & Fox, LLP as a comprehensive resource for mesothelioma victims and their families. The site provides up-to-date information on the latest news and treatment options as well as an easy to use search feature to find local mesothelioma doctors and health care clinics.
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Important Information for Veterans: Asbestos products were often used on military ships and within military housing, and Veterans may have been exposed. Previous exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that has no cure and affects countless Veterans and loved ones. For more information regarding military asbestos exposure visit Mesothelioma.com
HELLO
Special Report: Veterans Service Organizations: STAND UP OR MOVE OUT
Posted on June 05, 2009 by gordonduff
MANY "OLD GUARD" SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS FAILING VETERANS
UNABLE TO COPE WITH VA SCAMS AND VETERAN NEEDS
By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER
For decades, the VFW and American Legion have influenced VA policy toward veterans and defined how veterans issues are seen by government and the "non veteran" public. Their power over Congress, their ability to produce conservative votes, even when conservative candidates are on the wrong side of issues and their unwillingness to deal with the reality of veterans needs has defined these groups as much of the problem and little of the solution.
Originating more as political groups, one pro-union, one anti-union, the two major service organizations lost their way when their general membership of World War 2 veterans bought in on "baby killer" propaganda denoucing Vietnam veterans. Issues of PTSD, Agent Orange and the massive number of traumatic amputations and brain injuries that flooded the VA hospital system threatened to overwhelm underfunded services being used by aging vets from World War 2.
The response was to push away Vietnam vets and fail to support their needs. Death rates under VA care during that period were astronomical and only went up as Agent Orange diseases and PTSD began to take an even greater toll, all issues ignored by some mainstream service organizations.
Even worse, the duplicitious behavior of the VA, with poor medical care, a crooked disability rating system and document destruction/claims backdating was and continues to be ignored by these groups.
The quality of service officers, many of whom have always been out of touch with the reality of the VA bureaucracy and the needs of younger veterans, dimished and fewer and fewer claims got thru while more and more failed because of poor advice, lack of follow through and utter incompetence.
While successfully supporting bars and social clubs and hard working auxillary cadres who helped in hospitals and clinics, still the heart of these organizations has been the politically based leadership who have stood in the way of real progress for veterans for many many years.
These groups have held veterans hostage through directing powerful voting blocs to anti-veteran candidates through outright disinformation and misinformation about the issues. Any candidate that votes to have flag burners crucified gets support even if they try to close every VA hospital in the country.
Years at the heart of the corrupt Washington establishment has left these groups as much a part of the problem veterans struggle to overcome as uncaring politicians and members of the public who ignore war as long as they don't have to fight in it.
If a group is a political group, then let them be that. Don't call them a veterans organization. That is a lie.
If you run a bar, you are part of the food and beverage industry, not a service organization.
If you support politicians and not veterans, you are a lobbyist, not an advocate.
Time to move these groups aside and begin delivering real services and real power to real veterans with real needs.
Gordon Duff is a Marine combat veteran and regular contributor on political and social issues.Liked this story? Get top stories in your inbox each week from Veterans Today !Sign up now !
I have to tend to agree for the most part, but what do you think about the younger generation of vets and employees at places like AMVETS and IAVA? It seems like they have been doing a lot lately. What are your thoughts?
These groups need to join with the newer groups and the lobbyists like votevets.com to gain the power needed to stop the bulldozing the VA has been getting away with for decades.
Until the other groups, the "dead in the water" groups, step aside, those who are working hard will be blocked at every turn.
This is the job we are trying now and why this was written.
g
By Duffster on 2009-06-05 21:50:44
Bobby Hannifin is our most active editor in Veterans Organizations.
Oddly, we have folks in leadership positions in the Legion around.
g
By Jim Starowicz on 2009-06-08 10:02:53 AMEN!!! And any leadership needs to Stop using them for personal political ideology, they are Not Supposed To Be Political nor are We as Vets. Personal Politics is just that, we take an Oath, and for most that stays with you, to Defend the Constitution and the Country, Not Political Party Ideologies!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Tom Keller on 2009-06-08 11:33:12 Wow, Gordon, it's not 1969 any longer ... and you are talking about 1969, not 2009. Vietnam veterans have been running the large veterans groups you're complaining about for years, and they're now in the active process of turning leadership positions over to our younger comrades from the Persian Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. Maybe you should give up on the stereotypes and go look at what's really happening in the veterans' movement.
By Daniel on 2009-06-12 18:34:55 I agree with your comments about the VSOs, but you haven't completed the thought about this subject. These VSOs only do the things they do, or don't do because of the corruption in the Veterans Administration. That is what they need to expose. Some of the commenters here have touched on it, They let the VA get away with screwing people around without taking the VA to task for it.. All of us need to write to the SEC of Veterans Affairs about the corruption and the practice of ignoring the laws that are already on the books to award benefits and the Veterans Administration refuses to abide by them. I have a case before the BVA now that shouldn't have taken this long, but the VA won't admit they were wrong. I asked for information and treatment in Jan of 1986 for PTSD and my request was never answered. For 19 years, they ignored my request, and then in 2004 when I was complaining about delays in other claims, they decided that maybe I needed treatment for PTSD. They gave me 100% disabilty but only from the time I started treatment in 2005. They know they should have payed me for those 19 years, but have refused at every turn. NOW, I have no choice but to take them to Veterans Court of Appeals. All of this wasn't necessary. Not for 5 years when the regulations are clear. Compensation for a Service connected injury begins at date of entitlement or date of claim. Whichever comes later. I was discharged in 1969 which is my date of entitlement and that was before they knew what PTSD was. I was wounded in Viet Nam and have experienced flashbacks and nightmares ever since. VA workers need to be replaced with other Veterans. Period.
By Barrie W. on 2009-06-05 22:36:37
duff, duff, duff. you can't possibly think all those people in the "dead in the water " organizations are going to just roll over and be out of the system. c'mon. the machine rolls on. "chartered by congress", i believe is a correct term. would this not also make for a payroll? a heirarchy? the vso's, such as they are, will always be two wars behind. if your cushy, mid-management job doing nothing but it pays your house payment, were to be threatened, would you side with the detractors, or with the guy writing your paycheck? "new evidence" can/will get things changed in the system, but never in time to help those from the beginning of the particular conflict. think of the old pyramid scheme. hell, look at us.
I am 29 years old and just gave up a 6 figure salary to come to Washington and help fight for vets and active duty due entitlements. Yes I do work for what you are calling an old organization (AMVETS) but what you do not know is that I and my colleagues work 12 + hour days researching, investigating, testifying, and teaching. We are all under 40 and all are OIF/OEF vets (except me). I'm hurt by your blanket statements of all VSO's being outdated. Yes I agree many are, but many of us aren't. This site actually used part of my testimony on VA contracting a couple weeks ago. Trust me I understand the frustrations with some VSOs but please know that some of us have devoted our lives to making your life and the lives of other vets better. If I had more time i could probably write 10 pages on the problems we need to fix for vets, however since this is your site and not mine, I will spare you. :)
I have seen the things I have written of during 16 years as a service officer. I hold a diplomatic post with the United Nations and have worked in Washington as a lobbyist, defense contractor and am also a totally disabled veteran.
You are exceedingly presumptuous to assume that your group of youngsters, please excuse me for calling you that, playing around in the den of the serpent, really understand what has been going on.
You are the amateur here. Most of us have been doing this for decades.
I assure you, we have more access by far than you ever will in Washington yet find ourselves talking to empty suits, empty hats or worse.
When lecturing people, take a second to find out who we are.
When you have fought in a major war, been wounded seriously, perhaps several times, and end up fighting your own governments corruption for decades, seeing the lives of those around you destroyed by unthinkable incompetence of every kind, then you have begun.
You would be better of listening to those who know rather than lecturing them.
I have no problem with AMVETS. However, the chartered veterans organizations simply run in circles.
Unless you are actively calling for the indictment of people responsible for destroying the lives of veterans through open corruption, please simply stay out of the way.
If you think you can talk to a congressional staffer who has been nodding and turning aside for years just like his predecessors have, and get something written into a bill that will have no real effect whatsoever, same as every other bill, every other call for 65 years, playing 2nd fiddle to the ultra corrupt Legion and VFW.
All the dinners, awards and back slapping is an insult to those of us who know how little has really been done.
Your service officers are certified by the VA.
Good god, do you think that's a good thing?
g
By Barrie W. on 2009-06-06 23:51:04 wow. no arrogance there. i think you'll fit right in.
By Duffser on 2009-06-07 10:23:34
Barrie,
Didn't they make a movie about this person?
"Clueless"
g
By Bobby Hanafin on 2009-06-07 16:02:24 Hey folks play nice,
First off, Christina and any other younger Vets (meaning under 65) should be commended for being willing to go to Washington, DC and fight for Vets and Active Duty due entitlements.
However, I wouldn't brag about representing AMVETS even if I were 18 or 19 years old, and expecially if I were an OIF/OEF vet.
At least not until AMVETS does a better job in supporting Vets than it does in selling AMVETS.
Has AMVETS ever recovered from the smashing they got in Congress by Watchdog Charity groups also chartered by Congress (well hired Veterby Congress is more the word) to investigate VSOs that mismanage fund raising with more money going toward selling itself or promotions than their mission.
Getting those in the choir (like preaching to the choir) to contribute or be part of AMVETS or any other VSO listed on Charity Navigator (among other philanthropy watch dogs) is one thing, but having a ZERO rating or anything less than a one star management efficiency rating is nothing to brag about.
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=531
Heck even Veterans for America who we are not affiliated with but have quite a few members on board rates a two star so I'll beat up Bobby Muller to do better, but gee Christina your organization is at the bottom of the barrel with a ZERO.
That is the American Veterans Relief Foundation listed BELOW at ZERO.
Ok, I'll cut you some slack maybe you didn't know how inefficient your VSO is rated and viewed by the American public. What has your organization done beside get defensive to upgrade that fund raising rating from ZERO?
Your comment about Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IVAW) is well taken, but frankly I wouldn't consider IVAW to be a old fashion organization anymore than I would IVAW.
IVAW has yet to establish bar and bingo clubs, but if they go in the direction of most stagnant VSOs it's only a matter of time before they start depending on taking bucks in from non-veterans drunks and smokers.
I'm not expert on IAVA, but something tells me if a survey were done of both IAVA and IVAW (you do know that members of IVAW are also members of IAVA and that views on war are not a discriminating factor in membership as long as you served in Iraq or Afghanistan). Suffice it to say WE most likely would not find too many members of the young blood VSOs joining AMVETS, the Legion, or VFW.
Which leads to the question why did you not give up a 6 figure salary to go work for IAVA or the Modern War Vets sponsored by VVA? Young Vets who have more in common with you? Why did you want to join (or is it work for) your father's or grand father's VSO?
Frankly, this is getting us nowhere, Christina you do know that those in government and the American Sheeple who refuse to do what we did for a living, even if it were for a short term, are going to continue thinking of ways to divide Veterans by generation.
The Vietnam generation never quite got over being put down and dominated by the WWII generation, and now that Vietnam generation that's me is being forced in a corner by non-Veteran politicians to compete with each other.
Having learned the lesson of Vietnam in more ways than not getting into another one or two more Vietnams, we no more trust the old guard VSOs now than we did then regardless how many token youngsters they are able to recruit.
Beside a piss poor rating that Charity watchdogs have provided Congress on AMVETS (among others), I frankly know of no corruption coming out of AMVETS nor am I looking for it or care. I can't say the same about the American Legion.
Heck, even our managing editor gm has written horror stories about the shabby performance of old guard VSOs who don't know how to count.
Robert L. Hanafin
Major, U.S. Air Force - Retired
Editorial Board Member - Veterans Today
By Christina Roof on 2009-06-07 19:27:47
Duffser, I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. You absolutely have more experience and knowledge than me, I never said you did not. I was just trying to say that their still are some of us out their who do care with all their heart. I never meant to insinuate I had the experience you do. I need people like you to teach me. People with first hand knowledge and experience. I think with the first 2 weeks here I learned that many things operate unethically. There is a absolute lack of accountability. It seems everyone finds it easier to blame someone else then to actual admit they screwed up. I give you my word that I will be the first to stand up and call for investigations, ect. Sorry you thought I was angry with you. I just wanted to make sure that people knew that a few of us are trying to make things change.
Almost forgot, I'm wasn't bragging about who I work for or what I do. In fact, since I'm new I made a promise to myself that I will not get caught up in organizational politics. I am here to do 1 thing and that is to help vets. You are probably right, I may not ever have access to people or hold a powerful position, but thats OK. As long as I am doing everything humanly possible to even help 1 service member, that is OK with me. Again I need people like you guys, you have first hand experience, knowledge, and passion. So I again apologize if I came across arrogant, I was writing out of emotion & not common sense. I know I need to be careful of that now that I'm in DC. Just wanted you to know some of us really do care and want to help. Thank you for your service and the services you continue to provide to our veteran community. I actually have your feed on my homepage. :)
Sorry I almodt forgot to answer your question about why I went to work for AMVETS. I found when applying to many organizations that it was about who you know, not what you know. I must have driven from NC to DC twice a month just trying to get a foot in the door. I respect the values of AMVETS and those of my co-workers. I also knew that sitting in NC and hoping to get a fabulos job wasn't going to help anyone. I felt and still do that doing anything to help vets is a good thing and it doesn't matter where I do it from, as long as the organization shared by concerns and passion. So I guess that is why in a nutshell.
By C. Roof on 2009-06-07 19:51:45 And I'm with you on calling for change. AMVETS is on its way. I am the 1st woman to hold this position. Have to start somewhere. :)
By Da_old_warrant on 2009-06-08 18:11:04 don't worry about ticking the duffster off I think he secretly likes it. HE'S ALWAYS ASKING FOR IT
By Terry on 2009-06-07 22:02:06
Christina, I am really a nobody here on this website. Just another Vietnam Era vet. I was moved by the sincerity of your messages. I for one believe you. I have encountered many people like yourself, over the years that really wanted to help Veterans. It didn't matter what service organization they belonged to. I don't know what your reasons are for wanting to help Veterans, but I can tell you that you have chosen a very worthy and just cause.
By Christina M. Roof on 2009-06-08 10:54:04 Terry,
Thank you so much. I am usually not personally affected by the comments of other people. But for some reason the comments made about me actually did. I guess I will need to get used to it though. Thank you. You really have just made me feel better. I do understand the frustrations, for I share them too. However I didn't feel it necessary to attack anyone personally though. I guess we all deal with anger and frustrations differently.
Thanks Again,
Christina M. Roof
By Ryan on 2009-06-08 11:36:08
I work alongside Christina at AMVETS and I wanted to point out a serious error of Bobby's in assessment our organization. Charity Navigator actually does not rate AMVETS, since it is a 501(c)(19) organization. The link Bobby provided actually rates an unrelated--yet similarly named--501(c)(3) out of Santa Ana, Cailf., whose Web site is actually down.
However, the AMVETS National Service Foundation, our 501(c)(3) charitable arm, received a FOUR STAR rating from Charity Navigator for organizational efficiency:
The foundation's downfall--and subsequent 2-star overall rating--came within capacity, meaning the ability to sustain future operations. This is a grave concern for us, which we attribute to the natural attrition of WWII vets.
Fortunately, AMVETS, as a VSO, is on the grow and we've been vocal on real veterans issues like PTSD, suicide, health care, employment, etc. I'm an Iraq veteran who has had to deal with the VA for the last 5 years, and I can assure you we're using our bully pulpit to bring about change--just check out AMVETS' recent testimony and our national media coverage.
I'm not here to debate the editors of VeteransToday over who is the better veterans' advocate. I want to simply set the record straight on my organization so that we can focus on what's most important: Serving veterans.
By D J BLAIR on 2009-06-08 15:17:29 I would like for both of you to contact me through VASVW. I am sure that you both and I could work well for all Vets and I have a few things that I and all Viet-Nam Blue Water Navy Vets need you help to accomplish, and maybe you can get AMVETS to support us in our fight with the DVA.
By Bobby Hanafin on 2009-06-09 15:36:03 My apologies AMVETS and I stand corrected.
However I did ask, I did not say, and I gave the link so that someone at AMVETS could clarify.
That said, DAV actually also gets high marks from Charity Navagator, but there is another group on Charity Navagator that fronts the DAV name if not logo, and they got a ZERO.
I should have checked closer to see if there were two American Vets groups. My bust.
I also was not personally attacking Christina, only asked her a few questions to which she gave respectful and appropriate answers.
In fact, I hope and pray that more younger Vets can infiltrate some of the Old Guard and change their inefficient ways but not at the cost of growing membership in IAVA, IVAW or whatever other younger group of Vets arises with your wars.
Bobby Hanafin
PS: WE are thrilled that Gordan's views have generated so much discussion and debate with very little if any flaming.
In fact, I've had a few, VERY FEW, but a few combat Vietnam Vets approach me who happen to be both progressive and anti-war to say they do not totally agree with Gordan and my views on the Old Guard.
I just told one founding member of VVAW that I respectfully agree to disagree with his strong defense of VFW, but I've know his service, his courage to resist, and his current on the streets activism to both end the war(s) and have Vets treated fairly regardless how we view our war(s).
If I can cut a fellow pro-Peace Vet a little slack for not agreeing with me, I sure can grant due respect to moderate Vets who have earned the same respect.
However, I draw the line on Stolen Valor Vets, no compromise-no surrender. I no more believe the different between Stolen Valor and Home to War than I can see eye to eye between one view of Christianity over another.
By Chaplain Mary Murphy on 2009-06-08 11:51:08
We have a Disabled Vietnam Vet about to get out of prison for theft. He has no resources in the Colorado system. Please help us locate any models we can duplicate in such a need. Blessings The War Widows Veteransjustice@aol.com www.veteranschamberofcommerce.org Former VA/Prison Chaplain/Marshal Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Wheat Ridge Colorado
Isn't it amazing that Duff will write an article and two things will happen: First, he will take a cheap shot at Conservatives (see his first paragraph) or Bush, Cheny, et all, and second, the responses will quickly change the thrust of the story away from the article to Duff, himself. He seems to hate everybody, maybe even himself. In his 40 years of working so hard for Veterans, what the hell has he really accomplished except to become a bully at the keyboard. It appears to me that Duff is the Captain Queeg of the USS Veterans Today.
By Da_old_warrant on 2009-06-08 18:07:38 No shot at "conservatives" is cheap, just well deserved
By Dan on 2009-06-08 13:15:53
I have noticed that some veterans groups will support the Conservative even if he votes the majority of times against the interests of veterans. Guess they think the Dems are to soft on defense. But those groups that blindly support all Conservatives get no support from me.
By The Blue Max on 2009-06-08 13:43:40 Groups (like Unions, NEA, NOW, AARP, NAACP, etc) that blindly support ANY political party do not deserve our support. Democrats who pass legislation without even reading the bills do not deserve our support. Neither do Republicans, Socilaists, or Independents. "The fault, dear Dan, is not in our stars, but in ourselves." WE elect and re-elect these assholes and then we complain about them. WE support with our dollars the PACs, the "really good talkers," the Parties and all the ACORNs and wonder why WE don't get a fair shake. Democrats ARE soft on defense and believe in ever-increasing Government; Republicans ARE the party of capitalism, lower taxes, greater profits, less for workers and more for top dogs. WE are seeing the decline and fall of the American Empire,
and WE did it to ourselves.
By Richard on 2009-06-08 13:50:07
I agree with this article. As a past DAV service Officer, I saw it everyday. These orginazations have a few things on their mind, Money, social activities, and Party till they drop.
Sure a few of the service officers actually care about helping veterans, in fact most get involved because they care, but then they forget why they signed up to help. Many more interested in the politics, and making a name for their self than helping veterans.
I tossed my membership card years ago. I was so tired of seeing money being wasted on so called conventions. It was always the same members, spending the chapter money to go to these things just to vote on a few issues that usually went nowere, and to get a free drunk on.
I also tossed my VFW and AL card... I don't believe in the old saying if you can't beat them, join them... no if something smells like crap it usally is and I want no part of it.
Now if only the members of these organizations would take them back and run them right... no taht is just a pipe dream.
I can't find one thing to be critical of in your article, you hit a lot of nails on the head. Of course the goat turds have to come in on this even though it's none of their damn business. As a Veteran who life has been dependent on VA health services since 1967 I would say you criticisms are on the mild side.
You only forgot one item and that would be to get the VSO's off Federal property, get them out of the MC's and the Clinics. Volunteers in MC's are always welcome, but I have never seen why these generous people have not been put on the pay roll. I also have never understood why a Veteran being discharged for a MC has to go to the DAV and make arrangements in advance for a ride home, a voucher for cab fare would be less humiliating to the Veteran and far more cost effective.
I agree somewhat with Duff's article but just like anything else I try and take it with a grain of salt.
One thing I will say as far as AL is concerned my local post has been having an internal battle for as long as I can rememeber. I still renwe but I only go up one day a year for some fiends of mine that can't go anymore Memorial Day!
God Bless our troops and may they not have to go through all the S**t us Nam Vets did!
I agree with Gordon Duff's article completely. President George Washington stated words to the effect that men's willingness to enter into military service, no matter how just the war, will be dependent on how justly and equitably veterans of previous wars have been treated. The history of the treatment of veterans of the War in Vietnam and subsequent wars has been that the same have not been equitably and justly treated. I am a Vietnam War combat veteran.
I could not agree more with the back slapping, drinking and trying to make a name for themselves in Politics. There are a few sincere people in the organizations but very few. The politicians better wake and smell the coffee," They work for us the tax payer" not the other way around. But it seems like they and others in this country have forgotten all about that. It reminds me of some of the so called hunting organizations, The National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever just to name a few. Who benefits? not the rank and file membership but the executives in those organizations. The same with the veterans, Who Benefits? not the veterans who need and deserve there help. Politicians who needs them! I say we set there wages and benefits and no perks. If they do not like the wages and benefits then I say find another job. You work for me, I do not work for you. If you do not like my attitude Too Bad.
We have the worst VA Medical in the nation. The VAMC in New Orleans awarded a large contract to replace their phone system that was working well. The replacement took over a year. In that time many veterans died because they could not get prescriptions filled. The hospital could not communicate within the hospital. Bobby Jindal, Steve Scalise, David Vitter were notified of the problem and would not respond. The elected officials also failed to respond to the Halliburton VP that made the statement " only blacks and poor white trash fight the wars".....and terminated every black and veteran under his control. There are no exceptions. 9852646416
Gen. Eric Shinseki (D) VA Secretary Political Appointee
This is a CHALLENGE for the VA Secretary, when are you going to get the Gulf War Veterans what is due them for the issues and problems that the Gulf War veterans have been told that it is in your HEAD... We are having so many problems but no issues have been resolved. It taked the Regional VA here in Texas about 2 years to get an individual to get their first submission. And there are some that just get completely DENY Like Matt Letterman below. I was living across the road from the Oil Well Fires for 3 1/2 months with the 1st Infantry Division Main so tell me what is the real criteria you must be DEAD FIRST?
I have a friend named Matt Letterman and he is being treated like he has the plague from the VA and they refuse to help him and I even called his congresswoman last week and I was told from her office head Judy and she told me not him again. I would just like to know one thing from the VA Secretary himself in writing or verbally that he is taking this to heart since the LTG Thomas Rhame is not since he told me that 3/4 of the Infantry Division is sick and that was in 2001 imagine what its like not. But during the War he was always pushing to take care of your troops, I guess by being quiet they bought him with his 3rd Star and retirement. Who ever determined the Criteria for the test needs to throw all of his information in the trash and should look at the Service Members that were there on the Ground and in or ahead of the front lined.
I was told that I had to leave with the Early Retirement with 15 years since I was sick since 6 weeks after returning from the War. I went to Chaplain (CPT) Oscar Stone from Talihina Oklahoma and he got me an appointment from 5th General Hospital in Stuttgart Germany. The Shrink there was no help for me at all. I now take 63 pills a day so when is the Veterans Administration going to help the Veterans? I have a book published to help Gulf War Veterans called "A Soldier's Dying Heart" and a Patriot Guard Rider when my health lets me participate. Some people still think that our Good Old Government is helping the Veterans but allot have lost their families and everything....
Lastly, I too have been fighting the Veterans administration starting at 0% for a few years then 30% then 50% then 70% then 90% and now 90% but 100% unemployable and all of these took more than 13 years. And still have an appeal at the VA in Washington DC they told me it would take about 2 to 6 months. You walk into the VA in Dallas and a majority of employees there think that we are there for them and they are not there for us and at 4PM daily its like mass exodus and they are heading for the DOOR. Who cares who is left only a chosen few and I can name names too..
HELP THE VETS MR SECRETARY, that is your Challenge. Can you fix the system that is currently BROKEN or at least get rid of the Good Ole Boy Network and put people in place that can fix the system. Sir, I can help you fix that system that is the start of YOUR SOLUTION. If I had to move to DC and work for you that would show me how and what needs to be fixed...
If you get nothing from this please make sure that you tell your troops to make a copy of all military records since when you get out they fall off of the face of the earth. And if you need someone to talk to with questions please email me harely2001sport@aol.com.
Randy L. Stamm SFC, USA (ret)
Author "A Soldier's Dying Heart" http://www.authorhouse.com
214-830-0902 cell
"Patriot Guard Rider" supporting soldiers and their families "Minute Man" border watch too!!! "Sergeant Audie Murphy Member" "Sergeant Morales Inductee"
Randy L. Stamm SFC, USA (ret)
Author "A Soldier's Dying Heart" http://www.authorhouse.com
"Patriot Guard Rider" supporting soldiers and their families "Minuteman" border watch too!!!
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MANY "OLD GUARD" SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS FAILING VETERANS
While successfully supporting bars and social clubs and hard working auxillary cadres who helped in hospitals and clinics, still the heart of these organizations has been the politically based leadership who have stood in the way of real progress for veterans for many many years.
Gordon Duff is a Marine combat veteran and regular contributor on political and social issues.Liked this story? Get top stories in your inbox each week from Veterans Today ! 
