My New Dem Congressman Is Trying To Stop The Veterans From Being Screwed Yet Again

[Dinger]

I was coming home and heard on the radio (NPR/ or WPR) that the defense department wants to classify soldiers who fought ion Kosovo as "non-combat" veterans. If this goes through, they will lose $220/month in benefits/$. Congressman Steve Kagen-Wi/D (http://kagen.house.gov/) says that these fine soldiers were indeed in harm's way, and should not lose the recognition of their sacrifice, or the benefits they deserve. I called his office, and talked to a rep, and mentioned that Congressman Kagen should definitely contact Wesley Clark, because he would know a lot about this, and that the well-being of the veterans is personal with him. I went on to explain that it did not matter who Kagen might support for 2008, but that I really believed Wes Clark could help him on this. Sorry, I don't have a link, but I'll look. If anyone else here feels the same way, please contact Congressman Kagen and give him your support.

Here's one Link:
http://www.bluestemprairie.com/a_bluestem_prairie/2007/03/the_hill_for_wa.html

[Adelante]

1. I will, Ding

Thank you.

[OneBlueSky]

2. so is my new Democratic Congressman . . .

Pomona veteran shares story of fighting for health benefits

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007703130380

GOSHEN, N.Y. - Vietnam War veteran Ted Wolf tells a saga of government apathy in providing him treatment for cancer, which he likely developed because of exposure to chemicals during the war.

His saga ended because of Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, who intervened with the Department of Veterans Affairs to get Wolf his due benefits.

In the wake of revelations of substandard treatment for veterans at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Wolf's case is not alone. In fact, the backlog of veterans' benefit claims has grown to more than 630,000, said Hall, who is the chair of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

"You get the feeling that the VA doesn't care," said Wolf, 62, a Pomona resident, speaking at a news conference yesterday in Hall's office.

His comments came a day before Hall holds a House Veterans Affairs subcommittee hearing on the health-care needs of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and their impact on the ability of the VA to process disability claims.

The hearing will also examine reports of claims rating discrepancies between active duty and Reserve veterans.

- more . . .

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007703130380

Congressman John Hall's Web Page
(under construction, but containing some good info . . .)

http://johnhall.house.gov/