From: jewell@mace.cc.purdue.edu (Larry Jewell)
Newsgroups: soc.veterans,alt.war.vietnam
Subject: 'NamVet Newsletter, Vol.4, no.12 (7/7)
Date: 4 Oct 92 17:04:36 GMT
Followup-To: soc.veterans
Organization: Purdue University


                                .  _  .  _  .  .
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                  - .  .. 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
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                                  XXX]XXXXXXXXXXXX
                                   XXX[ XX XX XXX
                                     XXXXXXXXXX
          
               "  I t ' s    o n l y    t e e n a g e    a c n e !  "
                                                   -Robert Nimmo-
          
          
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     


     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 93
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

                         VA TO TEST MOBILE CLINICS
                      DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
                  Office of Public Affairs - News Service
                    Washington DC 20420  (202) 233-2741
     
       The  Department of Veterans Affairs is announcing plans to  test 
     the  effectiveness of using mobile clinics to provide health  care 
     to veterans living in remote areas.
       "This  exciting project combines state-of=the=art communications 
     technology with an array of medical services in a mobile package," 
     said VA Secretary Edward J. Derwinski.
       VA  will  test  the mobile clinics in five  geographical  areas:  
     Fayetteville/Durham, N.C.;  Prescott,  Ariz.;  Poplar Bluff,  Mo.; 
     Spokane, Wash.; and Togus, Maine.  Based at least 100 miles from a 
     VA   health-care  facility,   the  clinics  will  be  equipped  to 
     communicate   with  the  parent  facility  for  consultations  and 
     emergency backup.
       The  clinics will provide preventative health-care screening for 
     a variety of diseases,  such as colon and oral cancer,  anemia and 
     diabetes,  and follow-up appointments for veterans discharged from 
     a  VA medical center.   Staff also will be equipped to suture  and 
     perform  minor  dermatologic  procedures.   The  clinics  will  be 
     staffed  by  one  physician,  one physician's assistant  or  nurse 
     practitioner,  one  nurse  and one mobile clinic  operator/medical 
     administration clerk.
        Depending  on  the workload and the distances to be  travelled, 
     each  mobile clinic will visit counties in its service area  about 
     once  every two weeks.   The clinics,  expected to be operating by 
     the  summer of 1991,  will handle approximately 10,000  outpatient 
     visits a year.
     




























     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 94
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

                       VA Bills Insurance Companies
                          Input by: Jim Hildwine
                 NamVet's Federal Benefits Section Editor
                        VETPoint 47 - ShadySide, MD
                              (413) 443-6313
     
     VA STEPS UP EFFORTS TO BILL INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR VETERANS CARE.
        The Dept. of VA is strengthening efforts to file claims for the 
     cost  of  medical  care provided to certain  veterans  covered  by 
     private health insurance policies.
        VA  has  begun introducing updated insurance claims  procedures 
     throughout  its  172-hospital system and reassuring veterans  that 
     their eligibility for VA health care will not be affected.
        Additional  employees  have  been  hired  to  enhance  existing 
     collection  activities,  which are projected to reach $500 million 
     per year within the next five years.
        Congress  passed legislation in 1986 authorizing VA to  recover 
     from  insurance  companies the cost of providing medical  care  to 
     non-service-disabled  veterans.   This  legislation also  required 
     that  these  veterans provide health insurance  information,  upon 
     request, when applying for VA medical care.
        The   omnibus   Budget  Reconciliation  Act  of  1990   further 
     authorized  VA  to  recover  from  insurance  companies,   through 
     Sep 30, 1993,  the  cost  of  care  provided  to  service-disabled 
     veterans for treatment of nonservice-related health problems.
        The  amount VA can collect from insurance companies is  limited 
     to  the  amount  the veteran or other health-care  provider  would 
     receive  if the care has been furnished by a nongovernment agency.  
     The  insurance company reimburses VA directly.   Veterans are  not 
     billed  by VA or the veteran's insurance company,  and  veterans's 
     eligibility for VA health-care services is not effected.
        Veterans will not be responsible for uncollected claims against 
     their  policies,  nor  for copayments that many policies  require.  
     Va's absorption of annual policy deductibles from recovered claims 
     my  satisfy  the  obligation of veterans who later  seeks  private 
     medical care.
        For more info call 202-233-2741
     





















     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 95
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990



     =================================================================
     C o n c e n t r a t e d   I V V E C / N a m V e t   S e r v i c e
     =================================================================

                 If Mohammed won't come to the mountain...
                                   __________
                                   \  NamVet \
                               _____) Service )_____
                     _________(____(_________(_____(@)
                     )                    )    gjp
                    / O O O O O O O O O/_/|
                   /<> O O O O O O O O O/ |
                  /MM O O O O O O O  MM/  |
                 /   ___________      /  .
                /O  (___________) O O/.       14 Dec 90
               (====================(
     
     There HAS been an AWFUL lot goin' on in our SERVICE department 
     during the last few months.  Sometimes, tryin' to handle it all 
     kinda gets me to wonderin' WHERE I'll ever find time to just sit 
     n' rest...  But... let's update ya here on what we're doin'...
     
     In our regular NamVet sections we try to keep the focus on issues 
     that concern all of our veterans in a "national" scope.  Here in 
     the NamVet Service Department, usin' the Managing Editor's own 
     experiences (talk about NIGHTMARES! <grin> as a "teaching 
     example," we've been tryin' to share with you some of the many 
     things that STILL occur today in the job market, in the housing 
     field, in the educational field, and any others we happen to come 
     across.
     
     Regarding the issue(s) concerning the house/home of a disabled 
     veteran that was detailed in last month's NamVet:  There is slow, 
     slow - but positive - progress being made.  For a closer, birds-
     eye view of what's been happening, please see the following 
     articles which almost speak for themselves.  The veteran HAS been 
     fortunate enough to find temporary employment while he waits on 
     the "speedy" folk on The Hill...
     
     EMPLOYMENT WITH THE USPO, detailed in last month's issue of 
     NamVet:  The veteran received a notice that he was not the one 
     chosen for the position.  HOWEVER, he was called almost 
     immediately for another interview at another USPO.  He is now 
     scheduled for a physical - as part of the final steps before being 
     hired.  One of the "difficult" things for the veteran in this 
     instance is knowing that he was turned down for USPO employment 
     becuase of lifting limitations - given to the USPO *-BY THE VA-* 
     and the VA, in turn, in spite of the previous job denial, refused 
     to grant unemployability.  Let's see how THIS one works out...
     
     On another front:  The veteran mentioned above requested a 
     personal hearing before the Veterans Administration.  He received 
     notice at the time of this writing (13 Dec 90) that his personal 
     hearing was granted and he will appear in Boston, MA in '91.  We 
     WILL keep ya posted on this one...
     
     And, finally, BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER, INC. continues to grow!  
     Daily we're receiving more and more requests for information 
     concerning membership in the nation's FIRST self-supporting 
     
     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 96
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

     Electronic Vet Center.  A dollar price tag CANNOT be put on the 
     value of a restless veteran callin' a BBS in the middle of the 
     night (his/her time) and discovering that the SysOp IS there and 
     WILL spend some time with him/her.  
     
     If you or any veteran/dependent that you are in close touch 
     with have a need for veterans' services or benefit information, 
     please contact us at VETLink #1 BBS (413) 443-6313 ... or write:
     
                     BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER, INC.
                           Post Office Box 2056
                           Pittsfield, MA 01202
     
     I will keep you all apprised of any changes in any of the above 
     situations.  We're working HARD to see that ALL veterans receive 
     what they rightfully earned when they put their lives on-the-line 
     for America!!!
     
                         Ci'ao for Ni'ao
     
                              -Joe-
     





































     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 97
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

                 Things get worse before they get better...
                              XXX XXXX Street
                     Pittsfield, Massachusetts  01201
                              5 November 1990
     
     The Honorable
       Silvio O. Conte, Member of Congress
     78 Center Street Arterial
     Pittsfield, Massachusetts  01201
     
     Dear Congressman Conte:
       It is difficult to know "where" to begin this letter or "which" 
     topic to address first, so much has been happening.  An objective 
     assessment of the present situation(s) of my family and I will 
     reveal that we're on the razor-sharp edge of either total failure 
     or finally achieving some of the many things we've attempted. I 
     think, first, I should update you on the situation(s) concerning 
     employment with the U.S. Postal Service.
       In your letter to me of 2 Mar 90, you stated:  "...  Since I 
     have very recently held Office Hours, and due to the fact that 
     sessions in the United States House of Representatives are in 
     progress, it is impossible to state at this time exactly when my 
     schedule will permit me to meet with constituents there again.  I 
     want to assure you, however, that your name is on file for an 
     appointment and when a date has been set, you will be notified by 
     telephone."  HAD the requested appointment taken place by now, I 
     could have told you that U.S. Dept. of HUD has been very helpful 
     and patient in working with us to save our house and home but that 
     XXXX XX XXX XXXXXXX is attempting to foreclose on the Second 
     Mortgage we have on our home; that it again appears I'm going 
     through another round of foot-dragging and lip-service with my VA 
     Claim for Unemployability and increased disability ratings; and 
     that we've tried EVERYTHING possible to hold on, hoping that all 
     this would clear up.  It hasn't...  Let's see if I can briefly 
     recap what has transpired.
       On or about 13 Jul 90, my wife, Georgia, was terminated from her 
     place of employ - XXXXXX, XXXXX XXXXXXX, Dalton, MA.  She 
     registered at many temporary services and filed for unemployment.  
     She now receives unemployment compensation of $211.00 per week.  
       On 24 Jul 90 I took the Postal Exam for Custodian.  This 
     resulted in a passing score of 108.1 with my veterans' preference 
     points added.  On 1 Aug 90 I took the Postal Exam for Distribution 
     Clerk and received a passing score of 95.3 with my veterans 
     preference points added.  On 4 Oct 90, as per USPO request, I 
     drove to Springfield, MA for drug testing (I passed <smile>).  On 
     1 Nov 90 as per USPO request, I was interviewed for a Custodians 
     Position at Agawam, MA.  No positive or negative indication of my 
     potential hire was ascertained.  I can only hope that finally I 
     will have a job! (Pertinent copies attached)
       My wife, Georgia, and I have attempted to declare Chapter 13 
     "Wage Earners" bankruptcy.  The referee assigned us has indicated 
     that he could not allow us to do so since our house/home has an 
     assessed valuation of $98,790, we have a total of $46,861.94 in 
     mortgages and $23,583.52 in personal debts and we are, 
     effectively, "equity rich" - although we can't spend a penny of 
     this "richness" to pay off some of our outstanding obligations.
       On 2 Nov 90 I approached XXXXXXXXX Funding Corporation, XXXX 
     XXXX St., Pittsfield, MA in a last-ditch effort to see if there 
     was SOME way to save our house/home.  "If you had a regular job, 
     
     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 98
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

     Joe, there MIGHT be a chance," said the loan representative (as 
     have many other lending agencies).  While there, I mentioned the 
     corporation which I formed in 1985 - Berkshire Veterans' Center, 
     Inc. - and all that I had tried to do to keep it going.  I showed 
     the representative our just-completed IRS Form 1023 which reveals 
     the personal investment I have made into it (nearly $17,000 from 
     the time it began to now).  The loan representative suggested I 
     speak to you or your office concerning any funding that might be 
     available to help me keep the organization going up until the time 
     it can truly stand on its own two feet.  (Accompanying this letter 
     will be a copy of our IRS Form 1023 and supporting documentation).
       Now let me see if I can effectively sum this up.
       1.  My wife, Georgia, after working hard for the past few years 
     to both raise a family (we now have 2 sons in the U.S. Army.  
     Michael is in the Army Reserves in Tampa, Fl, and David, now 18, 
     will be entering the Army for his BASIC training 30 Nov 90) and 
     continuously advance herself, was terminated from her last place 
     of employment because, in the employer's words, "She wasn't fast 
     enough."  She now collects unemployment insurance.
       2.  In spite of over 150 applications and hundreds of hours of 
     effort, I am still unemployed.  Positions I've applied for range 
     from Data Entry to Probation Officer to Assistant to the Mayor (I 
     DO have a Bachelors Degree in Sociology).  Still no success in any 
     quarter - although, on the horizon, the prospect of Federal 
     employment may be a possibility.  I have also continuously applied 
     for positions within New York State at the Albany, VA and through 
     NY Director of Veterans' Affairs, Tom Lewis.  
           3.  XXXX XX XXX XXXXXXX, holders of the second mortgage on 
     our house/home, are in the process of attempting foreclosure.
           4.  Our attempt to file for a "Wage Earners" bankruptcy plan 
     in which no creditor would lose (Chapter 13), appears to be 
     unsuccessful because we are "equity rich."  
           5.  Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc., of which I am the 
     founder and six-term President, has now applied for official 
     recognition/determination of its non-profit status.  All around 
     the nation (and Canada), Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc., through 
     its outreach arm of VETLink #1, has aided and assisted veterans 
     and their dependents.  If "I" fail now, all that I've worked for 
     and towards since 1983 (BVCI became "official" on 23 Jan 85) will 
     be lost - as will the veteran service that many have now come to 
     rely on.  
           If there is ANY way you and/or your office might assist us, 
     I would certainly be grateful.
            Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man
                   In kindness, honesty, and good faith
     
                              G. Joseph Peck
     GJP/jct
     cc    Files  
     Encl's
     








     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 99
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

                          Let's try THIS route...
     SILVIO O. CONTE                                 WASHINGTON ADDRESS
     First District, Massachusetts         2300 Rayburn Office Building
                                                  Washington, DC  20515
     COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS                    Phone: 202-225-5335
     Ranking Republican Member
                       CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
                         HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
                           WASHINGTON, DC  20515
     SUBCOMMITTEES
     Labor - Health and Human                          DISTRICT OFFICES
      Services - Education                             Federal Building
     Transportation                           78 Center Street Arterial
                                                   Pittsfield, MA 01201
     LEGISLATIVE                                    Phone: 413-442-0946
     Ex Officio Member
     Of All Subcommittees                               187 High Street
                                                     Holyoke, MA  01040
     COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS                    Phone: 413-532-7010
     Subcommittee on
     Procurement, Innovation, and
     Minority Enterprises Development
     MIGRATORY BIRD
     CONSERVATION COMMISSION
                                    November 9, 1990
     BOARD OF REGENTS 
     SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION       
     
     Mr. G. Joseph Peck
     XXX XXXX Street
     Pittsfield, Massachusetts  01201
     
     Dear Mr. Peck:
     
     I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank you 
     for recently contacting my Pittsfield Office regarding your claim 
     with the Veterans Administration for a federal grant and/or non-
     profit status for the Berkshire Veterans' Center, INcorporated.  I 
     thank what you do for the veterans of our country is a commendable 
     and wonderful thing, and you deserve to be rewarded.
     
     I want you to know that I have contacted Mr. Robert F. Moakley, 
     Director, Veterans Administration, on your behalf, and I have 
     asked that he afford your claim an expeditious and sympathetic 
     review, and to keep me apprised through my Pittsfield Office.  You 
     may rest assured that I will forward any additional information to 
     you without hesitation as soon as I am in receipt of it.
     
     Should you find yourself in need of any further assistance, please 
     do not hesitate to contact me.
     
     With my best wishes and warm regards, I am
     
                             Cordially yours,
                                    /s/
                              Silvio O. Conte
                            Member of Congress
     SOC:cl
     
     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 100
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

                             7 November 90
     
     Governor-Elect William Weld
     Executive Office
       The State House
     Boston, Massachusetts  02133
     
     Dear Governor-elect Weld:
     
       I am a disabled Vietnam era veteran who left a little blood on a 
     highway in Dawn, VA; had his injuries misdiagnosed by Dept. of the 
     Army doctors and was subsequently Honorably discharged; fought for 
     18-1/2  years before the "mistake"  was finally corrected,  losing 
     one  wife  and two children but gaining another (who came  with  3 
     children  of  her  own);  losing  many jobs,  two  homes  and  one 
     projected-successful Radio/TV Repair business along the way;  and, 
     for the last eight years,  has totally immersed himself in serving 
     his  fellow  veterans,   from  Charter  membership  and  dedicated 
     activity in veteran organizations, Commandership of a 500+  member 
     chapter of Disabled American Veterans,  spearheading the drive for 
     a storefront Veterans' Outreach Center,  to an innovative approach 
     to  veteran service that breaks down walls for the handicapped and 
     housebound, provides camaraderie,  support,  and,  once in awhile, 
     crisis  intervention,  to  computer-using veterans,  their  family 
     members, and others:  An "electronic vet center."
       Unable  to secure gainful employment for the past few  years,  I 
     have devoted almost my every waking moment and nearly my entire VA 
     Disability   Compensation   check  to  developing   and   refining 
     VETLink #1  to bring it to the point where "services requested are 
     services delivered"  -  asking no funds from anyone for the work I 
     have  done,  glad  and  grateful  to be of service  to  my  fellow 
     veteran.  For MY efforts,  our home is about to be foreclosed upon 
     and  we  are now on the cutting edge (two  weeks)  of  bankruptcy. 
     Things ARE pretty close!
       During  your  31 Oct 90 Statehouse-steps speech before the  many 
     veterans  who were concerned about the closing of Soldiers'  Homes 
     and  State  Veteran  Outreach Centers (I was the one  who  yelled: 
     "Sign it in blood!  We did!")  you pledged "continuity of already-
     existing veteran services."  I would appreciate the opportunity of 
     working with you and your administration in keeping that pledge.
       A classmate of yours, XXXX XXXXXXXX,  as well as myself,  wishes 
     you the best as you accept the role of Governor of Massachusetts.
            Yours, in Service to America ... and my fellow man
                   In kindness, honesty, and good faith
     
                         G. Joseph Peck, President
                     Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc.
     GJP/jct
     cc    Files
     









     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 101
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990



     =================================================================
              P l e a s e   k e e p   t h i s   i n   m i n d
     =================================================================

                            FIREBASE FREEDOM 91
                            By: Henry Elsworth
                        + T.M.E. + -- Coos Bay, OR 
                              (503) 269-1935 
     
        On January 18th,19th,& 20th 1991 Point Man International of 
     Nevada is  hosting a Vietnam Veteran's Conference at life Center 
     in Reno, Nevada.   
        The Conference speakers, all veterans or their spouses, will be 
     giving "hands on" help with the issues and answers to Post 
     Traumatic Stress Disorder, ( PTSD).   
        Conference sessions will address the following subjects:   
              What's the problem and how did it start?   
              What's it been like since coming home?   
              Making peace with my past !   
              What really happened to us?   
              To Hell and Back !   
              PTSD, adrenalin and the Nam vet.   
              "Cease Fire" - A time for forgiveness and understanding.   
              Who's the real enemy?   
              Guerilla warfare in God's Army!   
              Moving on from here!   
         
       For more Info. Contact Point Man Vietnam Veterans Conference
                              P.O. Box 12904   
                           Reno, Nevada   89510   
          
                          Or Call (702) 829-1969
         
                         Hope You Can Make It 8-)
         
                                   Hank
     






















     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 102
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

                          The Freedom Foundation 
                   2857 Pond Road - Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
                              (516) 467-4236 
                           Input by: Terry Hayes
                        VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA
                              (413) 443-6313
     
                   A Non Profit educational Organization 
                  [A Voice for American Prisoners Of War]
     
     TO: All Friends of American Prisoners Of War
     SUBJECT:  BRINGING OUR POWS HOME:  Pressure from the Grassroots of 
     America through a Massive POW Awareness Campaign
                                                      October 20,1990
     Dear Friend of FREEDOM:
       We  have  never had a better opportunity to correct and  resolve 
     the  POW/MIA  issue than we do right now!   Last month  the  book:  
     KISS THE BOYS GOODBYE was released with much success.  And, as you 
     already know, a U.S.  Senate criminal investigation began in March 
     of 1990 on the POW scandal,  and their conclusion will be released 
     shortly.   We  must not let this window of opportunity PASS US BY! 
     We must be ready to react TOGETHER.
       In  order  to  accomplish  this goal of FREEDOM  for  our  POWs, 
     Captain Eugene (Red)  McDaniel,  President of the AMERICAN DEFENSE 
     INSTITUTE,  Washington,  DC  has agreed to head and correlate this 
     project.  Captain McDaniel is a formidable man, he's the right man 
     to  head  this  project.   Captain  McDaniel is one  of  the  most 
     dedicated  and  knowledgeable  Americans  in  our  great  country, 
     regarding the plight of American POWs.  However,  Captain McDaniel 
     can not accomplish the goal of freeing our "known" POWs alone,  he 
     needs and deserves our COMBINED STRENGTH NOW.
       The AMERICAN DEFENSE INSTITUTE NEEDS $50,000 immediately to take 
     full  advantage of this opportunity and inform the American people 
     of the truth: fact or reality about American POWs.   We cannot and 
     must  not  fail.   Only  with  the help and  support  of  American 
     patriots  like  yourself,  will we be able to raise  the  urgently 
     needed  $50,000.   Please read the four page PROGRAM attached  and 
     decide for yourself if our POWs are worth this effort.
       If  you really want to bring this tragic issue to the  forefront 
     of  the American public,  and to correct and resolve this national 
     disgrace; this project is for you.  The time has come: the time is 
     NOW!  Send your, or your organization's tax deductible donation to 
     the:  AMERICAN  DEFENSE INSTITUTE,  PO Box  2497,  Washington,  DC  
     20013.  Call  202-544-4704  if you have any questions for  Captain 
     McDaniel.
       Thank You for your Help & Support.
     
       Sincerely Yours,
     
       Danny DeMauro,
     President The Freedom Foundation
     
     =*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=
                          BRINGING OUR POWS HOME
       Evidence  of the incontestable reality of American prisoners  of 
     war  in Vietnam continues to come to the attention of the American 
     Defense Institute.  Just seven weeks ago, we received a photograph 
     of a POW in Vietnam, for example.
       The most compelling information,  however,  has come in the form 
     
     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 103
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

     of a book that makes the case in such a way that we defy anyone to 
     read it and walk away unconvinced.  "Kiss the Boys Goodbye",  even 
     if  only  a small fraction of it were  true,  presents  courtroom-
     quality  evidence  about negligence so criminal and a cover-up  so 
     pervasive  that  Watergate  and Iran-Contra  are  trivialities  by 
     comparison.
       A  Senate  investigation,  headed  by Senators Jesse  Helms  and 
     Charles Grassley, is looking into the government's handling of POW 
     evidence.  The  explosive  report of the Senate  investigators  is 
     imminent.
       We have the chance right now, and possibly never again, to raise 
     the  kind  of public outcry about the POW issue that will  finally 
     get these men out of their jungle dungeons.  WE MUST NOT MISS THIS 
     MOMENT!
       The   American   Defense  Institute  needs  to   raise   $50,000 
     immediately  to  mount an intensive awareness campaign  that  will 
     ignite  a  prairie  fire of indignation  and  grassroots  pressure 
     throughout  the  United  States -  pressure that  will  force  our 
     elected  officials  to negotiate seriously for the return  of  our 
     POWs.
       While  the  end  result of ADI's mobilization  program  will  be 
     moving the hearts of the broad masses of the American people,  the 
     goal  is  possible  only when a core group of  committed  patriots 
     decides  to make it happen.   That is why we are appealing to you.  
     Remember,  we have this window of opportunity for just a few weeks 
     from today.  LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN NOW!
       "BRINGING OUR POWS HOME: Pressure from the Grassroots" will have 
     three elements: 1) the mobilization of the thousands of groups and 
     individuals who share our anger about the POW scandal, 2)  a media 
     campaign  to  focus  the attention of grassroots  America  on  the 
     evidence that Americans remain in captivity in Southeast Asia, and 
     3) a direct mail campaign to maximize grassroots pressure.
     
     1)MOBILIZATION OF ACTIVISTS
       The   campaign  will  mobilize  the  thousands  of  groups   and 
     individuals  who  share our anger about the POW scandal  and  will 
     provide  support services to channel their anger into constructive 
     action.
       A grassroots action kit,  called the "POW Freedom Kit",  will be 
     announced  via a press release and made available via an 800 phone 
     number  as  a  public service.   Kits will also be mailed  to  POW 
     activists throughout the nation.
       The POW Freedom Kit will contain:
       - Ideas that can be adapted locally to raise funds to perpetuate
         and intensify the communications campaign;
       - Background  on the issue that can be provided to the local
         media and to others in an organization;
       - Speech that be delivered to any organization seeking 
         understanding of the issue;
       - Suggested letters to Congress and the media;
       - Specimen editorial; sample advertising copy;
       - Reply card with list of other available materials, including a
         copy of "Kiss the Boys Goodbye" at a reduced price; a 
         bibliography of the  POW issue; a poster; public service 
         announcement, both video and audio; a slide presentation, 
         either with script or sound tape or both.
     
       (As   the  mobilization  of  activists  gains  momentum,   funds 
     permitting, a second kit for a speakers bureau geared specifically 
     
     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 104
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

     toward  the POW Freedom Campaign may be offered via another  press 
     release.  The speaker's kit would include a brief manual regarding 
     how  to  obtain  speaking  platforms;   an  eight-   minute  slide 
     presentation; and two or three speeches of varying lengths.)
     
     2) MEDIA CAMPAIGN
     Every American needs a basic understanding of the essential of the 
     POW issue.  ADI's media campaign will develop press materials that 
     are  simple enough and brief enough to focus attention on the fact 
     that Americans are still held in captivity and move people to read 
     "Kiss the Boys Goodbye" and other detailed evidence.
       The POW Freedom Media Campaign will include:
       - Regular mailing of release and background materials to
         national and local electronic and print media;
       - Articles, opinion-page pieces, and letters submitted  to
         influential mass media and the more specialized  media,
         such as veterans publications;
       - Interviews  and  panel  discussions on radio and television
         talk shows;
       - Interviews with key editors and reports in major print media
         markets;
       - Public Service Announcements;
       - Development of a strategy to obtain opportunities for Red 
         McDaniel and other POW spokesmen to speak at the best 
         available forums and seek local publicity opportunities 
         appropriate to these speaking engagements;
       - Direction  for local individuals and organizations in  media
         relation activities,  using  ADI as a Washington clearinghouse 
         for relevant legislative and other information.
     
     3) DIRECT MAIL
       Some  constituencies  can  only be reached by  direct  mail,  an 
     environment  that  has particular importance for an issue  complex 
     enough  to  require  fuller  explanation.   An  integral  part  of 
     "BRINGING OUR POWS HOME" will be an intensive direct mail campaign 
     consisting   of  period  mailings  to  certain  segments  of   the 
     population who can affect POW policy.
       Audiences targeted for direct mail include:
       - Individuals  and organizations involved in the POW issue to  
         update these activists on the particular needs of the POW 
         cause at a given moment, enclosing any new materials that are 
         available;
       - Influential members of Congress;
       - Political candidates in the 1990 elections;
       - Business people seeking economic opportunities in Vietnam;
       - Prominent citizens who might affect POW policy.
     
       The  American  Defense Institute needs your support as  we  move 
     forward with "BRINGING OUR POWS HOME"  -  the massive campaign our 
     fighting  men need if they are to have any hope of the freedom and 
     the heroes'  welcome they deserve.   The day they return will be a 
     day of pride for those who took specific action to bring them home 
     to freedom.   It will be a day of shame for those who realized the 
     urgent realities but did nothing.
       Why  now?   Men  in squalid prison conditions are in  a  fragile 
     state  both  physically  and emotionally.   Some issues  can  bear 
     delay, but one threat involves the recovery of POWs cannot.   Now, 
     moreover,  is the time that the fullest exposition of the evidence 
     is being released through  "Kiss the Boys Goodbye"  and the Senate 
     
     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 105
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

     investigation.   We have a window of opportunity NOW!   Experience 
     has shown that an opportunity can die,  no matter how brilliant or 
     important a revelation or a book.  The time is NOW.
     
                        LET'S NOT MISS THIS MOMENT!
     





















































     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 106
     Volume  4, Number 12                           December 14, 1990

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
         Some Gave ALL ...                      Some Still Give!!!
     
     
     
               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 !
        !__________________________________________________________!
     
     
     
     
     
     









     NAM VET Newsletter                                        Page 107

-- 
#L.W. Jewell Moderator at the Veterans Information Site (veteran@cc.purdue.edu)#
#& WWII-L Listowner: "Sunday's horoscope is note worthy because of its strange,#
#sudden and wholly unpredictable and inexplicable occurrences, affecting all   #
#phases of life." "Your Horoscope" L.A. Evening Herald Express, Sat, 12/06/41  #
Xref: sparky soc.veterans:1062 alt.war.vietnam:78