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 . ================================================================= 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 ================================================================= E D I T O R I A L S ================================================================= 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! 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 ================================================================= M i s s i n g ! ! ! ================================================================= 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 W W M M W W M M M M W W \ / M M M M OOOO W W W --*-- M M M IIII O O W W W W / \ M M II O O W W W W M M II O O W W M M II O O II PPPPPP O O ..... II AA PP PP OOOO . '' '' .. IIII A A PP PP ..' '.. A A PPPPPPP ..' ''. A A PP ..' '. AAAAAA PP .' ''. A A PP .' '. A A .' .:::::.. '. .' .::::::::::. ' .' .::::::::::::::. '. .' __ .::::::::::::::::;:... '. .' _- -_ .:::::::::::::::::::::::. '. .' _-_ _ _ -_ ::::::::::::::::::::::::' '. .. _- -!!___!!!-_:::::::::::::::::::::::. .. .' ==_ _- _= .:::::::::::::::::::::::: ', . =-_= _= = :::::::::::::::::::::::: . .' =-_ =_- = ::::::::::::::::::::::: '. .' = - -_ =_:::::::::::::::::::::. '. .' -_ -_- .:::::::::::::::::::;;;. '. .' _-_ ..::::::::::::::::::::::::; '. . _ _ .:;:::::::::::::::::::::;, . ' _ .:::::::::::::::::::::::::. '. Y .'.....::::::::::::::::::::::::::;' '. N ::::::::::::::::::::::::' `''' ': O `::::::::::::::::::::::: \v/ \ / :'E `:::::::::::::::::::::: =========================== :' U `:::::::::::::::::::::. /^\ \ :'T `:::::::::::::::::::: .: A `:::::::::::::::::: .:'T `::::::::::::::::::. .;' R `:::::::::::::::::. .;' T `::::::::::::::::. .;' E `:::::::::gjp::: .:' O `:::::::::::::...........'' G 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 ================================================================= R e m e m b e r T h e m ! ! ! ================================================================= 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 XXXXX ::::XXXXX `..........''`XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX .:(O) . (O):. XXXXX:::' XXXX XXXXX ::' XXXXX .. XXXXX:: XXXX XXXXX .:' XXXXX . .. XXXXX: XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX . .. ` XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX ' '.. ` XXXXX. XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX" ' ` XXXXX . XXXX XXXXX ``. XXXXX ' . . . ` XXXXX '. ........., XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX'' ..''.'''. XXXXX .' '.XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX" ':.:'' XXXXX .'' .:::'XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX:.. .:XXXXX.'' .::::' .XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX '.. ..:' XXXXX ..:' . .:::'XXXX 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 XXXXX `..' XXXXX .' XXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX /\ .' .' XXXX XXXXX /\ \ . . XXXX XXXXX / \ \...' `. .' XXXX 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 SCI