NEWSLETTER

Agenda for April 2008

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence POW/MIA’s, those serving

Opening Prayer

Minutes of March Meeting (Doc)

Treasures Report (Doc)

Donation Requests

Committee Reports:

VAVS Report (Phil)

Homeless/ StandDown (Nick)

Legislative/POW/MIA Jim Fountaine

Hep-C Report ()

Old Business:

Dinner

New Business:

Nominations for 08- 09 (2^nd)

Memorial Day

Calendar of Events

01 Apr…Chapter Meeting 1700 Hours. Social Hour 1800hours. Whitney Senior Center

04 Apr…Ex-POW Day at St. Cloud VAMC Chapter 290 puts out flags on the Avenue Report Bldg. 1 0700 hrs. Volunteers needed.

10 Apr… Pizza Party VAMC Bldg 51-1 7 P.M.

25 Apr… StandDown St. Cloud Armory Veterans Drive 8 am till 3 pm

06 May Chapter meeting Elections 7 pm and Social Hour at 6 pm

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Veteran Service Officers

VVA; Julie Bailey, 612-970-5670

Stearns Co.; Terry Ferdinand, 320-656-6176

Stearns Co.; Gene Graff, 320-656-6176

Benton Co.: Jerry Brua 320-968-5044

Sherburne C :Launette Labrie 763-241-2900

Todd Co.: Pete Berscheit 320-732-4419

If you need help with your claim, contact one of the people listed above or a VSO where you live.

What’s Up Doc?

By John “Doc” Smith

Life is a heavyweight fight that we fight from birth. Sometimes we lose a round but come back for more. Vietnam vets have had more bad rounds than good and we sometimes feel punch drunk. But we keep on fighting.

Our biggest opponent is ourselves. No one knocks us down more than we do. We’ve been head punched and had our guts pummeled into mush. But like Rocky, we still have some stuff in the basement. If we give our heart a chance we can take the best blows life has to dish out and still stand tall. I know I’ve been there.

Welcome to new members, I hope you enjoy your stay with us. If you feel something is wrong please don’t gripe to other people, step up and make your concerns known to the officers, seek redress through the vote. Attend meetings, volunteer to help, it’s a great feeling to accomplish something new. Elections are next month so come out and vote. If you don’t , don’t gripe. The officers and those seeking office have a lot invested in this organization. We love to help vets, pure and simple.

Even among ourselves we sometimes don’t agree, but never about what’s really important, HELPING VETERANS. Remember that we ALL suffer from some really sh--ty illnesses. Ignore it if someone is having a bad day it may change in ten minutes.

“Reputation is what others say and think about you .

Integrity is what God knows about you.”

I have never cared what other people thought or said about me personally, because if you’re talking about me you aren’t talking about somebody else. But I have heard some disturbing rumors about me that need to be addressed and those who have questions, PLEASE COME ASK.

And finally, we have as many as 26 color guard request between now and September. I have 8 unused uniforms if any one is interested. After your first parade you’ll be hooked. I promise. Call 253-0502, if interested.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In these nefarious actions do we see our ‘Free Press’ colluding with the US Government against the will of the People, rather than keeping the People informed of the actions of the government? We believe that by shirking their duty, as given by the US Constitution, the media not only endangers their Freedom of the Press, but they truly endanger all of the liberties we, as a nation, enjoy.

If the Media is one of the culprits, the biggest ‘sick fish in this polluted pond’ is the United States Government. We all know that corporations, the media, and governments cannot, of themselves, be guilty of anything. It is the people who control them who are the guilty parties! With that fact in mind, we can clearly state that there are many guilty parties in the media, as well as those who are, or who were, employees of the United States Government. These people vary from US Presidents and publishers to lowly file clerks who put their positions and livelihood ahead of the lives of our Abandoned Service Personnel. Our POWs, who were known to be held after WW II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, and other engagements never had their absences properly investigated nor explained, because our laws during this long period did not demand, nor even allow, further investigations. (See the Missing Persons Act of 1942)

We activists and our supporters have held rallies, signed petitions, had marches, and hunger strikes, in our effort to bring the government’s attention to the Issue. We have been stymied at every turn by a government that is not only unwilling to listen to our pleas, but a government that has actively hindered our efforts. We have had Congressional and Senate hearings where it was found that POW’s had been left behind’, but no actions were ever taken to learn ’Why’, nor was any action taken to bring them home. We have had investigations that found the personnel in the elements of our government responsible for handling this Issue were not only inefficient, but were, seemingly, immune from correction or punishment.

WE MUST FIND OUT WHY THIS CRIMINAL DISGRACE HAPPENED, AND WHO WERE THE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR ABANDONING THE MISSING SERVICE PERSONNEL WHO WERE KNOWN TO BE, OR SUSPECTED OF BEING, HELD AS PRISONERS OF WAR, BUT WHO WERE NOT RELEASED. IF ANY ARE STILL ALIVE WE MUST BRING THEM HOME, EVEN IF NONE ARE ALIVE, THOSE GUILTY FOR THEIR ABANDONMENT MUST BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FOR JUDGMENT. THE CULPRITS WHO HAVE DIED SINCE COMMITTING THESE CRIMES MUST HAVE A FOOT NOTE ADDED TO THEIR BIOGRAPHY AND ANY AWARDS THEY RECEIVED, DURING THE TIME THEY WERE INVOLVED IN THIS ISSUE, MUST BE REVOKED. THOSE CULPRITS WHO ARE LIVING MUST FACE JUDGMENT. .

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY OPEN TO US, AND IT IS THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS NOT BEEN TRIED.

WE MUST HAVE AN INDEPENDENT COUNSEL

THE COUNSEL WHO INVESTIGATES THE POW/MIA ISSUE, FROM THE DATE THAT THE MISSING PERSONS ACT OF 1942 BE CAME LAW TO THIS VERY DAY, MUST HAVE FULL SUBPEONA AND PROSECUTORIAL POWERS SO NO STONE WILL BE LEFT UNTURNED. NO MAN FORGOTTEN.

To say that we need an Independent Counsel and to actually get one are definitely two different objectives. We will have to convince the American People of the need, and then we will have to lead the People in their insistence for this Independent Counsel. The only way we can do this is to start a nationwide movement insisting that an Independent Counsel be appointed to investigate the POW/MIA Issue.

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Pentagon Cites MIA Deal with China

By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer

WASHINGTON - China has agreed to a long-standing U.S. request for access to sensitive military records that Pentagon officials believe might resolve the fate of thousands of U.S. servicemen missing from the Korean War and other Cold War-era conflicts, a Pentagon official said Monday.

The arrangement is scheduled to be publicly announced Friday in Shanghai after a final set of talks to work out certain details, according to Larry Greer, spokesman for the Pentagon's POW-MIA office.

The deal marks a modest step forward for U.S.-China military relations, which have been strained in recent years, in part by sharp U.S. criticism of China's military buildup. China has periodically cooperated with the Pentagon on matters related to the search for MIAs, but it has balked at repeated requests to open its military archives for documents of interest to the Pentagon.

Peter Rodman, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who dealt with the Chinese on the military archives issue when Donald H. Rumsfeld was defense secretary, said in an interview that the agreement is a positive step.

"It has special meaning to our military," Rodman said, because it could answer lingering questions about the fate of servicemen whose families have waited for decades to learn more. Rodman said the significance of the deal will depend on exactly what China has agreed to provide and how it is done.

China entered the Korean War on North Korea's side in the fall of 1950 and succeeded in driving U.S. forces out of the north. Chinese troops killed and captured thousands of American troops; the Chinese also managed many of the POW camps established in North Korea during the war.

More than 8,100 U.S. servicemen are still unaccounted for from the Korean War.

Greer said that at least initially, the arrangement to be announced on Friday will not give U.S. researchers direct access to Chinese records. Instead, Chinese archivists with security clearances acceptable to the People's Liberation Army will do the document searches and turn over relevant records to U.S. analysts.

"Our people, obviously, would prefer to have their own access," Rodman said.

Details such as the frequency and volume of the document searches, as well as expenses, are yet to be worked out, Greer said.

Charles A. Ray, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for POW-MIA affairs, was en route to Shanghai Monday to participate in the signing ceremony Friday, the spokesman said.

China has consistently maintained that all POW questions were settled at the end of the war, but nearly every U.S. administration since then has prodded Beijing to provide information on missing servicemen. The requests include cases of U.S. airmen who went missing after being shot down by the Chinese.

Declassified U.S. Army records from the 1950s make clear that the United States knew of hundreds of American prisoners in China during the Korean War, closely tracked their movements and feared for their lives.

In January 1998, then-Defense Secretary William Cohen asked top Chinese officials to open PLA record archives and other files. He got no explicit assurances at the time, but in follow-up contacts in the years since, the Chinese have said they would be willing to consider making some arrangement.

Greer said Ray is encouraged by progress that led to the agreement to be signed on Friday.

"This joint archival effort is expected to open more avenues of research to enable U.S. specialists to narrow their searches for the specific locations where American remains may be buried," Greer said.

(Article submitted by Jim Fountaine}

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ONE BILLION

Well hello! Our politicians plan to give away more billions as outright gifts. What will this do the value of the dollar?

Now here's a reality check

This is too true to be very funny

The next time you hear a politician use the
Word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about
Whether you want the 'politicians' spending
YOUR tax money.
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,
But one advertising agency did a good job of
Putting that figure into some perspective in
One of its releases

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were
Living in the Stone Age.
D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.
E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and
20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.
While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number, what does it mean?

A. Well, if you are one of 484,674 residents of
New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you
Each get $516,528

B. Or, if you have one of the 188,251 homes in
New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.

C. Or, if you are a family of four, your family
Gets $2,066,012.

Washington , D.C . HELLO!!! ... Are all your calculators broken??

Tax his land, Tax his wage, Tax his bed in which he lays. Tax his tractor, Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes is the rule. Tax his cow,
Tax his goat, Tax his pants, Tax his coat.
Tax his ties, Tax his shirts, Tax his work, Tax his dirt. Tax his tobacco, Tax his drink,
Tax him if he tries to think. Tax his booze,
Tax his beers, If he cries, Tax his tears.
Tax his bills, Tax his gas, Tax his notes,
Tax his cash. Tax him good and let him know
That after taxes, he has no dough.
If he hollers, Tax him more, Tax him until he's good and sore.. Tax his coffin, Tax his grave

Tax the sod in which he lays. Put these words upon his tomb, Taxes drove me to my doom!'
And when he's gone, We won't relax,
We'll still be after the inheritance TAX!!

Accounts Receivable Tax Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) Fishing License Tax Food License Tax Fuel Perm it Tax Gasoline Tax Hunting License Tax Inheritance Tax Inventory Tax IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax), IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax), Liquor Tax, Luxury Tax, Marriage License Tax, Medicare Tax, Property Tax, Real Estate Tax, Service charge taxes, Social Security Tax, Road Usage Tax (Truckers), Sales Taxes,
Recreational Vehicle Tax, School Tax,
State Income Tax, State Unemployment Tax (SUTA), Telephone Federal Excise Tax,
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax,
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax, Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax, Telephone State and Local Tax,
Telephone Usage Charge Tax, Utility Tax,
Vehicle License Registration Tax,
Vehicle Sales Tax, Watercraft Registration Tax,
Well Permit Tax, Workers Compensation Tax.
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago,
And our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened? Can you spell 'politicians!'
And I still have to 'press 1' for English.

________________________________________

AKAKA HOLDS HEARING ON VETERANS’ FUNDING
New VA Secretary Peake indicates willingness to consider raising income threshold for Priority 8 veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, held a hearing Feb. 13 on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget for Veterans’ Programs.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. James Peake, in response to a follow-up question from Chairman Akaka, stated that he was willing to work with the Committee to consider modifying the current policy that prohibits middle-income veterans from enrolling in the VA health care system.
Chairman Akaka said: “I am encouraged by the Secretary’s willingness to work with the Committee on reopening eligibility for middle-income veterans. The current income threshold is unduly restrictive on veterans in high cost-of-living states like Hawaii. I will continue to work with Secretary Peake for action on this issue.”
The current income threshold for eligibility for VA health care is $28,429 for a single veteran. A 2003 decision by the Administration barred veterans above this threshold from enrolling for VA health care. Raising the threshold to a higher amount would allow more veterans to have access to VA health care. VA estimates that as many as 1.5 million veterans have been denied enrollment since the ban was implemented.
Akaka, who steadily pushed for last year’s (FY08) historic budget increase for VA, expressed concerns with the proposed budget for the coming year (FY09):
“VA’s estimate of the number of OIF/OEF veterans that will seek care is significantly low. We know that VA has underestimated the needs of this population in the past, and I will be working to ensure that the men and women who have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan have the resources they need,” Akaka stated.
Akaka also noted the need to correct especially severe proposed cuts to key programs such as medical research, construction, grants for state homes and cemeteries, and the Office of Inspector General:
“I continue to believe that the Administration’s proposed cuts to important VA activities are unacceptable. These cuts would pull back funding states need to provide long-term care for veterans and maintain state veterans cemeteries. The Administration's budget would also cut funding for needed infrastructure improvements in half, and reduce the Office of Inspector General’s budget by $4 million. And it is shocking that the Administration would recommend cutting medical and prosthetic research by $38 million at a time when servicemembers are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with complicated injuries which could be helped by research breakthroughs,” Akaka stated.
Senator Akaka was pleased to be assured by VA that the planned expansion of columbarium at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly known as “Punchbowl,” was on target and that the cemetery would continue to provide uninterrupted services in the years to come. “Punchbowl is held in great esteem by veterans in Hawaii, especially those of the World War II and Korean War generations. I believe it is our duty to ensure that those veterans who gave so much to this Nation have the opportunity to choose a final resting place that is appropriate for themselves and their families,” stated Senator Akaka.
The first panel of witnesses included Honorable James B. Peake, MD, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, accompanied by Honorable Daniel L. Cooper, Under Secretary for Benefits; Honorable Michael J. Kussman, MD, Under Secretary for Health; Honorable William F. Tuerk, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs; Honorable Robert J. Henke, Assistant Secretary for Management; Honorable Robert Howard, Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology; and Honorable Paul J. Hutter, General Counsel.
The second panel consisted of veterans advocates, including four representatives of the Independent Budget: Carl Blake, National Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Kerry Baker, Associate National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Raymond C. Kelley, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; and Christopher Needham, Senior Legislative Associate, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; as well as Peter S. Gaytan, Director of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission of The American Legion, and John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America.
Chairman Akaka’s opening statement is copied below:
Aloha and welcome to all.
When the President released billions in contingency funding last month, he put VA on course to make the improvements that we all know are needed. It was my sincerest hope that the FY09 budget would build upon that financial commitment. After all, the challenges facing veterans grow more complex as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue. Yet, in his very last budget submitted to this body, the President is proposing limited funding overall and at the same time, some very severe cutbacks to key programs.
The Administration is quick to tout that this latest budget, if enacted, would nearly double the budget in effect since President Bush took office seven years ago. This statement ignores the fact that it was the work of Congress which has, on average, doubled the President’s request each and every year.
While the Administration is requesting a straightforward increase for VA, an even greater level of resources must be dedicated to care for the newest veterans and for their very specific needs. The Administration has consistently underestimated the impact that Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom would have on the VA health care system. An even more pressing concern is the need for VA to do a better job of reaching out to these veterans and bringing them into the fold for care. Preventing suicide and healing invisible wounds, especially for members of the Guard and Reserves, takes a much more aggressive approach than is embodied in this budget.
It is also true that the budget before us targets key areas for significant funding cuts. To cut VA research is incredibly shortsighted. To cut the Inspector General’s office – the central gear in oversight efforts – is unwise. And to drastically cut construction at a time when VA should be upgrading its infrastructure is reckless and will prove to be quite costly.

On the benefits side of the ledger, in the last year, Congress has provided a significant amount of funding to VA for much-needed staffing to adjudicate claims. Our Nation’s veterans deserve nothing less than having their claims rated accurately and in a reasonable period of time. Now, the American people, especially veterans, will expect to see a decreasing backlog and increased timeliness and quality. I pledge to you my continuing support to get veterans the benefits they need in an appropriate amount of time.
I am committed to working with the Secretary and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the Department gets what it truly needs to deliver high quality benefits and services to veterans. I am also deeply committed to working with all Members of Congress to recognize the reality that meeting the needs of veterans is truly part of the ongoing costs of war.
This budget takes a meek approach to funding VA, especially in light of the sacrifices made by those who have served in past conflicts and the devastating injuries sustained by many who are serving today. I do not doubt that we will turn this budget around. We must support a much more aggressive approach for improved health care and benefits. We have much work to do.
I look forward to our dialogue with Secretary Peake and other top VA officials, as well as the representatives of veterans’ service organizations here with us today.

UPDATE: IRS TELLS DISABLED VETS AND SSRs HOW TO FILE FOR TAX REBATE --

Must file a 2007 return and report their benefits on Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040.

The previous article on tax rebates is here...
http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfFEB08/nf021208-10.htm

Story here... http://www.northcentral
ohio.com/newsboard/single.asp?Story=30724

IRS To Automatically Send Stimulus Payments Starting in May

The Internal Revenue Service today advised taxpayers that in most cases they will not have to do anything extra this year to get the economic stimulus payments beginning in May.

“Eligible taxpayers need only file a 2007 tax return and the IRS will do the rest,” said IRS Spokesperson Eric Erickson.
The IRS will use information on the 2007 tax return filed by the taxpayer to determine eligibility and calculate the amount of the stimulus payments.

The IRS will begin sending taxpayers their payments in early May after the current tax season concludes. Payments to more than 130 million taxpayers will continue over several weeks during the spring and summer. A payment schedule for taxpayers will be announced in the near future.

Stimulus payments will be direct deposited for taxpayers selecting that option when filing their 2007 tax returns. Taxpayers who have already filed with direct deposit won't need to do anything else to receive the stimulus payment. For taxpayers who haven't filed their 2007 returns yet, the IRS reminds them that direct deposit is the fastest way to get both regular refunds and stimulus payments.
Most taxpayers just need to file a 2007 tax return as usual. No other action, extra form or call is necessary. The agency’s Web site, www.irs.gov, will be the best information source for all updates and taxpayer questions.
In most cases, the payment will equal the amount of tax liability on the tax return, with a maximum amount of $600 for individuals ($1,200 for taxpayers who file a joint return).
The law also allows for payments for select taxpayers who have no tax liability, such as low-income workers or those who receive Social Security benefits or veterans’ disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. These taxpayers will be eligible to receive a payment of $300 ($600 on a joint return) if they had at least $3,000 of qualifying income.
Qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans’ benefits and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment. While these people may not be normally required to file a tax return because they do not meet the filing requirement, the IRS emphasizes they must file a 2007 return in order to receive a payment.

Recipients of Social Security, certain Railroad Retirement and certain veterans’ benefits should report their 2007 benefits on Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040. Taxpayers who already have filed but failed to report these benefits can file an amended return by using Form 1040X. The IRS is working with the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that recipients are aware of this issue.
“Some people receiving Social Security and veterans’ benefits may not realize they will need to file a tax return to get the stimulus payment,” Stiff said. “To reach these people, the IRS and Treasury will work closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration and key beneficiary groups on outreach efforts.”
Eligible taxpayers who qualify for a payment will receive an additional $300 for each child who qualifies for the child tax credit.
Payments to higher income taxpayers will be reduced by 5 percent of the amount of adjusted gross income above $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for those filing jointly.

Taxpayers must have valid Social Security Numbers to qualify for the stimulus payment. If married filing jointly, both taxpayers must have a valid Social Security Number. Children must have valid Social Security Numbers to be eligible as qualifying children.
Taxpayers who file their tax returns using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS or any number issued by the IRS are ineligible. Also ineligible are individuals who can be claimed as dependents on someone else’s return, or taxpayers who file Form 1040-NR, 1040-PR or 1040-SS.
To accommodate taxpayers who file tax returns later in the year, the IRS will continue sending payments until December 31, 2008. The IRS also cautions taxpayers that if they file their 2007 tax return and then move their residence that they should file a change of address card with the U.S. Postal Service.

The IRS will mail two informational notices to taxpayers advising them of the stimulus payments. However, taxpayers should be alert for tax rebate scams such as telephone calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS and asking for sensitive financial information. The IRS will not call or email taxpayers about these payments nor will it ask for financial information. Scam emails and information about scam calls should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.

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Four Stories

When in England at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush.

He answered by saying, 'Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.
It became very quiet in the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Then there was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break one of the French engineers came back into the room saying 'Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intend to do, bomb them?'
A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: 'Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 5,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck.. We have eleven such ships; how any does France have?'
Once again, dead silence.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S. , English, Canadian, Australian and French navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, 'whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?'
Without hesitating, the America n Admiral replied 'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.' You could have heard a

pin drop

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE
A group of Americans, retired teachers, recently went to France on a tour. Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane.
At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on. 'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer asked sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.
'Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.'
The American said, 'The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it.'
'Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !'
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained. 'Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in '44 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find any damn Frenchmen to show it to.'

________________________________________________________________

GI BILL UPDATE

On 28 FEB, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) submitted his newly amended 21st Century GI Bill (S22 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007) to the Senate. This bill would give a WWII like education benefit to veterans; meaning it would cover the education costs of any college a veteran was able to enter. Last year the unlamented bill had 32 co-sponsors but was very expensive. As amended in this year's bill the federal government would pay the cost of a 4 year degree in a state university and 50% of the delta between that tuition and the tuition of institution the veteran enters. However, the institution must be willing to provide the remaining 50% of the delta. It also would allow cumulative entitlement for reservists serving multiple active duty tours. On the Senate floor it was supported by 4 veterans: Senator Webb member of both the Senate Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, Senator John Warner (R-VA) ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) member of both the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committees and Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE).

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VA RATING SCHEDULES UPDATE

Medical experts, advocacy groups and VA Department officials say VA's disability rating schedule needs to be updated - continually - but they denied the system is so bad that it needs to be dumped completely. A 26 FEB hearing of the House Veterans' Affairs subcommittee on disability assistance and memorial affairs also focused on studies conducted over the past year that point toward needed improvements not only in the ratings schedule, but in VA's disability retirement system itself. Rep. John Hall (D-NY) chairman of the subcommittee, said VA needs to remove archaic criteria from the rating schedule; update psychiatric criteria to better reflect symptoms of troops diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder; find out why so many veterans with PTSD have been rated fully disabled; and update neurological criteria to include new research on traumatic brain injuries. "The VA needs the right tools to do the right thing," Hall said. VA argued that it is already doing the right thing and has been updating the rating schedule, though officials acknowledged they could do better. From 1990 through 2007, VA had updated 47% of the ratings schedule, but 35% of the codes had not been touched since 1945. However, VA said it updated the codes for TBI in JAN and is working on an update for PTSD.
The Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission (VDBC) began looking at how service members' and veterans' disability cases were being handled long before FEB 07, when Military Times and the Washington Post featured stories highlighting problems in the system. Retired Vice Adm. Dennis McGinn, a member of the commission, said VA has made very limited progress since the group's report came out in OCT 07. "I believe the ratings schedule needs to be clarified so it has logic from the point of view of medicine and science. It has not progressed in the last five decades." The VDBC found that VA compensates veterans according to the schedule in a way that is generally adequate to offset average impairment and that the schedule does reasonably well. But there are specific areas where VA's system does not serve troops and veterans well, McGinn said, including those with PTSD, those severely disabled at a young age and those granted maximum benefits because a disability makes them unemployable. Veterans with PTSD, he noted, have much greater loss of employment and earnings than those with physical disabilities.
McGinn recommended separate criteria on the rating schedule for PTSD, as well as a way to compensate unemployable veterans for lost quality of life, not just their inability to work. So-called "individual unemployability" veterans may have formal VA disability ratings of less than 100%, but are still rated fully disabled because of their inability to work. The commission found that almost half of the 223,000 IU veterans have primary diagnoses of PTSD or other mental disorders. The problem is that if a veteran has physical disabilities that lead to a 100% disability rating, he can still work and keep his full compensation. But a veteran who has a 100 % disability for a mental disorder tries to work, he loses his compensation. This could inspire a veteran to avoid seeking out vocational rehabilitation or employment, and also implies something "suspect" about claiming PTSD - which only adds to the considerable stigma behind the disease, said Dean Kilpatrick, a member of the Committee on Veterans' Compensation for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at the Institute of Medicine. McGinn also requested couples therapy as part of treatment for PTSD. That is important because responding to a veteran's anger with more anger can exacerbate the problem, while learning how to work with a spouse suffering PTSD can be part of a cure, he said. Also, many family members deal with their own mental health issues while living with someone with PTSD.
McGinn's group and Kilpatrick had different recommendations as far as follow-up evaluations for people with PTSD. Again, other disabilities are not re-examined, so an exam puts those with mental disabilities in a separate class. But McGinn's group sees follow-ups as a way to encourage vets to seek further treatment. Kilpatrick said the exam for PTSD is also key. Examiners need to be carefully trained in how to diagnose and rate PTSD, and the exam should take up to three hours, rather than the 20 minutes that the Institute of Medicine found is often the case with veterans. Sidney Weissman, a member of the American Psychiatric Association, said it is critical for VA to repeat and update the training so that the way veterans are rated is standardized - rather than veterans in Ohio, for example, receiving higher ratings for the same symptoms than veterans in Texas. Brad Mayes, director of VA's Compensation and Pension Service, said VA has a five-part plan for updating the schedule: A study to look into the matter, hiring and training staff, finishing revisions that are under way, creating a review process, and looking at the possibility of quality-of-life compensation. "I think you're right on point, and we agree," Mayes told Hall. "There has to be an ongoing, systemic approach."

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IRS AUDIT:

The most common form of audit from Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is by letter. A letter audit usually comes in duplicate. It informs the taxpayer about the problem, a time limit to resolve the problem and a contact person for discussing the problem. The IRS can cause Americans, even those overseas, difficulties. It can penalize and charge interest against unpaid taxes, attach property for unpaid taxes, and impede re-entry into the US for unpaid taxes. So if you received a notice from IRS, deal immediately with it. Keep copies of whatever you send to the IRS. Gather records from copies that pertain to the notice. Respond promptly to the notice. Note the name of the auditor, badge number and subject matter of any conversation you have with an auditor (who may not be the one listed on the notice). If you ask a tax professional for help resolving an IRS notice, be sure to describe the problem, send a copy of the notice, provide Power of Attorney, and sign an Engagement Agreement. Most IRS notices are routine. A tax return has not been received or signed. A tax payment has been improperly credited. A math error has been made. So don't panic!

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ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE

The Bush Administration recently signed new legislation - the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 - into law that will give more than 130 million Americans as much as $152 billion to redistribute back into the economy. The payment amounts will equal the amount of one's tax liability on their 2007 tax return up to $600. That amount doubles for joint tax filers up to $1,200. For taxpayers with little or no tax liability, but $3,000 or more in qualifying income, they may be eligible to receive $300 (for single filers) or $600 (for joint filers). And, tax payers with children will receive an additional $300 for each child. Taxpayers who make more than $100,000 a year you will not receive a refund. However, not all Americans are eligible to receive the full $600 rebate. Six things you can do to qualify for the tax rebate are:
1.) File Your 2007 Income Tax Return - Not only may you have a tax refund coming your way, you many also qualify for a stimulus payment check.
2.) File Early - The IRS will send out checks through December, but why wait? Get it in early and you are likely to receive your stimulus payment earlier.
3.) E-file - Give yourself the convenience, speed and assurance that your income tax return is received.
4.) Zero Income, Zero Tax and Zero Payment.Make Sure You File - Certain qualifying individuals, including seniors, who meet this criteria and may not typically file an income tax return, will need to file, by filing a paper Form 1040A or Form 1040.
5.) Watch Out for Your Two IRS Notices - Most taxpayers will receive two notices from the IRS; one explaining the stimulus payment program and another confirming the recipients' eligibility, the amount and the approximate time table for the payment. Save the second notice to help in preparing your 2008 tax return next year.
6.) Vets Must File the Right Form - Veterans' benefits recipients must file Form 1040X to list non-taxable benefits, if they have already filed a 2007 return and received less than $3,000 in qualifying income; or for those who are normally not required to file an income tax return, they must report their benefits of $3,000 or more on Form 1040A or Form 1040, to establish their eligibility.

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BURIAL AT SEA UPDATE

The National Cemetery Administration cannot provide burial at sea. Burial at Sea is a means of final disposition of remains that is performed on United States Navy vessels. The committal ceremony is performed while the ship is deployed. Therefore, family members are not allowed to be present. The commanding officer of the ship assigned to perform the ceremony will notify the family of the date, time, and, longitude and latitude once the committal service has been completed. Individuals eligible for this program are:
. Active duty members of the uniformed services
. Retirees and veterans who were honorably discharged
. U.S. civilian marine personnel of the Military Sealift Command; and
. Dependent family members of active duty personnel, retirees, and veterans of the uniformed services
After the death of the individual for whom the request is being made, the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) should print out and complete a Burial at Sea Request form available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/questions/bas-form.pdf. Supporting documents which must accompany this request are:
1. A photocopy of the death certificate;
2. The burial transit permit or the cremation certificate; and
3. A copy of the DD Form 214, discharge certificate, or retirement order.
The Burial at Sea Request Form and the three supporting documents make up the Burial at Sea Request package. A Burial Flag is required for all committal services performed aboard United States Naval vessels, except family members, who are not authorized a burial flag. Following the services at sea, the flag that accompanied the cremains/remains will be returned to the PADD. If the PADD does not wish to send a burial flag for the service, a flag will be provided by the Navy for the committal service, but will not be sent to the PADD. (Note: For deceased veterans, a burial flag can be provided at no charge from the Veterans Administration).
Cremains must be in an urn or plastic/metal container to prevent spillage in shipping. The cremains, along with the completed Burial at Sea Request package, and the burial flag will be forwarded to the Burial at Sea Coordinator at the desired port of embarkation which can be viewed at http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/blburialatsea.htm. Prior to shipment, it is recommended that a phone call be made informing the coordinator of the pending request. It is also recommended that the cremains package be sent via certified mail, return receipt requested. For intact remains specific guidelines are required for the preparation of casketed remains. All expenses incurred in this process are the responsibility of the PADD, who will select a funeral home in the area of the port of embarkation. After this selection has been made and notification has been provided to the coordinator, the casketed remains, the request form, supporting documents, and the burial flag are to be forwarded to the receiving funeral home. The coordinator will make the inspection and complete the checklist for the preparation of casketed remains. It is recommended those funeral homes responsible for preparing and shipping intact remains contact Navy Mortuary Affairs at the Military Medical Support Office in Great Lakes, Ill., to receive the preparation requirements. If you have any questions about the Burial at Sea program, contact the United States Navy Mortuary Affairs office at 1(888) 647-6676, and select option 4.

VA CATEGORY 8 CARE UPDATE

Veterans' groups in New Hampshire and Maine want the federal government to ease tight restrictions preventing at least 5,000 New England veterans from getting health care benefits. Many of these people fall into a Department of Veterans Affairs category known as Priority 8, reserved for veterans never wounded in action and who earn more than $28,429 annually. Veterans wounded in the Iraq, Afghanistan or past wars, or who earn less than the present income threshold, are entitled to health-care benefits, according to VA officials. Veterans who enrolled for VA care before the current rules took effect in 2003 are grand fathered. Changes, which were made by the Bush administration, have been driven by Department of Defense budget cuts. A state-level estimate of the number of Priority 8 veterans in Maine and New Hampshire wasn't immediately available from local and regional VA officials or the VA's Office of Policy and Planning in Washington, D.C. There are an estimated 1.8 million veterans nationwide who are both uninsured, including being without VA health care, according to a study by Harvard Medical School researchers this fall. It did not specify how many of those veterans fall into the VA's Priority 8 category. It examined data from two federal surveys from 1987 to 2004 and found the number of uninsured veterans rose from 9.9% in 2000 to 12.7% in 2004. The study also found the number of uninsured, working-age veterans increased by nearly 300,000 between 2000 and 2004.

David Himmelstein, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, one of the study's authors said, "Until 2003, veterans who earned incomes higher than the threshold and who did not suffer any war wounds could access affordable health care from the VA with $50 co-pays. After the Bush administration made rule changes in 2003, those veterans were shut off. I think it says to the people who are considering military service is that the country honors the military service in words, not deeds. It also sends a message that veterans may not get the health-care benefits they thought they would.
Sandra Wunschel, a spokeswoman for the VA New England Healthcare System in Bedford, Mass., which oversees the VA medical centers in all six New England states said, "There may be as many as 5,000 Priority 8 veterans in New England who are enrolled in the VA system. There also may be thousands of other veterans who would fall into the category if they enrolled. Many of the 5,000 veterans earn incomes well above the threshold and don't need health-care benefits as much as poorer veterans who earn less. Many Priority 8 vets want VA services so they can get affordable prescription drugs from VA doctors." Wunschel also believes some of the outcry is fueled by the misconceptions of older World War II or Korean and Vietnam war veterans, who may think they are entitled to free health care. "These are complicated issues, and in our effort to educate the public, they don't always hear the correct message," Wunschel said.
State and federal lawmakers also believe the VA needs to change its eligibility requirements to cover more veterans. State Sen. Joseph Kenney, R-Wakefield, chaired the N.H. Cares Veterans Legislative Task Force, which examined the VA health care system to identify areas that need improvement. The panel is to release it recommendations next month. Kenney, a Marine Corps reservist who served a tour in Iraq, said he'd like to see Priority 8 veterans have access to affordable VA benefits. Kenney said Priority 8 veterans could be permitted to enroll in the military's Tri-Care Select health insurance like national guardsmen and reservists. U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, held a hearing on the issue on 13FEB. During the hearing, Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake said he'd be willing to review the current policy. "I do believe that all veterans should have access to VA health care. The best way to accomplish that is by providing VA with the funding needed to be able to keep pace with demand," Akaka said in a statement. "Congress just provided VA with a $6.7 billion increase in health care funding over fiscal year 2007, so the funds are available." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RETIREE APPRECIATION DAYS

Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) and Military Retiree Seminars offer military retirees and their families a chance to learn current information about topics such as benefits, entitlements, health care, and special services available for them. RADs vary from installation to installation, but, in general, they provide an opportunity to renew acquaintances, listen to guest speakers, renew ID Cards, get medical checkups, and various other services. Some RADs include special events such as dinners or golf tournaments. For more information, contact the Retirement Services Officer (RSO) sponsoring the RAD or the event's point of contact below for specific details. The Army maintains a current listing of activities for 2008 at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/docs/rads.pdf.

Camp Ripley, MN Aug 23 (763) 441-2630

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COLA 2009:

In mid February, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the January 2008 monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is the metric used to calculate the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retired pay, VA disability compensation, survivor annuities, and Social Security. The CPI jumped 0.5% over December's value. That puts cumulative inflation at 1.5% for the first four months of the fiscal year. If inflation kept that cumulative pace for the rest of the year, the 2009 COLA would be 4.5%. But history says that probably won't happen. Anyone desiring to track the monthly CPI fluctuations can refer to http://www.moaa.org/colawatch and view a graphic chart on the comparison between the 2008 and 2009 CPIs

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VA VETERAN SUPPORT

: The Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) provides veteran support through their efforts to achieve the following goals:
- Restore the capability of veterans with disabilities to the greatest extent possible, and improve the quality of their lives and that of their families.
- Ensure a smooth transition for veterans from active military service to civilian life.
- Honor and serve veterans in life, and memorialize them in death for their sacrifices on behalf of the Nation.
- Contribute to the public health, emergency management, socioeconomic well-being, and history of the Nation.
- Deliver world-class service to veterans and their families through effective communication and management of people, technology, business processes, and financial resources.
In accomplishing this the DVA provide services to the nations extensive veteran community. As of FEB 08 here are about 23.8 million living veterans, 7.5% of whom are women. There are about 37 million dependents (spouses and dependent children) of living veterans and survivors of deceased veterans. Together they represent 20% of the US population. Most veterans living today served during times of war. The Vietnam Era veteran, about 7.9 million, is the largest segment of the veteran population. In 2007, the median age of all living veterans was 60 years old, 61 for men and 47 for women. Median ages by period of service: Gulf War, 37 years old; Vietnam War, 60; Korean War, 76; and WWII 84. Sixty percent (60%) of the nation's veterans live in urban areas. States with the largest veteran population are CA, FL, TX, PA, NY and OH, respectively. These six states account for about 36% of the total veteran population. Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) statistics are:
. 48% are Active Duty, 52% are Reserve/National Guard.
. 88% are men, 12% are women.
. 65% Army; 12% Air Force; 12% Navy; 12% Marine.
. 34% were deployed multiple times.
. 52%, largest age group is 20-29 years old.
. 69% of those who filed disability claims received service-connected disability compensation award.

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CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE:

Cardiovascular disease is the single greatest cause of death in the United States each year. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which is unfortunately often diagnosed after a heart attack has already occurred. In 2008, an estimated 770,000 Americans will have a coronary attack for the first time, and about 430,000 will have a recurrent attack. About every 26 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one. American Heart Month is a good time to learn how to recognize the signs of a heart attack. A person's chances of surviving a heart attack increase if emergency treatment is given to the victim as soon as possible. Some signs of a heart attack include:
. Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
. Shortness of breath. This often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort.
. Other symptoms. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat or feeling nauseated or lightheaded.
If someone is having a heart attack, call 911. Better yet learn how to save a life by signing up for a local CPR class near you The American Heart Association offers a variety of CPR courses that will give you the confidence to help a friend or loved one experiencing cardiac arrest. From the 22-minute CPR Anytime kit for family and friends to a classroom-based CPR and AED course, there's a convenient way for everyone to learn CPR. Your actions can be lifesaving. At http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3011764 you can find a class location and map to it by typing in your zip code. Here you can also order an Adult/Child Light/Dark skin Anytime kit consisting of a personal, inflatable Manikin, a CPR Anytime Skills Practice DVD, a CPR for Family and Friends resource booklet, and other accessories for the program for $29.95.

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PTSD UPDATE

The Veterans Affairs Department has dumped a policy requiring combat vets to verify in writing that they have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event before filing a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder, said the chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. In the past, a veteran has had to provide written verification - a statement from a commander or doctor, or testimony from co-workers - that he or she was involved in a traumatic situation in order to receive disability compensation for PTSD from VA. The Defense Department uses the same rules in evaluating PTSD for disability retirement pay. The rule also slows the process as veterans wait for yet more documentation before their claims may be processed. Sen. Daniel Akaka [D-HI] said he asked VA Secretary James Peake if the rule was necessary, and asked that it be removed. Peake agreed. In the future, veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD through a medical examination with no further proof necessary, Akaka said, adding that he's been told that Peake has already informed VA regional offices of the decision.

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“…if you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and with the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for…”

POET’S CORNER

This We’ll Defend
by Gary Jacobson © January 2008

Brave Americans rise this beloved land to defend
Prepare to shed very blood till very life does end
Defending God-given right on our sacred shore
Protecting bounteous blessings galore
To valiantly instill precepts of God-given liberty
To share sweet democracy to prove us purely free
Sustaining life’s qualities making very honor be...

Patriots did alight freedom’s rare light in rocket’s red glare
Bearing charity, love and mercy in sweet homeland air
For in liberty patriots breathe
Sharing all values free men can conceive
Sharing the greatness in this land they believe
For them give a hearty cheer
For dear precepts of liberty in freedom they hear.

Americans flounder in toiling sacrifice in thick bricky mud
Where painstakingly we shed heroes red blood
Humping beside brothers in verdant crawling crud
Omnipresent sweat rolling down a furrowed brow
Stinging patriot eyes in a war dinky dau
Surviving in fright one more night in a foxhole curled
Trying one another to help a brother back to the world.

Search corkscrew jungle shadows for men they fear
Abiding hatred living precariously near
Fighting white knuckle during the short-timer’s year.
Teeth to teeth brawling with liberties foe
Trying to keep together lingering body and soul
Hand over hand keeping the body count’s toll
Laughing and grinning they ignore the grim reaper
Sagacious faith straining by the eternal spirit keeper.

(POW Continued from page 3)

Day Three: A Motorcycle Run (Route to be announced)

and a Rally at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. For the first two days at each satellite demonstration we will need a group to volunteer to organize and conduct these demonstrations

In that the third day of the demonstration will be a motorcycle run we need a motorcycle group to accept responsibility for organizing and directing the satellite runs through out the country.

Very close coordination between these two groups will be required.

Organizations interested in organizing and leading these satellite demonstrations can contact us at the E-mail

And telephone number noted in the Heading of this letter.

TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!! JOHN (TOP) HOLLAND

Very close coordination between these two groups will be required.

STANDDOWN/CHAPTER WAREHOUSE

The building is located at West River Business Park at the corner of 3^rd Street N. and 10^th Ave S. The space donated to the Vietnam

Vets group is owned by West River Business Park Partnership and managed by Right Start Commercial Properties. Common ownership of both entities is Ronald A. Morton.

West River Business Park is a redevelopment property consisting of 3 office/warehouse buildings and 1 office condominium building with future expansion plans for additional office condominiums and a multi story office building. Located on the West end of the St Cloud Metro on a future major North/South corridor, West River Business Park is a prime location for local, regional and national businesses.

Property manager for Right Start Commercial Properties is Lisa Vouk. Right Start Commercial Properties is a full service commercial real estate brokerage. At Right Start Commercial Properties, we assume your business consumes your day, thus we strive to make your space investment decisions manageable by assisting you in every way possible. Whether you are a small business owner, corporate tenant, real estate investor or developer, our mission is to provide outstanding service, “right from the start”.

We are pleased to be able to be of assistance to your Vietnam Vets group.

Lisa M. Vouk

Right Start Commercial Properties

Property Manager

Ph. 320-257-8278

Cell 320-248-0481

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

PRAY FOR THEM IT IS OUR SOLEMN DUTY TO MAKE SURE WHAT HAPPENED TO US DOES NOT HAPPEN TO THEM.

MAKE SURE YOU WELCOME THEM HOME

“We must make people understand that freedom and liberty do not exist in a vacuum.”…Doc