This newsletter was orginally formatted for use on standard text reading programs and with inexpensive line printers. Most of the printer formatting commands have been left in this copy of the newsletter, and show us as numbers interspersed throughout the text. We are working on building a filter to remove these for WWW readers. Minor formatting changes have been made to display it as a World Wide Web document.
_______________________________
Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
. __ .
. -*- N A M V E T -*- ____/ \_ .
. ( * \ .
. Managing Editor \ Quangtri .
. ---------------- \_/\ \_ Hue .
. G. Joseph Peck \_Ashau Phu Bai .
. \_* \_ .
. Distribution Manager \ * ) .
. -------------------- _/ Danang .
. Jerry Hindle \|/ ( \_*Chu Lai .
. --*-- \_ ------- \__ .
. Section Editors /|\ \_ I Corps \ .
. --------------- \ ------- ! .
. IN-TOUCH: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau /\_____ ! .
. INCARCERATED VETS: Joyce Flory / ! \ .
. MIA/POW: Paul Bylin ! !___ \ .
. ! \/\____! .
. KEEPER OF THE LIST: Joyce Flory ! ! .
. / Dak To ! .
. / * / .
. ! \_ .
. ! Phu Cat\ .
. \ * * ) .
. \ Pleiku ) .
. -*- N A M V E T -*- \ \ .
. / / .
. "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 _/ Nhatrang / .
. many veterans have endured, _/ / .
. NAM VET is a shining beacon, __/ ! .
. a ray of hope, and a _ __/ \ ! .
. reminder that the _____( )/ ! Camranh 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 .
. _____! \__ * ___/ for NONCOMMERCIAL .
. ! Saigon/ purposes ONLY! .
. \___ -------- / \/ .
. \ IV Corps / For other use, contact: .
. ) -------- / .
. / ! G. Joseph Peck (813) 885-1241 .
. / ____/ Managing Editor .
. / 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 .
. ! __/ NamVet's contributors or Section Editors. .
. \_/ gjp .
. .
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NamVet Newsletter Page i
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
=20
1. From US to YOU
So THAT's a Fire Ant! .................................... 1
Copyright Notice ......................................... 3
2. MIA's/POWs
Help Jose Sanfiel with POW/MIAs Highway! ................. 4
Some Gave All... ......................................... 6
NAMES on THE WALL ........................................ 7
Gulf War Information! .................................... 9
3. Not for eating or drinking
Agent Orange Info ........................................ 19
Break out the Clearasil ! ............................ 21
4. Three Squares and ...
Homeless Veterans ........................................ 22
Achilles in Vietnam ...................................... 31
A visit or note once in awhile? .......................... 35
PTSD & the Forgotten Warriors ............................ 36
5. Pursuit of Freedom
Been there ... done that! ................................ 41
Fading Photographs -- Part 1 ............................ 42
The Electronic Chapel .................................... 56
Silver Star .............................................. 57
Remember? ................................................ 63
6. Veteran commo from Uncle Sam and ...
Ask the Veterans' Affairs Counselor ...................... 64
Interesting Veteran Information .......................... 68
VETLink #50 - Jeff Beer .................................. 70
Veteran Legal Assistance ................................. 72
7. Things to think about
Mission: Command & Control ............................... 75
Lessons from Geese ....................................... 84
8. Sister Vets
VWMP's Sister Search ..................................... 85
VWMP's Sister Search Form ................................ 86
VWMP Products for 1994 ................................... 87
9. IVVEC Phonebook/Information
The IVVEC Phonebook ...................................... 88
NamVet Distribution Survey Form .......................... 97
Some Gave All... ......................................... 98
NamVet Newsletter Page ii
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From US to YOU
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So THAT's a Fire Ant!
=20
I'm getting some REAL different experiences here in Florida! =20
Walkin' barefoot through the grass jus' don't cut it anymore=20
(hehehehe) as a recent 'just standin' around lookin' at things'=20
from the top of a mound of dirt quickly taught me. Wasn't there=20
but a second when suddenly sting-like feelings started comin' from=20
m' toes and sides of m' feet. So THAT's a Fire Ant! Found out=20
REAL quick...
Tryin' to cut the lawn ('er jungle) was 'nother 'xperience you'd=20
find amusing. Saw this black-like snake slitherin' away whilst I=20
was approaching a particularly high stand of grass. Was ALMOST=20
tempted to chase it an' chop it up with the lawnmower but=20
somethin' tol' me to hold off an' let it go. Later was talkin'=20
with neighbor and learned that the snake was called a Black Racer=20
- and they're HELPFUL down here to keep the rattlesnakes away! =20
Let 'em slither 'round if'n they're gonna keep me an' mine safe!
There's a lot o' little strange bugs an' creatures that I've=20
been findin' lately - lot of 'em that an entomologist would have a=20
ball with! =20
There's a lot o' little strange bugs an' creatures, too, that=20
seem to haunt the halls of the body-DVA that I've found continue=20
to exist no matter WHERE you're dealin' with 'em... ya' know,=20
"The PE (Paperwork Eater)" bug ... the kind that eats paperwork=20
an' ya have to send 'nother copy and then 'nother copy after that=20
'cause the second one got eaten too! Or the "LF (Lose the Files)"=20
bug - the one responsible for loosing my application for VocRehab=20
here in Florida. I didn't learn about THAT one's existence here=20
in Florida until last week after I'd registered for USF. =20
Checkin' to be SURE all my paperwork was in order, I called VARO=20
in St. Petersburg, FL. since I hadn't yet received my=20
Authorization to Attend (VA Form 1905). Sure 'nuff, the PE and LF=20
bugs had struck again! They couldn't even find the SECOND copy=20
I'd sent 'em - and, for sure, the Authorization to Attend form=20
(1905) was now a long, long way off.
Without DVA payin' the tuition an' books an' addin' Subsistence
allowance, its clearly settin' m'self up for failure if'n I show
up at the college and begin m' classes!
Banged on the doors of my Service Rep. (State of Florida, Office=20
of Veteran Affairs). "Surely we have a failure to communicate=20
here" I felt when I was told, "Joe... you KNOW that if'n the VA=20
approves your claim for VocRehab you'll lose your entitlement to=20
Unemployability upon your graduation. You KNOW you'll have to=20
work after graduation..." Sheesh!
Banged, too, on the doors of my local Vet Center. Great bunch=20
o' folks and they're doin' what they can. MIGHT just make it -=20
but its gonna be close. We'll keep ya posted... Wunner, though,=20
if'n the PE and LF bugs are kinda like the black racer?
=20
Maybe I should just take time and rest ??=20
=20
As many of ya might note, we've begun a serialized story in this=20
issue by Mike McCombs. Its a very interesting story when ya put=20
it all together (I'm workin' now on makin' it into an electronic=20
book). Stay tuned and we'll be announcin' its availability.
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 1
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
=20
Our VETLink BBSs continue to grow in number and the VETNet=20
echoes are rapidly expanding. Look for a VETLink BBS near you -=20
and WELCOME to all those NEW VETLink BBSs that haven't yet been=20
officially welcomed to our number! I'll be getting your echo
announcements out VERY shortly! WELCOME HOME!!!
=20
For now, so MUCH on the front an' back burners that even the=20
Fire Ants don't stand a chance - let alone me. LOTS to do and=20
even MORE for our next issue of NamVet ... Keep those=20
contributions comin' folk - and don't forget to visit a=20
hospitalized or shut-in veteran: They'd really appreciate YOUR=20
company and some of YOUR time. =20
=20
'til next issue ...
Show a brother or sister veteran
That YOU care!
=20
God bless
=20
-=3D Joe
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 2
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
> * - Copyright Notice - * ____/~~\_ <
< ( * \ >
> Prepared by G. Joseph Peck \ Quangtri <
< NamVet Project \_/\ \_ Hue >
> Electronic Veterans' Centers of \_Ashau Phu Bai <
< America Corporation (EVAC) \_* \_ >
> Copyright 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, \_ * ) <
< 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 _/ Danang >
> ( \_*Chu Lai <
< All rights reserved. \_ ------- \__ >
> \_ I Corps \ <
< NamVet is a collective volunteer \ ------- ! >
> effort comprised of articles and /\_____ ! <
< items sharing veteran-related news, / ! \ >
> experiences and resources amongst ! !___ \ <
< veterans, their family members, ! \/\____! >
> concerned others and health, ! ! <
< educational and correctional / Dak To ! >
> institutions. / * / <
< ! \_ >
> ! Phu Cat\ <
< Segments of this newsletter may be \ * * ) >
> excerpted for counseling, self- \ Pleiku ) <
< help, dissemination amongst veteran \ \ >
> organizations and groups, and for / / <
< scholarly purposes without further ( -------- ! >
> permission; it is requested only _\ II Corps ! <
< that proper credit be given to the / -------- \ >
> author of a particular article and \ \ <
< the contributor who submitted it. ! * / >
> _/ Nhatrang / <
< ANY OTHER USE REQUIRES THE _/ / >
> WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION OF __/ ! <
< _ __/ \ ! >
> Electronic Veterans'___( )/ ! Camranh Bay <
< Centers of / !__ ! >
> America / \ / <
< Corporation \ Bien Hoa \ / >
> (EVAC) ! Chu Chi * \ __/ <
< \_ * --------- \ ___/ >
> . ____ \ III Corps \ _/ <
< / \_____) )_(_ --------- !__/ >
> ! ( ___/ <
< _____! \__ * ___/ >
> ! Saigon/ <
< \___ -------- / \/ >
> \ IV Corps / <
< ) -------- / CONTACT: >
> / ! Electronic Veterans' Centers of <
< / ____/ America Corporation (EVAC) >
> / Mekong/ ATTN: G. Joseph Peck <
< ! Delta/ Managing Editor - NamVet >
> ! ____/ Post Office Box 261692 <
< ! / Tampa, Florida 33615-1692 >
< ! / VOICE: (813) 885-1241 <
< ! __/ >
< \_/ gjp <
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MIA's/POWs
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Help Sanfiel get his drive on the road to honor POWs/MIAs
By Charley Reese in the 2/24/89 [Orlando] Sentinel
Submitted by Jose N. Proenza Sanfiel
4230 Pow's & Mia's Memorial Dr. - St. Cloud, Fl 34772-8142
=20
[Joe note: I was going through some of my MIA/POW stuff recently=20
(see NAMES ON THE WALL in this issue) and happened to come across=20
an article written about our Jose "Corporal Pro" Proenza Sanfiel. =20
The telephone rings - sometimes late at night; the fax machine=20
springs to life - another note from Jose pushing for the renaming=20
project. =20
Last year, bio-daughter Kymberli and myself saw him work SO hard=20
asking for OUR support at The Wall ...
Today ... how many of YOU have written in/on behalf of the=20
renaming our nations' interstate highways?
Let's give Jose some SUPPORT ... He's STILL at it!
Together then ... together now!!!]
=20
Andy Jackson, one of my favorite presidents, said, "One man with=20
courage is a majority." Such a fellow is Jose N. Proenza Sanfiel,=20
of Kissimmee. Sanfiel has taken it upon himself to persuade=20
Congress to name two of the interstate highways in honor of=20
Americans who are or were prisoners of war and those who are=20
missing in action.
I think it is a great idea and I'm betting on Sanfiel. This=20
American, who came from Cuba as a young boy and who has served two=20
hitches in the Marine Corps, has all the qualities today's=20
politicians are least able to cope with. He wants nothing for=20
himself. He won't tolerate a runaround. And he won't quit.
It would seem to me that a Congress eager to hand out $12=20
billion to foreign governments, some of which are our enemies, or=20
$2 billion to Japanese-Americans and former Japanese aliens, could=20
at least name two highways for the MIAs/POWs. After all, it won't=20
cost anything but the signs.
Ever since Americans left Saigon in 1975, I have been listening=20
to American politicians flapping their lips about their dedication=20
to the MIAs/POWs. Of course, former President Jimmy Carter tried=20
to evade the problem of MIAs by simply having a bureaucratic=20
procedure declare them dead. The bureaucratic ploy was based on=20
this ridiculous premise: Mrs. Wife and Child, do you (who live=20
here as private citizens with no resources) have any proof your=20
husband and father is alive? No? We, we declare him dead.
Only outrage prevented this bureaucratic sleight of hand that=20
was designed to hide the fact now tainting several administrations=20
that the U.S. government, for reasons of political expediency, has=20
not gone to the mat on the MIAs/POWs just as it did not go to the=20
mat after the Korean War and World War II.
At any rate, Sanfiel thinks that if we name two highways in=20
honor of these men, then it will be harder for the politicians to=20
forget them. He wrote state officials and they told him it was a=20
federal matter. He wrote his congressman, Rep. Bill Nelson, and=20
Nelson said it was a state matter.
Sanfiel, however, is not one who gives up on the runarounds. He=20
wrote the federal Department of Highway Administration and got it=20
straight from the horse's mouth: The U.S. Congress may name an=20
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NamVet Newsletter Page 4
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
interstate highway whatever it wishes to name it.
So, at his own expense, Sanfiel, while working and studying to=20
become a registered nurse, writes letter after letter and passes=20
out literature. His strategy is simple: If enough Americans write=20
their U.S. representatives and senators and ask for it, they will=20
do it.
And he's right. At first, they will try to ignore it. Then=20
they will come up with several bureaucratic reasons why it can't=20
be done. In the end, however, if enough Americans persist with=20
the same faith and tenacity as Sanfiel, the politicians will give=20
in. Then, of course, they will pat themselves on the back and=20
take credit for the idea.
I want to quote from Sanfiel's handout because I like his style:
"How can you help? Are contributions to this cause being taken? =20
Where do you send them? You can help by passing the word on to=20
any and all people that you know until the goal is reached. =20
Contributions? If anyone asks you for money for this project,=20
slap their faces and call the cops. The only contributions=20
"accepted" are a 25-cent stamp (now 29-cent) attached to an=20
envelope and addressed to Washington, D.C., with your view=20
regarding this subject."
In other words, all Sanfiel wants anyone to do is to sit down=20
and write their members of Congress and ask them to name two=20
interstate highways in honor of the MIAs/POWs.
That is refreshing. I, like most people, am forever being=20
bombarded with computerized letters from patriots-for-profit who=20
need our money to save the republic from some current horror. =20
Jose is a true patriot. And like all true patriots, he's not for=20
sale.
-----
FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 1023 ALREADY NAMED US-1-AA AS THE SOUTH-
EASTERN-MOST LEG OF THIS PATH OF AMERICAN HONOR AS: The POW's &=20
MIA's Memorial Highway. SENATE BILL S-900 COULD MAKE THIS A=20
NATIONWIDE REALITY. WRITE TODAY!!! ASK YOUR=20
[CONGRESSPERSON]/SENATOR FOR SUPPORT OF BILL S-900 ... =20
Write to: POW's & MIA's Project Interstate
4230 POW's & MIA's Memorial Drive
St. Cloud, Fl USA 34772-8142
VOICE/DATA/FAX: 407-457-MIAS (6427).
=20
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=20
Long past time for US to DO something, brothers & sisters...=20
=20
=20
Wouldn't NOW be a GREAT time to start?
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 5
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
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=20
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Some Gave ALL ... Some Still Give!!!
=20
=20
=20
O O
O SOME GAVE ALL ...
________O__________________________________O______________
! O O !
! pow mia pow mia - BRING THEM HOME NOW! - pow mia pow mia !
! O O !
! ~~~~~ ~ ~ O~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~ O ~~ ~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ !
! ~~~~ ~ ~~ O ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~O~~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~~ ~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ O~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ O ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~ !
! ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~ O ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ O ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ ~ !
! ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ O ~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ O ~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ !
! ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ O ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ O ~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ O ~_~_~_~_~_ ~ O ~ ~~~~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~~~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~ O ) O ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ /(O) / O \ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ / / O \~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ !
! ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ / PRISONER / \~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~~~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ / / MISSING \~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~ !
! ~~~ ~ ~~ ~~ / OF /\ \~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~ !
! ~ ~~~~ ~~ ~ / / \ IN \~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ !
! ~~~ ~~~ ~ / WAR / ~~ \ \ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~ ~ / / ~ ~~ \ ACTION / ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ !
! ~~ ~~ ~~~(__________/ ~~ ~~~ \ / ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ !
! ~~~~~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~~ \ / ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ !
! ~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~ \ / ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~ !
! ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ \ /~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~ !
! ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
! ~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~ SOME STILL GIVE
! ~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~
! ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ !
! mia pow mia pow - BRING THEM HOME NOW! - mia pow mia pow !
!__________________________________________________________!
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NamVet Newsletter Page 6
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
NAMES on THE WALL
A program for Friends, Family and Veterans
By Chuck Mangi
Input at VETLink #1 - Tampa, FL
(813) 249-8323
=20
[Joe Note: Chuck, THANX for creating such a GREAT PROGRAM! =20
PERFECT for those veteran organizations and others who have a=20
computer and printer and would like to look up the names of our=20
brother and sister veterans on THE WALL. The print-outs are=20
terrific. And, yes, as you said, tears DID come to m' eyes as I=20
saw in front of me the NAMES of many that I knew.
NAMVET Readers: Chuck's program rates some super-high marks on=20
"Veterans' helping veterans." Bring THE WALL home!] =20
=20
In 1992 I was privileged to stand vigil at the "Moving Wall" with=20
other members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 49=20
(Pleasantville, NY). During that watch we helped many visitors in=20
locating friends and relatives on THE WALL. We had a personal=20
computer with a program that aided us in that effort. While the=20
program worked, it was a "cold list" and lacked many features that=20
would have made it more useable and APPROPRIATE for use at THE=20
WALL. One of the other members of Chapter 49 asked if I could=20
write "something better." "NAMES ON THE WALL" is the result of=20
that request. It is a far more APPROPRIATE presentation of those=20
NAMES than any other software. It treats each NAME as the=20
individual person that they are.
=20
While there has been considerable time, effort and expense in=20
developing "NAMES on THE WALL" it is not our intent to offer it=20
FOR INDIVIDUAL USE for a profit (Commercial, educational and=20
governmental organizations: write for pricing). We are aware of=20
other programs, some costing as much as $500, and some offered by=20
commercial software houses but we feel that "NAMES on THE WALL" is=20
the easiest to use, the most APPROPRIATE and certainly the least=20
expensive. It is a "stand-alone" program which does not violate=20
any copy protection or distribution laws, does not require any=20
other program other than DOS and it will run under DOS, Windows=20
and OS/2 (MAC?, Not at this time).
=20
It is our intent to offer "NAMES on THE WALL" to any INDIVIDUAL=20
for the cost of the floppies and mailing. The number of floppies=20
and hence the cost will depend on your PC. See [following] order=20
form for details. You will see within the program and on the=20
order form that we would be happy to accept ANY CONTRIBUTIONS YOU=20
WOULD CARE TO SEND. All of the contributions will be used by=20
Chapter 49 in its continuing efforts to help those less fortunate. =20
Without contributions, we only cover our costs!
=20
Features of "NAMES on THE WALL"
--Look up any name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or the Moving=20
Wall
--Look up can be by last name only, last name generic (as Man*=20
which will find Mangi, Mankin, etc.), last name and city, and=20
state, and branch. Look up can also be by KIA date or within a=20
range of dates.
--Duplicate names are all displayed with branch, city and KIA/MIA=20
date so that you may select your choice.
--Once the name is found (and selected if a duplicate name) it is=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 7
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
displayed on the screen with name and rank, city and state of=20
record, KIA or MIA date and location on The Wall.
--If desired, that information can be printed. The print will=20
show the same data at the top of the page with a section at the=20
bottom for a tracing. Surrounding the tracing are the words=20
that appear on THE WALL itself at the top of panel 1 east and=20
the bottom of panel 1 west.
--Look up on a 486/33 PC with a good hard disk is under a second;=20
on a 286/10 with a slow hard disk it is about 2 seconds.
--Technical information:
Tested under DOS 5.0, OS/2 and 3.1 (will not install while OS/2=20
is running, run DOS for install). The author runs it under both=20
DOS and Windows 3.1 There is no need for a mouse but a hard=20
disk is required. You should plan on about 10-meg (it may need=20
up to 15 meg during the installation procedure). The file=20
itself is 9.1meg. It is organized in MS Professional ISAM. The=20
program was written in MS Professional Basic with the screens=20
written in Crescent Software's "Quick Screen." Distribution=20
compliments of PKWARE (thanks!). Will not run on a MAC!
=20
Name: _________________________________________________
=20
Mailing Address: ______________________________________
=20
______________________________________
=20
City ________________ State __ Zip ______ Organization __________
=20
Cost w/Postage(circle one) _______________________________________
=20
Floppies(3-1/2 DD-$14; 3-1/2 HD-$9.50; 5-1/4 DD-$23; 5-1/4 HD-$11)
=20
Contribution (Greatly appreciated!) ______________________________
=20
Total: ___________________________________________________________
=20
Make checks payable to: Fastest service:
Chapter 49, VVA Checks to Chapter 49, VVA
Westchester County Chapter 49 Mail to:
Vietnam Veterans of America Chuck Mangi
P.O. Box 224 31 Dingee Rd.
Pleasantville, NY 10570 So. Salem, NY 10590-9803
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 8
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
Health Chief Orders Tests On Sick Gulf Vets
Submitted by Paul Bylin=20
LZ Memories/VETLink #84 - Peabody, MA.
(508) 977-9756=20
=20
WASHINGTON -- Ailing soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who=20
served in Operation Desert Storm should be able to get in-depth=20
medical testing at military medical centers nationwide as early as=20
June.=20
The testing, which has been ordered by the Pentagon health chief,=20
is part of a three-pronged effort to find the causes of unexplained=20
ailments in Persian Gulf veterans. The illnesses, collectively=20
known as Persian Gulf Syndrome, have symptoms including persistent=20
fatigue, memory loss, irritability, occasional diarrhea, rashes and=20
joint aches.=20
The testing initially will be limited to military members in the=20
services' Persian Gulf Registry who are eligible to use the=20
military health care system: active-duty personnel; reservists on=20
active duty and the family members of both, defense officials said.=20
=20
MATTER OF RESPONSIBILITY
"It's the only thing we can do," said Dr. Stephen Joseph,=20
assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, at a press=20
briefing May 12. "We have a significant amount of [sick] people to=20
whom we have a responsibility."=20
The testing is the first standardized data collection to be=20
conducted by the Pentagon for veterans afflicted with Persian Gulf=20
Syndrome, officials said.=20
That is one of three major elements of the Pentagon's efforts. In=20
addition, Joseph has asked Dr. Harrison Spencer, dean of Tulane=20
School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, to=20
review Pentagon efforts and recommend whether any other action=20
should be taken to help solve the mystery, according to a May 11=20
memo Joseph sent to Deputy Defense Secretary John Deutch.=20
The third part is to create a forum of national medical and=20
public health experts to advise the Pentagon and allow more public=20
comment, the memo said.=20
Joseph said the Pentagon's efforts are fueled in part by a series=20
of articles that appeared in Army Times on April 25. They=20
highlighted the plight of active-duty and former service members=20
whose health is deteriorating amid government inaction on the=20
issue.=20
=20
HEIGHTENED FOCUS
"It's perfectly self-evident, the role the media played --=20
particularly those that serve the military community -- in=20
heightening the focus and helping us move faster," he said.=20
A panel of medical experts convened by the National Institutes of=20
Health a week after the articles appeared also helped speed=20
government efforts, Joseph said.=20
The panel concluded that no single disease appears to be causing=20
Persian Gulf Syndrome and that the government would have to gather=20
a lot more information before anyone could decide what is making=20
veterans sick. Most of the data collected so far have pertained to=20
individual cases, the panel said.=20
Exactly what medical tests the services will perform on veterans=20
is still being worked out by a group of top defense and service=20
officials that is meeting weekly, Joseph said. He added that the=20
medical centers should receive guidance by the first week of June=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 9
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
on what tests to perform.=20
All the information collected will be shared with the Department=20
of Veterans Affairs, which is maintaining its own in-depth registry=20
of sick Persian Gulf veterans.=20
Joseph said initial testing results should be available within=20
120 days, although the testing will go on "for as long as it=20
needs."=20
"One of the things I'm really hoping to achieve with this is to=20
have people feel confident enough to come forward ... to help us=20
figure out what is going on," Joseph said. "We're doing this for=20
you, so please come forward and take advantage of it."=20
----------------------------------------------------------
TWO SCIENTISTS SEARCH FOR SYNDROME ANSWERS
SAN ANTONIO -- In a small laboratory at the University of Texas=20
Health Science Center here, two scientists are hard at work finding=20
a physical cause for memory loss and confusion in ailing Desert=20
Storm veterans.=20
Their work is believed to be the first study of its kind on these=20
veterans. And their theory, if they can prove it, could be a major=20
step forward in solving the mystery surrounding Persian Gulf=20
Syndrome.=20
The scientists are not studying the full range of symptoms=20
reported by Persian Gulf vets. However, many of those ailments=20
could be linked to the same problem that causes the symptoms they=20
are studying.=20
=20
'MODEL ILLNESS'
The veterans' problems appear to lie in the central nervous=20
system, they say. Somehow, common chemicals, such as acetone, found=20
in nail polish remover, interrupt the mechanism that regulates=20
blood flow to the brains of these veterans. That, in turn, can=20
cause many of the symptoms reported by Desert Storm veterans whose=20
illnesses thus far have defied conventional diagnosis.=20
So for the first time in a formal study, the blood-flow changes=20
in these veterans' brains are being measured as researchers try to=20
bring on in a laboratory the symptoms the veterans are complaining=20
about.=20
"What we're trying to do is create a model of the illness," said=20
Howard Mitzel, the study's leader and an assistant professor of=20
family practice at the center. He and fellow investigator Leonid=20
Bunegin hope to "catch this thing in the act."=20
The study is being done on a shoestring budget by research=20
standards -- $8,000, with a lot of personal equipment and=20
innovation thrown in.=20
In an ideal study of the veterans, they would be tested in a=20
chamber free of chemicals and pollutants and would have chemicals=20
introduced to them, one by one, to measure the effects of each=20
substance, said Dr. Claudia S. Miller, an allergist and=20
immunologist at the Health Science Center. Miller is a leading=20
expert on Persian Gulf Syndrome and one of the study's=20
investigators.=20
The University of Texas study is separate from research the Army=20
proposes to do. The Army is willing to finance a $1.2-million test=20
and is seeking civilian scientists to do the study.=20
In their study, Mitzel and his colleagues are testing 30 male=20
Desert Storm veterans. The group comprises 15 sick ones and 15=20
"controls," who do not feel ill.=20
Veterans who participate in the test are paid $25 for their=20
efforts. But those taking part say they are not there for the=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 10
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
money.=20
A 26-year-old Army reservist from San Antonio who is=20
participating in the test said he wants to help bring an end to the=20
suffering he and other veterans endure. The reservist, who asked=20
not to be identified, said he learned about the study by word of=20
mouth.=20
He said he's no sure what is making him sick. When he was in=20
Saudi Arabia, he said, he was exposed to fumes from uncontrolled=20
burning of human and camp waste, pesticide spraying and the oil-
well fires while in Saudi Arabia.=20
He said he also took tablets to protect him from the effects of a=20
possible nerve gas attack -- the same kind of tablets the lawmakers=20
are calling on the federal government to investigate as a possible=20
source of Persian Gulf Syndrome.=20
=20
TEST PROCEDURES
During the test, the veterans are seated in a small cubicle in=20
front of a personal computer. Nose and mouth are covered with a=20
mask, and a sensor called a "transcranial Doppler" is placed on one=20
temple.=20
The veterans are then asked to perform tasks on the computer,=20
that gauge reaction time, memory and hand-eye coordination.=20
The veterans then repeat those tasks while breathing in a small=20
dose of acetone, a major ingredient of nail polish remover.=20
The Doppler measures the veterans' middle cerebral artery flow;=20
the results appear on a computer monitor and are recorded on=20
videotape. Normally blood flow would increase as much as 15-fold=20
during such tasks, Bunegin said. But if the researchers' theory is=20
correct, there would be less of an increase, if any, in sick Desert=20
Storm veterans, they said.=20
The results of the study are not expected to be disclosed until=20
mid-summer. Preliminary results, which Mitzel said he could not=20
disclose, were sent to the VA, along with a request for a grant so=20
the study can be expanded.=20
=20
--REIGLE REPORT (excerpts)
Posted in Military_People echo by Paul Sparks
Submitted by Joyce Flory
VETLink #13 - Las Cruces, NM
(505) 523-2811
Relay from DStormMom:
Hi all,
The following is taken from the May 25th Riegle Report. I felt=20
it was important to share with those who have not had access to=20
this report. You can form your own opinions once having read it.=20
///////// THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT-PLEASE READ ///////////
AGENTS, DESCRIPTION OF PART 1 OF 5 FROM RIEGLE REPORT DTD 25MAY94,=20
Pgs. 28-32
"SARIN (GB) - A colorless and practically odorless liquid, Sarin=20
dissolves well in water and organic solvents. The basic military=20
use of Sarin is as a gas and a persistent aerosol. A highly toxic=20
agent with a clearly defined myopic effect, symptoms of=20
intoxication appear quickly without any period of latent effect.=20
*Sarin has cumulative effects -- that is, a slow rate of=20
detoxification* independent of its method of entry into the body. =
=20
According to Joachim Krause and Charles K. Mallory in *Chemical=20
Weapons in Soviet Military Doctrine: Military and Historical=20
Experience, 1915-1991,* the progressive signs of initial Sarin=20
intoxication include myosis (contraction of the pupil),=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 11
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
photophobia, difficulty in breathing and chest pain.(1)=20
SOMAN (GD) - A neuro-paralytic toxic agent. Soman is a transparent,=20
colorless, involatile liquid smelling of camphor. Soluble in water=20
to a limited degree, Soman is absorbed into porous and painted=20
surfaces. Soman is similar to Sarin in its injurious effects, but=20
more toxic. When it acts on the skin in either droplet or vapor=20
form, it causes a general poisoning of the organism.(2)=20
TABUN (GA) - A neuro-paralytic toxic agent. Tabun is a transparent,=20
colorless liquid. The industrial product is a brown liquid with a=20
weak sweetish smell; in small concentrations, it smells of fruit,=20
but in large concentrations, it smells of fish. Tabun dissolves=20
poorly in water but well in organic solvents; it is easily absorbed=20
into rubber products and painted surfaces. Injury occurs upon skin=20
contact with Tabun vapor and droplets. The symptoms of injury=20
appear almost immediately. Marked myosis occurs.(3)=20
VX - This colorless, odorless, liquid has low volatility and is=20
poorly soluble in water, but dissolves well in organic solvents.=20
The danger of pulmonary VX intoxication is determined by=20
meteorological conditions and the delivery method used. VX is=20
thought to be very effective against respiratory organs when in the=20
form of a thinly dispersed aerosol. The symptoms of VX intoxication=20
are analogous to those of other nerve agents, but their development=20
is markedly slower. *As with other nerve agents, VX has a=20
cumulative effect."(4)=20
"VESICANTS AND BLOOD AGENTS:
LEWISITE - A vesicant toxic agent, industrial lewisite is a dark-
brown liquid with a strong smell. Lewisite is a contact poison with=20
practically no period of latent effect. Lewisite vapors cause=20
irritation to the eyes and upper respiratory tract.(5) According=20
to the Center for Disease Control, lewisite would cause stinging=20
and burning. Its smell, generally characterized as the strong smell=20
of geraniums, could be confused with the smell of ammonia (the=20
reaction to which is regulated by pain fibers rather than=20
smell).(6) Iraqi stores of lewisite were not located after the war=20
according to the DoD.=20
CYANOGEN CHLORIDE - The French first suggested the use of cyanogen=20
chloride as a toxic agent. *U.S. analysts have reported that it is=20
capable of penetrating gas mask filters* Partially soluble in=20
water, it dissolves well in organic solvents. It is absorbed easily=20
into porous materials; its military state is a gas. Cyanogen=20
chloride is a quick acting toxic agent. Upon contact with the eyes=20
or respiratory organs, it injures immediately. Lethal exposures=20
result in loss of consciousness, convulsions and paralysis.(7)=20
HYDROGEN CYANIDE - A colorless liquid smelling of bitter almonds,=20
hydrogen cyanide is a very strong, quick-acting poison. Hydrogen=20
cyanide affects unprotected humans through the respiratory organs=20
and during the ingestion of contaminated food and water. It=20
inhibits the enzymes which regulate the intra-cell oxidant-
restorative process. As a result the cells of the nervous system,=20
especially those affecting breathing--are injured, which in turn=20
leads to quick death. An important feature of hydrogen cyanide is=20
the absence of a period of latent effect. The military state of=20
hydrogen cyanide is a gas. The toxic an physiologic properties of=20
hydrogen cyanide permit it to be used effectively in munitions--
predominantly in rocked-launched artillery. Death occurs after=20
intoxication due to paralysis of the heart. Non-lethal doses do not=20
cause intoxication.(8)=20
"BLISTER AGENTS - According to the material safety data sheet=20
(MSDS) for sulfur mustard gas (HD) prepared by the U.S. Army=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 12
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
Chemical Research, Development and Engineering Center, Aberdeen=20
Proving Grounds, Maryland, 'chronic exposure to HD can cause skin=20
sensitization, chronic lung impairment, cough, shortness of breath,=20
chest pain, and cancer of the mouth, throat, respiratory tract,=20
skin, and leukemia. It may also cause birth defects. The U.S.=20
Army Chemical and Biological Defense Command lists the current=20
detector sensitivity threshold for the M256A1 kits, a commonly used=20
piece of chemical agent detection equipment in the Gulf War, as 2.0=20
mg/m3.(9) According to the MSDS for sulfur mustard, total weight=20
average exposures of greater than .003mg/m3 over an 8-hr period=20
requires the use of protective equipment. Therefore, the detection=20
kit would not detect the agent until the amount of agent present=20
exceeded the safety threshold by a factor of over 660. The M8A1=20
automatic alarms DO NOT detect blister agent.=20
MUSTARD GAS - This is a colorless, oily liquid which dissolves=20
poorly in water, but relatively well in organic solvents,=20
petroleum, lubricant products, and other toxic agents. The=20
injurious effect of mustard gas is associated with its ability to=20
inhibit many enzyme systems of the body. This, in turn, *prevents=20
the intra-cell exchange of chemicals and leads to necrosis of the=20
tissue. Death is associated mainly with necrosis of the tissue of=20
the central nervous system.* Mustard gas has a period of latent=20
effect (the first signs of injury appear after 2-12 hours), but=20
does not act cumulatively. *It does not have any known antidotes.* =
=20
In military use it can come in gas, aerosol, and droplet form. It=20
therefore acts through inhalation, cutaneously, perorally and=20
directly through the blood stream. The toxic and physico-chemical=20
properties of mustard gas allow it to be used in all types of=20
munitions."(10)=20
"RELATED CHEMICAL AGENT INFORMATION
Committee staff has learned that Iraq *may* have acquired any one=20
of a number of Soviet binary novachok ('newcomer') series of=20
chemical warfare agent compounds or information relevant to the=20
development of those compounds. This series of chemical warfare=20
agents reportedly contains both lethal and debilitating agents.=20
According to a confidential Committee source, if the Iraqis had=20
obtained samples of these compounds they could be easily analyzed=20
and produced with readily available materials. Several of these=20
compounds are described as agents that even in microdoses can have=20
long lasting effects. These agents are described as inducing=20
myosis, vomiting, memory loss, involuntary motions and internal=20
organ dysfunction. Many of these materials are also described as=20
having mutagenic effects. These materials are, according to the=20
source, stored in the lipids (body fats) and have no known=20
antidotes. In addition, according to the Committee source, the=20
Soviets were believed to have conducted research in a number of=20
dioxin-based chemical warfare agents, and on at least one agent=20
that could be used to contaminate drinking water supplies. =
=20
Committee staff is conducting further inquiries to determine if=20
Iraq may have had access to any of these compounds."(11)=20
FOOTNOTES:
(1) Joachim Krause and Charles K. Mallory, "Chemical Weapons in=20
Soviet Military Doctrine: Military and Historical=20
Experience. 1915-1991," (Boulder Co.: Westview Press,=20
1992), 208); James AF. Compton, "Military Chemical and=20
Biological Agents: Chemical and Toxicological Properties"=20
(Caldwell, NJ; The Telford Press, Sept 1987); Material Data=20
Sheet (MSDS) for Soman (GD), Sarin (GB) and VX, prepared by=20
the U.S. Army Chemical Research, Development and=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 13
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland.=20
(See Appendix A of the Riegle Report).=20
(2) Joachim Krause and Charles K. Mallory, "Chemical Weapons in
Soviet Military Doctrine: Military and Historical=20
Experience. 1915-1991," (Boulder Co.: Westview Press,=20
1992), 209.=20
(3) Ibid, 209.
(4) Ibid, 210.
(5) Ibid, 205.
(6) Interview with Dr. Sanford Leffingwell, Center for Disease
Control on Sept. 3, 1993.
(7) Joachim Krause and Charles K. Mallory, "Chemical Weapons in
Soviet Military Doctrine: Military and Historical=20
Experience. 1915-1991," (Boulder Co.: Westview Press,=20
1992), 202; V.V. Miasnikov, "Defense Against Weapons of=20
Mass-Destruction: A Guide" (Moscow: Voyenizdat, 1984, 82-83=20
(8) Joachim Krause and Charles K. Mallory, "Chemical Weapons in
Soviet Military Doctrine: Military and Historical=20
Experience. 1915-1991," (Boulder Co.: Westview Press,=20
1992), 205; V.V. Miasnikov, "Defense Against Weapons of=20
Mass-Destruction: A Guide" (Moscow: Voyenizdat, 1984, 82;=20
Vladimir K. Pikalov, 'Toxic Agents,' "The Soviet Military=20
Encyclopedia, Volume 6" (Moscow: Voyenizdat, 1978).=20
(9) This information was provided by the U.S. Army Chemical and
Biological Defense Command, Edgewood, Area, Aberdeen=20
Proving Ground, Maryland 21010. According to the U.S. Army=20
the sensitivity capacity for the M256A1 detector kit is:=20
Mustard 2.0 mg/m3 VX 0.020 mg/m3 G-Agents =20
0.005 mg/m3 The required response time for these levels=20
is 15 minutes. The capability and specifications of this=20
unit are NOT classified.=20
(10) Vladimir K. Pikalov, 'Toxic Agents,' "The Soviet Military
Encyclopedia, Volume 6" (Moscow: Voyenizdat, 1978); Joachim=20
Krause and Charles K. Mallory, "Chemical Weapons in Soviet=20
Military Doctrine: Military and Historical Experience.=20
1915-1991," (Boulder Co.: Westview Press, 1992), 206-7.=20
(11) Staff Interviews, April 19th, 1994.
**********END OF THIS SERIES FROM RIEGLE REPORT****** =20
=20
--GULF WAR INFORMATION
Posted on Military_People echo by Paul Sparks
Submitted by Joyce Flory
VETLink #13 - Las Cruces, NM
(505) 523-2811
Area Mil_Issu, Jul-07-94 From: Paul Sparks Subject: GWS info
Relay from DStormMom:
******************************
To Nancy Capps and Lauria Brown,
I have tried to reach you but afraid unsuccessful. Therefore I=20
have asked Paul to pass this information on to you both. You might=20
want to contact Melanie Ayers 910-867-7751. Her 5 mos, old son=20
died of a heart defect 7 mos.ago. She has a lot of info. and can=20
put you in contact with the right people. Also following article=20
for reading giving credibility that there is the possibility of=20
things going on with the offsprings of Gulf Vets.=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 14
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CONGRESS LOOKS INTO FEARS GULF WAR SYNDROME SPREADING TO VETERANS'=20
FAMILIES 3/2/94=20
BY LACY MCCRARY
Knight-Ridder Newspapers
Three years after the end of the Persian Gulf War, evidence has=20
arisen that the mystery illnesses afflicting some veterans of the=20
war may be spreading to their wives and to children born after they=20
returned home.=20
The collection of symptoms plaguing thousands of veterans --=20
nausea, fevers, diarrhea, inflamed joints, memory loss, fatigue,=20
vision problems -- has been dubbed Persian Gulf Syndrome. Now, a=20
cluster of birth defects and other health problems among babies=20
born to veterans of a Mississippi National Guard unit that served=20
in the gulf has been called "alarming" by U.S. Rep. G.V. "Sonny"=20
Montgomery, D-Miss.=20
Montgomery, chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, held a=20
hearing in Meridian, Miss., in January on what he termed the=20
babies' "serious" medical problems.=20
A spokesman for Montgomery, Jim Holley, said in an interview that=20
13 of 15 babies born since the war to members of the unit were ill.=20
Holley also said that, since the hearing, the Veterans=20
Administration has discovered that 37 of 55 babies born to members=20
of four Mississippi units that served in the gulf were suffering=20
from various ailments, including respiratory and blood disorders.=20
Montgomery's committee is investigating health complaints from=20
thousands of Desert Storm veterans. Their ailments have been blamed=20
on psychiatric problems, pollution, bacterial infections, petroleum=20
poisoning, vaccinations, chemical warfare and germ warfare.=20
Sen Donald W Riegle Jr., D-Mich., said in a Feb 9 Senate speech=20
that the unexplained symptoms of veterans and "increasing evidence=20
of transmission to family members upon their return home from the=20
war" may be the result of exposure to biological weapons during the=20
war.=20
"Several of these biological agents cause, among other things,=20
fever, vomiting, chest pains, pneumonia and inflammatory skin=20
diseases, all of which are symptoms present in thousands of Gulf=20
War vets and their family members," Riegle said.=20
Riegle asked the Department of Health and Human Services, the=20
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Department to study=20
the reports of symptoms cropping up in spouses and children of=20
veterans, assess what if any health hazard exists, and report to=20
him by March 31.=20
It was three years ago Sunday that the Gulf War ended after a=20
swift and smooth ground offensive by coalition forces. The battle=20
to explain the "invisible wounds" veterans say they received in the=20
gulf has been anything but smooth and swift. In December, the VA=20
said it "to date has been unable to detect any unifying diagnosis=20
or any unifying exposure."=20
Maj Gen. Ronald Blanck, who heads Walter Reed Army Medical Center=20
in Washington, said the Defense Department and the VA recognize=20
Persian Gulf Syndrome as a valid illness.=20
Blanck said in an interview that he had "pretty much come to=20
conclude" the mystery illness is a combination of chronic fatigue=20
syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity. MCS, which is not=20
widely recognized by the medical community, is hypersensitivity to=20
a wide variety of chemicals triggered by an exposure to toxic=20
chemicals.=20
"I started out as a skeptic on MCS, and I'm a believer now," he=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 15
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
said. "I think it exists."=20
The Defense Department recently acknowledged, after denying it=20
for months, that very low concentrations of chemical agents, nerve=20
and mustard gas, were detected by the Czech military during the=20
war.=20
As a result, the VA has launched a pilot program at the=20
Birmingham, Ala., VA Medical Center for neurological and other=20
tests of veterans for health problems related to exposure to=20
chemical agents.=20
In addition, the VA as created special referral centers at its=20
hospitals in West Los Angeles, Houston and Washington to review=20
unusual symptoms in Gulf War veterans that eluded diagnosis at=20
local VA medical centers.=20
The hearing by Montgomery's committee focused on members of the=20
624th Quartermaster Company of Waynesboro, Miss.=20
"To my knowledge this is the first report of such an occurrence=20
among the offspring of Gulf War veterans," Dr. Russell S. Tarver of=20
the VA Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., said at the Meridian=20
hearing.=20
Dr. Robert H. Roswell, executive director of a federal task force=20
on Persian Gulf War health issues, said the VA was "deeply=20
concerned about that report" of sick babies.=20
In an interview, he said a separate, local task force had been=20
organized to investigate the babies' problems. It consists of the=20
department of pediatrics at the University of Mississippi, the=20
Jackson, Miss., VA Center, the Centers for Disease Control and=20
Prevention in Atlanta and the Mississippi state Health Department.=20
days after returning from the Persian Gulf war, was even more=20
pointed.=20
"These guys have all been in perfect health when they went over.=20
They came back sick, they came back dying, one after another. And=20
they say that's not abnormal. They're full of crap," he said. Nick=20
Roberts, a gulf veteran from Phenix City, Ala., offered his own=20
statistics. He said 28 of 33 members of his Navy reserve unit are=20
sick. Eleven men, including him, have lymphoma, and one man has an=20
enlarged heart. Five spouses and several children also are sick, he=20
said.=20
Roberts and many other members of his Seabee unit have attributed=20
their illnesses to acts of chemical or biological warfare by Iraq=20
-- a theory that the U.S. military insists is unsupported by the=20
facts.=20
Dr. Edward Hyman, a New Orleans internist who says that he has=20
successfully treated seven gulf veterans and three of their=20
spouses, says that airborne germs of an unknown origin are to=20
blame.=20
He said he couldn't extrapolate from a relatively few cases to=20
thousands. "I'm not that much insane. But I'll bet you that a good=20
50 percent of them are in my ballpark, if not 90 percent." The=20
former Navy physician said he has told officials of the VA and=20
military of his conclusions and "had mush thrown in my face."=20
The families of those who served in the gulf knew there was a=20
risk they might not come back alive from the war. The shock was=20
unexpected death, long after the fighting stopped. And in some=20
families, sickness didn't stop with the veteran. Spouses and=20
children also fell ill.=20
You can reach me at DStormMom@aol.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Subject: GWS - Legislation update
Just in from DStormMom:
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 16
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
Hi all.....
Senate Update: Okay we got a compromised amendment out late last=20
night...20mil in legislative language instead of previous 2mil in=20
report language. 10m to epidem study includes vets, civ. dod,=20
families and 10mil for transmission and treatment type studies. It=20
is step in right direction.=20
Remember this was out of Senate. House is next then conferenced=20
and appropriation people involvement then total These studies=20
will be independent, peer review, unclassified Awarding of grants=20
can take 6mos so it all takes time even after it is passed.=20
****************************
House legislation: summary
Montgomery's HR 4386.
Montgomery's had 9 cosponsors, no senate companion bill, no VSO=20
endorsements. It simply encouraged the VA to develop case=20
assessments and case definitions. It had no specific outreach. No=20
provisions for statement of responsibility for compensation=20
program. Eligibility was Veteran who served in the SWA theater of=20
operations between Aug.2,90 to date of enactment of bill. Persian=20
Gulf War Vet who became ill with an undiagnosable illness within=20
one year of leaving the theater. Duration of compensation: Limits=20
payments of benefits to 3 year period beginning upon enactment of=20
this bill regardless of whether the veteran is still ill. Denials: =
=20
Va can deny vet claim if there is merely affirmative evidence that=20
the condition is not service connected. Criteria for awarding VA=20
benefits: no provisions. issuance of regulations: no provisions. =
=20
Reopening of previously denied claims Veteran would need to know=20
about the act and file either a new claim or an appeal with the VA=20
Location of claims adjudications: No provision=20
Research: Survey of PGWV. No report required. Authorizes=20
appropriations for FY95-97 for other research. No report required=20
and does not require consideration of the effect on family members.=20
=20
EVAN'S HR4540
Evans bill 4540 summary- Cosponsors 53, Senate companion bill by=20
Sen Daschle VSO endorsement: Am legion VVA and AmVets Develop. of=20
case Assessment and definition: Required within 120 days or VA=20
must explain why they are not ready. Outreach: Requires VA to=20
establish comprehensive outreach to PGWV and family ie newsletter=20
and toll free tele. no. Statement of Responsibility: Specifies=20
that when the etiology of a specific condition in vet is unknown it=20
is the responsibility of the gov't to give the vet. the benefit of=20
the doubt and award benefits until the scientific evidence warrants=20
otherwise. Who is eligible: Vet who served in SWA theater between=20
Aug 2,90 and date when the conflict is declared over (not done=20
yet). PGWV who became ill with an undiagnosable illness within 3=20
years of leaving active duty.=20
Duration of Compensation: Ill/Disabled vet would receive=20
benefits until they got better or it was proven that their=20
condition was not service connected.=20
Evans was consistent with existing statues and Montgomery=20
departed from existing statues.=20
=20
Denials: Va can deny a veterans claim if there is a preponderance=20
of evidence that the condition is not service connected.=20
Criteria for awarding VA benefits:
Specified the parameters for awarding VA Benefits including=20
instructions on the rating schedule and acceptance of lay evidence. =
=20
Issuance of Regulations Preliminary regulations must be issued=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 17
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
within 90 days and a final one within 130 days...=20
Reopening of claims: VA would need to reopen and readjudicate=20
such claims. Location of claims adjudication one location=20
suggested....=20
Research: Comprehensive review of the medical records of all=20
PGWV. VA to report findings to Congress. Longitudinal=20
Epidemiological study to fully assess the health consequences of=20
military service in the PG War on vets and their immediate family=20
members. Supervised by the National Academy of Science or a=20
similar nongovernmental scientific organization. Annual reports=20
submitted to Congress. Authorizes an additional 5 mil for each of=20
fiscal years 95-98 for other studies which could further our=20
understanding of the Health risks and affects of service during the=20
PGW as well as the most affect means of treating those health=20
effects. Now to the compromise.......=20
Compromised by Rep. Slattery as a substitute to HR4386. Case=20
Assessment protocol and case definitions similar to EVANS. The sec=20
of VA would have to provide an annual status report, beginning 6=20
months prior to date of enactment to the committees on Vet.=20
Affairs.=20
Outreach similar to Evans newsletter on a quarterly basis to be=20
mailed to PGWV and surviving family member.=20
Compensation modeled after Evans. Compensation would be paid to=20
veteran who served in the theater during the PGW suffering from a=20
chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosible illness that=20
manifested before the later of the (a)October 1,96 or (b) two years=20
after leaving the SWA theater while on active duty.=20
Compensation would be paid for three years. This period would=20
automatically be extended for another three years if at the end of=20
the first period, the illness still could not be diagnosed. The=20
legislation's report will also state that if at the end of the 6=20
year period the cause of the illnesses is still unknown=20
compensation payments should continue.=20
The report also encourage the SEC to continue processing these=20
claims at a single Va regional office and stipulate that the=20
payment of benefits under this act does not preclude the receipt of=20
retroactive benefits if the cause of these illnesses are ever=20
determined and service connected.=20
Research: Similar to EVANS. The Act authorizes, contingent upon=20
the NAS recommendation, an epidemiological study on the health=20
consequences of service in the PGW. The Act also directs the sec.=20
to contract with NAS or a similar nongovernmental scientific=20
organization for the supervision and oversight of this study. This=20
act also authorizes a survey of PGWV and other research activities=20
to be conducted between 1995 and 1997.=20
This is a brief summary of each of the bills. Was sent to me from=20
American Legion. They tried to break it down and analyse.=20
=20
Slattery's was accepted as a substitution and I believe it came out=20
of committee and past the House. Bill was also introduced to=20
Senate.=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 18
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Not for eating or drinking
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Cancer Facts
National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health
=20
"In answer to your questions about Agent Orange ..."
(Date Last Modified: 10/91)
Agent Orange was a mixture of herbicides used between 1963 and 1971=20
during the Vietnam War. Named for the orange-striped containers in=20
which it was stored, Agent Orange was employed mainly to defoliate=20
forest trees. It also was used to destroy the enemy's crops. =
=20
Agent Orange contained two chlorophenoxy herbicides: 2,4,5-
trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic=20
acid (2,4-D). These herbicides were first used in the United=20
States in the mid-1940s to control broadleaf weeds in cereal grain=20
fields, pastures, and turf. They also were used to remove unwanted=20
plants from rangeland, forests, noncropland, and waterways. By the=20
mid-1960s, chlorophenoxy herbicides had become the most important=20
class of herbicides in the United States.
=20
During the 1970s, health concerns about the herbicides brought=20
about Government restrictions that caused a sharp decrease in the=20
manufacture and use of 2,4,5-T. Since 1983, the use of 2,4,5-T has=20
been prohibited in the United States. Many other countries also=20
have ended its use. Of additional concern is a contaminant=20
commonly called dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, or=20
TCDD), which often forms when 2,4,5-T is manufactured. Of the=20
approximately 75 chemicals in the dioxin family, TCDD is the most=20
toxic. It can cause chloracne, a skin disease, and is suspected to=20
cause some kinds of cancer. The TCDD level in Agent Orange varied=20
from 0.02 to 54 micrograms per gram of 2,4,5-T.
=20
Farmers, forestry workers, and Vietnam veterans exposed to=20
chlorophenoxy herbicides have been studied to see whether they had=20
a higher incidence of cancer than would be expected. The results=20
of these studies have been conflicting and inconclusive.
=20
In 1984, Congress mandated that studies be conducted to determine=20
whether service in Vietnam could be related to adverse health=20
effects. In one study, scientists investigated the long-term=20
health effects of military service in Vietnam; another study=20
focused specifically on the health effects of exposure to Agent=20
Orange in Vietnam; and a third study looked at the increased risk,=20
if any, that Vietnam veterans would develop any of six specific=20
kinds of cancer.
=20
In March 1990, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)=20
released the results of the last of its studies. The investigators=20
reported a 50-percent higher incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma=20
(NHL), a cancer of the immune system, among Vietnam veterans than=20
among veterans who did not serve in Vietnam. However, the studies=20
could not show that this increased incidence is related to exposure=20
to Agent Orange. For example, Navy veterans who served on vessels=20
off the coast of Vietnam tended to have a higher rate of NHL than=20
did veterans based on land, and veterans who served in the region=20
of heaviest Agent Orange use tended to have a somewhat lower=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 19
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
incidence than veterans who served in other regions of Vietnam. =
=20
The CDC could not determine why the Navy veterans had an increased=20
incidence of NHL. No increased incidence was found for the other=20
five cancers in the study (soft tissue and other sarcomas,=20
Hodgkin's disease, and nasal, nasopharyngeal, and liver cancers).
=20
Following the release of the results of the CDC studies, the=20
Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that=20
VA would begin awarding compensation to Vietnam veterans with NHL. =
=20
Vietnam veterans with NHL will receive monthly disability payments=20
for the rest of their lives. A short time later, it was announced=20
that Vietnam veterans with soft tissue sarcomas are eligible for=20
disability payments even though the CDC studies failed to show that=20
they are at increased for this kind of cancer. Vietnam veterans=20
suffering from chloracne and peripheral neuropathy, a nerve=20
disease, also are eligible for benefits. The VA recently stated=20
that no connection between exposure to Agent Orange and the=20
development of lung cancer has been shown and denied disability=20
benefits for Vietnam veterans with this disease.
=20
In 1990, National Cancer Institute researchers reported the results=20
of a study showing an increased risk of testicular tumors in=20
military working dogs who served in Vietnam during the conflict=20
there. Because the carcinogenic (cancer-causing) risk to dogs can=20
be a useful indicator of carcinogenic risk to humans, another study=20
was initiated to determine whether Vietnam service led to an=20
increased risk of testicular cancer in humans. The results of this=20
study showed a twofold increased risk of testicular cancer in=20
Vietnam veterans. However, identification of specific factors,=20
such as exposure to Agent Orange, could not be implicated as the=20
cause of this increase.
=20
For additional information about Agent Orange, contact:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE
Mail Stop F16
Atlanta, GA 30333
404-488-4460
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Environmental Medicine Office
1-46A
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
202-535-8175
Disabled American Veterans
807 Maine Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-554-3501
The Cancer Information Service (CIS), a program of the National
Cancer Institute, is a nationwide telephone service for cancer=20
patients and their families, the public, and health care=20
professionals. CIS information specialists have extensive training=20
in providing up-to-date and understandable information about=20
cancer. They can answer questions in English and Spanish and can=20
send free printed material. In addition, CIS offices serve=20
specific geographic areas and have information about cancer-related=20
services and resources in their region. The toll-free number of=20
the CIS is 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 20
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
=20
=20
_ ______ _______ __ _ _______
/\\ H M H H\\ H HHHHHHH
/ \\ H H H \\ H H
/=3D=3D=3D=3D\\ H HHH HHH H \\ H H
/ \\ H_____H H______ H \\H H
______ ______ _ __ _ ______ _______
H H H /) /\\ H\\ H H M H
H H H____// / \\ H \\ H H H
H H H \\ /=3D=3D=3D=3D\\ H \\ H H HHH HHH
H_____H H \\ / \\ H \\H H_____M H______
=20
. _ . _ . .
-.- . - . - . -. - .
- - - - . - - - - .-
- . . . - - -.
- . . . . . . . -.
-. . . . U S . - -.
- . . . . - . . - -.
- . . . - - . . -.
- . .. V I E T N A M V E T E R A N . _ -
- . . . _ _ _ . _-_ . - -
- . - - -_- -_-xxx _ -. . - .-.
- . . . . - XXXXXxxXXXXXXXXXXXx -. - .- .
- . . XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-. .--.
- .- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -.- -
-.- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -. -.
-. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx .g -.
-. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX .- j.
.- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . p
.-. XXXXXXXX ]XXXXXXXXX ]XXXXXXXX .- -
-. XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXX -.- -
-- XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX --
- XXXXXXXXX X'`XXX XXXXXXX Y
Y XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX
XXXXXXX X X XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX
XXX XX X XXX XX XX
XXXX XX
XXX XX XX XX XXXX
XXX]XXXXXXXXXXXX
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" I t ' s o n l y t e e n a g e a c n e ! "
-Robert Nimmo-
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NamVet Newsletter Page 21
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Three Squares and ...
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Homeless Veterans
A Special Report
July/August, 1994 National Vietnam Veterans Coalition
Input by: Gjoseph Peck
NamVet's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Tampa, FL
(813) 249-8323
=20
According to reliable sources, almost one-quarter of a million=20
American veterans are homeless. By all indications, the "safety-
net" designed to help these people simply doesn't work.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee=20
conducted hearings where it was determined that the "...demands=20
for services to homeless veterans exceeds VA program capacity." =20
(General Accounting Office - GAO/HEHS-94-98).
The following facts on homeless veterans were disclosed at the=20
hearings:
"Veterans are generally considered to constitute about one-third=20
of the homeless population in the United States. No one knows the=20
exact number of homeless individuals. However, on any given night=20
in the United States, an estimated 500,000 to 600,000 homeless=20
people live on the streets or in shelters, and 150,000 to 250,000=20
of these are believed to be veterans. According to VA officials,=20
98 percent of all homeless veterans are male, 40 percent suffer=20
from serious mental illness, and, with considerable overlap, about=20
half suffer from alcohol or other drug abuse. In addition, about=20
10 percent of homeless veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress=20
disorder. The over-representation of veterans among homeless=20
persons is specific to younger veterans who served in the All=20
Volunteer Force (AVF) ...
VA's current programs constitute a small portion of what is=20
likely needed to fully address the needs of the homeless veteran=20
population. Local communities provide emergency services of food,=20
clothing, and shelter to veterans who are part of the overall=20
homeless population, and VA concentrates its efforts on (1)=20
serving these veterans' medical needs, (2) serving a limited=20
number of homeless in its HCMI, DCHV, and other programs designed=20
to address homelessness, (3) providing monetary benefits to those=20
who are eligible, and (4) linking homeless veterans with=20
assistance available from other sources in the community. But the=20
demand for services to homeless veterans far exceeds VA program=20
capacity... in an era of tight budget constraints, enhancing the=20
services for the homeless could require curtailing services to=20
other veterans.
=20
JESSE BROWN, SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS:
(C)urrent law prohibits VA from providing any assistance=20
whatsoever to a sizable portion of the homeless veteran population=20
and significantly restricts what VA can provide to the rest.
First, VA's specialized homeless assistance programs are all=20
health care programs, which can treat only eligible veterans with=20
medical problems - and are largely limited to those with diagnosed=20
mental health disorders, including substance abuse problems.
Second, VA has no authority to provide housing directly, except=20
in the context of transitional housing that is part of a=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 22
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
therapeutic treatment program. In addition, homeless veterans do=20
not qualify for VA-insured home loans because of their extremely=20
low incomes.
Third, most homeless veterans are not currently eligible for VA=20
educational or vocational rehabilitation entitlement, which could=20
help them gain productive employment.
Moreover, because of other eligibility rules, VA cannot provide=20
homeless veterans with a range of medical treatment and assistance=20
they desperately need, such as regular outpatient dental care.
Because of these statutory limitations, VA could not even reach,=20
much less fully serve, a large segment of the homeless veteran=20
population even if we had unlimited resources. And, because we do=20
not have unlimited resources, we cannot even provide all VA-
eligible homeless veterans with the help they need to escape=20
homelessness. Along with every other Federal agency, VA is facing=20
budget constraint - and will continue to face these constraints in=20
the foreseeable future.
VA's Social Work Service has Homeless Coordinators in every VA=20
medical center who work with the over 25,000 homeless veterans who=20
leave VA inpatient care each year. These Homeless Coordinators=20
work to help these veterans avoid homelessness by providing=20
referrals to VA and non-VA community care and housing and=20
employment assistance, ensuring receipt of available benefits,=20
linking up the veterans with family and friends, and, when=20
possible and appropriate, providing post-discharge follow-up...
VA's 202 Readjustment Counselling Service Vet Centers offer=20
special outpatient social services, counseling and referrals to=20
war zone veterans, and their Homeless Veteran Coordinators serve=20
over 10,000 homeless veterans each year...
(E)ach of VBA's 58 Regional Offices has assigned a staff member=20
to be a special VBA Homeless Coordinator. These Homeless=20
Coordinators annually make over 3,000 visits to homeless=20
facilities and over 3,500 contacts with non-VA agencies working=20
with the homeless, and provide over 12,000 homeless veterans with=20
benefits counseling and referrals to other VA programs. VBA has=20
also instituted new procedures to reduce the processing time for=20
homeless veterans' benefits claims. Although most VBA Homeless=20
Coordinators do their outreach and service to homeless veterans on=20
top of their regular duties, with recent increases in our homeless=20
assistance funding, VA has been able to fund full-time VBA=20
homeless outreach staff at eleven VA Regional Offices...
VA's 57 Homeless Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans program sites=20
provide extensive outreach, physical and psychiatric health exams,=20
treatment, referrals, and ongoing case management to homeless=20
veterans with mental health problems (including substance abuse). =20
As appropriate, the HCMI program places homeless veterans needing=20
more intensive treatment into one of over 125 community-based=20
facilities run by nonprofit providers under contract to VA. =20
Through these contracts, VA directs over $10 million to the=20
nonprofit providers each year. The program serves over 12,000=20
homeless veterans each year, with over 3,000 receiving residential=20
treatment. Of those veterans who stick with the HCMI program and=20
"graduate" from the residential care component, over 90%=20
experience significant improvements regarding their substance=20
abuse problems, approximately 90% move on to permanent housing or=20
some other institutional setting, and over three-quarters of those=20
able to work have full or part-time jobs. Unfortunately, about=20
45% of the homeless veterans who enter the residential treatment=20
component either abandon the program or are expelled for serious=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 23
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
rule violations (e.g., violence or active substance abuse)...
In VA's Compensated Work/Therapeutic Residence Program,=20
disadvantaged at risk and homeless veterans live in one of 37=20
CWT/TR community-based supervised group homes while working for=20
pay in VA's Compensated Work Therapy Program (also known as=20
Veterans Industries). Four program sites with seven houses=20
exclusively serve homeless veterans.
HUD-VASH. In this joint Support Housing program with the=20
Department of Housing and Urban Development, VA staff at 19 sites=20
provide ongoing case management and other needed assistance to=20
place homeless veterans in permanent housing supported by 600=20
specially-designated HUD rental assistance vouchers and then help=20
them stay in the housing long-term...
SSA-VA Outreach. In this four-site pilot project with Social=20
Security Administration, HCMI and Homeless Domiciliary staff=20
coordinate outreach and benefits certification with SSA staff to=20
increase the number of veterans receiving SSA benefits and=20
otherwise assist in their rehabilitation...
VA's 31 CDHV program sites provide comprehensive biopsychosocial=20
rehabilitation services specifically intended to return each=20
veteran to independent community living. Addressing the complex=20
causes and results of homelessness in the veteran population in a=20
holistic manner, this program assists over 3,000 patients per=20
year. Of those veterans who stick with the DCHV program and=20
"graduate," about 90% or more experience significant improvements=20
regarding their substance abuse and other heal problems,=20
approximately 98% move on to permanent housing or some other=20
institutional setting, and over two-thirds of those able to work=20
have full or part-time jobs...
Drop-In Centers. These programs provide a daytime sanctuary=20
where homeless veterans ca clean up, wash their clothes, and=20
participate in a variety of therapeutic and rehabilitative=20
activities...
VA's Comprehensive Homeless Centers (CHCs) place the full range=20
of VA homeless efforts in a single medical center's catchment area=20
and coordinate their administration within a centralized=20
framework. With extensive collaboration with non-VA efforts, VA's=20
CHCs in Dallas and Brooklyn provide a comprehensive continuum of=20
care that reaches out to homeless veterans and helps them escape=20
homelessness...
VA program and staff have actively participated in each of the=20
Stand Downs for Homeless Veterans run by local coalitions in=20
various cities. In wartime stand downs, front line troops are=20
removed to a place of relative safety for rest and needed=20
assistance before returning to combat. Similarly, peacetime stand=20
downs give homeless veterans 2-3 days of safety and security where=20
they can obtain food, shelter, clothing, and a range of other=20
assistance, including VA-provided health care, benefits=20
certification, and linkages with other programs...
Acquired Property Sales for Homeless Providers. This program=20
makes all the properties VA obtains through foreclosures on VA-
insured mortgages available for sale to homeless provider=20
organizations at a discount of 20 to 50 percent...
To expand resources directed to assist homeless veterans and=20
improve coordination of services, VA has developed numerous=20
partnerships at the local level with public and private agencies=20
and nonprofit organizations, including veterans service=20
organizations...
In FY1993, VA directed less than $50 million to its specialized=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 24
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
homeless programs. This year, VA is directing almost $70 million=20
to homeless assistance...
Taken together, the new funding has enabled us to support the=20
following:
-8 new HCMI programs and two expansions;
-13 HCHV Outreach and Supported Housing initiatives;
-One new and four expanded CWT programs;
-Two projects to improve eligible homeless veterans access to VA=20
and Social Security Benefits;
-One augmented Psychiatric Residential Rehabilitation and=20
Treatment Programs (PRRTP) for homeless veterans;
-Two new and two expanded DCHV Programs;
-40 Stand Downs for Homeless Veterans; and
-Several new HUD-VASH programs.
In addition, the $8 million provided by Congress to support the=20
implementation of Public Law 102-590 has been allocated for the=20
purposes described in law as follows:
-$1.6 million to support four new Comprehensive Homeless=20
Centers. VAMC Pittsburgh (Highland Drive) has been selected as=20
the site for one of these new Comprehensive Homeless Centers. =20
Three other VA facilities are under consideration.
-$876,000 to support VBA Counselors to do full-time homeless=20
outreach in conjunction with VA's homeless assistance programs. =20
To date, 11 VA medical centers have received funds for this=20
initiative...
-$5.5 million for the Homeless Veterans Providers Grant/Per Diem=20
Program. VA is developing regulations for this program, which=20
will provide loans and per diem payments to public and nonprofit=20
providers of transitional assistance to homeless veterans...
(A) new VA Transitional Housing Loan Program will provide loans=20
of up to $4,500 to nonprofit organizations providing leased=20
transitional housing assistance to substance abusing veterans. VA=20
will make the loans on a first-come-first-served basis from a=20
revolving fund of $100,000, which VA will receive from the=20
Department of the Treasury...
VA is playing an active role in the development of the new=20
Federal Plan to Break the Cycle of Homelessness, which will be=20
issued soon. The new Federal Plan will call from the development=20
of community-based comprehensive continuums of care for homeless=20
persons...
=20
PRESTON TAYLOR, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR FOR VETERANS=20
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING:
Our unique vantage point stems from administering a program for=20
homeless veterans for the past six years under the Stewart B.=20
McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Our program is called the=20
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP)...
Under the grant program, grantees are given flexibility to=20
provide the mix of supportive and employment and training services=20
to accomplish the task of reintegration of homeless veterans.
The success of this demonstration project to date makes it a=20
viable model for serving homeless veterans and returning them to=20
the mainstream. What makes the program work is a design built=20
around three main elements:
First, OUTREACH is done by our grantees to provide homeless=20
veterans with information about the program and encouragement to=20
avail themselves of its services. This outreach is performed in=20
our program by former homeless veterans. They can identify with=20
the veteran as a veteran because they know exactly what being=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 25
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
homeless means.
The second element of the program is that it is Employment=20
Focused... Job counseling, resume preparation, on-the-job=20
training, job search techniques and job envelopment and placement=20
are among the services provided by our grantees.
The third element of the program is Linkages with other service=20
deliverers who can provide support such as housing, education or=20
training benefits the veterans are eligible for and entitled to,=20
work clothes and tools, and treatment for substance abuse or Post=20
Traumatic Stress Disorder, problems that hinder recovery. The=20
Local Working Committee (LWC) that we require to be formed by each=20
project operator, is the agent for coordinating this necessary=20
support with other agencies. The LWC's are comprised of state,=20
Federal, and local agencies and organizations involved with the=20
homeless or veterans. Through the LWCs, our project operators=20
gain access to job placement and training resources available from=20
such agencies. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project has=20
had a positive impact on a great many of the lives of the over=20
25,000 veterans it has served.
=20
RICHARD FITZPATRICK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL COALITION FOR=20
HOMELESS VETERANS:
When defense installations are closed and turned over to local=20
communities, the first program on each base should be a contingent=20
of homeless veterans assigned the task of maintaining, securing=20
and cleaning up the facilities. After all, who knows better how=20
to run the infrastructure of these facilities than the soldiers=20
and sailors who served there in the past? The environmental and=20
ballistic clean-up operations are ideal programs which not only=20
provide tasks the government is going to have to do anyway, but=20
also are excellent training programs that would result in high-
payment job skills.
We appreciate DOD's concern for getting the local communities=20
involved in the decision making process of how these installations=20
should be used...
Homeless veterans in costal communities could be served by the=20
use of surplus U.S. Navy Barracks Barges and Tenders. The barges=20
can sleep hundreds of individuals and the tenders are floating=20
workshops...
Lead abatement and asbestos detection and removal are key public=20
health issues throughout much of the country. There is a=20
significant lack of properly trained individuals and firms with=20
skills in the management and abatement of these dangerous=20
problems. Funds should be made available for CBSs (Community=20
based organizations)(by the Department of Health and Human=20
Services) to train homeless veterans in the skills of site=20
testing, abatement methods, and waste disposal procedures. These=20
opportunities should lead not only to potential employment but to=20
create entrepreneurial opportunities for these vets to begin=20
businesses of their own and employ other vets in helping to erase=20
these health hazards...
The current leadership at HUD (Department of Housing and Urban=20
Affairs) should be applauded for its grasp of the homeless problem=20
and its innovative steps to resolve it. Their budget proposal for=20
next year is realistic and will have a positive impact on the=20
problem.
Unfortunately, there seems to be little recognition of the need=20
for veteran specific programs. For example, earlier this month=20
funds were awarded for "Innovative Homeless Programs" with less=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 26
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
than 2% going specifically to serve the 30% to 35% of the homeless=20
who are veterans. And this is not due to a lack of effort on the=20
part of local veteran programs; a substantial number of community-
based veteran programs made proposals...
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans=20
which can provide up to $20,760 per year tax-free, in addition to=20
all medical, psychological, and dental care as well as vocational,=20
educational, and rehabilitative services. These benefits are=20
considerably more generous than those offered through either state=20
or local social service agencies.
Many states and some cities also have funds available=20
exclusively for needy veterans and their families. Additionally,=20
there is massive network of thousands of Veteran Service=20
Organizations... who have funding opportunities for veterans in=20
need.
Why are these generous resources overlooked? After substantial=20
research, we have found that case managers and shelter operators=20
in non-veteran programs simply are not aware that they exist...
In 1992, an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans found rest and=20
safety, a variety of services and a helping hand, at more than 35=20
innovative programs called "StandDowns."
Almost as important is the incredible increase in a community's=20
awareness of the plight of the one-third of the homeless who are=20
veterans which takes place with a StandDown. When 500 homeless=20
vets show up at one time in Minneapolis, MN or in St. Petersburg,=20
FL, the public begins to recognize that there is a real problem of=20
homelessness among veterans. StandDowns are not the solution to=20
homelessness but they are an opportunity to create an atmosphere=20
conducive to change and recovery. It is not a hand-out but a=20
hand-up, extended by a grateful, caring community.
=20
RALPH COOPER, VETERANS BENEFITS CLEARINGHOUSE, INC.:
...Although African-American veterans make up only 9% of the=20
total veteran population, they represent between 38 and 40% of the=20
total homeless veteran population. It is crucial that veterans'=20
advocates and providers of services to this group are quickly=20
given the tools with which they can take aggressive, affirmative=20
steps toward correcting this tragic imbalance.
What are these aggressive steps? The same things that we=20
recognized in working with substance abusers, that diet, living=20
habits, cultural distinctions and previous experience were=20
important in the recovery process... we must now apply those same=20
criteria to dealing with the African-American homeless veteran. =20
Providers have to be sensitized to their needs...
Earlier talked about recent Innovative Homeless Initiatives=20
funding made available from HUD and from the VA, and I gave due=20
credit to these initiatives. But I must comment here on what I=20
call a lack of innovation on the part of HUD in dispensing these=20
funds. When, in a Northeast town like Boston that serves the=20
region of New England, decisions ave to be made whether to fund a=20
shelter which warehouses homeless veterans or fund a program which=20
takes them from homelessness to homeownership... when veterans'=20
agencies are in competition with each other instead of being able=20
to work together to build a continuum of care for these national=20
heroes... it is a sad commentary on the state of veterans affairs.
=20
JAMES HUBBARD, AMERICAN LEGION:
(M)ore flexibility is needed to permit VA to provide outpatient=20
dentistry, eye examinations and eye glasses, and other critical=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 27
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
outpatient services, such as podiatry to homeless veterans. =20
Current eligibility criteria do not allow VA to provide these=20
services unless a veteran who is not in the highest mandatory care=20
category is a long-term inpatient. Also, VA must be provided the=20
flexibility to implement an effective homeless prevention strategy=20
so that veterans are not just sent back to the streets, but=20
rather, provided interim housing until job counseling, training,=20
and placement service can be started.
In connection, the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Project=20
(HVRP) whish is operated by the Veterans' Employment and Training=20
Service (VETS) at the Department of Labor would serve just such a=20
role. By law, HVRP grantees cannot serve veterans who have a drug=20
or alcohol abuse [problem]. These people must be referred to=20
treatment. Cooperation between local HVRP grantees and local VA=20
facilities has been fostered by VETS, but cannot be mandated. =20
However, with the size of the HVRP program, The American Legion=20
believes that a much more formal status must be achieved. The=20
current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) does not address the=20
homeless issue...
=20
VA HOMELESSNESS SUMMIT
The Department of Veterans Affairs sponsored a Homelessness=20
Summit in Washington D.C. to discuss various approaches to this=20
problem. Several local organizations presented the following=20
material and information in their methods of treating homeless=20
veterans:
=20
MARYLAND HOMELESS VETERANS, INC.:
In order to provide a better sense of how the program will=20
actually function, let's walk through the facility with a=20
hypothetical case of a veteran we will call "John." John walked=20
into the Center at 0900 hours this morning. After passing through=20
a metal detector and being searched by security personnel, John is=20
given a seat in the "bull pen." At 0940 hours John is interviewed=20
by an intake counsellor, a DD201 (personnel) file is started, and=20
a complete medical and personal history is taken. John's DD214=20
(military file) is requested via fax from St. Louis, Defense=20
Records Section. 1105 hours, John is escorted to "sick bay" for a=20
complete physical by a V.A. Nurse, who staffs sick bay 40 hours a=20
week. John surrenders all pills in his possession at this time. =20
Medication is tightly controlled.
Once John's medical needs are met, he is assigned to a squad=20
leader who escorts him to the showers for a thorough cleaning,=20
then to the supply room for a complete issue of clothing and=20
bedding, then a haircut. It's now 1315 hours and John is assigned=20
a bunk and a wall locker, and taken to the Mess Hall for lunch. =20
The orientation continues in the afternoon with visits to the Job=20
Placement Office as well as a briefing by the Finance Office. In=20
addition, appointments are made for John with the legal, dental=20
and optical services sections over the next couple of days, all of=20
which are run by volunteers.
John will be a resident at the facility for the next 3 months to=20
a year depending on his personal situation. During this time he=20
will spend at least 4 hours per week performing detail work (K.P.=20
maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, etc.). He will wake up at=20
0545 hours Monday through Friday. He will work between 10-40=20
hours per week, putting a minimum of 50% of his earnings into a=20
savings account, for use when he is ready to move into individual=20
housing. In addition, he will attend various counselling and=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 28
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
treatment sessions, attend training sessions and assist his fellow=20
veterans.
John, as a homeless veteran, is not unique. It is estimated=20
that approximately 30% of homeless males are veterans. It is=20
clear that this type of program provides a structured environment=20
within which the homeless veterans can get themselves back on=20
track, rebuilding self-esteem, which is the key component on the=20
road to recovery. This program works! A comparable program in=20
Boston boasts a success rate of over 80%.
=20
JOINT VETERANS COUNCIL ON HOMELESS VETERANS, NEW YORK CITY:
...was able to convince the Governor to establish a 75 bed drug=20
rehab program for veterans and got the VA and the City to sign a=20
formal agreement to establish a 30 bed homeless veterans intake=20
and assessment shelter in Bellvue Hospital adjacent to the=20
Manhattan VAMC, which would be staffed by two VA social workers. =20
JVC lobbied the VA for a 50 bed domiciliary in St. Albans VAMC;=20
for the continuation of Project TORCH, a drop-in center for the=20
Brooklyn VAMC in downtown Brooklyn; and for a HCMI program in the=20
regional office of the VA in Manhattan. JVC got the City to=20
create a 150 bed, single-room occupancy resident in East Harlem=20
for veterans and supported the efforts of the Black Veterans for=20
Social Justice to obtain a State housing grant to develop a 15=20
unit apartment house for homeless veterans with families. And, in=20
one of their best efforts JVC got the State Office of Mental=20
Health to pay for two psychiatric social workers, who will work=20
with two VA social workers, in a second City-funded single-room=20
occupancy residence in the Bronx, which will be the first true=20
Federal, STate and City joint venture. It should be noted that=20
this residence will be operated by a non-profit, community-based=20
organization.
=20
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR VETERANS COUNCIL OF MINNESOTA:
Client responsibilities:
-Remain drug and alcohol free by developing and living a 12 Step=20
program;
-Share household duties daily;
-Accept job counseling, job training and work;
-Pay 25% of income for rent;
-Design and follow a staff approved schedule for a full-time=20
productive day.
Funding:
-State Jobs and Training Grants;
-Donations from the local service organizations...
-Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCMI) Contract with Veterans=20
Administration Medical Center (VAMC);
-Donations from local community, business, organizations, and=20
foundations;
-Rental income.
Facts:
-January 1992 - Started with one house. Capacity 4 homeless=20
veterans.
-January 1993 - Collaborative effort between VA Medical Center=20
(VAMC) rehabbed Building 47 to house 11 homeless veterans;
-July 1993 - converted Bldg. 47 to 13 beds. Negotiated and=20
accepted Health Care for Homeless (HCHV) contract with VA=20
Medical Center.
-October 1993 - Accepted VA regional property that can=20
accommodate 4 homeless veterans;
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 29
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
-November 1993 - Incentive Work Therapy Program which the VA=20
Medical Center implemented;
-February 1994 - We have served over 60 veterans to this date.
=20
=20
=20
=20
=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=
=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D*=3D
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HOW TO GET SURPLUS FEDERAL BUILDINGS AND OTHER PROPERTY TO HELP=20
HOMELESS VETS:
=20
Contact:
Judy Breitman
US Public Health Service
Phone (301) 443-2265
=20
Allison Manning
HUD
Phone (202) 708-1226
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 30
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
ACHILLES IN VIETNAM
Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character
By Jonathan Shay, M.D., Ph.D.
Submitted by: Patricia R. Eisemann, Director of Publicity
Atheneum - An imprint of Macmillan Publishing Company
212/702-2120 VOICE * 212/605-9351 FAX
=20
ACHILLES IN VIETNAM: Contact: Sarah Ray
Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character 212-702-9024
Publication date: May 30, 1994
Price: $20.00 (Pages: 246)
ISBN: 0-689-12182-2
=20
ACHILLES IN VIETNAM
Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character
by Jonathan Shay, M.D., Ph.D.
=20
"Provocative ... Shay's ideas merit attention by soldiers and=20
scholars alike."
---Publishers Weekly
=20
"Brilliantly creative ... A heart-rending look at the permanent=20
ruin war can wreak in any age."
---Kirkus Reviews
=20
"Extraordinary perspective on the problems of PTSD [post-traumatic=20
stress disorder]. Recommended."
---Library Journal
=20
The Vietnam War continues to rage every day. For most of=20
America, the conflict ended almost twenty years ago, but for an=20
estimated quarter of a million Vietnam combat veterans suffering=20
from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, the battles continue=20
minute-by-minute and hour-by-hour. One veteran, as he talked to=20
his doctor, lamented:
"I'm so envious of all the normal people who can just go=20
to the mall and hold hands with their wife and walk=20
around. You see, I could never do that, because I'd be=20
looking everywhere... I even envy you. I see you walking=20
up the street to the clinic and you're not checking the=20
rooftops for snipers or looking between cars as you pass=20
to make sure there's nobody going to jump you, and I'll=20
bet you have NO IDEA who's on the street with you. I can=20
tell you every person two blocks ahead of me and two=20
blocks behind me every second."
ACHILLES IN VIETNAM: COMBAT TRAUMA AND THE UNDOING OF=20
CHARACTER by Jonathan Shay, M.D., Ph.D. (Atheneum; May 9, 1994;=20
$20.00), a psychiatrist specializing in treating Vietnam veterans=20
with chronic PTSD, related the powerful first-person accounts of=20
the combat veterans to Homer's portrait of the warrior Achilles in=20
THE ILIAD. Both Achilles and the veterans express a betrayal of=20
"what's right" by a commander, which often takes the form of the=20
army or the government for former U.S. soldiers. One veteran=20
attributed his belief that "the government really didn't want us=20
to get back, that there needed to be fewer of us back home," to=20
the shoddy guns supplied by the army. He recalled the=20
incomparable anxiety caused by the faulty M-16 rifle - a common=20
source of complaints by veterans - when he confronted an enemy=20
soldier:
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 31
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
"He started to move back and I saw he had one of those=20
commando weapons, y'know, with a pistol grip under his=20
thigh, and he brought it up and I was looking straight=20
down the bore. I pulled the trigger on my M-176 and=20
nothing happened."
Violent war destroys Achilles' sense of morality and shrinks his=20
social horizon, which at first encompasses the entire Greek army=20
and diminishes until it includes only his comrade Patroklos. One=20
Vietnam veteran recounted the annihilation of his own moral=20
structure:
"Well, at first, I mean when I just come there, I couldn't=20
believe what I was seeing. I couldn't believe Americans=20
could do things like that to another human being ... but=20
then I BECAME that. We went through villages and killed=20
everything, I mean EVERYTHING, and that was alright with=20
me."
Shay asks, "Can these veterans ever recover? What treatment=20
will help? What stands in the way? Recovery in the sense of=20
returning to "normal" or regaining trusting innocence is not=20
possible, but veterans can be rehabilitated and make worthy=20
contributions to society.
To decrease the chances for PTSD to develop, Shay strongly=20
supports a military policy of rotation by unit rather than by=20
individual. Unlike soldiers who fought in World War II, the=20
typical Vietnam soldier went over alone, often leaving behind a=20
unit that was still in combat. The opportunity to "debrief" with=20
others who had a shared experience was lost. Shay's=20
recommendations also include a need for the military to recognize=20
grieving as healthy mourning rather than a sign of berserk=20
behavior. A respect for the enemy as a human being and a skilled=20
soldier are vital as well. Contrary to military folklore, such=20
regard increases a soldier's chances for survival during war and=20
moral recovery after it - instead of weakening the fighting=20
spirit.
ACHILLES IN VIETNAM offers a sensitive and compassionate=20
examination of the battles many Vietnam veterans continue to fight=20
and a greater understanding of how to alleviate the potential=20
suffering of soldiers in the future.
=20
JONATHAN SHAY, M.D., Ph.D., is a psychiatrist for the Boston=20
Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, is on the=20
faculty of Tufts Medical School, and trains staff for the New=20
England Shelter for Homeless Veterans. He lives in Cambridge,=20
Massachusetts.
April 1994
=20
[Joe Note: Jonathan Shay can also be reached through the INTERNET=20
at: JSHAY@WORLD.STD.COM]
=20
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NamVet Newsletter Page 32
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
ACHILLES IN VIETNAM: COMBAT TRAUMA AND THE UNDOING OF CHARACTER
=3D=3DDEDICATION * TABLE OF CONTENTS * ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS * INTRODUCTION
1. BETRAYAL OF "WHAT'S RIGHT"=20
* An army is a moral construction * Victory, defeat, and the=20
hovering dead =3D> Some veterans' view - What is defeat? What is=
=20
victory? * Dimensions of betrayal of "what's right" =3D> On=
=20
danger in war =3D> The fairness assumption =3D> The fiduciary=
=20
assumption * Soldier's rage - the beginning.
2. SHRINKAGE OF THE SOCIAL AND MORAL HORIZON
* One American soldier's social space * Tracking Achilles=20
through social space =3D> Desertion =3D> Simplification of the=
=20
social world to a single comrade * Achilles' character before=20
his psychological injuries =3D> Respect for the dead =3D> Taking=
=20
prisoners alive * Moral luck * War destroys the trustworthy=20
social order of the mind * Combat is a condition of captivity=20
and enslavement * "Don't mean nothin'" - Destruction of ideals,=20
ambitions, affiliations
3. GRIEF AT THE DEATH OF A SPECIAL COMRADE
* Soldiers' love for special comrades - Vietnam and Troy=20
* Homer on the relationship between Achilles and Patroklos=20
* The specialness of the special comrade =3D> Portrait of=
=20
Patroklos * The grief of Achilles =3D> Being already dead=
=20
=3D> Grief and the warrior's rage * Communalization of grief in=
=20
the Iliad and in Vietnam =3D> When were the dead brought to the=
=20
rear? =3D> When were the dead mourned? =3D> What was the level of=
=20
trust, safety, and social cohesiveness in the rear during=20
mourning? =3D> Use of mind-altering substances =3D> Who wept for=
=20
the dead, and how were tears valued? =3D> Who washed and prepared=
=20
the dead for cremation/burial, shipment home? * The importance=20
of thwarted grief
4. GUILT AND WRONGFUL SUBSTITUTION
* Abandonment and wrongful substitution * Deserving the death=20
sentence * Homecoming renounced * An unintended outcome of=20
religious education? * Soldier's rage - fatal convergence and=20
completion
5. BERSERK
* Triggers of the berserk state * "Don't get sad. Get Even!"=20
* Characteristics of the berserk state =3D> A beast =3D> A god=
=20
=3D> Above and beneath - disconnection from the human community=
=20
=3D> Loss of all restraint =3D> Revenge as reviving the dead =3D> T=
he=20
berserker in the eyes of other soldiers =3D> Flaming ice -=
=20
berserk physiology * ARISTEIAI of American Soldiers in Vietnam=20
- =3D> The differences * Naked berserkers and Achilles'=
=20
invulnerability * Clinical importance of the berserk state
6. DISHONORING THE ENEMY
*The enemy as enemy: Images in common to Vietnam and Troy=20
* Image of the Vietnamese enemy * Homer: Valor does not depend=20
on contempt for enemy =3D> Enemy soldiers talk to each other at=
=20
Troy =3D> Soldiers talk about the enemy at Troy * Religious roots=
=20
of the enemy as vermin: =3D> Biblical anti-epic in 1 Samuel 17=
=20
* Clinical importance of honoring or dishonoring the enemy=20
* Abuse of the dead enemy
7. WHAT HOMER LEFT OUT
* Deprivation * Friendly fire * Fragging * Suffering of the=20
wounded * Civilian suffering =3D> Suffered by all civilians=
=20
during war =3D> Suffered exclusively or primarily by women after=
=20
defeat
8. SOLDIERS' LUCK AND GOD'S WILL
* The social spectrum of luck * Equipment failure * Attributing=20
=20
NamVet Newsletter Page 33
=0C Volume 8, Number 8 August 23, 1994
blame * Job's paradox and the possibility of virtue
9. RECLAIMING THE ILIAD'S GODS AS A METAPHOR OF SOCIAL POWER