the paper printed my letter re:Gulf War Vets today

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2010/03/01/opinion/doc4b8c32d2a7584175997672.txt

Letter: ‘Helping Gulf War veterans’
Published: Monday, March 1, 2010 3:36 PM CST
To the Editor,

Two decades after Gulf War I, the Veterans Administration has announced it will reopen disability cases filed by veterans suffering from ailments they blame on their war service. The VA says it also plans to improve training for medical staff who work with Gulf War vets, to make sure they do not simply tell vets that their symptoms are imaginary — as has happened to many over the years.

Approximately 700,000 veterans served in Gulf War I. Of these, approximately 175,000-200,000 have come down with a pattern of symptoms including rashes, joint and muscle pain, sleep issues and gastrointestinal problems, according to a 2008 congressionally mandated committee. Independent scientists have attributed these symptoms to possible exposure to pesticides and pyrostigmine bromide pills, given to protect against nerve gas exposure.

Selecting Eric Shinseki as the Secretary of the Veterans Administration was one of the best appointments President Obama has made so far.

Shinseki’s background as a former Army chief of staff has given him perspective and access that wasn’t seen in previous administrations. Last fall, he appointed a task force led by his chief of staff, John Gingrich, a retired Army colonel who commanded a field artillery battalion in the 1991 war, to review benefits and care for Gulf War veterans. The changes stem from the task force’s work.

To veterans of Gulf War I who may be suffering from symptoms that were previously written off — don’t give up. Contact your VFW Service Officer, Sandra Covin at [phone] or by e-mail at [e-mail] or [e-mail] . You can access The National Gulf War Resource Center at http://www.ngwrc.org/ .

As Americans, we need to continue to petition our elected officials to continue to fund and pursue Veterans benefits and research. It is inexcusable that we have sent so many young men and women into war zones with so little regard for their welfare later. Maybe the trend is changing.

[blaze]

1. Excellent LTE! n/t