Evening star., 1946-01-05

started classes at American Univer-
sity in the early part Of November.
We can't wait until they get organ
lied down here before we start eat
ing"
The six men form committee
representing 80 students of the
sixth class for national service off,
GERS at American University-a
school they will attend for six
months under the joint sponsorship
of the Government, the Disabled
American Veterans and the Vet
Grams of Foreign Wars.
All of the men are disabled and
some are amputees. The Govern
eminent, by law, is supposed to pay
the married students $10350 and
single men $92 per month. These
checks combine subsistence funds
and pension allotments for the dis
abilities.
May Go to Truman.
"If we don't hear something about
those checks in a week" said Jess
Weiss, 28-year- New York City
veteran Of the 1st Infantry Division
and chairman Of the committee,
well try to see President Truman
and maybe we will get some action
that way on the money the Govern
ment owes us"
Gen. Bradley talked to the vet
Grams behind closed doors, but the
disabled veterans said in an inter-
view afterward that the admins
traitor blamed "inefflciency" and "a
dire personnel shortage in the ad-
ministration" for the fact that the
mems checks have not been received.
The students quoted Gen. Bradley
as saying that he would take steps
to get rid of any administration
personnel whom he finds are guilty
of culpable ineff1ciency or neg
ligence." The men said he urged
them to report to him the names
Of any VA personnel who conduct
themselves negligently in matters
dealing with the students affairs.
Say Loan Suggested.
While waiting for the check
tangle to be Strengthened out, the
American University ex-GIs quoted
Gen. Bradley as saying they ought
to take advantage of the 500
emergency loans the administration
is empowered to make for veterans
in dire need.
versity applied for 500 loans to
tide them over until their allotments
are paid; the other IA refused to
apply for them. H. F. Dickensheets,
regional officer manager, said his
Office telegraphed for home town in
formation necessary before the loans
can be made. This information is
expected today and the loans will be
made Immediately. .--
Mr.. DickenSheets said it had been
the policy to pay veterans once a
month, but If they enroll after the
18th the check is mailed about six
weeks later, which in this case would
have been about January /.
That's long time for veteran
to live without funds" Bernard
Blackwell, president of the veterans
class, commented.
Gen. Bradley expressed his SYM
pathy with the plight of the men.
He told of girl VA employe who,
unable to reach file at the top of
high cabinet. placed 1t in the
lowest pigeon-hole, where it was lost
for some time. 1t is this type of
inefficiency that the administration
had to put up with, the admin
istrator told the student committee.
Record Certificate Proposed.
Gen. Bradley then proposed that
student-veteran who travels from one
VA regional jurisdiction to another
be issued a certificate to take the
place of complete records, including
the pay card. This record, they pro-
posed, would remain at his starting
point for at least five years regard
less of where the veteran goes. They
said this system would eliminate loss
of records needed before a man can
be paid, duplication of effort and
governmental expense to the tax
payers.
The slx-man committee, represent
ing the almost destitute American
University class, obtained the inter-
view with Gen. Bradley through the
intercession of William Tate, ma
tional director for claims of the
DAV. When the men finish the
course, they become qualified as
veterans affairs experts to handle
claims brought up by members OF
the veterans organizations which
sponsored their courses.