Remember our veterans

  And, honor them today, tomorrow and every day

When I returned from my second Vietnam tour in 1969, I was greeted by war protestors in the San Francisco airport. I still remember the feeling as I walked down the long corridor from the plane to baggage claim. Those of us in uniform were yelled at, spit upon, and called all kinds of names including, “warmongers” and baby killers.” It was a rude awakening and not the kind of ‘welcome home’ we were looking forward to.

Fortunately, on my second leg, the pilot walked up to me when I first found my seat and asked if I wanted to move up to First Class. I had never flown First Class before and it was quite the experience. I felt honored and the food sure was great.

My brother, Don, who was a Korean veteran, picked me up at the airport. He took me to an American Legion post for a drink. When I walked in, my brother embarrassed me by announcing that I had just returned from Vietnam. I was immediately surrounded by WWII and Korean veterans asking questions, thanking me for my service, and buying me drinks. I felt pretty special.

We then drove to my home town and my brother took me to the VFW post. As we entered, he again announced that I had just returned from Vietnam. And, once again, I was surrounded by other veterans. It was a great feeling to be supported, but I couldn’t shake that initial feeling of being hated by the protestors in San Francisco.

Fortunately, our returning veterans today are not experiencing anything like those of us who returned from Vietnam. Yet, many soon discover that returning into society is often difficult and not very rewarding.

I don’t believe we do a good job of helping our veterans reorient into civilian life. These men and women should be honored and rewarded for their service to our country. They, along with their families, have sacrificed so much and deserve more because of what they have given.

I am not a person who believes in all the entitlement programs that are available today. That being said, I do not think we do enough for our veterans and their families. And, we, as citizens, employers, managers, and owners, could definitely do more. So, please, …

Honor our veterans

… today, tomorrow and every day

Since I will be traveling Thursday, today’s post will be my Thanksgiving message.

I have so much to be thankful for and I hope most of you will be counting your blessings come Thursday.



I have said it many times, but we live in a great country. Yes, it is not perfect, and, yes, things could always be better, but, in all of my travels, I have found the USA to be the most perfect – “imperfect” country.

On a more personal level, I am very grateful for my family, neighbors, friends and critters. Yes, our three strays are an important part of our lives because they bring us much joy. Also, I am still finding it hard to believe that I am going to be a great-grandfather in two months. Who ever thought that could happen at the ripe old age of 29.

I am thankful for my overall health because things could be far worse than just having to live with Kennedy’s Disease. It seems my evening prayers always have a long line of prayer requests for those less fortunate in regards to their health. I have said it many times, things could always be worse.

And, most importantly, I cannot imagine life without my wonderful wife. She needs to be nominated for sainthood. My wife never envisioned having to share our life with Kennedy’s Disease. This disease has taken a toll on me, on our relationship, on my wife’s freedom and on our retirement plans. Yet, like the Eveready Bunny, she just keeps going and going. She is a true blessing.

I also need to say thanks to all of you who read my articles and put up with the ranting of a mad blogger. The reason I continue to write is because of your support.

Be safe this holiday season and have a

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Don’t forget to say THANK YOU

Today is Veterans Day. 

To all who have served or are currently serving,

THANK YOU






You and your families have sacrificed much to serve your country …




… including some who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

We owe all of you big time!

Our True National Debt

In this morning’s paper was a well written commentary by Fang. A. Wong titled, “For those who served.” Mr. Wong brought forward the case that even though our national debt was a very serious issue, the biggest national debt is that which America owes to its veterans. He proposes that November 11, Veterans Day, is the “perfect opportunity for us to take a historical audit on just how much this nation owes to her heroes.”

The author commented, “Our debt to these heroes can never be repaid, but our gratitude and respect must last forever.” Mr. Wong said that less than 10% of Americans are veterans. “... American warriors do not complain. They endure. Warriors make do with less. Warriors finish the job, no matter how hard, no matter what is asked.”

He asks us to remind our lawmakers that there is a debt we all owe to those who served. The author concludes his article with a statement from George Washington. “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.”

They sacrifice so much

It will be easy for us to just go about our normal routines this Friday, November 11, and not really consider all who have sacrificed so much to defend our country and fight the battles our government believes are worthwhile. Our current armed forces and our veterans are not the only ones who sacrificed something. Their families (mothers, fathers, siblings, spouses and children) also gave up so much. For example, service men and women as well as their spouses and children give up jobs, homes, schools, friends and a certain amount of security to serve. The spouses and children also have to live with the daily uncertainty of ‘if’ and ‘when’ they will be reunited again. Can you imagine what it is like for a child living with that uncertainty every day?

Service men and women come home today to an economy and job market that is scary to say the least. If they were seriously injured, the prospects for a normal life are even more difficult to comprehend. We need to ask ourselves whether we, as a nation, are serving our veterans as well as they have served us. I believe that answer is ‘NO’.

How can we help?

Some of you might not know where to get started. This week’s Parade magazine makes it easier. First watch the video, “The unbreakable bond.” The left column of that page has links to each of the six stories of individuals who served in six different wars. On the right column of that page are links to several organizations where you can show your support. Then read the online article, “11 Ways to Help Veterans.” It provides several opportunities to help.

Some ways are as easy as:

• Giving a veteran a ride to a V.A. hospital.
• Providing foster care for their pet.
• Donating old cell phones and DVDs.
• Cutting out food coupons (military families can use them for six months past the expiration date).

At the very least, they need to know that we are aware of what why and their loved ones sacrificed. You can do that by just shaking their hand and saying,

“Thank you.”

Let’s start repaying our greatest national debt by honoring those who serve and have served.

Veterans Day, November 11

Veterans with Kennedy’s Disease

I published an article the end of last year on a Canadian veteran who was turned down for VA benefits.  If he had ALS he could  receive benefits, but not if he had Kennedy’s Disease.

This week I received an email from a U.S. veteran with a similar story.  He is being treated at the ALS Clinic and V.A. Spine Center, but when he applied for disability benefits he was turned down.  This man is working with the Paralyzed Veterans of America and hopes to appeal the decision.

In the previous article, I wrote:

"… since ALS is the primary misdiagnosis for those of us living with Kennedy's Disease, the link, in my opinion, between the two is very strong.  I can easily say that 50-70% of us are originally misdiagnosed with ALS.  I have always called Kennedy's Disease the “poor man's ALS” because our progression is slower and life expectancy is close to normal.

ALS affects the upper motor neurons, while Kennedy's Disease affects the lower motor neurons.  However, many of the symptoms are closely related and that is why it is often misdiagnosed.  (Note: It wasn’t until the late 1990s that a conclusive test was made available for Kennedy’s Disease)

I believe this might be an opportunity, however, … something that he needs to investigate with the Veterans Administration.  There might even be a veterans association that can provide some advice and counsel.  They might also be able to recommend an attorney that has experience with these type issues.  This could open the door for several men living with Kennedy’s Disease to receive veterans' benefits should it be approved."

Often appeals like this are difficult to win, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.  I would be willing to write a letter from the KDA to the Veterans Administration expressing the similarities in symptoms and the often subsequent misdiagnosis of ALS.

If you are a veteran, or know a veteran, with Kennedy’s Disease and are interested in determining if V.A. benefits could be made available for men with Kennedy’s Disease, please let me know (comment below or email).  There is strength in numbers (the greater the number the better the opportunity).

As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

We must never forget

I had another article I was planning on using today, but a friend sent me an email this morning.  As soon as I watched the YouTube video I knew this message has to be shared.

 

If you are a follower of my blog, you know that I am patriotic.  Being a veteran I feel we do not do enough to honor the men and women that serve our country.  This 5½ minute video captures a beautiful and thought-provoking sentiment that needs to be shared.

In this fast-paced, multi-tasking world it is easy to forget about those people that are not a part of our daily lives.  However, the family, friends, and loved ones that have someone they care about serving in our armed forces never forget.  It is a daily struggle to remain strong and hopeful that they will return safely and soon. 
Please, take a few minutes and watch this film called “Remember Me” from Lizzie Palmer .  She is a 15 year old girl that is wise beyond her years. 

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1