Now for several issues that seem to be flying around as of late, homeless veterans, 2-butoxyethanol, Veterans information, benefits, you name it we run the gammit.
In regards to homeless veterans, yes there are thousands of veterans homeless, mostly due in part to circumstances, drugs and alcohol, as well as PTSD just to name a few. They most certainly deserve our attention, and care, however as someone pointed out yes there are a lot of homeless people who are NOT veterans carrying signs claiming they are veterans, and primarily because they can get more money from people that way.
Sad to say true, but not always. I'd guess to say 12-28% of the homeless who say they're vets really are! 50-60% are fakes, and the remaining are questionable. And a damn good reason to support any program for homeless veterans.
As for 2-butoxyethanol, yes it does cause a lot of illnesses, but I've challenged many a people to prove to me this chemical was used in Viet Nam other than an additive to jet fuel, and to date no one has proven to me beyond any doubt this was the case. However, I can prove beyond any doubt there were millions of gallons of Agent Orange sprayed, dropped, and stored as a defoliage. Yet, we still have to battle to have many illnesses added to the presumtives list as Agent Orange being a causitive.
Many have asked about information on veterans benefits, VSO's etc., and to all I'd highly recommend checking out our group's home page, you will find many websites listed that contain thousands and thousands of pages of information which every veteran can benefit from!
If you need a VSO, just ask, if I and Perry can't find one local to you, we have several who are nationally recognized and can help! I do however very strongly recommend two things, first NEVER ever go to the VA and file a claim, ALWAYS use a VSO. Your claim will be processed properly, efficiently, and effectively, second make sure if they are a VSO that our group didn't recommend that they are certified and can prove it.
Let me make something perfectly clear, a person in the position of "Post Service Officer" is NOT, and I repeat NOT a Veteran Service Officer certified. This person may possess the knowledge and information needed, but are not certified to appear before the claims or appeals board with you.
On claims, I will offer this piece of advice... NEVER EVER give original copies to anyone, the VSO or the VA, give them copies. If you have to mail them, ALWAYS send them certified return receipt so you have proof of who and when they were signed for.
Now, our group is intended for and it's sole purpose is veterans benefits, rights, treatment, facilities, therapy, medications, etc.
We write one letter per month and send to members of congress as well as to the two heads on the VA Commission, we have to fight for what veterans already have to keep from losing ground, plus we have to fight for what was promised as well as better facilities, etc.
I do track statistic and will publish them soon, and for the most part this started out to be a mandatory participation group, but we've had our fair share of lookie loo's, spies for others, etc, and frankly I don't care any more. What I do care about are those who are willing to help take a stand for veterans, their rights, and the promises made to them.
To those who have stood tall among us who started this group, I thank you with all my heart and hope you will continue this fight with us.
To those of you who sit on the sidelines, I wonder, how often you sit in a VFW bar and cry poor me? Or for those of you who think any of the veteran service organizations will actually manage to get something for you, to that I say wait and want, and see what you don't get.
Congress, the President, the VA Commission and the VA are not going to just hand over to you anything, you have to want it, need it, and are willing to fight the fight to get it. Otherwise all veterans are doomed!
We were looking at a 700 million dollar shortfall for 2007 alone, however, that number has escalated to 3.3 billion dollars. And trust me this will only get worse each year, unless we ALL fight this fight!
Anymore I'm not one for dancing around the bush, so I'll just say it like it is, and for those who can't handle, well adios... For those who can, I hope sincerely you will jump in and participate!
If you want to be a part of the solution, join us, help write letters, help us make a difference to millions of veterans. We provide the tools, the information, and the letters, all you need to is send them out, collect the replies and forward copies here to me. For those of you couch potatoes, bar stool flies, who will wait on a veteran service organization, well you my friend are a major part of the problem!
Imagine what it would be like if every single vet in america today sent just 1 letter each where we'd be!!!!!
Now, if you'd like to help, please adopt the state you live in, and if you need instructions, please ask away, we will guide you though it all! - Jim Davis, CA
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VETERANS-FOR-CHANGE/message/2502
