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Nam Vet, Vol 3, No. 12, an on- line magazine for Vi
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
. __ .
. ____/ \_ .
. -*- N A M V E T -*- ( * \ .
. \ Quang Tri .
. G. Joseph Peck \_/\ \_ Hue .
. Managing Editor \_Ashau Phu Bai .
. \_* \_ .
. Bob Morris Jerry Hindle \ * ) .
. Distribution Managers / Da Nang .
. ( \_ .
. Section Editors \_ ------- \__ .
. --------------- \_ I Corps \ .
. PTSD: Kathleen Kelly, Ph.D. \ ------- ! .
. AGENT ORANGE: Martin J. Kroll, Sr. /\_____ ! .
. MIA-POW: Glenn Toothman / ! \ .
. HOMELESSNESS: Lefty Frizzell ! !___ \ .
. FEDERAL BENEFITS: Jim Hildwine ! \/\____! .
. INCARCERATED VETS: Todd C. Looney ! ! .
. Joyce Flory / Dak To ! .
. MEMORIALS: Aaron Schmiedel / * / .
. MEMORIES: G. Joseph Peck ! \_ .
. ! Phu Cat\ .
. \ * * ) .
. -**- N A M V E T -**- \ Pleiku ) .
. \ \ .
. / / .
. "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 _/ Nha Trang / .
. many veterans have endured, _/ / .
. NAM VET is a shining beacon, __/ ! .
. a ray of hope, and a _ __/ \ ! .
. reminder that the _____( )/ ! Cam Ranh 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 .
. ! Saigon/ for noncommercial .
. \___ -------- / \/ purposes only. .
. \ IV Corps / .
. ) -------- / .
. / ! .
. / ____/ .
. / 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 .
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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
1. EDITORIALS
Holiday Happenings ...................................... 1
Letter to the President.. Update ........................ 4
2. Missing!!!
USS Boschwitz co-sponsors Reward Checkoff ............... 6
They haven't forgutten US!!! ............................ 8
In-Touch Program Provides Human Dimension ............... 9
3. Remember Them!!!
Quotes from "THE WALL" of Incarceration ................. 12
A visit or note once in awhile? ......................... 16
"The Wall" of Incarceration ............................. 17
How to help your incarcerated brother/sister veteran .... 20
4. Court of Veterans Appeals
Court of Veterans Appeals Form 1 ........................ 27
Court of Veterans Appeals Form 4 ........................ 29
5. Veteran Benefits
COLA INCREASE FOR DISABLED VETERANS ..................... 32
6. Agent Orange
Agent Orange Review ..................................... 33
7. Hearts n' Minds
This I believe .......................................... 45
The Road to Recovery - II ............................... 47
Different Vets' Healing Mission ......................... 54
Finally Here!!! ......................................... 56
In Country .............................................. 57
IN-COUNTRY Reviewed by Vietnam Veterans Of America ...... 62
Married to a Vietnam Veteran ............................ 64
8. Dealing with 'Nam
Democracy: a struggle, not a gift! ...................... 66
9. Our Flag
How does burning a flag make things better? ............. 69
10. -- MEMORIES --
Fragile as a Flower ..................................... 71
'Nam is a four-letter word! ............................. 73
11. Subscribe Now!
Subscribe to Nam Vet .................................... 75
12. IVVEC NODELIST
IVVEC Nodelist & Parameters of VIETNAM_VETS Echo ........ 76
Some Gave All... ........................................ 81
NAM VET Newsletter Page i
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
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E D I T O R I A L S
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Holiday Happenings
by G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
"Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a day which will live in infamy... "
"Fighting was heavy today... the 38th parallel... "
"To those peoples in the huts and villages of half the globe
struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best
efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is
required -- not because the Communists may be doing it, not
because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free
society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few
who are rich... "
Flames licked the outside edges of the new logs they'd just tossed
on the fire. The aroma of new-perked coffee drifted across the
campsite as Randy, Bob and George - son, father, grandfather -
finished getting things ready for next mornings' early start. The
campfire reflected itself in the highly-polished stocks of an M-1
Carbine, M-14, and M-16 gas-powered, semiautomatics... Three
generations of veterans - now united in "sport" rather than
"defense"...
Deer hunting season opened at first-light...
Preparations finished, they positioned themselves to catch the
warmth of the fire in the cold, clear night and cupped their hands
around their steaming hot coffee cups. Far below them, the lights
of the city twinkled as the world went about its business.
Setting his coffee down, George grasped his M-1. "Now THIS, boys,
is a weapon... 'course, ya gotta watch your thumb when you're
putting a round in the chamber..."
Randy and Bob, wanting to avoid the misery of hearing the story of
the M-1 thumb again, were just about to change the subject when
they noticed a different look in George's eyes, a quiet, pained,
melancholy type of gaze. George's voice was barely audible...
"I can still remember them coming," George continued, unaware of
the deafening hush that now seemed to amplify his every whisper...
"They came, one right after the other... Sam took a hit right
below the eye. It was over for him in a second. Jack wasn't so
lucky. He laid there for nearly an hour before he died. Doc
couldn't get to us and I listened to Jack's dying at the same time
I was fighting to keep us both alive. There wasn't anything else
I could do... And then our company was shipped over to Bataan...
and... Nights like this, when its cold and quiet except for the
pop-popping of a burning log... hell... its like being there all
over again..."
NAM VET Newsletter Page 1
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Randy and Bob had never been privy to this kind of gut-level
communication before. George, like Bob, had never talked about
his military service except to say that he'd served. The American
fighting men of WWII and Korea, according to popular notion at
that time, went to war, fought, came home, went about their
business and said nothing. If any DID want to "talk about the
things they did, the atrocities they observed and/or participated
in" society had its ways of dealing with them. Section 8's,
mental hospitals (often at the veterans' expense), alcohol, low-
paying, unskilled jobs --- anything to keep 'em at the bottom of
the pile. Mentioning whatever it was that bothered the veteran -
whether it was recurring nightmares, flashbacks, or even trouble
readjusting to American society was NOT the thing to do.
"You know, Dad," said Bob, "I've had a lot of those kinds of
things, too. We were at Chosin... and it was bitter cold and our
supplies were low... and they came... and came... and came... and
MY friends died, too. And we were ORDERED to take the mountain at
any cost... there wasn't any going back... And then when I got
back to the states... After about a year-and-a-half, though, I
got that civil service job at $42 a week... I couldn't jeopardize
my family and my job just because there was something that was
bothering me about my military service... "
Randy watched as tears began to stream down the faces of his
father and grandfather.
"All these years! And they kept it all inside of themselves!
They never talked about it, never talked about hurt inside of
them!" Randy thought.
"You know, Dad... Grandpa... all these years since I've been back
from 'Nam and I started to talk to either of you across the dinner
table or sitting in the living room about the things I went
through and noticed how uncomfortable you seemed to be, I always
thought that you just didn't accept me, didn't accept the things
I'd done while I, too, fought as a soldier. Until tonight I'd
always thought that your quick changing of the subject or finding
something else that HAD to be done NOW was just another way of
your rejecting me. I'd never really considered the possibility
that you were uncomfortable because my experiences were reminding
you of what YOU went through... "
Festooned with streams of twinkling lights, the holiday-garbed
city was unaware of the bonding that took place on a mountaintop
high above them...
... a "bonding" very much akin to the reported words of an Angel,
1989 years ago:
"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy
which shall be to all people; ... and on earth peace among men of
good will."
"President Reagan has ordered a total news blackout on the events
currently transpiring on the island of Granada..."
"The Sandinistas and the Contras continue to ..."
NAM VET Newsletter Page 2
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
"We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you
this special news bulletin..."
"Merry Christmas ... and the happiest of New Years"
from all of your NAMVET staff and their families
'til next month...
show a brother/sister veteran
that YOU care!!!
Ci'ao for Ni'ao
-Joe-
NAM VET Newsletter Page 3
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Letter to the President... Update
By Martin H. Kroll
NAM VET's Agent Orange Section Editor
Fort Mountain BBS - Chatsworth, GA
404-695-8703
I have some exciting news to share concerning my letter to
President Bush in behalf of Viet Nam Veterans exposed to Agent
Orange. I have received the little green card that you get back
when you send certified mail! Whoaaaa! Of course I realize that
Mr. Bush and his staff have probably not had time to read it yet
considering they only received it on November 14th, but I know for
sure that they got it! <grin>
Yep, it was signed for by Andu Norwovsl, or that could be Andee
Norworrl, or Linda Norwood, or something like that. If I should
need to know exactly who signed for it all I gotta do is find
someone at the White House whose first name has "nd' right in the
middle of it and their last name starts with "Norw". That should
pin it down pretty close, huh? Of course the Post Office did an
excellent job of getting this green card back to me with the
article number plainly marked as PO42 449544.. or is that 449543?
or 449548 ??? Well, they marked over the 5 and the last digit
several times but I can easily make out the 5 anyway. I'm just
not too sure about the last digit, but I know it got there cause I
got the green card back!
I also want to thank all you guys for your support in this
endeavor. Thanks for all the kind messages also. It has made me
feel as if I am really doing something worthwhile.
On another note I have noticed that the Government is passing some
new legislation pertaining to Agent Orange exposure. Of course I
guess everyone has heard all about it by now, huh? If you are
starting to detect a hint of sarcasm by now you are very
perceptive!
Hey guys, all I can say at this point is that now I fully
understand why no more has been done about Agent Orange exposure
than has been done. Twenty five years have passed since the first
spraying in Nam and the Government nor the VA nor the Chemical
companies have bothered to really reach out and say "hey man, this
stuff was a mistake and it might hurt you so we want you to come
in for an examination to see what we can do for you guys." Got
any idea why they haven't done it? There just hasn't been any
real "DEMAND" for it! And there won't be as long as all you do is
sit on your *ss and read this and expect that everyone else is
doing it for you!
I know what it is like to remain silent. Hell, I've done it for
years myself but I have come to realize that until a major demand
is made by the public at large, not much will be done. When you
are finished reading this article, just forget about it. Make no
comments at all. The rest of us are taking care of things for
you. Just be kool man and don't worry about nothin cause we are
all NamVets and we stick up for each other and all that stuff.
For all you guys in the IVVEC Net, I'm really proud of all of you.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 4
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
We went through a lot in Nam and we made it back home. We've gone
through a lot in the years that have passed since we came home.
The majority of us are now in our late thirties to mid forties and
by God we still know what patriotism is all about. Heaven help
the man that supports burning a flag cause we can pounce upon him
with a vengeance equal to the wrath of God himself. We can spend
hours typing out messages at our key boards and look forward to
the replies. How dare anyone to suggest that it is ok to burn the
flag as a political statement! I pounced upon him myself guys and
we ran him out of there in no time flat!
What if we pounced upon Congress like that in regards to the Agent
Orange thing? Does it matter that some of us will die from that
AO crap? Does it matter that your children "may" be affected also
and maybe even their children? Do you really want to know more
about the implications of Agent Orange exposure or are you just
gonna sit back and die without caring?
You guys tell me what is more important.. Should we "ALL" get on
this issue and try to take it somewhere or have you all been
through it so many times before that you are tired of it? I guess
you all got a good laugh out of my letter to President Bush and I
have no idea at all what made me think that I would even get an
acknowledgement from the White House. After all, I am just one
solitary veteran.
Are you with me brothers? Think we can combine our about all the
good times we had in Nam, what we'll do to flag burners, and other
stuff with some real, honest-to-goodness plans of action? I read
all the mail in IVVEC at least a couple of times a week and
usually more so it won't be hard to reach me.
I'm still looking for a letter from the White House and maybe next
month I will have something to tell you guys if I should receive
any kind of acknowledgement at all. If you personally know a
Congressman or Senator it wouldn't hurt at all if you mentioned
some of this stuff to them. They might be in a position to help
out a little...
NAM VET Newsletter Page 5
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
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M i s s i n g ! ! !
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US Senator Boschwitz co-sponsors Reward Checkoff
From "Tell the World About Us"
Published by Minnesota Won't Forget POW/MIA
3008 West 100th Street
Bloomington, Minnesota 55431
(612) 884-5028
Submitted to NAM VET by:
Mark Burfeind
Post Office Box 206
Stockton, MN 55988
Input by G. Joseph Peck
NAM VET's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz notified Minnesota Won't Forget
Director Dale Hanley in a letter September 2, that he has decided
to co-sponsor the Helms POW Rescue Fund Bill (S1587). Jesse Helms
is a North Carolina senator.
The bill would provide for a checkoff on the U.S. Income Tax
form enabling the taxpayer to donate one dollar to a POW rescue
fund. The fund is identical to the reward fund set up by former
U.S. Senator Billie Hendon, providing a reward to any Southeast
Asia national who brings out a live U.S. POW.
"I think this legislation is a good way to help discover and
bring back any Americans who might still be over there", said
Boschwitz, in the letter.
"Boschwitz had been criticized earlier in the year for allegedly
stating during questioning at two public events that there are no
live Americans in Southeast Asia. He has since stated that his
remarks were misunderstood.
"Be assured that I will continue to stand firmly behind
coordinated efforts both here and in Southeast Asia to fully
determine if there are living American prisoners in Vietnam or
elsewhere," said Boschwitz.
While the fund to be created in the bill appears to duplicate
the fund set up by Hendon's POW Publicity Group and 23 U.S.
Congressmen, it would in fact be an official U.S. Government
account to be maintained by the treasury department. In effect,
Congress would take over the reward fund, and; while the Hendon
reward fund is only a collection of pledges to pay part of the
reward, the congressional fund would be an actual cash account of
monies donated through the income tax checkoff.
The bill provides that the secretary of the Treasury would be
ordered to pay the reward to any eligible individual qualified
according to terms specified in the bill. The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs would decide if an individual is eligible.
If the money has not been used by the year 2004, it would be
used to retire part of the U.S. debt.
Up to ten percent of the balance of the fund could be used in
any year to notify eligible individuals (Southeast Asia nationals)
of the existence of the fund.
An eligible individual would be any national of Laos, Vietnam,
NAM VET Newsletter Page 6
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Cambodia, or Burma, unless the individual is acting in an official
government capacity in releasing the prisoner. The qualified POW
is described as a member of the uniform service missing as a
result of the Vietnam conflict, but not any individual who was
AWOL or a deserter.
The bill provides for political asylum for any individual who
claims the reward. This has been a complaint concerning the
unofficial POW rescue fund because there has been no guarantee
that such an individual could avoid being sent back to his country
after claiming the reward, or otherwise be victimized by officials
of a host country.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee but
has not been scheduled for hearings. An aide to Senator Boschwitz
said the bill will probably not come up for action until after the
Christmas break.
At this point, the bill has only three co-sponsors, including
Boschwitz. The other two are Charles Grassley of Iowa (R) and
Joseph Lieberman (D) of Connecticut. Grassley, like Boschwitz,
has only recently become involved in this subject. The fact that
three Senators who have previously not been closely associated
with this cause have become the first to sponsor the bill is
thought by some to indicate the possibility of a resolution of the
POW/MIA issue is being taken more seriously in Congress.
Grassley aroused some interest lately when he indicated in a
letter to a constituent that a Defense Department source had told
him there are over 150 American Servicemen being held against
their will in Southeast Asia. The source has not been identified
at this time.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 7
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
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N O T F O R
" Bring them home --- NOW !!! "
NAM VET Newsletter Page 8
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
IN TOUCH Program provides Human dimension to The Wall
By Wanda Ruffin, Project Coordinator
Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
1350 Connecticut Avenue N.W. Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 296-1726
Submitted to NAM VET by Jim Hildwine
NAM VETs Federal Benefits Section Editor
VetPoint 47 - Shady Side, MD
Input by G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
"Dear IN TOUCH,
For awhile I have been searching for a way to know my brother
(Michael Lipsius). It seems hopeless at times. I was twelve
years old when he was killed and had never met him. I had heard
about him from the time I was a small child and waited for the
day that he would come to live with us. He never did. A part of
me will always be 12 and continue to wait. Thank you for giving
me hope again that there may be a way yet to find Michael and
bring him home to my heart.
Sincerely, Jane R. Barnes"
Last spring FVVM (Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial)
decided that IN TOUCH was an idea whose time had come. We were
receiving increasing numbers of calls and letters with messages
like that above. Also we heard from veterans who were looking
for families of fellow veterans with whom they had served during
the months, weeks or days before they died. Some had pictures,
tapes, mementoes or stories that they wanted to pass along. They
had only recently begun to realize the need to make contact,
fulfill promises and heal old wounds.
One of our IN TOUCH participants is a woman veteran who has won
two national contests for poetry she has dedicated to the memory
of her friend, a fellow nurse and one of the eight women listed
on the Memorial. She wants to share her poetry with her friend's
parents. Another participant was three years of age when her
father, a medic, was killed in Vietnam. She writes that she
doesn't remember her father, but that a young adult, she
"desperately" needs to know about her Dad from anyone who served
with him.
IN TOUCH has developed several dimensions which were not
originally anticipated but which increase its healing effects.
One dimension has been the involvement of persons who may not
have known a person whose name is on the Wall, but who have worn
a bracelet bearing the name of a person listed as missing-in-
action. When Sally Kennedy learned that we had an inquiry from a
man who had worn her son's bracelet since 1974, she was "thankful
to know that people still care..." She wrote to our IN TOUCH
participant and sent him a resume and picture of her son.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 9
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
SONS AND DAUGHTERS-IN TOUCH
Another important dimension of IN TOUCH grew out of a phone call
from Los Angeles:
"Hello, I'm not sure you can help me... My dad was killed in
Vietnam when I was four years old. His name is on the Wall. Do
you know anyone whose father was killed in Vietnam? ... I'd like
to talk with them... I have friends whose fathers have died from
illnesses. We have something in common, but I think its
different when your father dies in a war, especially when you
know his name is on that Wall in Washington DC."
These were the words of Tony Cordero who called us fortuitously
while we were in the midst of our preparations for the Fathers
Day Rose Project in which, at the request of children, family and
friends, we placed roses beside the Memorial's panels bearing the
names of the loved ones being remembered on that special day.
Tony was encouraged to learn of the Fathers Day Rose Project
because he wanted to remember his father with a rose at the
Memorial and also because this could be a connection with other
sons and daughters whose fathers died in Vietnam.
Tony was put in touch with my daughter, Wende Ruffin. The two
found that they shared many feelings about their fathers
"tragically heroic" (Tony's term) deaths. Tony was four when his
father became Missing in Action; Wende's dad became MIA three
months before she was born. Both fathers' remains have been
returned and both are buried at Arlington Cemetery. They are
listed on side by side panels of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
But Wende and Tony found that they had more in common than the
coincidental circumstances - the feelings they shared about their
dads, their childhood dreams that a man would walk up and sa,
"Hi, Tony (or Wende), I'm your dad", their mixed feelings about
the war and about letting others know their plight.
As a result of the Friend's network, Tony has become "phone pals"
with Wende and ten other sons and daughters of men whose names
are on the Wall. One of the daughters who lives near a military
base in Nebraska put an ad in the newspaper and received 30
responses from other sons and daughters of Vietnam casualties.
This is the beginning of the establishment of a Sons and
Daughters network under the umbrella of our IN TOUCH project.
In addition to the connection with other sons and daughters, FVVM
has facilitated some media connections for the Sons and Daughters
which we hope will create public awareness for IN TOUCH AS WELL>
We connected Tony with Laura Palmer who wrote an article about
him for her syndicated newspaper column. We also connected him
with NBC's Sunday Today for which he was interviewed by Maria
Shriver and featured on their Fathers Day segment, "Missing Dad".
This segment was introduced with scenes of Friends volunteers
placing roses at the Wall.
At the suggestion of FVVM's executive board member, Maggie Hodge,
Tony wrote to Al Santoli, author of three books about the war in
Vietnam and contributing editor of Parade magazine. Al is
NAM VET Newsletter Page 10
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
currently interviewing several of the sons and daughters for a
Parade magazine article which will arrive with our Sunday papers
sometime this spring.
An extra bonus of this connection with Parade is the fact that
the magazine has agreed to fly Michele Mitchell from Tampa,
Florida to Washington to visit the Wall and to be interviewed by
Al Santoli. Michele contacted FVVM after seeing "Missing Dad" on
NBC's Sunday Today. Parade is planning her visit to coincide
with a visit here by Tony Cordero and his wife Deanna. In
addition to the much needed public awareness created by Al's
article in Parade, this meeting at the Wall will bring together
four of the sons and daughters who have yet to meet each other
except by phone. For two of those involved, it will be
especially meaningful. For Tony and Michelle, it will be their
first trip to the Wall, their first time to see their fathers'
names surrounded by 58,232 others who share their "tragically
heroic" place in history.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 11
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
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R e m e m b e r T h e m ! ! !
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Quotes from those behind "THE WALL" of Incarceration:
Submitted by: Dottie L. Cruz
5009 Arbor Ridge
San Antonio, Texas 78228
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VET's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
"In my case, I killed a man who was reaching for a pistol, with
the intent to kill. I in turn, did what I have been "trained and
conditioned" to do, in the Marine Corps and in Vietnam. I
"reacted to his action", to neutralize his aggression."
"For so long she thought all the values I taught her were a lie,
for how could they be true, if the one who taught her killed a
man. I think of myself as fairly articulate, but I could never
explain the circumstances to her. How could I, even I don't
understand. Not then, not now. No, I was not drunk, I've never
been a drinker, nor was I on drugs. It just happened. One minute
we were arguing, the next ... he was dead. I reacted to a
situation like I was in the Bush."
"...another Vietnam casualty, after the war! We are prayerful
that God will forgive both the soul of this poor and troubled
brother and also forgive America, which still does not realize
that something is drastically wrong if approximately 60,000 of our
Vietnam vets have committed suicide AFTER THE WAR, more than were
killed in action! And it is my experienced and professional
opinion that a greater number are in prison. That is a sure link,
for suicide is a sin and a crime. A man who is trained to fight
and kill the enemies of his Nation, and later is not respected for
his service and sacrifice not even given a job... So it is a
simple matter to see that combat trained and experienced veterans
could use arms in rage and frustration (and after losing faith in
the government that lied to him) and in confusion, opposite to all
we ever learned (as how our country awarded, praised, and
respected the WWII vets) to commit violence against others rather
than himself. What I'm saying is... that for each of us who has
committed suicide, 2 or 3 others, feeling the SAME hurt,
confusion, and depression, committed an assault or murder against
someone else (striking out instead of striking inward). And these
became incarcerated vets, who the majority are STILL in prisons!"
"To be honest with you, I've been in the woods all these years
since I've returned from Nam and I think I'm still in them even
though I had that group therapy at... for a short time. I don't
like talking about Nam that much, at least about the war factors
anyway. Heck it took me about 20 years to forget it so I don't
want to remember all the killing, leeches, mosquitoes, or staying
wet for months at a time, or being hungry or how dog tired I was
each night only to have to go out on ambush patrol. I also don't
want to remember the humiliation of our guys finally pulling out
NAM VET Newsletter Page 12
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
from Saigon and the sh** I heard from people back here or all the
bar room fights I was in with guys who called our troops "yellow".
It's over, Mam, and nothing can bring all those guys back to life
or change the situation. The government didn't let us do our job
or else there wouldn't be any North Vietnam today. Believe that!"
"I know this is the longest letter I've ever written so I'm wound
up and ready to go! Eight hours sleep in two days. It reminds me
of other times. Tired and keyed up..."
"Could I get you and a member of your chapter to write the warden
a letter of support for us to get started? I think the more
letters of support from outside will be that much more help..."
"You see, Mr. H. is a Vietnam veteran incarcerated, but the
institution simply does not recognize him, or the many other
veterans incarcerated here. In other words, there is no existing
program within this institution for incarcerated veterans. Mr. H.
has done everything available to him to encourage this
administration to move on this problem, but nothing will happen."
"...I see now how really messed up the justice system is and how
messed up and uncaring the state law makers are about veterans.
It's the same with free veterans up here. The state gives and
then takes away. At times I have to cry to myself that I fought
and killed for a country that cared less than a damn about me. I,
like many others, gave my all for a country and state... so many
lives are messed up, so many families are messed up. By the grace
of God, I keep trying to cry out to tell the outside world we need
your help. We made a mistake and came to prison. Don't forget us
in prison. Give us your all, as we gave you in Vietnam. A vet
gets a bad break, but as a prison inmate and Vietnam vet, it's a
tough road to travel."
"...our criminal error is a very narrow perspective of what we are
and have accomplished."
"It still seems most people still don't feel Vietnam Veterans are
entitled to anything but we know differently and the public is
being shown now. In time things may improve or change."
"Our incarceration is incidental to our Veteran's status. We
served, entering into a "Legal Contract" with the U.S. Government.
At no time were any of us told or was it put into writing that if
we later became incarcerated that we would be denied our full-
range of Veterans' Rights and Veterans' Benefits."
"We are still sacrificing our lives from a war that began over
twenty-five years ago."
"The incarcerated veterans population has special needs and
problems. We need to focus our attention on areas such as:
specialized psychological and readjustment counseling before they
reenter society; legislative changes in the way Vietnam Veterans
are treated by our Judicial SYSTEM: WE NEED TO BRING ENTITLED
Veterans benefits into the prisons; changes in Department of
Correction's Policies affecting incarcerated veterans; Parole
Board representation with special consideration for service; a
State survey to determine how many veterans are incarcerated and
NAM VET Newsletter Page 13
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
what programs are needed for their readjustment back into the
community."
"It would be less costly to treat the problem. Many of us are
walking time bombs. We are housed until we are released."
"There are no REAL EXPERTS OUT THERE. Mostly everyone is a novice
on incarcerated vet issues. Most don't even realize there IS an
ISSUE!!"
"The National Incarcerated Veterans Network" should be that voice
that makes people listen and understand our plight. Most people
see us as a bunch of criminals trying to get out of jail, and
Vietnam is that vehicle to do so. This is far from the truth.
The Vietnam vets are heroes just like the WWI, WWII, and Korean
vets were. We were America's fighting force and we served our
country with pride. Because of this alot (sic) of us have become
ill through P.T.S.D. and Agent Orange. All we are asking is for
our government to cure us and accept the responsibility for what
happened to us during that war and let us get on with our lives.
We need your voices out there to carry these messages to our
government and to the rest of the public."
"We the incarcerated veteran, call on you, the lawmakers of the
most powerful state in the union, to set the standard for others
to follow, in finally addressing one of the twentieth centuries
greatest tragedies in veteran treatment. We do not ask that you
open the gates to our dismal grey walls, but to listen to our cry
to be productive, to hear our please to FINALLY BRING US HOME."
Leaders from behind "THE WALL" of Incarceration:
Craig R. McLaren #115624
President, VVA Chapter 190
Director, National Incarcerated Veterans Network
Director, P.M.I.M. Incarcerated Veterans
100 Warrior Lane
Bessemer, Alabama 35023
Joseph Drumgoole #CN861-60421
President, Trenton State Veterans Program
Post Office Box 861
Trenton, New Jersey 08655
Edward R. Timmons #80-0-0238
Director, Vet Self Help Project
Drawer B
Stormville, New York 12582
Commer Glass #F9537
President, The Vets of Graterford, Inc.
Post Office Box 244
Graterford, Pennsylvania 19425
Ronald G. Triplett #132615
Chairman, V.V.A. Chapter #31
2400 South Sheridan Road
Muskegon, Michigan 49442
NAM VET Newsletter Page 14
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
David Russell #180-039
Post Office Box 57 (MCC)
Marion, Ohio 43302
James J. Mickel #W42340
Reporter, N.I.V.N., V.V.A. Chapter #294
Post Office Box 466
Gardner, Massachusetts 01440
NAM VET Newsletter Page 15
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXX
XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX \ \ \ \ \XXXX
XXXXX XXXXX.::::::::::::::.XXXXX INCARCERATED XXXX
XXXXX XXXXX --------- XXXXX \ \ \ \ \ \ \XXXX
XXXXX .XXXXX W W I I XXXXX. VETERANS \ \XXXX
XXXXX ::XXXXX --------- XXXXX::. \ \ \ \ XXXX
XXXXX :::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::. XXXX
XXXXX ::::XXXXX K O R E A XXXXX:::: XXXX
XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX
XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX
XXXXX ::::XXXXX V I E T N A M XXXXX:::: XXXX
XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX
XXXXX ::::XXXXX::::::::::::::::XXXXX:::: XXXX
XXXXX ::::XXXXX::::::::::::::::XXXXX:::: XXXX
XXXXX ::::XXXXX::' `::XXXXX:::: XXXX
XXXXX ::::XXXXX:: ::XXXXX:::: XXXX
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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
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XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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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 16
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
"The Wall" of Incarceration
by Dottie L. Cruz
5009 Arbor Ridge
San Antonio, Texas 78228
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VET's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
Dear Veterans,
The Vietnam War may be over as far as a national military action
is concerned, but it is still being fought in the hearts and minds
of thousands of those who have been unable to escape the memories
of their experiences.
The MIA/POW issue is a worthy and just one, but I am writing out
of concern for the veterans who are missing and in prison right
here in our own country. "THE WALL" is a remembrance and tribute
for the 58,473 who lost their lives in combat fighting on foreign
soil, but I have not seen a memorial for the 98,500 who are
missing from suicide and/or accident on their own soil. There is
no memorial for those who are daily struggling through the abuse
of alcohol and drugs as a means of staying alive, of coping, with
the horrors yet so vivid in their minds. And who remembers, or
cares, about the "FORGOTTEN WARRIOR" whose inability to deal with
his experience has sent him to prison. Of the 2.8 million who
were ordered to Vietnam, approximately 500,000 have been in
trouble with the law, in prison, or on parole. THINK OF THAT!!
Nearly 20% of these young soldiers were so effected, so scared, so
troubled, that it possibly contributed to their incarceration all
across this country. Some have been in prison as long as 20
years, since shortly after their return from Vietnam. Not only
has it been a devastating waste to them as individuals and their
families, but to the nation as well. These men and women are now
in their "prime". Instead of them helping to build the national
economy by productive service, they are a drain on the tax payers
of each state. Yet, this class of prisoner has above average
skills. Many have learned skills or earned their college degrees
while in prison.
As a nation, we sent these young men, of approximately 19 years
of age, into the very "pit of hell" to experience that which even
Hollywood wouldn't film. They were trained to kill, and kill they
did. And when they couldn't cope with the killing, they turned to
alcohol and drugs to numb themselves so they could go on killing,
and hopefully survive long enough to get home. For many of them,
when their tour of duty was over, those that survived were sent
home, and in less than 36 hours, went from the jungle of Vietnam
to the jungle of protesting America. Can you imagine the shock,
the hurt, the anger, the rage, the disappointment and the
frustration these men must have felt? They fought on a foreign
land that didn't want them only to return to their own "homeland"
that didn't want them either. In most cases, the government
offered no "debriefing", no opportunity for gradual reentry into
society, and it has offered little understanding or benefit since.
They have felt strongly rejected and demoralized by the very
country they fought for, took pride in, sacrificed their very
lives for, and loved.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 17
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Yes, thankfully, most have coped, survived, and gone on to
balanced, healthy and productive lives, but WHAT ABOUT THE
THOUSANDS WHO HAVE NOT? What about those who couldn't find jobs,
and are now living on the streets, homeless? What about those who
couldn't cope without alcohol and drugs, and are still using it to
try to survive? What about the ones who couldn't readjust,
couldn't get the help they needed and requested, and are in our
prisons?
The Justice System has been everything but just and merciful
when it has come to sentencing these veterans who have committed
crimes. There is evidence that suggests many veterans have
received harsher sentencing than their non-vet counterparts.
There appears to be a special need among these Vietnam veterans,
and that is for "comradeship". They know they need help, but
their pain is such that they will only respond to those of "like
kind", other veterans who have been there, who have experienced
the same horrors that they experienced. Maybe that is why the
V.A. Hospitals have not been effective as the V.A. Vet Centers.
The same is true for the "incarcerated veteran", but many are
finding it difficult, if not impossible, to establish veteran
organizations behind the walls of prisons. These veterans do not
receive their full, earned V.A. benefits. Some of the prison
administrations are fearful their motives are to start "gangs",
but they are ill informed! "VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA" (V.V.A.)
has 32 incarcerated Chapters all over the country and
approximately 125 incarcerated veteran organizations make up the
"NATIONAL INCARCERATED VETERANS NETWORK" (N.I.V.N.)> For the most
part, these organizations are led by highly intelligent men, many
of them educated, who understand the effects of P.T.S.D., Agent
Orange, flashbacks, nightmares, substance abuse, etc. They are
trying to get treatment for all incarcerated veterans who need it,
so they will be well-adjusted when they reenter society. These
veteran's groups are "self-help", but they do need a helping hand.
Initially, I would like to see a co-operative and encouraging
effort by all State Department of CORRECTIONS> There are
successful veterans groups in some prisons, many which are
operating with very little funding or outside help. I see no
reason why the forming of such a group should be hindered by any
prison administration. These groups provide self-help treatment,
therapy, education as well as assistance, and they are
rehabilitating
Ideally, I would like to see our Federal Government, our
Judicial System, and our American citizens take some ACTIVE
RESPONSIBILITY for these incarcerated veterans. While they are
responsible for their own actions,, I strongly believe that many
were so effected by their experiences that it is criminal of us,
as a nation, not to come to their aid. As is, we have been
shamefully slow. These incarcerated veterans need to be
IDENTIFIED, EVALUATED, TREATED, with SENTENCE REVIEW and given the
opportunity for RELEASE!! These brave soldiers were there when
America called, and they would be there again! They fought, and
bled, and some died. Can we ignore the cries of those who
survived Vietnam, but who have ot survived their experiences,
those living behind "THE WALL" of Incarceration?
I thank you for your attention and would appreciate a response,
as to your position and potential action regarding these
incarcerated Vietnam Veterans.
Sincerely Concerned,
NAM VET Newsletter Page 18
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Dottie L. Cruz
NAM VET Newsletter Page 19
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
How to help your incarcerated brother/sister veteran
by Dottie L. Cruz
5009 Arbor Ridge
San Antonio, Texas 78228
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VET's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
A METHODOLOGY of assisting those behind "THE WALL" of
Incarceration through identification, evaluation, treatment,
sentence review, and opportunity for release.
At this time there is no way of knowing how many of the
incarcerated in this country are veterans. Statistics can range
anywhere from 10% to 50%, depending on which study is considered.
There has been no effort to consolidate, analyze, or disseminate
this information concerning incarcerated veterans. Because of the
Berkowitz Law (PL96-385 and PL96-466), many fear losing benefits
for their families, and are therefore not likely to identify
themselves. Others fear, rightfully so, that their experiences
will be used against them during their incarceration. It is also
true that many veterans themselves may not make the connection
between military service and the crime they have committed,
especially if it occurred several years after their service.
Without these veterans being IDENTIFIED and treated, the problems
will remain, resulting in repeated incarceration and additional
cost to the taxpayers.
It is recommended that a STANDARDIZED review mechanism be
established to determine whether or not any Vietnam Veterans are
incarcerated for reasons traceable to military service. This can
be accomplished initially through each Department of Corrections
facility by giving those who could be affected P.T.S.D.
information and an initial questionnaire regarding their military
service. In addition, a review of prison records and confirmation
of military records (DD 214) should be done by a qualified review
panel. In the interest of fairness and accountability, this board
should be made up of those knowledgeable in P.T.S.D. who know what
to look for, with sensitivity to understand the "experience".
Those facilities who already have established veterans groups may
well be qualified to administer this initial identification
process. A whole class of veterans is being overlooked and denied
their rights for benefits and treatment. We must begin by
identification, followed by evaluation.
Once the identification of incarcerated veterans has been
completed, it is necessary that they be EVALUATED to determine the
validity of the correlation between their crime that led to
incarceration and their past military experience. Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.) is legitimate and has been recognized
since 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association' Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual III (DSM III), P.T.S.D., acute, chronic, and/or
delayed, but it is essential that fraudulent claims of P.T.S.D.
not jeopardize those who are truly suffering from this disorder.
To insure fairness for the deserving, while at the same time
maintaining integrity, each identified veteran must be thoroughly
NAM VET Newsletter Page 20
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
evaluated by those qualified and by those with professional
knowledge of the disorder.
This evaluation should begin with the veteran individually and
initially completing a STANDARDIZED questionnaire to identify
stress factors, including "Pre-Combat", "Military Involvement",
"Post-Adjustment" histories, that includes how s/he felt about and
perceived his/her Vietnam involvement. By involving him/her in
the process of gathering data and familiarizing him/her with the
assessment it facilitates memory recall. The link between combat
service and incarceration cannot necessarily be found through a
paper trail of either military or prison or trial records, or even
through questionnaires, without a thorough psychological
evaluation. In many cases, the presence of stress-related
disorders may have been overlooked or considered irrelevant at the
time of trial, or may have been mislabeled or misdiagnosed as a
personality disorder.
After completing all of the pertinent questionnaires and
psychological testing, this information needs to be reviewed and
evaluated by qualified mental health professionals, those with
EXPERTISE in the field of P.T.S.D., followed by PERSONAL
interviews and evaluations with the veteran. Data gathered alone
will not show how the veteran perceived his/her own role regarding
the war or his/her involvement. his/her guilt factor, or his/her
overall psychological profile after the service. It is imperative
that those administering psychological testing and personal
interviews have the experience and expertise to evaluate P.T.S.D.
profiles, with sensitivity to the "experience". It would be
advisable for the final review board to contain members of varied
professions, such as Vietnam Veterans, Department of Corrections,
legislative members, mental health professionals, Parole officers,
outreach center workers, etc., but only those with knowledge and
understanding of P.T.S.D. Thorough evaluation must be followed by
treatment assessment designed to meet the specific needs of the
individual incarcerated veteran.
The government provided very little to the adjustment needs of
the veterans upon their return from Vietnam, if any at all. For
many it has been twenty years since their incarceration and still
their problems have not been identified or evaluated, much less
TREATED. It has been a decade since P.T.S.D. was recognized, yet
even with this psychological knowledge available, many are not
even aware of its existence or that it may possibly apply to them.
Had this information been available to them or to their defense
attorney's at the time of their trial, it is further possible some
would have been offered treatment, rather than the confines of
helplessness and degeneration caused by incarceration. Yet, even
in the bleakest of circumstances, there is hope for restoration
and a positive future through treatment and therapy. It has been
established that a great percentage of those suffering from
P.T.S.D. are very amenable to treatment, with a good prognosis for
success, once properly diagnosed. At present, treatment concerns
for the incarcerated veteran is near nonexistent, with a lack of
training or even awareness by many correction facility
administrators and mental health personnel. From the perspective
of this proposal, treatment and therapy are not synonymous,
instead, therapy is only part of, perhaps the greatest part of,
the total treatment process.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 21
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
In one survey, 80% of incarcerated veterans reported having
special needs, such as: Agent Orange testing, medical attention,
P.T.S.D. counseling, upgrading of their discharge status, veterans
benefits, employment assistance, substance abuse therapy and
family counseling. Existing veterans self-help groups are meeting
some of these needs, but they are few and their resources are
limited. Much more in-depth availability must be given to each of
these categorical needs.
Most families have been shattered by the incarceration and those
who have tried to remain intact need counseling and assistance to
remain as healthy and whole as possible. It must be remembered
that not only is the veteran affected by his/her crime and
incarceration, but also numerous loved ones. Not only should
family ties be encouraged, but also community awareness and
involvement, which can be accomplished through numerous creative
endeavors.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES must also be encouraged, with
opportunities available for higher education and/or vocational
training. If these veterans and their families are to survive,
once released, it is imperative that they prepare in obtaining
needed job skills.
THERAPY, especially P.T.S.D., is the most critical and difficult
part of the entire treatment program. Not only is it emotionally
demanding for the veteran, but it is essential that treatment be
administered by a highly skilled and very gifted psychotherapist,
with expertise in P.T.S.D. The cornerstone in the Vietnam
Veteran's patter of criminal behavior is the need to end the pain,
either by striking inward by a suicide attempt, or by striking
outward, such as a violent criminal act. The core feature of
P.T.S.D. is that the survivor reexperiences elements of the trauma
in dreams, uncontrollable and emotional distressing intrusive
images, dissociative state of consciousness, and in unconscious
behavioral reenactments of the traumatic situation. It is
important to understand its nature, dynamics, predictors,
behavioral manifestations and the cycle of the experience,
including its relation to criminal behavior.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE is often another major problem that should be
coupled together with, and treated alongside with P.T.S.D.
therapy. The recommended modality of treatment begins with group
therapy, followed by personal individual therapy with a
professional. The functions of the group psychotherapy with other
veterans is to share the war experience, to understand the
feelings of guilt, anger, rage, exploitation and depression, and
to realistically cope with his experience. Not everyone can
listen to the atrocities experienced by the combat veteran,
therefore, the best and most appropriate support system comes from
other veterans who have experienced the same trauma.
A SELF-AWARENESS PROGRAM, in addition to group therapy, Rap
Groups, and professional therapy, helps the veteran get in touch
with him/herself. Only then will he be able to acknowledge the
problems and recognize behavior patters that led to incarceration.
By realizing the correlation between combat or other experiences
that trigger such behaviors, s/he can come to terms with these
NAM VET Newsletter Page 22
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
experiences that have molded him/her. Once understood, s/he will
begin to desire more meaning and purpose in his/her life, which is
essential to his/her well being.
Most of these treatment areas are not being met by the
Department of Corrections, nor do the incarcerated have access to
V.A. treatment centers. They are being denied V.A. care, V.A.
exams, and V.A. treatment and therapy, plus availability to the
successful Vet Centers. The incarcerated veteran served and
suffered, probably needs intensive treatment more than most, yet
s/he is in a position, coupled with political "red-tape", to
receive the least consideration... confined to a "Catch-22" of
indifference and apathy.
It is the opinion of some experts that the prison environment,
because of its negative affirmations on one's self-image, is
counterproductive to even the best treatment available. The
incarcerated are in an environment of constantly feeling
threatened, whether real or imaginary, placing them in constant
anxiety, which is additional stress, "P.T.S.D. Plus". It would be
much more productive if they were treated in an environment of
comradeship. From this type of setting, they could be brought
forward, through counseling and therapy, out of the nightmare of
the past and into the present where they could train and prepare
for a productive future.
Records should be kept on the progress of each individual,
recognizing achievements in such areas as: therapy, group
encounters, higher education or vocational training, peer
counseling, community involvement, organizational participation,
etc. It would not only be incentive for improvement, but provide
a traceable accounting to be evaluated when seeking release.
Not even considering the restoration of the veteran's lives, and
those of their families, treatment has to be more "cost effective"
to the taxpayers. The way we are building prison facilities to
"house" criminals, to demoralize, dehumanize, and institutionalize
them, is an expense few of us can afford. Unfortunately, the
attitude of today's prison systems to be "institutionalism",
rather than "rehabilitative". Rehabilitation, through treatment
of therapy and education, makes much more "cents".
Along with treatment, these Vietnam Veterans should have the
option to have their SENTENCES REVIEWED. How many are in prison
today because they reacted from a "conditioned response" or other
experiential malady? Prior to their Vietnam tour, these veterans
were intensely trained and conditioned for combat by this
government's military forces. By the same token, this government
did not, in most cases, take the initiative to "debrief" or
"uncondition" them. Herein lies the greatest of responsibility
and injustice. If justice is to be equated with "fairness", then
it has utterly failed. The majority of incarcerated Vietnam
Veterans, although first-time offenders, better educated, and less
likely to have discipline problems while incarcerated, have, on
the average received excessive prison terms of 16.8 years,
compared to the statewide average of 5.7 years... a 300% increase
for being a Vietnam Veteran. At the time many of them came to
trial, P.T.S.D. was not known, hence, not cited in their defense
by experts in the field. They may have been portrayed as reckless
NAM VET Newsletter Page 23
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
killers during a time when there was little public sympathy for
Vietnam Veterans. Is there any more today? Have we not gone from
"protesting" to "apathy"?
The majority of the incarcerated Vietnam Veterans were not
involved within the criminal justice system until their service in
Southeast Asia. There are those who might not be incarcerated
today, had P.T.S.D. been understood when they went to trial. It
is important that those involved in the judicial system understand
the nature, dynamics, predictors, and behavioral manifestations,
including its relation to the criminal behavior of P.T.S.D., if
justice is going to be served. At sentencing many found that the
things they were proud of didn't mean anything... their service
and sacrifice, their decorations meant nothing. In some cases,
attempts were made to use their acts of valor and heroism against
them and this attitude unfortunately continues throughout the
incarceration experience.
Convincing evidence exists to support the concern that a number
of veterans, now incarcerated, would by today's standards, have
been sent to treatment, rather than incarceration. Over a decade
of published literature from the American Psychiatric community
has reported on the relationship between military service in
Vietnam and incarceration, but these men are still waiting, still
incarcerated, when some of their counterparts have been treated
and gone on to live productive lives.
When evaluation has been completed and it has been determined
that a veteran's crime correlates with his/her Vietnam experience,
and treatment has been prescribed, attention should be given in
the criminal justice system. FULL SENTENCE REVIEW, by a panel of
experienced and knowledgeable attorneys, psychologists and parole
officers should be implemented, using STANDARDIZED measuring
tools, for each incarcerated Vietnam Veteran. At the same time,
our Judicial System must be educated, to sensitize the Courts,
Judges, and Probation personnel in regard to P.T.S.D. and its
effect on criminal behavior.
With the problems of prison overcrowding and the high cost of
incarceration, sentence review, coupled with treatment, is not
only prudent, but humanely sound as well. It general, most lifers
are incarcerated for isolated acts of violence. It is a proven
fact that most are not what is considered repetitive crimes.
Thus, there exists a high potential for rehabilitation and
resocialization at a low recidivism rate. Most penologists will
concur with these findings.
Far too few have had their cases reopened on the grounds of
either incompetence of trial counsel, new evidence, or mitigating
circumstances, but some of those who have had the opportunity,
have received shorter sentences, been ordered into treatment or
won acquittals. All should have the opportunity to have their
sentences reviewed, with the possibility of modification or
alteration by qualified lawyers involved in an intensive outreach
effort. While it may serve as a mitigating factor in a parole
hearing, in negotiating a plea, in a motion for sentence reduction
or in the gubernatorial grant of clemency or pardon. Certainly,
ALL are worthy of treatment and opportunity for sentence review
and possible release.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 24
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
It has been said that our courts are the social barometers for
our country's mood. The incarcerated survivors of the Vietnam
experience are paying a higher price in the Judicial System they
risked their lives defending, with minimum and maximum sentences
consistently exceeding reported state averages. It was in those
courts where the battles were lost and the prisons are the grave
sites of the living dead, the "Forgotten Warrior".
To insure public safeguards, RELEASE should be granted only
after successful treatment, and a "paper trail" of accountability
is established. Evaluation must be made by conscientious Parole
Board members who have an educated awareness of the veterans'
unique experience.
Approximately six months prior to release, veterans should
participate in an intensified pre-release program to include:
counseling, orientation, parole understanding, housing, budgeting,
community, employment opportunities, transportation systems and
family expectations, coupled with financial assistance when
needed. When no family is available, a Halfway House setting
could be used to help monitor the veteran's adjustment and assist
in his/her complete resocialization. The first six months are the
most difficult and recidivism is at its highest, so constant
support during this time is needed.
State Parole, in conjunction with local Vet Centers, would be a
recommended support effort for at least the first year after
release. It would also be beneficial if local Vet Centers would
hire some of these returning veterans to work as Peer
Counselors... for who knows better the major problems faced by
recently released vets. Peer counseling successes of the Vet
Center is a proven way home. These veterans also need to be
advised about their veterans' benefits and entitlements and
assisted in receiving them.
After going through the identification process, the
vulnerability of evaluation, the relived trauma of therapy, the
unpredictability of sentence review, and the anxiety of a parole
hearing, it is my prayer that many of these deserving veterans
will finally feel that they have made it home... at long last!
"THERE ARE NO REAL EXPERTS OUT THERE!!" is the deduction made by
an incarcerated Vietnam Veteran who has spent many years working
toward his own rehabilitation, as well as for many others. Yes,
there are giants in their field. Yes, they understand the
clinical aspects of P.T.S.D. Yes, they are knowledgeable and
educated. Yes, many do truly care, but they have not lived the
"experience" of Vietnam and spent years in incarceration.
While it is true these veterans have committed crimes, it may be
a very narrow perspective of who they are and what they have
accomplished. Some have expertise concerning the incarcerated
Vietnam veteran beyond that of the professionals, simply because
they have experienced it, studied it, developed programs for it,
and lived it. They have expertise through experience that would
be invaluable in all areas discussed and their opinions should be
sought and taken seriously.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 25
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
It is estimated that 20% of all Vietnam Veterans are presently
in some form of incarceration. The divorce rate for all Vietnam
Veterans is over 50%. The suicide rate is probably higher than
the 2.5% known. Between 40% and 60% of all Vietnam Veterans have
had persistent problems with emotional adjustment. Those with
drug and alcohol problems is estimated between 50% and 75%. Those
who are unemployed are 40%, and 25% earn less than $7,000 a year.
Who knows how many are homeless?
There can be no question that there is a problem and it needs to
be recognized, dealt with and resolved, so that these who
sacrificed can have the opportunity to live like normal Americans.
There are many organizations and treatment facilities available to
the veterans, but inaccessible for the incarcerated veteran. What
has been accomplished, they have either done or initiated
themselves, but it isn't enough. The years are slipping away.
Already half their lives have been spent in suffering or
incarceration... how much longer must they wait?
"Our country has assumed an obligation to facilitate the healing
of the physical and psychological wounds of war, not just to
Vietnam Veterans, but to all America's war veterans. This healing
consists of a knowledge of damage inflicted by war, an
understanding of the effects of war and a sensitivity to the human
destruction caused by war... including P.T.S.D."
Our voted and appointed officials must address this most grave
issue, must end this travesty of justice, and hear the cries of
thousands of "Forgotten `warriors", the incarcerated Vietnam
Veterans. These men risked their lives and sanity when they
answered our country's call to duty and they are still risking and
fighting, only now behind the dismal walls of every prison in our
country. This nation, as a government and a society, needs to
show their gratitude, acknowledge and assume their responsibility,
and BRING THESE VETERANS HOME, through identification, evaluation,
treatment, sentence review and the opportunity for release.
Partial list of documentation: REVEILLE, Volume 3, Issue 1
NAM VET, Chuck Dean, PMIM, P O Box 440 Mountlake Terrace WA 98043
VETERAN, Vol 9, #s 9/10, Vol 9, #3, Vietnam Veterans of America
Washington, D.C.
THE FORGOTTEN WARRIOR: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its
Implications and Relation to Expansion of Rehabilitation
Programs for Incarcerated Vietnam Veterans in the New York
State Prison System, Dennis Babik
CHARLIE MIKE, Vol 2, #s 10/12, Vol 3, #s 6/10, Green Haven,
Stormville, New York 12582
THE EAGLE SPEAKS, Vol 6 #5, April 1989 West Jefferson,
Bessemer, Alabama 35023
MCF FACTOR: April, 1989, Muskegon, Michigan 49442
PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE TEMPORARY STATE COMMISSION ON VIETNAM
VETERANS, Veterans Day, 1987
THE INCIDENCE OF READJUSTMENT PROBLEMS AMONG VIETNAM VETERANS IN
NEW YORK STATE, Nov., 1987
CONTINUING READJUSTMENT PROBLEMS AMONG VIETNAM VETERANS, Disabled
American Veterans, Illinois
NAM VET Newsletter Page 26
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
=================================================================
C o u r t o f V e t e r a n s A p p e a l s
=================================================================
Court of Veterans Appeals Forms 1
Input by Jim Hildwine
NAM VETs Federal Benefits Section Editor
VetPoint 47 - Shady Side, MD
Form 1
UNITED STATES COURT OF VETERANS APPEALS
NOTICE OF APPEAL
__________________________________,
APPELLANT,
v. VA File No._____
__________________________________(name)
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS,
Appellee.
Notice is hereby given that ________________________________,
Appellant, appeals to the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals from the
decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals mailed on the ____ day
of ______________, 19______,
Description of decision of part thereof appealed from:_____
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Notice of Disagreement filing date:________________________
Regional Office of Appellant:______________________________
Notice of Appeal Filed by: ________Appellant
_____Appellant's Attorney_______Appellant's Representative
___________________________________________________________
Printed name of appellant's attorney or representative filing
Notice of Appeal
_____________________________________________________________
Signature of person filing Notice of Appeal
______________________________________________________________
Address
________________________________________________________________
Telephone
__________________________________________________________________
D.C. or State Bar Number (if applicable)
NAM VET Newsletter Page 27
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
________________________________________________________________
Bar/Jurisdiction (if applicable)
NAM VET Newsletter Page 28
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Court of Veterans Appeals Form 4
Input by Jim Hildwine
NAM VETs Federal Benefits Section Editor
VetPoint 47 - Shady Side, MD
Form 4
Motion and Affidavit to Appeal
Without Payment of Costs
UNITES STATES COURT OF VETERANS APPEALS
COVA NO. ____________
__________________________________________________________________
Appellant,
V.
________________________________________________________(Name),
Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
Appellee.
Appellant herby moves for leave to appeal without payment of
cost in this case and submits the following affidavit in support
thereof:
I, ____________________________, am the appellant in the
above-entitled case. In support of my motion to appeal without
being required to pay the cost I state that I am unable to pay the
cost because of the hardship it will cause; that I believe I am
entitled to redress.
I further swear that the responses which I have made to the
questions and instruction below relating to my ability to pay the
docketing fee are true.
1. Are you presently employed? ___________
a. If the answer is yes, state the amount of your salary
or wages per month and give name and address of your
employer.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
page 2
b. If the answer is no, state the date of your last
employment and the amount of the salary and wages per
month which you received.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
2. Have you received within the past 12 months any income
NAM VET Newsletter Page 29
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
from a business, profession, other form of self-
employment, rent payments, interest, dividends,
retirement, annuity payments, alimony, welfare, social
security, veterans benefits, disability compensation,
workers compensation, or any other source?
_____________________________
If the answer is yes, describe each sources of income, and
state the amount received from each during the past 12
months.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. Do you own any cash or have any checking or savings
accounts?_________________
If the answer is yes, state the total amount of cash owned
and the average monthly balance in any account.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
4. Do you own any real estate, stocks, bonds, notes,
automobiles, or other valuable property (excluding ordinary
household furnishings and clothing)?
_______________________
If the answer is yes, describe the property and state its
approximate value.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
5. List the persons who you are actually support and state
your relationship to those persons.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
6. Have you ever filed a motions in this Court to appeal
without payment of costs in any other appeal? ___________
Page 3
If the answer is yes, state the name and docket number of the
appeal.
_____________________________________________________________
7. Have you retained an attorney to represent you?_______
________________ __________________________
Date Appellant's Signature
NAM VET Newsletter Page 30
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
_________________________
_________________________
Address
________________________
Telephone
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO me the ______day
of_______________________
19_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
or other officer
authorized to
administer oath.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 31
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
=================================================================
V e t e r a n B e n e f i t s
=================================================================
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Esteban E. Torres, M.C.
HOUSE APPROVES 4.9% COLA INCREASE FOR DISABLED VETERANS
October 30, 1989
Dear Friend:
The House has passed legislation (H.R. 1335) providing a 4.9%
cost-of-living increase for service-connected disabled veterans
and their survivors, effective December 1, 1989.
This COLA will be provided to nearly 2.2 million disabled veterans
and approximately 300,000 widows and survivors of veterans who
died of service-connected causes. The Administration had
originally sought only a 3.6 percent increase for 1990 in their
budget proposals made earlier this year.
H.R. 1335 also provides an increase in the special monthly
compensation payable for certain veterans who have incurred a
service-connected loss, or loss of use of, a single extremity or
certain other body organs or functions. This benefit, which was
last increased by one dollar in 1968, will be increased from $63
per month to $66, effective December 1, 1989.
Please let me know if there is ever any way I can be of assistance
to you.
Sincerely,
/s/
ESTEBAN E. TORRES
Member of Congress
NAM VET Newsletter Page 32
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
=================================================================
A g e n t O r a n g e
=================================================================
Agent Orange Review
Information for Veterans Who Served in Vietnam
Vol. 7, No. 1 October 1989
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VET's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
413-443-6313
ABOUT THE "REVIEW"...
This issue of the "Agent Orange Review" was prepared by VA's
Environmental Medicine Office. (Responsibility for this
publication was recently transferred to this office from VA's
Office of Public affairs, which prepared all previous issues with
support from the Environmental Medicine Office.) The "Review" is
published periodically to provide information on Agent Orange and
related matters to Vietnam veterans, their families, and others
with concerns about Agent Orange. The most recent issue was
published in October 1988.
This issue describes Secretary Derwinski's commitment to
veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange, explains that
disability regulations are being revised, updates VA and other
Federal research efforts, provides information about other VA
activities (including the Agent Orange Registry examination
program, advisory committees, Environmental Medicine Office),
includes referral information concerning the class action lawsuit,
discusses State efforts, and offers information regarding several
other matters. Comments or questions about the content of these
articles and suggestions for future issues of this publication
should be sent to the Director, Environmental Medicine Office
(10B/AO), VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington,
DC 20420.
Requests for additional copies of this issue, should also be
directed to the Environmental Medicine Office. Please specify the
number of copies you are requesting. VA facilities should order
additional copies from the VA Supply Depot.
If you have had an Agent Orange Registry examination and have
questions about the examinations or your results, contact the
environmental physician at the VA medical center where you had the
examination.
If you have questions about VA benefits, contact a veterans
benefits counselor at the VA facility nearest you. The telephone
number can be found in your telephone book under "U.S. Government"
listings.
SECRETARY DERWINSKI ON AGENT ORANGE
Shortly after his appointment as Administrator of Veterans
Affairs, Edward J. Derwinski, who served 24 years in the U.S.
House of Representatives prior to 6 years in the State Department,
sought and obtained a comprehensive briefing on the VA Agent
Orange program. He quickly assembled VA's most knowledgeable
experts on Agent Orange. Mr. Derwinski also met with individuals
outside VA to get other perspectives on this most difficult and
controversial issue.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 33
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
On March 16, 1989, one day following the White House ceremony
installing him as the first Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Mr.
Derwinski attended a meeting of the Department's Advisory
Committee on Health Related Effects of Herbicides. This group,
which includes a number of individuals from the veteran community,
meets on a regular basis to assist VA in developing appropriate
policies in the best interests of Vietnam veterans who may have
been exposed to herbicides during their military service.
Secretary Derwinski's participation in the Advisory Committee
meeting underlined his interest in and concern about this issue
and provided concrete evidence of the importance of this issue on
his agenda. The Secretary's involvement in this meeting also
reflected the respect and high regard that he has for this
Committee and its members.
On May 11, 1989, Secretary Derwinski held a news conference to
announce the Department's position on a recent U.S. District Court
decision invalidating a portion of the VA regulations which govern
the payment of compensation for specific diseases relating to
exposure to Agent Orange. Secretary Derwinski said that he would
not appeal the decision.
He explained that it was his view "that an appeal would not be
in the best interests of the Administration or the veterans
community served by this Department." He declared that VA would
take a "fresh look" at the issue, that the regulations will be
rewritten and published for public comment as soon as possible,
and that claims that have been denied will be reconsidered. His
action won widespread acclaim from Congress, veterans
organizations, and the news media.
COMPENSATION REGULATIONS REVISION UNDERWAY
On July 18, 1989, the Department of Veterans Affairs released
for public comment a "proposed rule" to amend its regulation on
scientific and medical study evaluations to establish criteria for
determining when a significant statistical association exists
between exposure to dioxin or ionizing radiation and specific
diseases. The proposal was published in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
The proposed amendment was prompted by a decision of the United
States District Court for the Northern District of California in
NEHMER, ET. AL. V. U.S. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, ET. AL. in early
May invalidating a portion of VA regulations on the handling of
some disability compensation claims.
The District Court struck down the VA provision indicating that
due to the lack of scientific evidence concerning a cause-and-
effect relationship between dioxin exposure and the development of
diseases other than chloracne, any such disability and death
claims based upon other diseases are generally to be denied.
(Exceptions exist if the disease can be shown to have been present
during military service or, for some diseases, within statutorily
prescribed periods thereafter.)
The Court concluded that in the process of deciding which
diseases would be recognized as being caused by Agent Orange, VA
used an erroneous and too demanding standard. Rather than using
the cause-and-effect standard, the Court indicated that VA should
have recognized any disease for which the scientific evidence
shows there is a "significant statistical association" with
exposure to dioxin.
The Court also ruled that in evaluating the scientific
literature, VA should have applied the "reasonable doubt" standard
used when weighing evidence in individual claims. This long-
NAM VET Newsletter Page 34
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
standing VA rule of claims adjudication provides that if the
weight of evidence tending to support a claim is in balance (or
near balance) with that tending to oppose it, the benefit of doubt
goes to the claimant (that is, the veteran or dependent).
Because a specific portion of VA's regulation was invalidated,
VA claims decisions based upon it since its adoption in 1985 were
also voided. Before those claims can be readjudicated, the new
regulatory standard for review of scientific studies must be
established.
Secretary Derwinski pledged in May that the Department would
proceed expeditiously in revising the voided regulations in
consultation with the Veterans' Advisory Committee on
Environmental Hazards, as required by law. The Committee was
consulted, and a proposed amended rule specifying the standard
that will be used to evaluate scientific studies was published on
July 18, 1989.
As soon as all the public comments have been carefully reviewed
and any appropriate changes made, a final regulation will be
published. After publication of the new regulation, the Committee
will review the scientific evidence utilizing the new standard.
Favorable recommendations from the Committee on "significant
statistical associations" will be followed by amendment of
adjudication regulations. A review of prior claims from
individual veterans will then be undertaken.
AMERICAN LEGION STUDY PUBLISHED; COMPARED WITH CDC EFFORT
In December 1988, ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH published five papers
describing the results of the American Legion-Columbia University
Vietnam Veterans Study, an investigation of long-term health
consequence of military service in Vietnam. This study can be
compared with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Vietnam
Experience Study (VES) in many respects.
METHODOLOGY
There are important similarities and differences in the methods
and objectives of the VES, described in detail in the last issue
of "Review," and the American Legion study. Both studies were
cross-sectional surveys of current and past health status among
Vietnam veterans compared to veterans of the same era who served
in locations other than Southeast Asia. Both studies used
questionnaires to assess current health status. The VES included
a personal interview, physical and psychological testing, and
laboratory examination of some veterans. The American Legion
study used only a self-administered written questionnaire.
The method used to assess herbicide exposure was less rigorous
than that attempted and abandoned as invalid by CDC.
Investigators in American Legion study did not validate herbicide
exposure estimates by using military records or by measuring
levels of dioxin in blood. The Congressional Office of Technology
Assessment and Science Panel of Domestic Policy Council's Agent
Orange Working Group both have criticized the American Legion
study because of the questionable validity of the herbicide
exposure index.
RESULTS
Despite the differences between these studies and the
controversy surrounding their methodology, both the VES and the
American Legion study demonstrated that Vietnam veterans report
more current and past health problems than non-Vietnam veterans.
They also report more adverse reproductive outcomes and more
health problems among their children.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 35
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
In the VES, reported medical problems were associated with
recall of herbicide exposure among Vietnam veterans. Those
veterans who did not think they were exposed to herbicides during
Vietnam service reported no more health problems than did non-
Vietnam veterans. In the American Legion study the perception of
poor health among Vietnam veterans was associated with both combat
and herbicide exposure as assessed by the questionnaire.
The American Legion study also revealed a strong correlation
between reported combat exposure and herbicide exposure making it
difficult to independently assess the impact of either of these by
itself.
The medical examination and testing performed on some of the
participants in the VES failed to confirm most of the adverse
health effects reported in the telephone interviews. The only
difference between Vietnam and non-Vietnam veterans that were
confirmed by medical examinations were hearing loss, the presence
of blood in feces, lower sperm counts, and altered sperm
morphology. There was no evidence of differences in fertility or
reproductive success associated with the differences in sperm
characteristics.
Medical examinations were not performed in the American Legion
study. Psychological diagnoses depended upon telephone interview.
Both studies showed major differences between Vietnam veterans and
non-Vietnam veterans with regard to psychological well-being. The
American Legion study showed a much greater prevalence of symptoms
characteristic of post traumatic stress disorder among Vietnam
veterans than among non-Vietnam veterans. Neurologic function
tests performed in the VES showed no differences between Vietnam
and non-Vietnam veterans.
In summary, both studies indicate that Vietnam veterans perceive
themselves to be in poorer health than non-Vietnam veterans. The
American Legion study indicates that this perception may correlate
with subjective and unvalidated assessment of exposure to
herbicides and/or combat. The VES suggests that most of the
perceived adverse health effects cannot be confirmed objectively
by medical examination. The perception of poor health is
important and a biochemical basis for this perception cannot be
ruled out.
CDC SELECTED CANCERS STUDY NEARS COMPLETION
With the Vietnam Experience Study completed and published and
the Agent Orange Exposure Study canceled, scientists at the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta are now focusing on
the third component of the Congressionally mandated epidemiology
study, the Selected Cancers Study.)
The Selected Cancers Study is designed to determine if Vietnam
veterans are at increased risk of contracting any of five specific
cancers: soft tissue sarcoma, lymphoma, nasal, nasopharyngeal, and
liver cancer. The data collection phase of this study component
began in 1985 and is nearing completion.
CDC officials anticipate publication of the study findings in
1990.
NEW RANCH HAND STUDY RESULTS RELEASED
On April 17, 1989, the Air Force released a mortality update of
its long-term study, entitled AIR FORCE HEALTH STUDY (PROJECT
RANCH HAND II), AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC INVESTIGATION OF HEALTH EFFECTS
IN AIR FORCE PERSONNEL FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO HERBICIDES. The
purpose of this ongoing study is to determine whether individuals
NAM VET Newsletter Page 36
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
involved in herbicide spraying in Vietnam during the Ranch Hand
operation experienced any adverse health effects as a result of
participation in that program. The study is designed to evaluate
mortality (death) and morbidity (disease) in these individuals
over a 20-year period beginning in 1982.
The initial mortality report was released in June 1983, and the
initial morbidity report in February 1984. Follow-up mortality
reports were released in 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1989. A follow-up
morbidity report was published in 1988. The study has not
demonstrated health effects which can be conclusively attributed
to herbicide or dioxin exposure.
Ranch Hand personnel were compared with selected Air Force
organizational united with a mission of flying cargo to, from, and
in Vietnam during the same period. Individuals were matched to
each Ranch Hander by job category, race, and age to the closest
month of birth. The 1989 report showed no statistical difference
between the cumulative mortality of 1,261 Ranch Hands and that of
6,250 matched comparisons and the entire population of 19,101
comparisons. The researchers found that 5.8% of the Ranch Hands,
6.02% of the matched comparisons, and 5.44% of the comparison
population have died.
The investigative team, headed by Dr. William W. Wolfe, Colonel,
USAF, MC, concluded that the overall cumulative mortality of the
Ranch Hand personnel remains statistically indistinguishable from
that of both their matched comparisons and the entire comparison
population, although there is a statistically significant
increasing trend in post-1983 death rates among Ranch Hand
digestive system deaths relative to the comparison population;
these findings are not suggestive of an herbicide effect. Ranch
Hands are equivalent to all comparisons in cumulative accidental,
malignant neoplasm and circulatory system mortality.
VA RESEARCH - A PROGRESS REPORT
Substantial progress has been made in a number of VA research
efforts investigating possible adverse health effects of military
service in Vietnam and exposure to herbicides including Agent
Orange. Several of the published studies were described in detail
in the October 1988 issue of the "Agent Orange Review."
Investigations summarized in that issue included two VA soft-
tissue sarcoma studies, the VA Vietnam Veteran Mortality Study,
and the VA-funded Vietnam Experience Study, conducted by
scientists at the Centers for Disease Control. Additional
significant VA research is described below.
ADIPOSE TISSUE STUDY
VA, in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), recently completed a very detailed analysis of
adipose tissue specimens from 200 men of the Vietnam-era age
group. The specimens were analyzed for 2,3,7,8-TCDD, the
contaminant found in one of the ingredients of Agent Orange, and
sixteen other dioxins and dibenzofurans. Researchers used adipose
tissue collected for the EPA's National Human Adipose Tissue
Survey.
A total of 40 Vietnam veterans, 80 non-Vietnam veterans, and 80
civilians were selected and their archived tissues were analyzed.
Investigators found that the average level of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in
adipose tissue of Vietnam veterans was not significantly different
from that of non-Vietnam veterans or civilians. This was the case
both with and without adjustment for several demographic
variables. Furthermore, the tests showed no association between
NAM VET Newsletter Page 37
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
TCDD levels and Agent Orange exposure opportunity estimations
based on military records.
MORTALITY STUDY FOLLOW-UP
VA is conducting five follow-up studies to confirm or complement
the findings of the VA Vietnam Veterans Mortality Study, published
in the "Journal of Occupational Medicine" in May 1988 and
described in the "Agent Orange Review" in October 1988.
VA is updating the mortality study by including an additional
11,000 Vietnam era veterans' deaths. These deaths occurred
between 1982 and 1984. Inclusion of the additional data provides
enhanced statistical power for the study and also allows
investigators to detect cases with longer latency periods. This
is important because some diseases that may be associated with
Agent Orange exposure or Vietnam service may take a long time to
develop. Data analysis are completed for this follow-up project,
and a report is being prepared.
A separate analysis is being completed for Army veterans who
served in the I Corps area of Vietnam. This is an effort to
determine whether Army veterans who were stationed in the same
geographic areas as Marine Corps veterans experienced mortality
patterns similar to the Marines. (Marine Corps Vietnam veterans
appeared to have relatively more deaths from lung cancer and non-
Hodgkin's lymphoma.) The U.S. Army and Joint Services
Environmental Support Group assisted VA in researching troop
locations for given time periods. A report is being prepared.
Given the widely accepted view of a causal relationship between
smoking and lung cancer, a special effort was made to examine
military medical records of Marines in the mortality study who
died from lung cancer in an attempt to determine their smoking
status. Unfortunately, investigators were unable to determine who
smoked.
VA reviewed the Patient Treatment File for non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease among Vietnam era veterans who have
been treated in VA medical centers. Patients will be compared
with respect to service in Vietnam and other military service
factors. If military service in Vietnam is not associated with an
increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease,
then the proportion of veterans having served in Vietnam or having
certain military characteristics should be similar for both the
cases and control patients.
A separate mortality study has been designed exclusively for
Marine Corps Vietnam veterans. The only study providing an
overall mortality rate of Vietnam veterans is a cohort mortality
study published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC
effort was restricted to Army veterans. A substantial portion
(approximately 20%) of U.S. ground troops in Vietnam were Marines.
Unlike the Army units, the Marine Corps units were located in
one geographic area, I Corps. In view of the VA mortality study
results and the lack of overall mortality rates as well as cause-
specific mortality rates for Marine Vietnam veterans, a separate
mortality study for Marine veterans is being conducted. In
October 1988, the VA awarded a contract for the abstraction of
military records of 10,000 Marine Vietnam veterans and 10,000
Marine veterans who did not serve in Vietnam. A pilot study was
completed in December 1988 to test the military records
abstraction forms and procedures. Identifying information is
being submitted to the National Personnel Records Center to obtain
the military personnel records needed for the study. Military
record abstraction is expected to be completed by October 1990.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 38
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
WOMEN VIETNAM VETERANS MORTALITY STUDY
The health effects of military service in Vietnam are being
evaluated for women who served in Vietnam. The study cohort
consists of all women who were on active duty in Vietnam.
Approximately 5,000 female Vietnam veterans were identified from
morning reports and military records to verify Vietnam service
dates; military occupations have been abstracted as well.
Every cause of death among female Vietnam veterans will be
compared with those among female Armed Forces veterans who did not
serve in Vietnam. A comparison cohort of approximately the same
size as the study cohort has been identified and military records
have been abstracted.
Data analysis are expected to be completed by December 1989. A
report will be available in the summer of 1990.
ARMY CHEMICAL CORPS MORTALITY STUDY
VA researchers are also examining health effects of chemical
exposures during military service in Vietnam among men who were
assigned to Army chemical units, which were responsible for
detecting and counteracting enemy chemical warfare by using riot
control agents and for defoliating vegetation using phenoxy
herbicides.
Because they were involved in the mixing and application of
these chemicals, they were likely to have had heavier exposure to
them than ground troops. Nearly 1,000 men who served in Army
chemical units in Vietnam between 1965 and 1971 have been
identified from unit morning reports.
This study will examine mortality and morbidity among men who
served in Army chemical units in Vietnam. Data analysis are
expected to be completed by September 1989. A report will be
available in the spring of 1990.
READJUSTMENT STUDY
The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study found that a
majority of Vietnam theater veterans have made a successful re-
entry to civilian life and currently experience few symptoms of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other readjustment
problems.
Although in general, male Vietnam theater veterans do not differ
greatly in their current life adjustment from their era
counterparts, there is some evidence that female theater veterans
currently experience more readjustment problems than other Vietnam
era veteran women of similar age and military occupation.
The study found that 15.2 percent of all male Vietnam veterans
and 8.5 percent of Vietnam veteran women currently suffer from
PTSD. The study also indicated that PTSD in the Vietnam veteran
population is associated with significant levels of morbidity,
reflected in higher levels of employment, family and educational
difficulties. The rates of PTSD are higher for black and Hispanic
veterans than among white veterans.
SUICIDE IN VIETNAM VETERANS
Potential risk factors for suicide among 38 Vietnam veterans
were examined using 46 Vietnam veterans who died from motor
vehicle accidents as a comparison group. The veterans were
selected from Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's files and
covered the period 1977 to 1982.
No military service factor was associated with suicide. The
characteristics of Vietnam veteran suicide cases were not
substantially different from non-Vietnam veteran suicides with
respect to known demographic risk factors.
The psychological profile of Vietnam veteran suicide cases was
NAM VET Newsletter Page 39
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
also similar to non-Vietnam veteran suicide cases in most
instances. Symptoms related to PTSD were observed more frequently
among suicide cases than accident cases. However, suicides were
not associated with specific combat experiences or military
occupation. The extent of combat experience in Vietnam per se as
measured in this study was not a good predictor of suicide death.
VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ASSISTS VA
Public Law 98-542, Veterans' Dioxin and Radiation Exposure
Compensation Standards Act, enacted October 24, 1984, directed VA
to establish a fifteen member advisory committee known as the
Veterans' Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards.
The Committee was chartered on March 11, 1985, and has held 11
meetings since then. The most recent meeting was on June 26, 1989.
Under the law the Committee is charged with responsibility for
advising VA on guidelines and (where appropriate) standards and
criteria for the resolution of claims for VA benefits where the
criteria for eligibility include a requirement that a death or
disability be service connected and the claim of service
connection is based on a veteran's exposure during service in
Vietnam to a herbicide containing dioxin, or in connection with
such veteran's participation in atmospheric nuclear tests or with
the American occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan, prior to
July 1, 1946, to ionizing radiation from the detonation of a
nuclear device.
To accomplish this function, the Committee has reviewed the
results of a large number of scientific studies, including more
than a hundred publications on Agent Orange and other herbicides
used in Vietnam.
The Committee is currently assisting the Department in a major
revision of the Agent Orange regulations to ensure that they are
consistent with the recent court decision described elsewhere in
this issue.
The Committee is primarily composed of medical and scientific
authorities on dioxin, ionizing radiation, and related scientific
disciplines. Mr. Oliver Meadows chairs the full Committee, and
Dr. Armon Yanders, the Committee's Scientific Council. No
Committee member is a VA employee. Mr. Frederic L. Conway, III,
Special Assistant to the VA's General Counsel, serves as Executive
Secretary. The next meeting is planned for November 2-3, 1989.
For additional information regarding that meeting and the Advisory
Committee, write to Mr. Frederic L. Conway, III, Special Assistant
to the General Counsel (02C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810
Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20420.
CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REFERRAL INFORMATION
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has received a large
number of inquiries regarding the status of claims for
compensation from the Agent Orange Settlement Fund, established as
a result of the settlement of a class action lawsuit ("Agent
Orange" Product Liability Litigation) brought by Vietnam veterans
and their families against the manufacturers of Agent Orange.
Neither VA nor any other Federal department or agency is
directly involved in the distribution of the settlement funds.
Information on this matter can be obtained by calling, toll-free
1-800-225-4712, and writing to the Agent Orange Veteran Payment
Program, P.O. Box 110, Hartford, Connecticut 06104.
VA AGENT ORANGE INFORMATION AVAILABLE
NAM VET Newsletter Page 40
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
During the past eight years VA has produced a substantial amount
of information on Agent Orange. Some of this information has been
published in independent scientific journals, but much of it has
been released as VA documents.
PRINTED ITEMS
A great deal of information is quite technical. A multi-volume
publication, entitled REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON HERBICIDES,
INCLUDING PHENOXY HERBICIDES AND ASSOCIATED DIOXINS, is prepared
primarily for use by researchers, physicians, scientists, and
others with similar backgrounds. The initial two volumes were
released in 1981, in response to a requirement of Public Law 96-
151. Updates (in two volume sets) were issued in 1984 and each
year thereafter. The Government Printing Office offered some of
the earlier volumes for purchase although many are now out of
print. Copies of all volumes are maintained at all VA medical
center libraries. The literature reviews were prepared for VA by
independent contractors.
To assist non-technical readers in understanding the complex
issues involving Agent Orange and other herbicides, VA publishes a
series of "lay language" summaries, entitled SYNOPSIS OF
SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE ON PHENOXY HERBICIDES AND ASSOCIATED
DIOXINS. Copies of these booklets have been sent to all VA
medical center libraries.
Three technical books were also published by VA on matters
related to herbicides and concerns of Vietnam veterans and their
families. Since these books each focus on a single limited topic
they are known as monographs. The monographs published to date
are CADOCYCLIC ACID: AGRICULTURAL USES, BIOLOGIC EFFECTS, AND
ENVIRONMENTAL FATE by Ronald D. Hood, Ph.D.; BIRTH DEFECTS AND
GENETIC COUNSELING by Annemarie Sommer, M.D.; and HUMAN EXPOSURE
TO PHENOXY HERBICIDES by Terry L. Lavy, Ph.D. Each of these
documents is maintained in all VA medical center libraries.
In November 1982, VA's Office of Public and Consumer Affairs
(now known as the Office of Public Affairs) initiated publication
of the "Agent Orange Review" newsletter as part of VA's expanded
program to provide information on Agent Orange to concerned
veterans and their families. This periodical has been published
ten times since the inaugural issue. The mailing list has grown
significantly in the past seven years. All recipients of the
Agent Orange Registry examination automatically are included in
the distribution. Veterans service organizations and State Agent
Orange commissions are programs also receive substantial
quantities. Copies are available at all VA medical facilities and
regional offices. Approximately 500,000 copies of the newsletter
are printed.
In October 1988, VA's Environmental Medicine Office prepared a
series of 13 fact sheets, known as "Agent Orange Briefs," designed
to answer questions regarding Agent Orange and related matters.
The "Briefs" were distributed to all VA medical centers, Vet
Centers, and regional offices. The following "Briefs" are
currently available: (1) Agent Orange - General Information;
(2) Agent Orange Registry; (3) Agent Orange Litigation; (4) Agent
Orange - Research Problem; (5) Agent Orange - Priority Treatment
Program; (6) Agent Orange and Birth Defects; (7) Agent Orange and
Chloracne; (8) Agent Orange and VA Disability Compensation;
(9) Agent Orange and Soft Tissue Sarcoma; (10) Agent Orange and
Related Research - VA Efforts; (11) Agent Orange and Related
Research - Non-VA Efforts; (12) Agent Orange and Non-Hodgkin's
Lymphoma; and (13) VA Publications on Agent Orange and Related
NAM VET Newsletter Page 41
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Matters. For additional information on the "Briefs," contact the
Agent Orange Coordinator at the nearest VA medical center to write
to the Environmental Medicine Office (10B/AO), VA Central Office,
810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420.
VIDEOTAPES
In addition to this printed matter, VA has produced several
videotape programs regarding Agent Orange. In January 1981, the
initial program, entitled "Agent Orange: A Search for Answers,"
was released. The videotape explained what Agent Orange was,
where and how it was used in Vietnam,, why concerns arose among
those exposed to it, and what VA was doing in response to these
concerns. The videotape was distributed widely throughout the VA
system. The program received an Emmy Award from the National
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. It was also honored by
the Health Education Communication Association and the Network for
Continuing Medical Education and by the International Television
Association.
In 1986, VA completed and distributed a training videotape for
Medical Administration Service staff to sensitize these personnel
to Agent Orange concerns and issues. Last year VA released
another videotape program, entitled "Agent Orange: An Update,"
designed to update the initial videotape. All three programs were
produced by the Regional Learning Resources Service, VA Medical
Center, St. Louis and were distributed to all medical center
libraries.
VA HERBICIDE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RENEWED
On June 26, 1989, Secretary Derwinski took action to formally
renew the VA Advisory Committee on Health-Related Effects of
Herbicides for an additional two years.
The Committee, originally established in 1979, has five primary
functions under its charter. The Committee has and will (1)
review and make recommendations relative to VA's programs to
assist Vietnam veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such
recommendations may concern the information delivery system and
outreach efforts, scheduling of Agent Orange-related examinations,
essential follow-up activities and related matters); (2) advise
the Secretary on VA Agent Orange-related programs, programs of the
Federal GOVERNMENT< AND State programs which are designed to
assist veterans exposed to herbicides, and simultaneously, will
minimize duplication of VA and other Federal programs concerned
with the Agent Orange issue; (3) receive and review information
from veterans service organizations regarding services provided by
VA to Vietnam veterans concerned about the possible adverse health
effects of exposure to herbicides; (4) Review any comment on
proposals for research on the possible health effects of exposure
to herbicides; and (5) serve as a forum for individual veterans to
inform VA of their views on policy issues and on the operation of
Department programs designed to assist veterans exposed to
herbicides and dioxins in Vietnam.
The Committee meets two to three times annually in VA Central
Office. Eight to twelve members are authorized. Members come
from varied backgrounds. Physicians, attorneys, scientists,
officials of national veterans service organizations, State
officials, and individuals with other experiences serve on the
Committee. Several members are Vietnam veterans. Dr. Michael
Gough, a Senior Fellow with the Center for Risk Management,
Resources for the Future, has chaired the Committee since 1987.
Dr. Gough previously served with the congressional Office of
NAM VET Newsletter Page 42
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Technology Assessment. His book, DIOXIN, AGENT ORANGE: THE FACTS,
was published in 1986.
The Committee met most recently on March 16, 1989, the day after
the Veterans Administration became the Department of Veterans
Affairs. Secretary Derwinski participated in the meeting. Copies
of the minutes are available from the Committee Manager (10B/AO),
Environmental Medicine Office, VA Central Office, 810 Vermont
Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20420. Telephone requests should be
directed to (202) 233-4117.
AGENT ORANGE REGISTRY INFORMATION UPDATED
Since 1978, VA health care facilities have offered free medical
examinations to Vietnam veterans who are concerned that they may
have been exposed to herbicides during their military service and
that these herbicides may adversely affect their health.
Veterans participating in this voluntary program are given a
series of baseline laboratory studies, including a chest x-ray
(unless one has been done within the previous six months),
complete blood count, blood chemistries and enzyme studies, and
urinalysis. Evidence is also sought concerning the following
potentially relevant symptoms or conditions: altered sex drive;
congenital deformities (that is, birth defects) among children;
neoplasms or cancers, including soft tissue sarcoma and lymphoma
(including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma); repeated infections;
sterility; and difficulties in carrying pregnancies to term.
Any veteran who had active military service in Vietnam between
1962 to 1975 and expresses a concern relating to exposure to
herbicides may participate in the Registry. Approximately 240,000
Vietnam veterans have already participated in this program.
Although the program is more than 11 years old, hundreds of
veterans are still visiting VA facilities every month for their
examination. Many of these veterans have no medical problems;
others present a wide range of ailments.
Vietnam veterans interested in receiving the Agent Orange
Registry examination or seeking information on this program should
contact the nearest VA medical facility.
NEW AGENT ORANGE LAW ENACTED
Public Law 100-687, signed by President Reagan on November 18,
1988, contains several provisions related to Agent Orange matters.
These issues are briefly summarized below.
Section 1201, entitled "Funding for Agent Orange Blood Testing,"
provides that certain funds appropriated to VA for the Centers of
Disease Control Agent Orange Study be available for obligation
until September 30, 1989 for certain other purposes.
Specifically, the law provides $3 million for payment of expenses
of the Air Force for blood testing for Project Ranch Hand II
personnel. The funds were transferred to the Air Force for that
purpose. The section also provides $1 million for payment of
expenses of a survey of scientific evidence, studies, and
literature relating to health effects of possible exposure to
toxic chemicals contained in herbicides used in Vietnam. The law
directs that the survey be conducted by an independent scientific
entity under contract to VA "pursuant to a law enacted after the
date of the enactment of this Act." Since no subsequent law was
enacted, the $1 million survey has not been initiated.
Section 1202, entitled "Extension of Health-Care Eligibility
Based on Agent Orange or Ionizing Radiation Exposure," extends for
an additional two years the VA priority treatment program for
NAM VET Newsletter Page 43
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
veterans with medical problems possibly, but not necessarily,
related to exposure to Agent Orange or ionizing radiation. Under
this law, the program will be in effect through December 31, 1990.
Section 1203, entitled "Treatment for Needs-Based Benefits
Purposes of Amounts Received Under Agent Orange Litigation
Settlement," provides that payments received under the settlement
of the class action lawsuit brought by Vietnam veterans and their
families against the manufacturers of Agent Orange be treated for
purposes of laws administered by VA as reimbursement for prior
unreimbursed medical expenses, and that these payments not be
countable as income for such purposes.
Section 1204, entitled "Outreach Services," requires VA to
conduct an active, continuous outreach program for furnishing
Vietnam veterans information relating to (1) the health risks (if
any) resulting from exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, as such
information on health risks becomes known; and (2) services and
benefits available to such veterans with respect to such health
risks. This section also requires VA to organize and update the
Agent Orange Registry to enable VA to promptly notify veterans of
any increased health risk resulting from exposure to Agent Orange.
Section 1205, entitled "Ranch Hand Study," makes changes in the
membership requirements for the Ranch Hand Advisory Committee
established by the Secretary of Defense. It also provides
reporting requirements concerning the progress on the Air Force
study.
STATES ACT ON AGENT ORANGE ISSUE
During the past decade a number of State governments have
established their own Agent Orange programs, commissions, and/or
studies. The Department of Veterans Affairs is closely monitoring
these State initiatives. Two State officials, Mr. Charles F.
Conroy, Jr., Director, Agent Orange Assistance Program, West
Virginia Department of Health, and Mr. Allen E. Falk, Chairman,
New Jersey Agent Orange Commission, serve on the VA Advisory
Committee on Health-Related Effects of Herbicides. In addition,
Conroy is a member of the Veterans' Advisory Committee on
Environmental Hazards. In fact, as the only member of both of
these two VA advisory committees, Mr. Conroy serves as a link
between these groups.
At the most recent meeting of Advisory Committee on Health-
Related Effects of Herbicides, Mr. Conroy reported that several
States have terminated their programs: Georgia (in 1983),
Tennessee (1984), Iowa (1985), Ohio (1985), Texas (1985), Kansas
(1986), Oregon (1986), Wisconsin (1986), California (1987), and
Massachusetts (1988). He noted that the following States have
ongoing Agent Orange efforts: West Virginia, New York, Rhode
Island, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Virginia,
Maryland, and Maine. He added that several of these States may
terminate their programs in Fiscal Year 1990.
According to Mr. Conroy, most of the States that have any
program focus on information sharing with Vietnam veterans i their
states and/or conducting surveys or studies.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 44
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
=================================================================
H e a r t s n ' M i n d s
=================================================================
THIS I BELIEVE
by Robert A. Heinlein 1907-1988
from GRUMBLES FROM THE GRAVE
copyright 1989
Robert A. Heinlein and Virginia Heinlein Trust
Input by Lefty Frizzell
NAM VETs Homeless Section Editor
The Executive Washroom BBS - Houston, TX
I am not going to talk about religious beliefs but about matters
so obvious that it has gone out of style to mention them. I
believe in my neighbors. I know their faults, and I know that
their virtues far outweigh their faults.
Take Father Michael down our road a piece. I am not of his creed,
but I know that goodness and charity and lovingkindness shine in
his daily actions. I believe in Father Mike. If I'm in trouble,
I'll go to him.
My next-door neighbor is a veterinary doctor. Doc will get out of
bed after a hard day to help a stray cat. No fee - no prospect of
a fee - I believe in Doc.
I believe in my townspeople. You can knock on any door in our
town saying, "I'm hungry," and you will be fed. Our town is no
exception. I've found the same ready charity everywhere. But for
the one who says, "To heck with you - I got mine," there are a
hundred, a thousand who will say, "Sure, pal, sit down."
I know that despite all warnings against hitchhikers I can step to
the highway, thumb for a ride and in a few minutes a car or truck
will stop and someone will say, "Climb in Mac - how far you
going?"
I believe in my fellow citizens. Our headlines are splashed with
crime yet for every criminal there are 10,000 honest, decent,
kindly men. If it were not so, no child would live to grow up.
Business would not go on from day to day. Decency is not news.
It is buried in the obituaries, but it is a force stronger than
crime. I believe in the patient gallantry of nurses and the
tedious sacrifices of teachers. I believe in the unseen and
unending fight against desperate odds that goes on quietly in
almost every home in the land.
I believe in the honest craft of workmen. Take a look around you.
There never were enough bosses to check up on all that work.
From Independence Hall to the Grand Coulee Dam, these things were
built level and square by craftsmen who were honest in their
bones.
I believe that almost all politicians are honest... there are
hundreds of politicians, low paid or not paid at all doing their
level best without thanks or glory to make our system work. If
NAM VET Newsletter Page 45
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
this were not true we would never have gotten past the thirteen
colonies.
I believe in Rodger Yound. You and I are free today because of
endless unnamed heroes from Valley Forge to the Yalu River. I
believe in - I am proud to belong to-the United States. Despite
shortcomings from lynchings to bad faith in high places, our
nation has had the most decent and kindly internal practices and
and foreign policies to be found anywhere in history.
And finally, I believe in my whole race. Yellow, white, black,
red, brown. In the honesty, courage, intelligence, durability,
and goodness of the overwhelming majority of my brothers and
sister everywhere on this planet. I am proud to be a human being.
I believe that we have come this far by the skin of our teeth.
That we always make it just by the skin of our teeth, but that we
will make it. Survive. Endure. I believe that this hairless
embryo with the aching, oversize brain case and the opposable
thumb, this animal barely up from the apes will endure. Will
endure longer than his home planet-will spread out to the stars
and beyond, carrying with him his honesty and his insatiable
curiosity, his unlimited courage and his noble essential decency.
This I believe with all my heart.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 46
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
VIETNAM VETERANS: THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
The Problems of Seeking and Receiving Help
By Joel Osler Brende, MD and Erwin Randolph Parsons, PhD
Copyright 1985
Input by Kathleen Kelly, Ph.D.
NAM VET's PTSD Section Editor
The New York Transfer - Staten Island, NY
(718) 448-2358
PART II.
--------
(Continued from last month)
Once a Vietnam veteran considers seeking help, he may wonder
what avenue of treatment would be the easiest to follow. At the
present time, his most likely route to getting proper help begins
with one of the 137 VA Outreach Centers in the country, although
he may also visit one of the 172 VA hospitals or seek help from a
private counseling center.
During the early and mid 1970s he had few places to go for such
help. If he went to the VA outpatient clinic, alcohol and drug
treatment program, or general psychiatry inpatient unit, he might
receive some treatment for current problems in his life, but his
chances of becoming disillusioned and disappointed by lack of
effective treatment for symptoms of PTSD were high. Hospital
treatment at that time was generally ineffective, mainly because
of the lack of a proper diagnostic category. Between 62% and 77%
of Vietnam veteran patients treated on general psychiatry units
were not recognized as having posttraumatic symptoms and received
a diagnosis of schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder,
alcoholism, or drug dependency.
Since treatment was determined by the diagnosis, Vietnam
veterans who were labeled schizophrenics were treated with
antipsychotic medications. Those who were labeled alcoholics were
treated in alcoholic treatment units. Those with antisocial
characteristics were often labeled sociopathic or borderline
personalities and were rarely helped since they were considered
thoroughly manipulative, unpredictable, and distrustful of
therapists.
During the 1970s, many hospital staff personnel, in their
failure to understand Vietnam veterans' problems, sometimes
responded to their angry denunciation of the VA with comments such
as: "Vietnam veterans are just a bunch of character disorders.
They don't want to get well. All they want to do is drink up a
storm and live here."
If a veteran left and returned a second time, personnel again
were likely to respond with, "Why do you want to come into the
hospital again? I suppose you got drunk and had a fight with your
wife. If you can't make it out there, you're probably coming back
because you want to get disability compensation." Upon successive
readmissions, a Vietnam veteran might even be greeted with, "Do
you want to use this place as a home? Guys like you take up all
our time and don't give us an opportunity to get on with our real
work."
NAM VET Newsletter Page 47
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
(Since 1980), however, the VA has begun to recognize that its
real work is to help America's veterans with symptoms related to
the battlefield. That recognition began after Congress voted to
provide funds and President Carter signed Public Law 96-22 on
June 13, 1979 for development of the Vietnam veterans' Outreach
Program. The director of the program, Dr. Arthur S. Blank, has
stated: "The ... nationwide network of Vietnam vet centers --
collectively termed Operation Outreach -- in all 50 states, Puerto
Rico, and the Virgin Islands ... treat veterans with a broad
range of individual counseling, group counseling (rap groups), and
family counseling, as well as offer assistance with problems in
employment, education, and VA benefits."
As a result of this program, 91 small counseling centers were
placed in communities across the country, staffed by four
counseling personnel in each. That number has now grown to 185.
Many individual VA hospitals have also responded to the need to
help Vietnam veterans. Nationwide, 15 have developed specialized
treatment programs and others are in the process of developing
them.
The ... special hospital treatment programs.... have an average
bed capacity of 24 and a 3-month average treatment time.
Approximately 1425 Vietnam veterans across the country can be
treated each year in these Units, although just as many are
admitted for short periods of time and receive minimal benefit
from the experience. There are also a number of other VA hospitals
and VA outpatient clinics where therapists have developed a
specialized interest and expertise in providing them
psychotherapy.
Not all of the approximately 800,000 Vietnam veterans suffering
from PTSD need treatment in a hospital; no available statistics
accurately cite how many do. And nearly all of the ... inpatient
programs have a lengthy waiting list before admission, making it
somewhat difficult for a Vietnam veteran to get immediate hospital
treatment. However, they will be admitted more quickly when
referred by a VA outpatient clinic or Outreach Center. Outreach
Center counselors may be called to help a Vietnam veteran in
crisis, and are able to get them hospitalized more easily. An
upper Midwest Outreach counselor told us that if it weren't for
the VA hospital in his city and the psychologist from that
hospital who provides him with consultation about counseling
difficult patients, his job would be much more difficult. If he
must respond to a threat of suicide, physical violence, or a
veteran's deteriorating mental condition, his consultant will
arrange to have the Vietnam veteran admitted immediately if
necessary. But because his hospital does not have a specialized
PTSD Treatment Unit, the Outreach counselor will likely get the
veteran back from the hospital relatively soon following the
crisis and will continue the counseling process on an outpatient
basis. Provided the veteran has a stable home environment and a
source of income and his counselor is skilled, he may make
continued improvement, although he may have new crises requiring
hospitalization again.
The demand for hospitalization of Vietnam veterans is related
to the increasing awareness of the disabling symptoms of PTSD, and
NAM VET Newsletter Page 48
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
is sometimes complicated by an immediate need for basic safety and
shelter. Darryl, who has a master's degree in literature,
described himself as sleeping in a tree in New York's Central Park
for a month since he lost his job. During that month, he had been
mugged twice and nearly killed by his attackers. Another Vietnam
veteran, recently divorced, had become afraid of his own attacks
of rage and preferred isolation, sleeping in a tent on a
relative's property in Connecticut. With the changing weather in
November, however, that lifestyle became impractical.
Hospitalization kept him from freezing to death in his tent and,
moreover, provided him with treatment for his PTSD symptoms.
The shortage of treatment facilities has often created
political pressure upon VA hospitals to open up new specialized
treatment units. Although political pressure has often worked to
force a new program to open, it has been without adequate
cooperation from local hospital administrators. The lack of
administrative support may stem from the disbelief that Vietnam
veterans need special treatment, extra facilities, and additional
staff. Even after starting a new program, inpatient administrators
may fail to support it through growing pains, often taking 2 or
more years, or may not realize the need for a well-trained and
dedicated director and trained personnel.
Qualified professionals can be found to staff specialized PTSD
treatment programs when hospital administrators decide to commit
themselves to support them. However, those professionals must be
dedicated and willing to see a new program grow and flourish.
There can be rewards for those staff who involve themselves in the
work. As a nurse on a specialized hospital program said, "I know
that a lot of the nursing staff who work on other wards in this
hospital don like Vietnam veterans and can't understand why I do.
But I have found this work the most rewarding thing I have ever
done. Once you have gotten through being tested out by them,
Vietnam veterans are very loyal and responsive to anyone who wants
to learn about their problems and really wants to help them."
For specialized mental health workers to be really effective,
they must combine professional competence with integrity and
humanness. They obviously need basic professional training, but
also need to supplement it with reading the available PTSD
literature, attending special PTSD training meetings and
workshops, having informal discussions with other mental health
professionals in the field, and listening to Vietnam veterans
themselves without passing judgment. We, as therapists, have found
videotapes effective in our own learning and research. One of us
has videotaped about 40 hours of interviews and therapy sessions
with these veterans. After reviewing them, we found the process
very helpful.
We believe and emphasize that it is the personal encounter of
the therapist with the patient -- the Vietnam veteran -- that is
more important that adhering to traditional psychological
formulations. We hold that the therapist must be an emotionally
sensitive, experiencing, and empathic person who is open-minded to
learning about the veterans' experiences. In our experience, we
emphasize that because veterans' reports of guilt-ridden events,
such as killing and sadism, provoke considerable anxiety within
therapists, traditional therapy methods may be ineffective. We
NAM VET Newsletter Page 49
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
thus urge therapists to be aware of their own personal struggles
about the Vietnam War and share their own feelings with other
therapists or supervisors. At times it may also be appropriate for
therapists to share reactions and attitudes with Vietnam veterans
in "rap groups." Psychologist Robert Shapiro has described the
importance of developing a strong working alliance with these
veterans. However it is also important for therapists to maintain
enough objectivity in order to avoid overidentifying with their
patients' feelings of victimization.
Tom Williams, a Vietnam veteran who became a psychologist,
suggests that professionals who are veterans of Vietnam may have
an advantage over other therapists. They can more rapidly
establish trust and facilitate disclosure of war-related
experiences. Yet, there is also the problem that Vietnam veteran
counselors face potential "burn out" if their own traumatic dreams
and memories are reactivated by the stories they hear or if they
begin to feel overburdened by the responsibility of helping all
their fallen comrades.
During the relatively short history of the special treatment
programs for Vietnam veterans, there have been few statistic
available to determine success. In our opinion, only approximately
50% of those veterans who enter a treatment program with the
desire to get better maintain lasting improvement. Long-term
outpatient treatment may be more favorable but hospital treatment
is less so. For example, the research director of a highly
regarded hospital program at one VA Medical Center told us
informally that over a 6-month period, 11 of 25 Vietnam veteran
patients left the program prematurely because of alcohol or
illicit drug use. Of the remaining 14, 3 reported no improvement.
These statistics do not tell us why some veterans recover and
others don't; however, preliminary evidence and subjective reports
suggest that the success of the treatment is related to a number
of factors, the psychological approach used during treatment being
one of the most important. Thus, it remains a frequent challenge
for mental health professionals to tailor the most effective
treatment approach to each specific individual veteran seeking
help, whether it be crisis intervention, hypnotic uncovering of a
traumatic memory, or long-term intensive psychotherapy for
bringing about a major posttraumatic personality change.
Some do not respond to treatment or maintain the improvement
they have made because there exists no stable, growth-producing,
or nurturing environment for them at home or work. For those
without a family or spouse, some form of a stable environment must
be maintained if they are to sustain their level of improvement.
We have known, in fact act, a number of Vietnam veterans who have
made significant recovery without professional help but only
because of the presence of a steady job and a committed and living
wife and family. Those without family, job, vocational training,
or other environmental support such as regular meetings with other
Vietnam veterans, have much less than a 50% chance of sustaining
whatever gains they may have made. Those with no jobs waiting or
no job prospects at all become discouraged and demoralized,
particularly if they feel they are failing their families.
While follow-up statistics are not readily available on the
success rate of those without good supports at home, the veterans
NAM VET Newsletter Page 50
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
themselves are pessimistic about their chances of recovery if
those supports are not present. Paul witnessed 30 patients
admitted and discharged from the program he was in. He recounted:
"I can count on the fingers of one hand those who I know have made
it out there after they left this program. And those are the ones
whose wives have not left them. I don't think I can make it out
there if I leave the program. No one is going to give me a job. I
have no wife. And when I leave here, it will be just like leaving
'Nam. Only worse." Fortunately, he was in a hospital that began
organizing an aftercare program to provide sheltered employment,
semistructured housing (with other Vietnam veterans discharged at
the same time) and follow-up psychiatric treatment for those who
desired it.
In some cases the absence of support at home and stable
employment have been considered such stumbling blocks to progress
that treatment programs have focused primarily on resolving them.
The Menlo Park VA Hospital in Palo Alto, California, which keeps
90 veterans for an average stay of 4 months, has strongly
encouraged community activity as part of its program. This helps
the veterans feel they are contributing in a meaningful way.
Another program, not under the auspices of the VA, began in the
early 1970s in the San Francisco area. It has been described by
veteran-counselors Chester Paul Adams and Jack McCloskey as
emphasizing the development of work patterns and job skills within
vocational training programs. For 4 weeks, veterans do the routine
operations of a farm in exchange for board, room, and services.
The next 4 weeks are dedicated to preparing the veteran for
seeking employment or for beginning vocational training in an
urban environment. The last portion of the program promotes the
development of alumni support groups for those graduating from the
program. Such programs are rare, however, and we still do not know
their success rates.
There are other potential pitfalls in therapy such as different
expectations in terms of recovery between therapist and the
patient. If a great disparity exists, progress toward recovery may
be seriously impaired. The veteran who des not present the
therapist with clear goals for his own recovery may face
disappointment when, after a period of treatment, he feels no
better. Similarly, the therapist who is not aware of the full
severity of the veteran's difficulties may expect complete
recovery in a brief period and become disappointed if the problems
continue or become worse. Both patient and therapist ought to be
aware of the range of severity of PTSD symptoms, the process
required for recovery, and the time it may take. We know of one
Vietnam veteran with above-normal intelligence who, after a year
in a hospital program, had improved to the point that the staff
personnel expected that he would soon be able to leave the
hospital and get a job. But when he angrily resisted, both the
staff and he grew disappointed. The staff, nonetheless, accepted
his decision to stay. During that extended period, he uncovered
additional traumatic memories and emotions related to violence and
the death of friends. This enabled him to "work through" and
understand better the relation of these experiences to his
enormous fear of taking on responsibility.
"Expectation dissonance" or a disparity in expectation of
progress between staff and patients can also occur in regimented
NAM VET Newsletter Page 51
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
treatment programs in which patients are expected to move from one
phase of treatment to another at a specified time. If at the end
of the final phase of the program, not every veteran is ready for
discharge, a frustration emerges for both patient and staff.
The problem of "expectation dissonance" occurs so frequently
that staffs must find ways to resolve it. One possible resolution
is to provide post-hospital continuity of care with the trusted
therapist. A second possible resolution might be time flexibility;
permitting veterans who need more time to remain in the program.
This approach is more likely to succeed when the staff is
cognizant that different patients are in different phases of
recovery and they require more individualized treatment. A third
resolution is for veterans to repeat the program as often as
necessary after making partial gains toward recovery. They could
return to a stable home environment, and then feel free to return
for further treatment if symptoms recur or in the event of a
crisis. A fourth resolution is a flexible treatment program
wherein both treatment personnel and patients can arrive at
mutually agreed-upon goals. A good treatment outcome should be
possible when the goals are broad enough, realistic enough, and
specific enough to be measured, and the treatment is to be carried
out by accomplished personnel.
A complication that makes treatment more complex is the
multifarious aspects of the diagnosis of PTSD. This diagnosis is
often complicated by a patient's having PTSD in association with
another problem. The professional would then have to determine the
relation of all the diagnostic complexities and their origins.
A veteran whose PTSD symptoms are complicated by chronic or
cyclic depression, may have suffered serious losses, not only of
friends in Vietnam, but of friends and family before and after the
war. To help him complete the grieving process, he may need, in
addition to psychotherapy or counseling, specific medications for
his depression.
Other patients who suffered considerable turmoil or family
instability prior to Vietnam, have reacted most profoundly to any
experience of loss, betrayal, or abandonment. These veterans,
sometimes receiving a label of borderline or narcissistic
personality, have the most difficulty establishing meaningful
relationships, including therapeutic relationships. Their
considerable fear of losing anyone fuels their desire to resist
development intense bonds with even their therapists, which blocks
their chances of improvement. Vietnam veterans with such
difficulties may fluctuate from grandiose feelings of omnipotence
to profound fear and depression. The combination of individual and
group psychotherapy, particularly in a hospital setting, works
best for such patients. They will have more personal contact with
the therapist and will be subjected to peer pressure in groups of
other veterans who can actively help them to contain their self-
destructive behavior.
For veterans whose treatment is complicated by unpredictable
behaviors and memory loss, it is important to recognize that they
may have yet other complicating diagnoses. For example, Tim, a 48-
year-old veteran, reported frequently personality changes. On one
occasion, he found himself in a strange town and did not know how
NAM VET Newsletter Page 52
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
he had gotten there. Sometimes people told him that he acted
strangely, but he had no memory of what he had done. While his
traumatic experiences in Southeast Asia and other symptoms
verified the diagnosis of PTSD, his psychiatrist found that he
also had two other diagnoses: borderline personality disorder and
temporal lobe epilepsy (a type of convulsive disorder). He was
placed on specific anticonvulsant medications to control the
personality changes, referred to a Vietnam veteran treatment
program, and referred to a qualified therapist for long-term
psychotherapy, a preferred treatment for his personality disorder.
The diagnosis of schizophrenia is today rarely confused with
PTSD, although Vietnam veterans in the 1970s were frequently given
that diagnosis erroneously. However, there is a small minority of
Vietnam veterans whose recovery seemed blocked because of
persistent intrusive images, disorganized thought patterns, and an
inability to sustain relationships with people. Such patients may
suffer from a degree of psychotic thought disorder and generally
require specific "antipsychotic" medications to improve thought
organization ability and reduces the frequency of intrusive
imagery.
There are a variety of problems facing both prospective
therapists and their Vietnam veteran patients. Legal problems,
unstable marriages and jobs, fear of change or becoming worse
before getting better, inadequate treatment facilities, untrained
therapists, and mixed diagnoses all contribute to the
difficulties. Despite all these impediments, approximately half of
those Vietnam veterans seeking professional help make steady
improvement toward a recovery from PTSD and healthy, fruitful
life.
* * *
Next month: "Recovery Phases"
NAM VET Newsletter Page 53
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
A DIFFERENT KIND OF VIETNAM VETERAN, AND HER HEALING MISSION
War and Remembrance, DaNang to California
By Seth Mydans
Special to The New York Times
Tuesday Nov 28, 1989, p. A16
Input by: Kathleen Kelly, Ph.D.
NAM VET's PTSD Section Editor
The New York Transfer - Staten Island, NY
(718) 448-2358
ESCONDIDO, Calif. -- Le Ly Hayslip, a Vietnamese woman who was
forced by the hardships of war to collaborate with the Vietcong,
dabble in the black market and sell her body, is now presenting
herself in a book and perhaps a movie as the face of her country's
victimized peasantry.
Her message, directed particularly toward American veterans, has
drawn criticism from Vietnamese here. But it has also tapped a
well of feelings among former American soldiers, and they have
written her about their sense of guilt and nostalgia for Vietnam.
Mrs. Hayslip's memoir, <<When Heaven and Earth Changed Places>>
(Doubleday, $18.95), was published earlier this year. American
reviewers said it filled a need to hear from the millions of
Vietnamese who suffered in the war.
INTO THE NETHERWORLD
The story, which is now being adapted for a possible film to be
directed by Oliver Stone, is about a village girl [sic] who, like
many Vietnamese, gives her allegiance to the Communist army by
night and the South Vietnamese Government by day.
Danger and poverty forced her into the urban netherworld, where
many learned to thrive in an atmosphere of black marketing and
prostitution. Like some other Vietnamese women, she found escape
by marrying an American. And now Le Ly Hayslip lives here in a
ranch-style house on a rolling Southern California hillside.
Mrs. Hayslip has returned to Vietnam six times since 1986 and
has formed a nonprofit relief group, East Meets West, which has
sent medical supplies to Vietnam. Last month, she opened a clinic
in Ky La, the village of her birth, just south of Da Nang.
That clinic was financed by Mr. Stone, who directed "Platoon,"
the 1986 movie that depicted the Vietnam War from the perspective
of Americans who fought and died in it. Mrs. Hayslip said she
hopes he will be able to film her life story on the dirt paths and
in the small thatched houses of her own village, with her
relatives and friends there participating.
Her book, written with the help of Jay Wurts, a California
writer and editor, was greeted with some hostility in Vietnamese
emigre newspapers. They questioned her story and voiced suspicions
about her sympathies. The reaction reflects the highly
factionalized and politicized nature of the Vietnamese community
in the United States.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 54
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Mrs. Hayslip says her story speaks for itself and is not
unusual. Her politics, she says, are the politics of
reconciliation and healing after decades of division.
Fourteen years after the war ended, she said, Vietnamese may
have had more success than American veterans in coming to terms
with the hardships that some of those veterans inflicted.
Back in Vietnam
Back in Vietnam, talking quietly with her family in the meager
light of an oil lamp, she asked, "What did you get out of all this
war?"
"They turned around and said, `We are happy,'" she went on. "I
told them, `You are all poor.' They said: `It seems poor because
you come from a rich place. This is the same house you were born
in and you are eating the same fish from the same pond.'"
American veterans are less at ease with their experiences and
their feelings, she said. A man in prison wrote that he had
entered "a life in crime" after serving in Vietnam. Another man,
divorced and at loose ends, offered to take his skills as a bomb-
disposal expert to Vietnam to sweep for unexploded ordnance.
A third man, who fired artillery from a hilltop at people he
never saw, recalled in a letter to Mrs. Hayslip his daily view of
his target.
"I often sat on a bunker and with a pair of field glasses looked
at the people planting and transplanting and harvesting rice," he
wrote. "In the mornings the mist would settle in the valleys, the
sun's rays would reflect the mist and we would be surrounded by
1,000 lakes."
* * *
NAM VET Newsletter Page 55
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
It's finally here - a patch which acknowledges the other side
of the Vietnam Veteran: His wife!
Hardly needing any explanation, it is multicolor with Red,
White, Blue, Green and Gold for the Map of Vietnam.
While the text drawing below doesn't really do it justice, I
think if you run it out on your printer, you'll sorta get the
idea of how special this unique patch is.
They are available for $5 each from VETLink #1 - Dept. 65
P O Box 2056 Pittsfield, MASSACHUSETTS 01202
(Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery)
@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@
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@@@@@@@@ @@@@@ @@@@@ @@@@@@@@
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@@@ V I E T N A M V E T S W I F E @@@
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@@@ :@@@@@@@@@@@: :@@@@@@@@@@@: @@@
@@@ @.............@ @.............@ @@@
@@@ @...............@ @...............@ @@@
@@@ @.................@ @.................@ @@@
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@@@ @............. ..............@ @@@
@@@ @.............. MAP OF USA ..............@ @@@
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@@@ @................. WITH .................@ @@@
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@@@ @............... MAP OF ...............@ @@@
@@@ (........ .......) @@@
@@@ @...... VIET NAM SUPERIMPOSED ......@ @@@
@@@ @........ .........@ @@@
@@@ @.......... OVER IT ............@ @@@
@@@ I @ ............................ @ N @@@
@@@ @............................@ @@@
@@@ @..........................@ A @@@
@@@ S @........................@ @@@
@@@ @....................@ M @@@
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@@@ A @............@ Y @@@
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© 1988 VVA Chapter #65 Pittsfield, MA
NAM VET Newsletter Page 56
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
IN COUNTRY
A Film Guide by Cultural Information Service
Made Possible By Warner Bros.
Input by G. Joseph Peck
NAM VET's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
It was the longest war in United States history and perhaps the
most controversial. Even after the battle scenes and body counts
no longer dominated the evening news, it didn't go away. Two
decades later, the Vietnam War is still with us. It gave its name
to an entire generation.
Today the children of the Vietnam generation are attending our
schools and colleges. Many of them have only vague, even
romantic, notions about the war. As a Maine high school teacher,
John Stephen Knight, Jr., put it: "The children recognize that
something important happened to their parents, but they are not
sure what it is. They often sense that somehow this distant war
has contributed to problems in their families."
Samantha "Sam" Hughes, the Kentucky teenager in Norman Jewison's
film for Warner Bros. IN COUNTRY, is one of these young people.
This motion picture will open in New York, Los Angeles,
Washington, D.C., and Toronto in mid-September 1989 and nationwide
in October. Set in the present, it is the first film to focus on
people like Sam and her family - the homeland survivors of Vietnam
- the daughters, sons, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters,
friends, and the veterans themselves. Sam's struggle to
understand her family and find her own place in this world will
strike a responsive chord in many of her peers.
HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES CLASSES will empathize with Sam's
desire to learn more about Vietnam where her father died before
she was born. Her search for information and understanding makes
this story an excellent catalyst for studies of the war. This
guide includes suggestions for group projects and referrals to
sources of additional sources of information.
ENGLISH AND DRAMA CLASSES will recognize a universal theme in
Sam's need to discover her roots before she can fly into the
future. Bobbie Ann Mason's comments about how she cam to write
the novel IN COUNTRY and its meaning to her will also be of
interest.
ALL FILMGOERS will be moved by this powerful and touching story to
consider the role of knowledge and memory in healing the wounds of
war. By the end of the film, Sam has become an agent of change,
encouraging her family to confront and release their long-buried
memories, grief, and pain about Vietnam. The private story of
this family, then, mirrors the public experience of the nation now
engaged in a process of healing and reconciliation. As Sam comes
of age, so the nation comes to terms with Vietnam.
THE STORY
At Samantha Hughes' high school graduation, the speaker urges
the class to consider themselves the "future." But Sam (Emily
Lloyd) has some unfinished business with the past.
When Sam's father, Dwayne Hughes, was her age, he shipped out to
NAM VET Newsletter Page 57
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
fight in Vietnam and was killed there before she was born. Now it
may be time for Sam to leave the small town of Hopewell, Kentucky.
Her mother, Irene (Joan Allen), now lives in Lexington with a new
husband and baby; she wants Sam to join her and start college.
Sam is not sure that she wants to keep going out with her
boyfriend, Lonnie (Kevin Anderson), who seems quite immature. She
knows she doesn't want to end up like her best friend, Dawn (Heidi
Swedberg), who is unmarried and pregnant. And she'd like her own
car.
About the only one holding Sam in Hopewell is her uncle Emmett
(Bruce Willis) with whom she lives. A Vietnam veteran, he's
cynical and reclusive, existing in a world of his own. He fixes
things around the house, watches TV, and gets together with his
veteran friends at the local diner. Other people call him
"mentally alienated." Sam worries that he may be suffering from
the effects of Agent Orange. She knows, too, that Emmett is the
key to her ever learning what happened to her father. She is
determined to get him to tell her about Vietnam.
But Emmett isn't talking, and the other vets won't tell her
anything either. Irene doesn't even know how Dwayne died. Sam's
grandmother, Mamaw (Peggy Rea), recalls the closed casket funeral
and laments, "It was like we never got to really watch over him."
Sam complains to Emmett's occasional girlfriend Anita (Judith
Ivey), "My mom acts like the Vietnam War was back in the dark
ages." Anita replies, "It was the dark ages."
Still, with persistence, Sam gathers clues. At a veteran's
dance, the first one held for the Vietnam vets in Hopewell, she
reviews a display of photographs, medals, and other memorabilia
from the war years. She listens as the vets argue about the war
and their lives since they got back. She goes home with Tom (John
Terry), one of Emmett's friends, expecting to make love with him,
only to discover how he is still haunted by the war.
The pieces begin to come together when she discovers Dwayne's
letters from Vietnam in her mother's old room. They reveal one
side of her father. Another is evident on the pages of his in-
country diary. In a dramatic gesture, Sam drives her new car out
to the local swamp and pitches camp. In that damp darkness, she
imagines herself with her father in Vietnam as she reads his
diary. It is not at all like what she expected.
In the morning, Emmett finds her. As Sam reacts to what she has
learned about Vietnam, he finally unleashes his pent-up feelings
and the pain he still suffers for his lost buddies. Later, they
set out with Mamaw to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in
Washington, D.C. On that black wall, the three Kentucky
survivors of Vietnam locate Dwayne's name. It is obvious from
their responses that they have found much more.
"Vietnam is my story too. It's every American's story."
BOBBIE ANN MASON, the author of the novel IN COUNTRY, grew up in
Kentucky in a community very much like the setting of her work.
Her first book of short stories, SHILOH AND OTHER STORIES, won the
PEN/Ernest Hemingway Award for First Fiction. IN COUNTRY, hailed
by literary critics as one of the best novels of 1985, also became
a bestseller. She followed it in 1988 with a short novel, SPENCE
+ LILA, and in 1989 with LOVE LIFE, a collection of short stories.
In August 1989, Bobbie Ann Mason was honored by the Vietnam
Veterans of America with their very first President's Citation,
which recognizes non-veterans who have excelled in the arts and
contributed to the public's understanding of the Vietnam War and
NAM VET Newsletter Page 58
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
its aftermath. Ms. Mason has talked about how she was drawn to
the story of Sam and her family:
"When I started writing IN COUNTRY, around 1981, the war was
beginning to resurface in the national consciousness. For several
years, America had tried to forget about the war, and about the
men and women who served there. But some time had passed, and it
began to seem important that we think about it again. At that
time the first children born to American GIs who went to Vietnam
were coming of age. And the young people wanted to know what had
happened.
"I didn't start out saying to myself, 'I'm going to write a
novel about the effects of the Vietnam War on a family.' I began
with the family and then I probed around and discovered what their
problems were. It was as though the war came out of someplace
where it had been hiding and forced itself on me. I couldn't
ignore it.
"Sam's questions were my questions, and I sought to educate
myself about the experience of the American soldier in Vietnam. I
read the oral histories, the first-person accounts. The voices of
the soldiers telling their stories were the most eloquent,
powerful voices I'd ever heard. But I was still afraid to try to
bring some of their haunting reality into my little domestic
story.
"Then, while I was writing the novel, the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial was finished and I went to Washington to see it. It was
the spring of 1983 and the day I visited, it was pouring down
rain. As I walked down the mall toward the memorial, in my mind I
could hear the voices of my characters, and I realized that they
had to go on this journey too. When I saw the wall, I saw it
through THEIR eyes, and I felt THEIR hearts pounding. And then an
incredible thing happened.
"Quite by accident, my eyes fell upon my own name on the wall, a
version of my name - Bobby G. Mason. I found out later that Bobby
G. Mason was from Florida. I learned also that there were four
guys named Robert Mason whose names were on the wall. More Bobby
Masons.
"I knew then that Vietnam was my story too, and it was every
American's story. Finally, I felt I had a right to tell a small
part of that story. Seeing the mothers, the fathers, the
brothers, sisters, wives, children - the families - there that
rainy day, I knew we were all in it together.
"'In Country' is the term the American GIs used for their time
in Vietnam. They spoke of being 'in country' while the rest of us
were back home here in what they called 'the World.' In a larger
sense, 'in country' means America, for the war has come back home.
We are all connected by the names and the reflections on the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial."
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION
FILM TIE-INS
Bobbie Ann Mason's novel IN COUNTRY, originally published by
Harper & Row, is being released in a Perennial Library paperback
edition.
An audiocassette recording of Mason's Novel, read by Tony Award-
winning actress Judith Ivey, is available on two 90-minute
cassettes from Caedmon.
LITERATURE
The literature about Vietnam is extensive and growing every
NAM VET Newsletter Page 59
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
year. Here are a few recommended titles in the two categories
which have the most relevance to IN COUNTRY:
FIRST PERSON ACCOUNTS
DEAR AMERICA: LETTERS HOME FROM VIETNAM edited by Bernard
Edelman (Pocket Books, 1987).
IN THE COMBAT ZONE: VIVID PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF THE VIETNAM
WAR FROM THE WOMEN WHO SERVED THERE by Kathryn Marshall (Penguin,
1988).
NAM: THE VIETNAM WAR IN THE WORDS OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO
FOUGHT THERE by Mark Baker (Berkley, 1987).
AFTER THE WAR
THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN VIETNAM: A READER edited by Grace
Sevy (University of Oklahoma Press, November 1989).
FACING THE WALL: AMERICANS AT THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL by
Duncan Spencer and Lloyd Wolf (Collier, 1986).
HEALING FROM THE WAR: TRAUMA AND TRANSFORMATION AFTER VIETNAM by
Arthur Egendorf (Houghton Mifflin, 1985).
HOMECOMING: WHEN THE SOLDIERS RETURNED FROM VIETNAM by Bob
Greene (Putnam, 1989).
LONG TIME PASSING: VIETNAM AND THE HAUNTED GENERATION by Myra
MacPherson (NAL, 1985)
TO HEAL A NATION: THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL by Jan C.
Scruggs and Joel L. Swerdlow (Harper & Row, 1988).
VIETNAM GENERATION: A JOURNAL OF RECENT HISTORY AND CONTEMPORARY
ISSUES edited by Kali Tai (quarterly journal, for subscription
information, write: 10301 Procter Street, Silver Spring, Maryland
20901).
THE VIETNAM VETERAN: A HISTORY OF NEGLECT by David E. Bonior,
et. al. (Praeger, 1986).
WAITING FOR AN ARMY TO DIE: THE TRAGEDY OF AGENT ORANGE by Fred
Wilcox (Vintage, 1983).
WHAT SHOULD WE TELL OUR CHILDREN ABOUT VIETNAM? by Bill McCloud
(University of Oklahoma Press, October 1989).
VIETNAM CURRICULUM
THE LESSONS OF THE VIETNAM WAR is the first comprehensive
curriculum covering all facets of the war from a diversity of
perspectives. Written and classroom tested by a nationwide
network of Vietnam War scholars, teachers, and veterans, it is
modular in structure so that it can fit any course time. The 12
units, plus a companion Teacher's Manual, cover such topics as who
fought for the U.S., how the war was fought, the war at home, how
the war was reported, the war in American literature, the wounds
of war and the process of healing, and lessons from yesterday for
today. For information on how to order THE LESSONS OF THE VIETNAM
WAR: A MODULAR TEXTBOOK, contact: Jerold Starr, Center for Social
Studies Education 115 Mayfair Dr. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15228
Telephone (412) 341-1967.
TEACHER TRAINING
To arrange for a master teacher to conduct professional
development workshops on strategies and resources for teaching the
Vietnam War, contact: Larry Dieringer, Educators for Social
Responsibility, 23 Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.
Telephone (617) 492-1764.
VETERAN SPEAKERS
To arrange for Vietnam veterans to speak in your classroom or to
your group, contact: Ken Berez, Vietnam Veterans of America
Foundation, Suite 407, 2100 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037
Telephone: (202) 828-2630.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 60
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
NAM VET Newsletter Page 61
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
'IN-COUNTRY'
A review by Marc Leepson
in the Sept/Oct 1989 edition of
THE VETERAN
Input by G. Joseph Peck
NAM VET's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
Bobbie Ann Mason was worried about IN COUNTRY, the file based on
her superb 1985 novel of the same name. The books tells the story
of a teenage girl, Sam Hughes, and her quest to find out about her
father who was killed in Vietnam before she was born. Mason was
worried, she said at VVA's national convention early in August,
because she wasn't allowed any input in the making of the movie.
One of her main concerns was how the movie would portray Sam's
Uncle Emmett, an emotionally unsteady Vietnam veteran.
Your reviewer shared Mason's concerns. The last thing Vietnam
veterans need is another Hollywoodized, mentally unstable veteran.
Then there was the fact that Bruce Willis - the charismatic,
wisecracking TV actor - would be playing Emmett, and that Emily
Lloyd, a spunky teenager with a decidedly British accent, would be
Sam.
Well, Bobbie Ann Mason's and Vietnam veterans' worries about IN
COUNTRY are over. Director Norman Jewison (IN THE HEAT OF THE
NIGHT, A SOLDIER'S STORY, MOONSTRUCK, and others), screenwriters
Frank Pierson and Cynthia Cidre, and crew made a remarkable movie.
The file, released September 15, retains the spirit of Mason's
sensitive and insightful book. Willis turns in a steady
performance as Emmett. And Lloyd, with a hyper-realistic western
Kentucky twang, steals the show as Sam, the inquisitive,
intelligent, ambitious adolescent rampaging through an event-
filled summer following her high school graduation.
The supporting cast sparkles, especially Joan Allen as Sam's
mother; Kevin Anderson as Sam's boyfriend; Peggy Rea as her
grandmother; John Terry as Tom, the vet-mechanic; and Judith Ivey
as Emmett's old flame. The plot is spun out skillfully and
believable. Cinematographer Russell Boyd shows off scene after
scene of keenly observed pictures of small-town life, western
Kentucky style.
The final scene, which takes place at the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial in Washington, could easily have lapsed into mawkish
melodrama. But the scene never crosses the line into cheap
sentimentality, and it is affecting, moving, and ultimately
healing. You can count on tears flowing in the theater as the
credits roll.
The best news about this movie concerns the portrayal of
veterans. Emmett has flashbacks, he could be suffering from Agent
Orange-related health problems, and he's not exactly a motivated
person. However, the character - as Mason portrayed him in the
book and Jewison and company do in the movie - also has a sense of
humor, common sense, and uncommon insights into the human
condition. He's fully flushed out and therefore is decidedly not
a cartoon-like stereotype.
The other vets in the film, although not quite as fully
explored, still stand out as individuals. They have problems, but
they also function in the everyday world. They're like nearly
everybody else on the planet, you might say, except that 20 years
NAM VET Newsletter Page 62
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
ago, they went through quite extraordinary rites of passage.
Four years ago, a talented, serious writer of fiction, Bobbie
Ann Mason, published IN COUNTRY. It was to everyone's benefit
that she turned her attention to a topic that every Vietnam
veteran knows intimately. And now in 1989, it's also universally
beneficial that a group of talented film-makers and actors has
produced a memorable movie version of that great book.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 63
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Married To A Vietnam Veteran
by: Shelia Allred
DAV National Auxiliary Commander
3725 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY. 41076
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VETs Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
With Veterans Day coming up, I've been thinking about the
frequent sacrifices made by veterans' families. When my thoughts
run along these lines, they often focus on a woman I'll call
Laura. Please join me for a moment, putting yourself in Laura's
place.
It's three o'clock in the morning. You're sleeping quietly
beside your husband. Then, without warning, it comes on him. Your
husband is on his feet beside the bed, screaming about the Viet
Cong.
You want to help him escape this nightmare. You want it
desperately. But you can't go near him. You can't tell what
he'll do. You know he's in another place and time. For him, it's
1968 and he's on the other side of the globe.
I'd like to say Laura's story is unusual. But I can't. This is
the world of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I've been
hearing many such stories while working with the wives of other
Vietnam veterans in what we call "rap groups."
Called by one name or another, PTSD has affected veterans from
all of our wars. But it seems to have hit Vietnam veterans and
former prisoners of war at a higher rate. PTSD doesn't always
crop up in such dramatic ways as nightmares or flashbacks to
combat. It can appear in such simple problems as occasional
sleeplessness, but it can also be far more serious.
I've listened to at least a few stories about physical and
psychological abuse. I've watched tears roll down the faces of
women as they told of their husband's depression, explosive anger,
emotional withdrawal, or intense guilt. I've also heard about
PTSD coupled with chronic drug and alcohol abuse.
These are the kind of problems that rip families apart. In
their wake, immense waves of pain roll over the wives and children
of so many veterans.
I don't want to give the wrong idea. Not every woman who's
married to a veteran suffers through a terrible life. Speaking
just for myself, I wouldn't trade my husband Jim for anything. I
love this life we have together. I'm deeply proud to be married
to a man who accepted his duty during the Vietnam War when so many
ran the other way. But, regardless of how my life is going, I want
to look this PTSD issue in the eye.
It would be difficult to draw many general conclusions about the
NAM VET Newsletter Page 64
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
impact of PTSD on the families of veterans. But there are a
couple of statements I'd make to the spouses of these veterans.
First, you are not alone! Second, it is not your fault!
On the first point, after all the publicity focusing on PTSD
among veterans, I'm constantly amazed at the number of women who
still believe they're all alone in dealing with the problems that
the aftermath of war has leveled on their families.
You should watch them come into the rap groups and learn that
many other women are living with very similar problems. What
relief you can see in those faces!
Secondly, some of these women tend to blame themselves for their
husband's war-related problems and the resulting impact on their
families. This is just one of several ways in which the
repercussions of PTSD can echo through the families of these vets.
All this can get pretty complicated. However, let's be very
clear about one thing. The PTSD among these veterans results from
war. We spouses do not cause these problems, nor can we expect
ourselves to somehow solve them. When PTSD causes trouble in the
lives of veterans, they should seek help from a Vet Center.
Furthermore, women who live in households affected by a veteran's
war-related problems often need rap groups. If such groups are
available in your area, the Vet Center can give you more
information.
If you don't know how to contact a Vet Center, you can get
direction from your DAV National Service Officer (NSO). If you
don't know how to reach your NSO, write to DAV National Service
Department, 807 Maine Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 65
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
=================================================================
D e a l i n g w i t h ' N a m
=================================================================
Democracy: a struggle, not a gift!
By Nguyen Huu Tho
(in) VIETNAM Update
Published by the Institute for Democracy in Vietnam
815 15th St., N.W. Washington, DC 20005
(202) 628-5946
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NAM VET's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-6313
Editor's note:
Nguyen Huu Tho was president of the National Liberation Front
and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam
during the war. At that time, the Hanoi government frequently
asserted that the NLF and the PRG were the legitimate
representatives of South Vietnam. Yet, since unification, the two
organizations and their leaders have been virtually ignored by
official Vietnam. PRG General Tran Van Tra, for instance, was
purged for his guardedly critical book about the conduct of the
war. He has recently begun to re-emerge.
Nguyen Huu Tho is something of an exception. Vice-Chairman of
the National Committee (equivalent to Vice President in the United
States), and Chairman of the Fatherland Front, he is one of the
few high NLF officials to hold a prominent position in post-
unification Vietnam. But unlike most prominent officials, his
titles are not matched by a party position. At 76, Tho has yet to
be admitted to the Party Central Committee. Mr. Tho is also
editor of Doan Ket Magazine, the mouthpiece of the Fatherland
Front. In this speech, delivered at the Fatherland Front Annual
meeting, Tho laments the absence of democracy in Vietnam.
From various points of view, many speakers at this meeting have
expressed their concern about the current situation in Vietnam.
Why has our country come to this dark moment? It is not because
our people are lazy, unskilled, inactive, or uninventive. The
experience of Vietnamese abroad proves this.
The root causes of failure are the weight of our conservative
bureaucratic system, the lack of democracy on the part of the
government, and struggle on the part of the people.
Do not be deluded that the conservatives will automatically hand
democracy over to the people, or that the people will
automatically carry out reforms. These things depend on struggle,
including struggle in the mass organizations such as the National
Assembly, the Fatherland Front, and others. Unfortunately, the
struggle of these bodies has been weak. The conditions exist for
struggle, but the people dare not move.
The Fatherland Front, as indicated by law, has the right to
introduce candidates for election. But for years we have blindly
obeyed the instructions of the Party, nominating the list of
officials they send to us. Why has the Front, which is supposed
to be a body for the people, simply carried out orders, instead of
struggling so that the aspirations of the people can be heard?
NAM VET Newsletter Page 66
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
And what about the National Assembly? This body has the right
to impeach any cabinet member. But this right has never been
used. We have spent much time and money organizing elections for
the People's Council (the city council - ed.). Alas, what does
this council do? The People's Committee is an organ of the
People's Council, but ironically, the People's Committee also
controls the People's Council. In the constitution, the People's
Council is the highest and most powerful organ in each city, but
the Council has a separate budget from the city, and in some
cities, doesn't even have an office. It is strange that no one
wants to struggle. Rather, people simply accept how things are.
Everyone likes real cake - no one likes artificial cake. Only
the untalented, the incapable, and the exploited are happy with
puppet government. For many years now, this situation has been
painful for all of us, but the puppet and its artificial ways
still remain. Our biggest weakness is that we have no real
democracy. Many of the correct aspirations of the people are not
fulfilled. The people should be able to elect the representatives
they like.
In order for these things to change, we must struggle. This is
not like the struggle against our old enemies, but it is no less
important. The resolutions and guidelines of the Sixth Party
Congress should be made into law. Once these laws are made, we
should struggle so that they may be implemented. The role of each
organ, including the Party, the government, and the elected
organs, should be clarified and regularized. We should not allow
the situation in which one party can speak and act for all the
others. Without law, no democracy.
The court system, too, must be independent. The judges should
not decide their cases on orders from the government.
Finally, the Front needs a clear regulation that establishes the
relationship of the Front and the government.
In my opinion, the success of this congress depends on the brave
and heroic spirits, willing to struggle in the near future.
Democracy will not come as a gift, but must be obtained by
struggle.
POWER STRUGGLE
A number of portentous events followed the sixth meeting of the
VCP Central Committee.
In April, Nguyen Van Linh, the "little "Gorbachev," traveled to
Cuba and Nicaragua, two countries with fairly distant relations
with Vietnam. One month later, Mai Chi Tho, Minister of the
Interior, also visited these two countries. No public joint
communiques have been issued as a result of any of these trips.
Mai Chi Tho was better received in both countries than Nguyen Van
Linh, his nominal superior. As party chief, Linh would normally
rate a better reception. But Tho's position, which includes
control of internal security, espionage, and "civil rights," gives
him enormous power.
Mai Chi Tho is the younger brother of Le Duc Tho, Henry
Kissinger's secret negotiating partner in Paris. Le Duc Tho
resigned from the Politburo in 1986, but still wields considerable
power behind the scenes, particularly through his brother. He is
known to be placing his proteges in high-level positions
throughout the government.
During the war, Mai Chi Tho was the number two man in the Saigon
City Party Branch, and was chief of the Saigon Security
Department. He later became the fifth member of the Politburo.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 67
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
In June, Mai Chi Tho was unexpectedly promoted to become a four
star general of the army. He had no military experience, and
there is no precedent for party officials to be given high
military rank. Some analysts speculate that this positions him to
replace Linh as party leader next year.
A Party Central Committee meeting, scheduled for June, was
delayed until September, and has now been postponed indefinitely,
apparently because neither faction can muster enough support to
force through their preferred appointments. Linh's candidate for
Prime Minister, Vo Van Kiet, was unable to take the Prime Minister
Post.
The Front leader Nguyen Huu Tho also supports Linh and has been
trying to win some real power for the National Assembly,
traditionally a rubber-stamp organization. Despite his popularity
and his broad range of supporters, Linh has been loosing the
battle for control of the bureaucracy. He is hampered by a
seeming inability to mobilize the people against the cadres, as
Gorbachev has done so successfully in the Soviet Union.
Mai Chi Tho is 73 years old, but much healthier than Linh, who
is just a bit older. He is regarded as a hardliner in the
Politburo. It is somewhat encouraging, considering his strong
position, that in a recent article he wrote that the openness
policy is irreversible. Ominously, he went on to say, "We should
open the door, but when the door is open, some flies will get in.
If we open the door wider, more flies will get in and we will have
to kill them to keep the air clean." To say the least, this
statement was quite discouraging to some advocates of reform.
Other reformers take a different tack. They say that in order
to make doi moi work, Vietnam needs a powerful leader who will
dare to make tough decisions, and that General Tho is the best
candidate.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 68
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
=================================================================
O u r F l a g
=================================================================
How does burning a flag make things better?
by Karen Winnett
S.I.R.E.N. IS CALLING -SACRAMENTO, CA.-[CASAC]
(916) 971-0589
Hi,
I have a question I would like to ask. It is not hard and it is
in response to your great hopes regarding your attendance at the
Blasphemy forum. I think it should be okay for me to ask this
question since I think I may qualify as being one of those
"disenfranchised" people you are talking about making things
better for.
I am an American Vietnam Veteran, how did your burning my flag
wrapped around a cross, another symbol of faith for many, help me?
What did it do to make things better?
I am a disABLED person, how did your burning my flag wrapped
around a cross help me? What has it done to make this country
better?
I am living at poverty level fighting for my independence, how
did your burning my flag wrapped around a cross make things
better?
I am a citizen who knows her country sometimes errs, who knows
politicians often lie, who knows that our government is not
perfect, who knows how to vote and speak out my beliefs without
hurting others, how does your burning my flag wrapped around a
cross do half as much as this?
How do you stand before those of us who are blinded, deafened,
paralyzed, amputated and less of mind and emotion as a result of
duty, honour and faith in our country and our God and look into
our hearts, souls and eyes and burn our flag wrapped around a
cross and do it with any sense of pride or dignity, how does it
make things better for us?
How do you ponder the graves and walls of those to whom that
flag meant so much and burn it wrapped around a cross with no
shame?
How do you burn this flag that is very symbol not only of all
that is best in this country but also the very symbol of a country
that allows you to protest and dissent without feeling like a
hypocrite?
How does it make things better?
When you take up the American flag and wrap it around a cross
and burn them, thereby slapping me in the face and denigrating my
beliefs and put me down, how is that making things better?
How will it make my life better?
NAM VET Newsletter Page 69
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
When you hurt someone at their very core, as burning a flag or
cross does very much, to so many, how does that make things
better? It doesn't, it only hurts and hurts many of us who are the
very disenfranchised you speak of!
Also, please tell me, in what way is ACTUP, REFUSE & RESIST,
CPUSA and The Revolutionary Communist party going to make life
better? By burning flags? By trying to destroy what good things do
still exist in this country?
Will these Communists help me they way they have helped people
in the Soviet Peoples republic?
Like they helped the people in Poland? Will they re educate us
as they did in Nam and Cambodia? The way they help in South
America?
No thank you, I will die before walking willingly into such a
trap.
I am sorry, you may feel my brothers here in this echo are
immature and that they are not as intelligent and informed as you
are and that all of us here are stupid by your standards, but I at
least know that I am in the company of men of honour, men who are
there for each other, men who will unite and stand together for
the sake of one, men who have paid the extreme and the ultimate
price and laid down their lives on behalf of others and I love
each and every one of them and what they stand for and the banner
that stands as a symbol for them, the flag of the United States.
How does your burning a flag wrapped around a cross help them?
And recalling your own boasts about how you still read your
field manual and being a "martial artist" and the many you have
killed, you use the same emotion that you invoke in others, yet is
immature for others? Well, hopefully, you will provide me with an
intelligent answer to my question?
I have one other question to ask as well, are you a communist?
Keepin' the faith!
Karen
NAM VET Newsletter Page 70
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
=================================================================
- - M E M O R I E S - -
=================================================================
FRAGILE AS A FLOWER
by Bob Bunnell
The Precedent BBS - Mukilteo, WA
(206) 355-1295
The following is a copy of a piece that I wrote for a College
English writing class several years ago. As it turned out, it was
quite a release for me -- was not easy to write but eventually had
(and still has) a very therapeutic effect. For that reason, I
would like to share this with all out there that can, in their own
way, relate to the type of circumstances, vet and non-vet alike.
Thanks for letting me share this with you.
FRAGILE AS A FLOWER
The heat was like a heavy, muggy blanket, weighing me down and
suffocating everything. The trees shimmered and danced in the
glare of the tropical afternoon sun as sweat trickled into my
eyes, burning them. The more I rubbed, the more they burned.
Lead by Captain Joe, we had entered this large, flat valley
nearly twelve hours earlier on routine patrol to locate the Viet
Cong. The valley was a beautiful soft green, bordered on both
sides by the darker green of hillside vegetation. The occasional
cleared areas formed a patchwork of tall golden grass that swayed
in the slight breeze as if swept by some invisible hand.
Officially the valley was called the Dong Bo after the river that
meandered its length. Later, we would come to know it by our own
name: DEATH VALLEY.
While on a brief rest in the cooler shade of the treeline, I
allowed myself a momentary escape and marveled at a lively pink
wildflower standing proudly upright against its emerald-green
bedding. A whispered "Move out.." jolted me back to reality. As
we began to move into the valley, I glanced over my shoulder for
one last look at that small flower. It had been trampled.
Captain Joe wasn't supposed to be on this operation. He had
recently received orders for transfer back to "the world" for two
years of postgraduate study at his alma mater. This period was to
be followed by a three-year stabilized assignment as a geography
instructor at West Point. "Five years with the wife and
daughters!" he had shouted. His powder blue eyes sparkled, and
the sun glistened off his closely cropped blond hair as he skipped
around the camp waving the radio message. No, Captain Joe wasn't
supposed to be here, but he had exercised his command position for
one last go at it.
Other patrols in this valley had been rather uneventful: either
a sporadic sniper harassed us, or there was a brief hit-and-run
fire fight. This time was different. We had been in contact off
and on for nearly three hours, the intensity building. In
addition to several slightly wounded patients, I had two
critically wounded to treat. Now we were just trying order among
our Vietnamese soldiers and get our wounded back to camp. We
NAM VET Newsletter Page 71
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
reached a huge barren clearing. We Americans had vehemently
advised against entering this exposed area. The Vietnamese
soldiers, now on the verge of panic, pushed out toward the center
of the field, trying to escape the loud cracks and snapping thuds
of the increasing gunfire.
The clearing was the most direct route out of the valley and to
safety, but it was also completely bare and flat.
The only cover of any type were the occasional large ant mounds.
It was a deceiving cover, though, since the Viet Cong forces were
infiltrating around us throughout the tree line.
"My God," I thought, " ... we're going to be surrounded."
The cry, "Medic!" came more often now. When anyone attempted to
rise off his stomach and rush forward, the tree lines to our
right, behind us, and to our left erupted with heavy volumes of
gunfire.
During all of this action, I would catch glimpses of Captain
Joe. His camouflaged flop hat shielded his eyes and the radio
hand piece held tight to his ear, as he called base camp for help.
The next moment he would be gone from sight, lying flat on his
stomach as another hail of gunfire swept the area. Then he was
back up to his knees again, surveying the scene, shouting orders,
trying to pull off a miracle.
"Stay down flat!" he had shouted to me.
"I can't get no lower skipper. My buttons is in the way," I
shouted back.
Now there were five of us hugging one large ant mound. A
Vietnamese sergeant on one side of me, and our Chinese interpreter
on the other side, had just received grazing gunshot wounds to the
head.
"Medic!" Captain Joe shouted, flashing his warm smile.
"I don't make house calls," I said.
Then the round you never hear hit its mark. "I blew it,"
muttered Captain Joe as he slumped forward, his flop hat turning
crimson above both temples. I crawled over and began to treat
him.
They say I dragged him for some time, reaching the safety of the
far tree line at dark. I don't know. They say God doesn't listen
to prayers of dying men. I don't know. I do know that on that
hot afternoon I learned how fragile life can be, as fragile as a
flower. Captain Joe wasn't supposed to be there.
Derald R. Bunnell
Copyright 1983
Date of action: 6 February, 1966
Location: Phu Quoc Island, Republic of Viet Nam
NAM VET Newsletter Page 72
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
'Nam is a four-letter word
by Mike Dealey
NCC-1701 BBS
On 11/11/89 at 1100 hours in Dallas, the "Texas Vietnam War
Memorial" was dedicated. Posh affair, all the movers and shakers
were there: The mayor, governor, even the Prez. Head of the VNVA,
and on and on...all-star cast of speakers.
I went with great anticipation. But by the end of the
ceremonies, I was bummed to the max.
My first let-down was the edifice itself. Names carved in red
marble. Why red? Blood? The symbol of Communism? I don't like
red. Black would have been so much more fitting. Moreover, the
monument has a decorative grating over it that immediately made me
think of tangle-foot. I kept wondering, "Why do they have these
guys under tangle-foot?"
Then I listened to Bush rattle on about "Veet Namn" (rhymes with
damn) and fighting in the "swamps" of Southeast Asia. Obvious his
speech writers didn't know of whence he spoke.
I heard almost every speaker give lip service to how this
memorial was being dedicated to show the State's belated
appreciation to our "boys" for fighting and dying in a war that
ended 14 years ago. Hey (I thought) my clock says it's been
TWENTY years, Jack! And I can't even remember being a "boy" no
more. Better late than never? I don't know, is it?
And in the next breath they would say the memorial is NOT just
for Nam vets, but for vets of all wars. Then why do they call it
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial? Why are only VN war KIAs on there?
Why did they dilute the tribute this way?
Well I'll tell you why. Because in the first 3 years of trying
to raise funds for the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial, they only
got $18,000 towards the $2.5 million needed. It was only after
they officially changed the name to the Veterans Memorial were
they able to get people (and organizations) to donate. People
wouldn't donate to a fund for VIETNAM vets.
'Nam is still a four-letter word.
Several speakers made the point that Nam vets are no different
from vets of other wars. Oh? Well, that's from people who
weren't there, so take it with a grain of salt.
But something one speaker said really struck home. Said, "The
one thing Vietnam showed was that armies can't win wars. Armies
can only win battles; politicians win and lose wars."
Is that it? Is that what we put up with all that sh*t for... to
prove the obvious? If that's it, well...f*ck it!
The Veterans Memorial (nee Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial):
3,271 names of Texans killed in Vietnam.
Every speaker felt obligated to enumerate this statistic. They
NAM VET Newsletter Page 73
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
would look at their notes to make sure they got it right... 3,271.
Nobody referred to it as "...this plethoric chiseling of names."
None called it anything like "Texas' own KIA regiment." It was
always three-thousand two-hundred and seventy-one ... exactly.
For me it was deja vu. Once again people are telling me the
important thing here today is body count. Playing the numbers
game all over again. ("When in doubt, double it.") ("1,640
confirmed; 3,271 probable.") ("Never turn in a round number.")
Made me want to start searching for blood trails.
But nobody at the podium brought up kill ratios... an even more
important statistic. Kill ratio is for a combat unit what cash
flow is for a company. You can't stay in business without a
positive kill ratio. And when the competition has an almost
infinite pool of warm bodies for replacement, you need a kill
ratio to the max. And, indeed, most experienced U.S. combat units
in Nam had a K/R of 10:1 or better.
Yet none of the speakers pointed out that those 3000-odd GIs
took out probably five full divisions of enemy troops. Nobody
said, "They done good." They only said they died for their
country.
Was that the goal, to die for your country? No! There was no
goal because there was no war. There were no strategic objectives
because our leaders didn't know how to fight a war that wasn't a
war. The only objective in Nam was survival. And here, in this
memorial, we have etched the names of the guys who lost the toss.
Saturday's dedication clarified in my mind that nothing's really
changed. The public is still not willing to thank the Vietnam
vets for their services, without hedging their words so that no
one will think they're condoning "that war".
'Nam is still a four-letter word.
Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm just a perfectionist. Maybe I wanted
everything to be picture perfect, and it wasn't. I don't know.
But I do know this: If it's for KIAs, those 3000-odd names are way
too many. If it's for dedication to country, it's not near
enough. Either way, it just ain't right.
NAM VET Newsletter Page 74
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
=================================================================
S u b s c r i b e N o w !
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NAM VET Newsletter Page 75
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
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VIETNAM_VETS conflict, every effort will be made to reach an
amicable solution to any posed problem. Todd Looney,
Originator/Co-Moderator, and G. Joseph Peck, Co-moderator/EchoMail
Coordinator, herein reserve the right to remove VIETNAM_VETS from
a network should the policies of that network prove to be
obstructive rather than conducive to the mission of this
EchoConference.
OVERVIEW: For some Vietnam Veterans, every day is a bitter
struggle to survive as they try to find some way to either escape
the horrible memories of that war or to come to terms with
themselves so they and their families can begin a normal life.
For other veterans of the Vietnam era there is often a fervent
desire for comradery with members of the military who also served
during that troubled time in our nations history. Until May of
1986 and the creation of the International Vietnam Veterans
EchoConference (IVVEC) at Todd Looney's Vietnam Veterans'
Valhalla, finding a way to satisfy the needs of these - the
toughest, most persistent and determined veterans in ALL of U.S.
history - as well as give non-veterans and others a chance to
interact and learn firsthand from the Vietnam veterans about the
war and its complexities, was difficult at best. IVVEC has
changed all that!
DESCRIPTION: VIETNAM_VETS is an "open forum" type conversational
conference for the discussion of topics related to service in the
SouthEast Asian and other theaters, crisis support and possible
intervention, state and federal benefit entitlements, employment
rights and guarantees, discharge upgrading, and other veteran
service-oriented topics.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the International VIETNAM_VETS
EchoConference (IVVEC) is to be the support vehicle through which
the veteran, particularly the Vietnam veteran, and his or her
family will have an opportunity to communicate about his or her
NAM VET Newsletter Page 76
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
war experiences, often for the first time since returning from
Vietnam. Each of us - as veterans, significant and/or concerned
others - participate in the IVVEC to help each other with support,
suggestions, ideas and comments. Together, as one of America's
proudest groups, we can share resources and experiences which will
strengthen and build our fellow veterans and may help provide a
guide through the labyrinth of state and federal services many of
us have honorably earned and have every right to expect.
HANDLES: The use of "handles" in VIETNAM_VETS is allowed, only if
the handle that you use is the name you normally use on the board
on which you access the conference.
MESSAGE CONTENT(S): Personal attacks on individuals whose
sometimes-strong opinions differ from the IVVEC "norm" are
discouraged. The object is to learn from and support others, not
argue with them or "go for their throat"! <grin>
Aside from the parameter concerning attacks upon other users, it
is hereby stipulated that messages in the conference will use
tasteful language.
Flames, comments, suggestions and such should be addressed to
the conference moderator/coordinator via netmail at 1:321/203 and
NOT posted in the EchoConference.
ADVERTISING: Advertising of for-profit organizations is not
allowed. Acceptable advertising is that which announces a
veteran-oriented BBS, supports a veteran-related enterprise of a
veteran-member of the EchoConference, or of the efforts of a
nationally recognized veterans' group or organization.
DISTRIBUTION: The conference is commonly known as the
International Vietnam Veterans EchoConference (IVVEC) and is
distributed throughout America, Canada and parts of Australia as
"VIETNAM_VETS". Distribution in America is generally via the
FidoNet <tm> backbone which is part of the distribution topology
currently in effect. Other nets distributing the VIETNAM_VETS
EchoConference must follow proper procedures for zonegating as
established by the FIDONET <tm> International Coordinator.
All messages in the echo must have a FidoNet <tm> compatible
origin line. The Origin line should contain the word ORIGIN:
followed by the originating systems name, zone, net, node and
point number if applicable.
Distributing messages between systems of various networks
without authorized zonegating and/or changing of distribution
topology beyond the original transfer is in direct violation of
the distribution topology of this conference.
I. Nodelist as is 09/06/89, Sorted by Area Code
Max
Net/Node Name, City Telephone No Baud
========= ================================= ============== ==
7:520/563 3 EEE's BBS, Clifton NJ Ed Edell 1-201-340-3531 96
107/563 EEE's BBS Clifton NJ Ed Edell 1-201-340-3531 96
141/488 Alice's Restaurant Branford CT 1-203-488-1115 24
141/250 Wilton Woods Wilton, CT 1-203-762-8481 96
124/201 Hardwired Dallas, TX 1-204-931-2987 24
344/117 LSO QuickBBS, Everett WA 1-206-334-3088 96
344/9 The Precedent, Everett WA 1-206-355-1295 ?
138/35 US HDS Human Service Seattle, WA 1-206-442-8127 24
NAM VET Newsletter Page 77
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
343/26 AFMINS BBS 1-206-488-4309 96
343/111 Lessor Puget TB Edmonds, WA 1-206-742-8067 24
138/52 Burrell's Ballpark Tacoma, WA 1-206-752-4672 24
138/4 PTC Net Mount Vernon, WA 1-206-757-5248 24
138/49 The Cohort Puyallup, WA 1-206-848-2646 96
138/101 Story Board Puyallup, WA 1-206-848-5317 96
138/3 Reg17 ADVISOR EMERITUS Puyallup WA 1-206-848-9232 24
200/200 CSULB Long Beach, CA 1-213-494-8737 12
200/100 The Board Room Belmont Shores CA 1-213-498-6425 24
124/117 NCC-1701 Node 1 Dallas, TX 1-214-240-8821 24
124/106 CHAI Way II Dallas, TX 1-214-250-3323 96
136/200 The Chai Way II Austin, TX 1-214-358-3738 24
124/4210 Hardwired Dallas TX 1-214-437-4075 96
124/110 Flying Dutchman Dallas, TX 1-214-642-3436 96
124/14 Chrysalis Dallas, TX 1-214-985-9054 24
157/501 The PC-Key BBS Girard OH 1-216-545-9205 24
157/1 Auer Register Cleveland, OH 1-216-883-0578 24
227/1 Michiana TechLine Mishawaka, IN 1-219-258-0286 96
227/150 The SX Project Whiting IN 1-219-659-2711 24
013/33 Avi-Technic Lutherville, MD 1-301-252-0717 96
109/648 Falcon's Rock College Park, MD 1-301-345-7459 24
261/1004 The PainFrame 1-301-488-7461 ?
013/30 The Futurists BBS Perry Hall, MD 1-301-529-0716 96
109/717 Tin Badge BBS Silver Spring, MD 1-301-589-2016 12
109/722 Ronnie's Roadies, Camp Springs MD 1-301-736-0135 12
261/628 Liberty Hall Reisterstown, MD 1-301-833-8933 24
261/1044 Firestation BBS, Baltimore, MD 1-301-866-8613 24
261/1007 FINAL FRONTIER 1-301-947-4404 ?
104/51 P2 B2 South Denver, CO 1-303-329-3337 24
104/28 Pinecliff BBS Boulder, CO 1-303-444-7073 24
128/16 Firenet Leader Colorado Springs CO 1-303-591-9600 24
104/739 The Phoenix Parker, CO 1-303-841-9570 24
135/35 The Sober Way Out BBS Miami, FL 1-305-445-6917 24
135/27 Bitsy's Place Miami Beach FL 1-305-865-0495 96
232/4 Runways End OPUS Peoria, IL 1-309-691-5416 96
115/20 North Shore BBS Evanston, IL 1-312-491-2611 24
115/529 Elk Grove Repeater Elk Grv Vlg IL 1-312-529-1586 24
115/761 ICS/TRIX 1 OPUS Chicago, IL 1-312-761-7887 24
011/202 SouthSide BBS Indianapolis, IN 1-317-882-9330 12
285/622 Friend's BBS Omaha, NE Joan Renne 1-402-896-2669 24
370/5 Athens Forum Athens, GA 1-404-546-7857 96
370/11 Classic City Vet's Conf, Athens, GA1-404-548-0130 ?
370/10 Classic Quick Echo, Athens, GA 1-404-548-0726 24
128/13 COSUG-Colorado's User Clrdo Spg CO 1-719-633-4563 24
385/6 Bink's Barn Lawton, OK 1-405-357-2473 24
385/4 Info-Net Lawton, OK 1-405-357-6181 24
147/14 Dark Star TBBS Oklahoma City, OK 1-405-691-0863 96
363/10 Midas Touch Orlando, FL 1-407-648-1133 24
363/9 MaMaB--Mark's Bedroom, Orlanda, FL 1-407-894-0807 96
157/506 Beacon Hill OPUS Transfer, PA 1-412-962-9514 24
321/109 PIONEER VALLEY PCUG #1 Amherst, MA 1-413-256-1037 96
321/203 VETLink #1 Pittsfield, MA 1-413-443-6313 24
321/210 Berkshire_Estates Pittsfield, MA 1-413-499-1327 96
154/200 PC-Express Greenfield, WI 1-414-327-5300 24
139/640 Fox Valley Tech Appleton, WI 1-414-735-2513 24
125/78 Living Sober BBS San Mateo, CA 1-415-342-2859 24
143/20 SeaHunt BBS, Burlington, CA 1-415-343-5904 96
143/86 Cat's Tail BBS STOP San Mateo CA 1-415-349-8245 24
161/208 G.A.D.M. Multi-User Hayward, CA 1-415-581-3019 ?
NAM VET Newsletter Page 78
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
125/31 Echo Coord San Francisco CA 1-415-621-5206 96
161/56 Nat'l Family Forum Freemont, CA 1-415-651-4147 24
161/1 Nerd's Nook Concord CA 1-415-672-2504 96
161/509 Enterprize Pinole, CA 1-415-758-1650 24
161/7 Mover Mouse BBS Fremont, CA 1-415-883-1644 24
011/700 FCAU IBM Net Toronto, ON 1-416-427-0682 96
148/120 Genetic Research Vat Toronto ON 1-416-480-0551 24
014/703 Telen-Quest BBS 1-417-882-5108 ?
019/43 McScott's BBS, Blytheville AR 1-502-532-6212 96
105/61 Shotgun OPUS Portland, OR 1-503-760-4521 24
105/16 Net 105 EchoMail Hub Portland, OR 1-503-761-3003 24
305/101 NASW New Mexico Las Cruces, NM 1-505-646-2868 24
381/401 Border Connection White Sands, NM 1-505-678-1318 24
322/230 Denis's OPUS, Ayer, MA (Ft.Devins) 1-508-772-6373 ?
382/1 Crystal Palace Lake Travis, TX 1-512-339-8037 24
387/401 Comp-U-Gen II San Antonio TX 1-512-496-9373 24
387/601 NCOA Intl BBS San Antonio TX 1-512-653-0409 24
382/14 Corona Del Mar Rockport, TX 1-512-729-7026 96
110/20 EDS Data Dayton, OH 1-513-455-2431 24
221/156 Waterloo CBCS PUBLIC Waterloo, ON 1-519-746-5020 96
153/130 VETSTAR (Northwest) 1-602-462-8752 24
114/13 Corwin's Keep Tempe AZ 1-602-644-0179 24
132/101 BBS Source Archive Nashua, NH 1-603-888-8179 24
153/123 DAETECH Burnaby BC 1-604-420-2641 96
153/133 Hot Line Data Network Langley BC 1-604-533-0421 24
220/20 Old Frog's Almanac Nanaimo BC 1-604-758-3072 24
153/508 Ebenezer Christian BBS Mission BC 1-604-826-6607 96
108/50 The ZOO BBS Independence, KY 1-606-283-2040 24
108/105 Global Time Systems Cincinnati, OH 1-606-341-7910 24
108/90 DATANET Info System Erlanger KY 1-606-727-3638 24
150/803 Jersey Vertex Moorestown, NJ 1-609-869-0139 24
362/1 The Mines of Moria Chattanooga, TN 1-615-344-9601 24
362/501 Coconut Telegraph Chattanooga, TN 1-615-698-4858 24
010/215 Silver BBS San Diego, CA 1-619-226-4502 24
202/401 jabberWOCky Escondido CA 1-619-743-9935 24
109/639 The RENEX BBS Woodbridge, VA 1-703-494-8331 24
109/124 ZEPHYR National Capital Area 1-703-620-5418 96
109/604 ShanErin Alexandria, VA 1-703-941-8291 24
379/201 Metro Link Charlotte, NC 1-704-553-9534 96
125/7 Survival Forum Santa Rosa, CA 1-707-545-0746 96
125/12 The Grape Vine Santa Rosa, CA 1-707-546-4938 24
161/502 Wildcat Benicia CA 1-707-746-5820 24
106/132 Fast BBS OPUS Katy, TX 1-713-392-0093 24
106/114 The Fireside Houston, TX 1-713-496-6319 24
106/357 TMBBS Houston, TX 1-713-497-5433 24
106/108 Stormy Weather I Houston, TX 1-713-644-4345 96
106/113 The Opus Network Houston, TX 1-713-780-4153 24
106/386 Info Center Exchange Houston TX 1-713-872-4429 24
106/111 Shutterbug's OPUS Houston, TX 1-713-880-4329 24
103/507 Philosopher's Log Anaheim CA 1-714-535-1258 96
103/501 Mount Silverthorn Tustin, CA 1-714-544-3369 24
7:441/1 Lord Frog Of Swamp 1-715-362-3895 ?
013/1033 NY Transfer Staten Island, NY 1-718-448-2358 24
012/7 HPCUA Honolulu HI 1-808-422-8406 96
012/1 Aura Net Honolulu, HI 1-808-533-0190 24
130/5 CUSSNET UTA Arlington, TX 1-817-273-3966 24
366/38 Jolly Green Giant Shalimar, FL 1-904-651-3875 96
019/5 Micro Application El Paso TX 1-915-594-9738 24
381/201 Pro Link San Angelo, TX 1-915-944-2952 24
NAM VET Newsletter Page 79
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
161/943 Eagle's Nest Sacramento, CA 1-916-334-2822 96
161/39 Nightline Mather AFB, CA 1-916-362-1755 24
161/11 The Byte Boutique Sacramento CA 1-916-483-8032 24
161/5 River City II OPUS Sacramento, CA 1-916-646-9678 96
161/34 Now and Zen OPUS Fair Oaks CA 1-916-962-1952 96
151/601 VMC-BBS Winston-Salem NC 1-919-744-0883 24
151/100 NC Central Raleigh, NC 1-919-851-8460 96
151/1000 REDCON Raleigh, NC 1-919-859-3353 96
632/350 Yarra Valley BBS Melbourne AU 61-3-848-331 12
NAM VET Newsletter Page 80
Volume 3, Number 12 December 5, 1989
Some Gave ALL ... Some Still Give!!!
O O
O SOME GAVE ALL ...
________O__________________________________O______________
! O O !
! pow mia pow mia - BRING THEM HOME NOW! - pow mia pow mia !
! O O !
! ~~~~~ ~ ~ O~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~ O ~~ ~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ !
! ~~~~ ~ ~~ O ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~O~~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~~ ~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ O~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ O ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~ !
! ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~ O ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ O ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ ~ !
! ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ O ~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ O ~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ !
! ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ O ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ O ~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ O ~_~_~_~_~_ ~ O ~ ~~~~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~~~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~ O ) O ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ /(O) / O \ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ / / O \~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ !
! ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ / PRISONER / \~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~~~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ / / MISSING \~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~ !
! ~~~ ~ ~~ ~~ / OF /\ \~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~ !
! ~ ~~~~ ~~ ~ / / \ IN \~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ !
! ~~~ ~~~ ~ / WAR / ~~ \ \ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~ ~ / / ~ ~~ \ ACTION / ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~~ ~~ ~~~(__________/ ~~ ~~~ \ / ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ !
! ~~~~~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~~ \ / ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ !
! ~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~ \ / ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~ !
! ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ \ /~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
! ~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~ SOME STILL GIVE
! ~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~
! ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ !
! mia pow mia pow - BRING THEM HOME NOW! - mia pow mia pow !
!__________________________________________________________!
NAM VET Newsletter Page 81
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