Friday, August 28, 2009

The Lion Sleeps Tonight...

A Humanitarian, Leader on Immigrant Issues, Gold Star Brother, and Friend
Has Left Our World
By
Melida Arrendondo
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Boston, MA - Carlos and I are pained to know of the passing of Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy (February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009).

Senator Ted Kennedy went out of his way to meet our family on several different occasions. In October of 2006, he honored our family by reading from a letter our son the late Lcpl. Alexander Arredondo wrote at a Memorial Concert and Tribute to Today's War Heroes held in Worcester, MA.

Senator Kennedy was also a man who provided enduring support to our immigrant family. He utilized a change in federal law prioritizing Gold Star family members to receive their citizenship when related to the death of fallen military kin. As a consequence, Carlos Arredondo was sworn in as US citizen on 12/12/2006, the first Gold Star father to receive citizenship as a consequence of a military death.
Senator Kennedy was also a donor to the Lcpl. Alexander Scott Arredondo memorial scholarship set up at the Blue Hills Regional Technical High School in Canton, MA where Alex had graduated (refer to attached letter).

A Gold Star brother due to the loss of Joe Kennedy, we witnessed how Senator Kennedy dedicated time to meet families of the fallen who had died as a result of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. His compassion and concern were genuine and true.

In addition, Senator Kennedy was instrumental in legislation that created community health centers, the American for Disabilities Act and the Women, Infants and Childrens (WIC) Program - each of these pieces of legislation having impacted Melida Arredondo's life. She continues to work for a health center, oversees a WIC program and has had a physical disability since birth.

Finally, only God can provide meaning as to why Ted Kennedy, the Lion Senator from Massachusetts, died on 08/25/09. This same date is the 5th year anniversary of the death our son Alexander as well as Carlos' birthdate. As a family, we can only conclude that Senator Kennedy had a strong connection to us and to so many. Therefore, God has willed for that connection to remain throughout our lives so that we always remember the dear Senator from Massachusetts.

The Arredondo family sends their deepest condolences to Mrs. Kennedy, Jeanne Kennedy and all of Senator Kennedy's children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

For further information, contact:   Melida Arredondo: Day - 617-740-8129, Eve - 617-323-5623

VetSpeak.org

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Our continuing battle on the Home Front: The Tragedy and Travesty Continue – More Collateral Damage


Our sister, our supporter, our fellow VVAW member, our friend – her family needs our help and needs it now!
By
Chuck Palazzo
Interim Editor for Agent Orange, VVAW Member

Some of you are on my various mailing lists and I have been writing to each of you for the past couple of weeks now about the tragedy that has once again hit the home and lives (and deaths) of Rena and her family.
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A Brief History
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I think a fitting place to start, is to share a post to our VETSPEAK.org. It was dated May 30th, 2009 and was written and submitted by our Billy X. Here is the link, http://vetspeakblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/agent-orange-tribunal-paris-france.html, which also contains the Executive Summary of the Decision of the International Tribunal, which Rena attended and testified on our behalf. But I also want to share some of the writings from him here in my own article, of course referencing Rena:
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“One of VVAW's own has been in the fight for political as well as very personal reasons, for a very long time. That person is Rena Kopy, widow of John Kopystenski, VVAW member and Agent Orange victim. Rena was recently selected to present at an International Tribunal re Agent Orange; “Rena Kopy, long time peace activist, mother and member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, has been touched very personally by that war. She was invited to testify at the recent hearings in Paris about the consequences of the chemical defoliant Agent Orange used widely in Vietnam.”
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Most of you already know about this decision, and our hope is that it will lead to financial and medical assistance for the American Veteran, their offspring, and our allies during the Vietnam War and their offspring, and of course to the Vietnamese and their offspring as well. I am first and foremost an American and that is where my dedication remains – especially towards my American brothers and sisters who have been afflicted and to their offspring who have been afflicted genetically by this insidious poison nicknamed Agent Orange. Of equal concern, however, is the Vietnamese who have been affected. This article is not about that per se, but about the personal tragedies Rena has continuously endured – and still works tirelessly with a strength and tenacity that just won’t quit.
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What my article is specifically about is the recent tragedy that has struck Rena’s family again. Yes, again, dear friends. A little more than a year ago, Rena’s husband, a former door gunner passed away. He was exposed to AO, during his time in Vietnam. Years later, he was afflicted by many diseases as a direct result of this exposure. Their son was in turn afflicted and continues to battle the physical as well as emotional pain of a skin condition and lives every day with the stigma attached to it. Their grandson, Gio, was afflicted with Autism – in my opinion, and in many others' opinions, as well, this too was a direct result of Rena’s husband being exposed and affected to AO while serving in Vietnam.
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Young Gio would have turned 6 this past Wednesday. His untimely and accidental death occurred almost one month ago. For a variety of reasons which I won’t go into here, Rena’s son, Gio’s dad, was charged at the scene with felony child endangerment. It’s up to the courts of our land to decide the outcome, but I can ensure you, there is more that meets the eye in this case.  We will be following the developments of the case, and will keep you updated on the details, as they become available.
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What is needed and needed now?
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As I stated in my emails, it is always difficult to ask for money. The economic times, being what they are, the scam artists that prey on people’s hearts and emotions to receive money then just pocket it – the list goes on and on. As a result of the emails which were sent out by me as well as our brother Willie Hager from our Florida VVAW group were, for the most part, either ignored, deleted, wound up in people’s junk mail folders – or you just decided not to contribute. As I said, I understand the economic situation, but here is a case that we MUST sacrifice for. Rena, in spite of all of her own personal and family tragedies, dedicated the majority of the past 40 years fighting for justice in so many areas – especially from with-in the ranks of VVAW. Agent Orange, PTSD, and the list goes on and on. She has worked tirelessly, for the same things we believe in – 4o years, my dear friends. Is that not a huge commitment? All I ask is to give something back to our sister who is in great need right now. Not a week from now, nor a month, but immediately.
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Why the need?
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For the defense of Gio’s dad. We believe that he has wrongfully been accused of felony child endangerment. As a result, he and Rena’s family need the best attorney that can possibly be had. They have found that person, but as we all know, they don’t come cheap. But because of the laws in their State, the press is already doing a huge smear campaign against Rena, Alex and their entire family, and a local DA who seems to be chomping at the bit with this one to help him get back into office. Well, they need the best representation they can get, and they need us to help them get it; just as Rena has gotten help for so many of us in the past, through her activities with VVAW.
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Where and how to send your contributions?
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If you are reading this on-line, chances are, you have heard of PayPal. That is the most secure and reliable way to send in your contributions. Simply go to:  http://www.paypal.com/ - Click “Send Money” if you already have an account or click “Get Started”, if not, and it will walk you through how to conduct the transaction. After you have completed setting up your account, send your contribution to:
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rpkopy@yahoo.com
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It’s that simple Folks...
On behalf of Gio, Rena and Alex, thanks for your ongoing support.
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Semper Peace!
Chuck
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VetSpeak.org

Monday, August 24, 2009

VFP Shout Out: Yo, Robin Long Supporters...

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Vets & Our Supporters,
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FOR DISTRIBUTION FAR AND WIDE - A heart felt thank you from Veterans For Peace
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http://vetspeakblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/freedom-for-winter-soldier-is-not-free.html
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While the members of the GI Rights & War Resisters Committee, of the San Diego Chapter of Veterans For Peace, appreciate the acknowledgment for the small part that we played in the Campaign on behalf of Robin Long, America's First Active Duty GI War Resister to be Extradited from Canada, when in fact, we were really just one of many groups who supported Robin.
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The real credit for making this exceptional young man feel cared for and loved while in the brig those many months at MCAS Miramar are the hundreds of good people in the San Diego Peace & Justice Movement who showed up for the monthly vigil's outside the gates of Miramar and who donated both their time and money month after month after month. With out all of you we would have accomplished very little.
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You folks are the true hero's in our humble efforts as Veterans For Peace to "Really Support the Troops, all of the troops". We cannot thank you all enough for helping us get the word out to the local Television News Outlets and Newspapers, who came out numerous times to hear his story and to chronicle your efforts on his and all War Resisters' behalf, to acknowledge their individual courage and sacrifice in the name of Peace & Justice. Your generosity and commitment to Robin and his family have touched us all and you need to know the difference that you made. And last but not least Willie Hager of http://www.vetspeak.org/ for "Speaking Truth to Power", and for helping us to get the word out nationally. Thank you, thank you , thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Hoa Binh (Peace in Vietnamese)
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Jan A. Ruhman.
Vice President
Veterans For Peace
San Diego Chapter

VetSpeak.org

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Freedom for the Winter Soldier, is not Free: A Resister's Journey

Human Costs…
By
Winter Soldier & Resister
Released from MCAS Miramar Brig  07/09/2009

4 July 2009 - Five days prior to Freedom
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Wow what a journey the last four years have been. I started 2005 in a place I did not want to be. I was trapped between military commitment & moral convictions. By mid year, I had refused deployment to Iraq and followed the military resisters and draft dodgers of the 60’s & 70’s, north to Canada. I left with a backpack, sleeping bag, $600 and no idea what I was doing. I knew absolutely no one and my plans were limited to where I would sleep and where I would get my next meal. I followed my intuition and it lead me to Nelson, BC. ………
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There, I met a group of 5 travelers, doing a documentary on societies waste and dumpster diving. A strong urge to follow them led me to: live in a 130 foot old growth cedar tree in Cathedral Grove, to keep the giant beauties from being cut down for a parking lot, so people could park and look at rare old growth cedars. The irony: go figure.
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Then I hitchhiked from Toffino in Vancouver, BC, to Cape Spear, New Foundland. I hopped freight trains across the Great Lakes region from Thunder Bay in Ontario to Montreal, Quebec. I saw country most people don’t get to see any more. Then, just south of Toronto in Guelph, I met the future mother of my child, Renee, who joined our group. We traveled together to the East Coast. With her, I lived in the bush at a Rainbow Gathering, in northern Quebec, then came back to civilization and stayed at the Quebec Hilton, to meet her Mom. And then; back to the bush again. What a contrast…..
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We lived in Mount Royal Park in Montreal, while our group of now 20 travelers hustled and worked to get money to buy a bus, to travel back West for the winter. I learned to spin fire from circus performers, Outside in the gazebo in the park we all got soaked by the tail end of Katrina. When we finally got the bus we made it livable, we ripped out the seats, put in hammocks and couches, then converted it to run on waste vegetable oil, the kind you find out behind restaurants.
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Renee and I lived two hard Canadian winters in Marathon, Ontario, on the most northern tip of Lake Superior. You don’t know cold til you lived there- minus 40 for months at a time.
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I applied for political refugee status & became legal in Canada. I got work teaching post High School students from all across Canada how to cook, reduce, reuse, and recycle. I also showed them how to express themselves artistically and was a mentor in a program called Katimivak, which means “meeting place” in Inuit. I helped run sweat lodges and learned about Native spirituality from two Ojibway elders of the First Nations people at the Pic River Reserve.
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I hitchhiked to BC from Ontario, some 2000+ miles in the dead of winter, to see a fiend who had a tragedy happen. I apprenticed at an organic farm. I learned animal husbandry, and became a master gardener. I worked in exchange for organic veggies, meat, and knowledge…….
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Renee and I had a child at home, and named him Ocean. His birth was the most amazing thing I have ever had the privilege of being a part of. He is such a smart, caring, and sensitive boy, it’s his generation that will change the world for the better, and I can only hope that I can be a shining example to him of humanity.
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As another way of protesting the war I gave up fossil fuels. I bought a ’82 VW Vanagon diesel & converted it to run on waste veggie oil. I worked for a Victorian home specialty moving company. I grew Dreadlocks. I was arrested by Immigration in 2007 while I was working for the summer in the West. I was eventually let go but the circumstances of my arrest and required probation was fishy, and unfair, and kept me in BC away from my family. I was then arrested again under fishy circumstances, by Immigration on July 4, 2008. Coincidence? I think not.
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Since my arrest, I have been the first Iraq era resister to be deported. I have been through a Court Martial. I have been jailed: I have been in 16 cells in 8 facilities, in 3 states and 2 countries. I watched the Olympics, I watched the protests at the DNC and RNC. I saw Barack Obama become the first African-American President, I celebrated my son’s second and third birthdays, my 25th Christmas, Thanksgivings, two 4th of Julys. I missed my childs important development into being a toddler. The “terrific two’s”- what a magical time. I missed seeing his eyes light up on Christmas morning, at the box his gift came in and the hours playing with said box. I missed the first time he could count to 10, or recite his ABC’s or name colors. And the first time he drew a picture on the wall. I missed countless belly-aching laughing sessions. I missed being able to read him bedtime stories……
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Instead of being woken by him jumping on my bed, I was woken by reveille, reveille. Every morning, when I looked out my window, I saw high fences and razor wire. I was locked in a facility where 85% are sexual offenders. I had to make sure someone wouldn’t steal pictures of Ocean. I had to be part of a facility that caters to sexual predators. This punishment was for having a moral disagreement to an unjust war. It was a constant reminder of the past 8 years of attacks on our civil liberties and rights. I was punished for the most basic right, freedom of speech. For being outspoken about the War and the Commander in Chief. After aggravating evidence prosecution presented to the judge- a video of me exercising my freedom of speech-she recommended 30 months. I was given a 15 month sentence that was my pre trial agreement. I have been given a Dishonorable Discharge, the worst grade of discharge, reserved only for the very worst military offenders. And for the politically outspoken……
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Most people who go AWOL receive administrative discharges and spend 30 days in the brig. I had no criminal record prior to this and I am now a felon. This has put tons of restrictions on my future. I am barred from Canada because of a right wing Bush supporting Administration. I try not to think of it but there may come a time when Renee won’t be able to care for Ocean on her own because of her affliction with MS. She will need the help of her family in Canada and me. And the moral choice I made will hurt my young family. ALL this because I did not want to contribute in the killings of an unjust war and occupation.
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I was visited by two Canadian Members of Parliament, had an essay I wrote read in a session of Parliament, that same essay was published in The Veteran. I made the front page of many newspapers, all while locked up. Now, twelve months and a couple of days later, I’ve been released and my journey has just begun. I’m so excited for the rest of my life.
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During this whole time, the war in Iraq and the less reported war in Afghanistan have been going on. It’s still going on. “Defence contractors” and the war machine are still getting rich, while service members are underpaid for the work they are doing. Their families are falling apart; they are stretched to the max. They hate being killed, returning home with PTSD, missing limbs, and to empty homes. The suicide rate is at an all time high.
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The contract I signed was to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, from all enemies foreign and domestic, and obey the lawful orders of the President and those officers appointed over me. I did not sign my name or swear an oath to be a strong-arm for corporate interests or oil. The so called Liberation of Iraq has turned into nothing more than a constant and protracted struggle for the people of Iraq against forces seen and unseen. Forces which are trying to force their will upon the Iraqi people, in a public war for private power and profit.
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Our young men and womens’ sense of patriotism and loyalty to each other have been preyed upon and they have been given to believe that they are fighting for freedom and democracy. True freedom is the ultimate expression and condition of a people to control their own destiny, not the manufactured variety being offered here. True democracy isn’t found in the barrel of a gun; it rises up from within the masses. Many are fighting to get home, and get their brothers in arms home. Shame on the policy makers for this deception at the cost of the troops.
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The world is looking at the US in a much different way now, because our leaders started a war of aggression in Iraq. It has set a horrible precedent. Our service members are feeling the ill effects of this new perception. Many in the service don’t see the bigger picture, or all the lies. All THEY see is their brothers in arms, to their left and right, and are just trying to get each other home. Many will see how wrong this war is, some will refuse service, others will feel the obligation to their fellow soldiers and fight for all they’re worth. Some will question orders. Some will refuse orders. But, we are equally heroic.
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As members of the peace movement, we need to support our troops, and insure they know they have options and support in whatever they decide to do. We need to inform & mobilize the general public, to put pressure on the government to stop imprisoning resisters and start allowing other ways out of the military, and stop needless public wars for private power and profit. Peace is achieved thru compassion, compromise, and understanding. We cant show prejudice, terrorize and persecute an entire race and culture- it will only ensure the next generation of “terrorists”.
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I’m sure we are tired of hearing about the monetary cost, the economic ad political costs of war. It’s the human costs that need to be understood and talked about. What is this costing our sons and daughters? What about fellow humans abroad? It needs to stop! We have become a nation OF war- there can be no excuses, illusions or confusion: just look at what we are spending your money on.
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Only a fraction would pay for every Americans health care.
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A military is a necessary evil in the world as we know it now, but our service members are being exploited in an unnecessary war. Bring them home. Don’t be fooled- just saying all combat troops are pulling out of Iraq doesn’t mean we are leaving. Our troops are now being called the same thing they were in Viet Nam: ”advisors”. 30 huge permanent bases in Iraq- we are not leaving anytime soon. Unless we all speak up.
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Remember this, no matter what color our skin, we all bleed red. No matter our religions, we all have brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. No matter our language, we all have tears, fears, smiles, and prayers. We laugh the same language, we cry the same language. We are the same, co-existence is possible. Together we are strong and we can manifest peace. Two fingers raised for peace will be our V for victory… (Photo: Fellow Resistor, Sgt. Travis Bishop, under guard and shackled) - Ft Hood 08/09)
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I’d like to thank a few people that got me through the past four years. Thanks to the Abundance bus crew. Dave and Chantal, of Dalew Farms, the kids of Katimivak, and Phil. Thanks to my friends Paul D, Jade, Bradley Klaus, Debbie & Kim. Thanks to Claire, Mark, and Yvonne, and Bonnie for letting me stay in their homes. Thanks to Proddy and Collette of the First Nation People, for their spiritual guidance, and for allowing me to participate so intimately in their sweat lodges. Thanks to Bob Ages for bailing me out of jail. Thanks to my lawyer and friend James Branum. Thanks to my Canadian lawyers Jeffery House and Sheppard Moss. Lee Zaslofsky and Michelle Robbideux of the WRSC. Jeff Patterson. Also Buff and Cindy for letting me call them any time and for taking care of my finances. And everyone at CTR for providing me with such a kick ass lawyer. Thanks to the San Diego Chapter of VFP, for all of their extra mile support for my family and my case, financially, emotionally, and otherwise. Thanks to IVAW, VVAW, Military Families Speak Out, VetSpeak, Code Pink, and the Quakers. Thanks to countless volunteers and people who showed up at vigils. Thanks to Candian MP”s Oliva Chow & Boris who came to visit me in the Brig, and MP Alex Atemanenko. Thanks to John Ellison of the CO Project, and Jerry Condon. And thanks to resisters Ryan Johnson, Patrick Hart, Jeremy Hinzman, and Ethren Watada. A big thanks to the music and writing of Micheal Franti whose influences played a huge role in my decisions and outlook of the world he opened my eyes to a lot.
             
And special thanks to my adopted Mom, Dawn Obrien of MFSO, and Pat Garrison. And to my friends Jan Ruhman and Mutt, of the San Diego VVAW, for coming to visit me most Sundays at the brig. And thanks to the mother of my child Renee.
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PEACE OUT
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Friday, August 21, 2009

After Action Report: VA Land Grab Rally

Supporters Rally to Save Our Veterans Land
By

Steve Crandall
President, Ca Central Coast VVAW


The rally on the 16th of August to save our veterans’ property was a great success. We had individuals representing the Disabled American Veterans, Gold Star Families Speak Out, The Evan Ashcraft Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans for Peace, Military Families Speak Out and the Broken Rope Foundation. Also several local civilians joined in to support saving our veterans’ land. These groups and individuals all have different political views about the wars past and present, yet they came together to save our veterans land and support our veterans’ rights.

Veterans came from as far away as San Diego and Ventura to participate in the rally. They spanned several generations of war from World War II, to the Korean War, to the Vietnam War, as well as the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Some were in wheel chairs and others were clearly still suffering from their wounds of war but none of these obstacles kept them from supporting our common cause.

They shared information about their military backgrounds and stories about their war experiences. Some of the stories were about the good times and others about the more difficult times. They also shared stories about their lives today, their hobbies and their involvement in fighting for veterans’ rights. Civilians spoke about their connections with veterans and desires to help save the land for veterans so they can have a place to heal from the affects of war.

The support didn’t only come from the sign holders but also from the drivers and passengers as the cars rounded the bend at Wilshire and San Vicente. The nearly constant sound of car horns echoed off the surrounding buildings as passengers as well as drivers gave us a thumbs up sign of support. Even though we had been on our feet for several hours it was that unexpected support from passerby’s that gave us the energy to hold those signs even higher and look forward to returning again.

This rally was a small example of veterans and civilians with different political viewpoints about wars past and present uniting around a common cause to Save Our Veterans’ Land. But as successful as the rally was, we still need the presence of the many veterans groups that weren’t represented. When we all stand together, the VA and our elected officials will have to rescind the public park land deal with the Veterans Park Conservancy and keep their promise to preserve this land as a place for veterans to heal from war.
For further information on this initiative, and how you can become involved:
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Contact Steve at stevecrandall@verizon.net, or, by phone, 805 388-1542.
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Sunday, August 16, 2009

After Action Report: VVAW SE Regional Conference

VVAW SE Regional Organizing, Planning, & Tasking Conference
The Hootch, VVA Chapter 96 Home
Tallahassee, Florida
July 24-26 2009


The purpose of this conference was to gather the designated SE Representatives of VVAW, IVAW, VFP, MFSO, and other progressive Veterans organizations and allies in a relatively centralized location, for the purpose of identifying our strengths, and assessing and addressing our weaknesses with-in our demographic. Also, and most importantly, in my opinion, for key organizers with-in the region to meet and talk with one another face to face, and agree on a mutual strategy of unity of purpose, issues, and process, compatible with the stated goals and structure of our various organizations.
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The conference was sponsored by the VVAW National Office and was modeled on the VVAW West Coast Tour, undertaken in California this past spring. VVAW National was represented by Barry Romo & Marty Webster, VVAW National Coordinators. VFP designated Mike Hearington, Atlanta VFP Chap 125, as their SE representative to the conference.
Jason Hurd, IVAW Savannah Chapter 55, member & IVAW Southeast Regional Coordinator, along with Zach Choate, IVAW/Atlanta chapter 4, were there, representing IVAW. MFSO was committed to other activities that weekend, but sent a letter of support for the stated goal of the conference; that of creating a unified front of diverse progressive Veterans groups, and allies. One where talent, resources, and priorities are shared and coordinated, around a slate of mutually pre-determined focal issues, as was done so successfully with the West Coast Tour.

The conference was hosted by
Vietnam Veterans of America, Big Bend Chapter 96. In support of the goals of the conference, they provided their chapter home, The Hootch, for a two-day period, waiving the usual hall rental fees. The Hootch was built on land donated to the chapter by American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13. VVA Chapter 96 membership raised the funds for materials and drew up the plans. Work parties provided by the various chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of Florida, State Coalition, traveled from around the state to Tallahassee, to assist the VVAW 96 membership in the construction of the building. When the building was dedicated, it was for the use of all Veterans, under the management of VVAW Chapter 96.

Four persons, who had actively participated in that string of Florida Veteran’s history, were involved in the presentation of the VVAW SE Conference. Our host, Rick Clevenger, who was chairman of the building committee for The Hootch, and is the current President of VVA 96; Josh and Mac, Vietnam Veterans Of North Florida/VVAW First Coast, who provided logistical support for the Conference format; and myself, Vietnam Veterans Of North Florida/VVAW Organizing Coordinator. To all of us, this Conference was validation of over thirty years of struggle, together, to build and maintain a unified Veterans front; we had, for a fact, come full circle. The
spirit of the VVNF and Florida State Coalition motto; Together Then… Together Again… set the tone for this VVAW SE gathering.

Friday evening, the 24th, we all got together at the Hootch, over a few beers, and to get to know one another better, and to learn more about what was going on back in our respective AOs. And, a large time was had, by all. Jason broke out his fiddle, and provided a musical backdrop with a folk bent, out on the front porch of the Hootch, overlooking lovely Lake Ella, on a lazy summer evening. We were able, there, in what we refer to here in Florida, as a boogie caucus, to learn about each other’s work back home. The bond of unity of purpose was reinforced with this down home social interaction. In addition to warming relations, we were able to refine the agenda, in preparation for the next day’s business eliminating any redundancies, and having a brief working knowledge of what was working at home, and what was not, up to this point in time

We used a round table format for the Conference on Saturday morning. I acted as Moderator for the session. Following the welcome, and opening introductions all around, VVAW National Coordinator,
Barry Romo, made the opening remarks, followed by National Coordinator, Marty Webster. Barry’s comments spoke to VVAWs history of effective organizing around issues of not only social justice, but of Veterans rights and issue advocacy.

A primary example was that VVAW had led the fight for recognition of what we called Post Vietnam Syndrome (PVS), and carried the fight forward until PVS was recognized as a an anxiety disorder, in the DSM III, and was re-named there-in as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Barry talked about that, and other struggles, as well. He put them in the context of their times and stated that we all continue to re-think our strategies, in a rapidly changing Obama anti-war and social justice paradigm of grass-roots organizing tactics and strategies.

Recognizing that we are, after all, a Veterans organization; by legal definition, as well as in membership, and that our status as such gives us a leg up in credibility with the American people, and with-in the ranks of the military; Barry suggested that we should hone our congressional lobby skills, and begin to take our message and our issues, not only to the streets, on the internet, and to the campuses and into the community; but to the halls of congress as well. VVAW has had some major successes there, over the years, he reminded us.
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The three focal issues that Barry offered for consideration for the conference were those of PTSD, Agent Orange, and Sexual Abuse of Women in the Military. Barry also re-stated that the current priority mission was providing whatever support we have available to IVAW, as they grow their grass-roots movement. I first heard this pledge from the membership at the VVAW 40th re-union, and VVAW has acted accordingly, ever since; not leading, but mentoring, when asked. IVAW has some pretty dynamic leadership of its own…coupled with our experience, it is a potent mix.
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Marty reinforced the message that we had initiated with the West Coast Tour; that of setting basic pragmatic goals and issues that all of our organizations could work in consort with, sharing talent and resources on mutually agreed upon focal issues events, presenting a united front to the VA, to the electorate, our various State houses, and to the Congress of The United States. This is a process that has already begun, out in SoCal, with the
Rally to fight the VA Land Grab and Save Our Veterans’ Property, and with the Veterans’ Immigration issue.
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Marty said that what impressed him most as he traveled around the country, and made personal commo with folks on the VVAW Contacts list, was the bond VVAW, and with other allies of old, that still remained in so many folks. That, and their willingness to jump back in the fray, after all these years. Marty also said that he felt like continued support of IVAW’s actions and programs, and being available for logistical support for their actions and events was our main job, in the 21st century, as he saw it.

The focal issue that Marty put forth for consideration was PTSD and a restructuring of the paradigm for claims filing, and mental health service delivery. PTSD is the societal ticking bomb that has yet to be successfully neutralized; time for another look, by all of us. IVAW is the new crop of victims, and their numbers are soaring out of control. In keeping with the theme of the Conference, Marty concluded his comments with his belief that the first step to an effective strategy was realistic goal setting.
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IVAW Southeast Regional Coordinator, Jason Hurd, spoke to the fact that IVAW was in a process of examining some fresh strategies, and potential tactics, and were looking to VVAW for continued support for their programs and issues, and that they were looking to VVAW and VFP as mentors, as they rebuild their base, following a fractious year of internal strife. No problemo, all of us from the old school were graduates of similar processes with-in VVAW and VFP. His appeal dovetailed with the purposes of the conference, and were inspirational to the rest of us, in terms of designing a strategy for an over-all fragmented southeast, as it applies to grass-roots outreach, organizing, and program building. His personal assessment was that the IVAW’s cohesiveness was strongest at the regional level, and that given good options, and workable goals, the IVAW folks out in the more rural areas would feel the support, and rally, there in their communities.
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It is Jason’s belief that the first order of business should be for us to all unite around a mutually supportable set of focal issues, and together, design and implement an outreach program that would identify what IVAW describes as capacities, with-in the region, and expand a grass-roots network, from there. Together, he believes, we could design and present a program that would identify and begin to utilize that capacity network in a mutually agreed upon strategy that would rally folks around mutually selected focal issues. In that regard, Jason said that he felt that IVAW’s strongest capacities were just outside the gates of the major military installations, here in the Southeast, and that we should begin our initial outreach campaign there; in the heart of the beast. I couldn’t agree more. You gotta love this Brother’s spirit!
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Lastly, after mentioning the magic that he felt in the room, Jason discussed the power of the Winter Soldier events, both as an organizing venue, and as a therapeutic process for all those involved, but especially for those who testify. We all recognized and discussed the power of the testimonies on the raising of consciousness of the uninformed public with-in our communities and down-line e-mail networks…one of our most powerful tools, when used correctly. Jason thought that we should assess our capacity for presenting a major WS, here in the Southeast, as we begin our grass-roots outreach campaign. I suggested that, in so doing, we should insure that there is a panel of women Veterans on the program, to address sexism, and sexual assault, with-in the military, at home, and in the combat theatres. All there, agreed.
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These days, Winter Soldiers continue to lead the fight for Objective Truth, as it applies to our involvement in Iraq & Afghanistan, and our government’s duplicity in disinformation and outright lies, regarding the causal factors of our involvement, there in the Mid-East. Jason, an Army Medic, used a term that I had always believed to be a USMC tradition, to describe to us this Winter Soldier dynamic; Leadership By Example. If not us, then, who?
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Mike Hearington, The VFP SE representative to the Conference addressed his and Mike Burke’s (the Atlanta VVAW Contact) work with the Georgia Veterans Alliance in building a cross organizational network of Veterans’ activists, and allies, regardless of organizational affiliation. The key being applicable shared resources for the day-to-day quality of life issues for returning Veterans. They, and the Atlanta IVAW, for instance, work closely with the
National Association of Black Veterans (NABVET), a grassroots Veterans self help group that is certified as a National Veterans Services Organization (VSO), same as the DAV, VFW, etc.
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This is something that Jason commented on, stating that he thought that VVAW and IVAW research the feasibility of obtaining certification, because he, like myself, doesn’t believe that there is enough assertive advocacy on behalf of Veterans in the ranks of the traditional VSOs, and yet that is a very real need on the part of our returning Veterans, as they try and thread their way though the nightmare world of Veterans claim law, far from what we would call an advocacy oriented institution. The current crop of VSOs, are to me, about on par with public defenders; underpaid, understaffed, and under enthused in the mission.
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Mike said that their most successful direct outreach tactic is working the Atlanta Airport, and welcoming returning GI’s home, and providing leaflets, brochures and resource references, to aid them with readjustment to life back in the world. VFP and VVAW, there in Hotlanta are also actively campaigning for GI Rights, specifically with regard to counter recruiting on campuses, and working on the issue of ROTC in the public schools. They also distribute a great new on-line and hardcopy VFP newspaper, the
War Crimes Times. Well written, factual, and in dead earnest. Get it right here! Read all about it! Oh, yeah, it’s a blog, too; so, have at it with your personal take on things.
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Mike Burke of Atlanta VVAW was unable to attend, due to family matters, but he and Mike Hearington work closely on many projects there in Atlanta, together, and Mike H presented on his behalf, as well. Issues and/or events for consideration for rallying the troops, for them, were the School Of The Americas Vigil in November, GI Rights Outreach, and Counter Recruiting.
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All of that took us right up to lunch break. We broke up and sent delegations to of the closest Mexican restaurants to the Hootch; El Jalisco, at 2022 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, and the San Miguel Mexican Restaurant at 200 Tharpe St. By all reports, they were both, muy bueno!
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When we returned in the afternoon, having done a round robin on resources and/or capacities, and current ongoing work, back in our home 20s, we turned our attention, and our discussions, to focal issue priorities and strategy models.
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The focal issues that floated to the surface of our discussions were those that were directly related to Veterans, their families, and a better quality of life, following the trauma of suffering, or having resisted, or even having spoken out about, combat in foreign lands that are based on false premises, and outright lies. There was a consensus in the room, that ideological struggles, internally, and externally were a distraction to organizational or strategic effectiveness, in that they created divisiveness, rather than unity of purpose.
Here are the issues that were mutually agreed should be the lynchpins of our grass-roots outreach campaign, here in the Southeast:

  • GI Rights and Counter Recruiting – to include continued support of COs such as Robin Long; development of counter high school ROTC programs; development of a Winter Soldier panel of recruiters, and what Jason called Base Building - the establishment of outreach facilities in close proximity to major military installations, which caters to both active duty military, and local Veterans, as well. In Jason’ words; a comfortable place to hang. One that provides access to local programs and services addressing a better quality of life for Veterans, and their families.
  • Sexual Abuse of Women in the Military – Development of Women’s affinity groups, such as what we used to call “rap groups”, or perhaps, women’s writing groups. Development of a Winter Soldier panel of Women Veterans who have suffered sexism or sexual assault while in the military, but especially in the combat zones. Support of the actions of currently organized Women’s Veteran groups.
  • Veterans’ Immigration and Citizenship Issues – This issue has already taken off in SoCal, with VVAW, VFP, IVAW, and MFSO, all actively supporting the established defense committee, which recently raised funds to travel and present, at the VFP National Convention. In addition, to lobby congressional representatives, in Washington, D.C. x
  • PTSD Outreach and Program Development – identify, and direct Veterans to already up and running, and with a record of accomplishment, grass-roots programs; redefine the current paradigm of diagnosis and services delivery models from mentally oriented, to social oriented.
  • VA – reform of Claims Division to an advocacy agency, as opposed to that of an adversarial screening agency; reform of the mental health delivery system; reform VocRehab educational payment system and incorporate it into the VA Disability payment matrix, rather than allowing it to continue with its current, counter-productive practices. This would include reform of periodical certification procedures, to be more user friendly for the Veteran; continued support of actions, calling attention to the VA’s reckless management of our affairs, and properties; reform of current Veterans’ outreach models regarding benefits and claims support, and increased direct access to the claims process by the Veteran

It was clearly acknowledged by all in attendance, that there were issues of ideology and political philosophy that needed to be regularly tuned up, in assessing the nature of an organization’s national perspective and actions. My sense is, that most believe, as I do, that this is the concern of National Steering Committees or Executive Boards, and are more matters for internal attention and adjustment, rather than as make or break grass-roots dogma.
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Outreach should not require a political oath or pledge, in order to be implemented on a Veteran’s behalf, any more than anyone ought to have to say a prayer, to get fed and a bed at a homeless shelter; all that should be required, is that they have a genuine need of the benefit, or service. As long as the outreach is undertaken with-in the goals and mission of the organization; the actions should speak much more loudly than the accompanying words, in order for them to be successful. Build it, and they will come. Actions, not words, are the fuel of successful Veterans outreach. This is true, whether for program and services information and implementation help with the day-to-days, or organizational membership recruitment.
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In that spirit, it was resolved by those present that we would form an organizational organizing committee, made up of VVAW, IVAW, and VFP reps. That group would, together, develop an itinerary for directly outreaching areas where we had capacity, and assisting those areas with chapter and/or program development. We would share our suggestions, and proposals of mutual tactics, when we next met. At the moment, that will be in Savannah, Georgia, at a GI Outreach forum being sponsored, and hosted by, the Savannah Chapter of IVAW, over the Labor Day weekend.
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At this point it seemed that we had accomplished our stated mission; we had joined forces, agreed on unified principles, and had begun constructing an infra-structure, and a strategy for providing meaningful self-help information and programs, as well as having initiated an active plan for mutual chapter and membership building for each of our organizations.
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It had been a very long, but very productive day, and we could smell the ribs smokin’, just outside the door…do I hear a motion? Actually, I heard a rumble; time to call it a day, here at the office. After an hour or so break, we all returned to the Hootch for a rib dinner, liquid refreshment, and an evening of one on one, relaxing on the porch, overlooking Lake Ella, on a long, balmy, southern summer evening. As the sun set, Jason picked on his fiddle as we talked, long into the night, and formed fast, and lasting friendships, as well as celebrated our mutually achieved accomplishments.

Together Then...

Together Again...

wwwVetSpeak.org

Saturday, August 15, 2009

L.A. VA Land Grab: RALLY ALERT!

STOP THE LAND GRAB OF VETERAN’S PROPERTY
121 years ago, on 3 March 1888, a plot of land was irrevocably deeded by John P. Jones and Arcadia de Baker to the United States for the “sole purpose of providing veterans a place to heal from war”. That property is now called the “VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System” and is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In September 2007 the local VA entered into a “Shared Property” agreement with an organized group of Brentwood and Beverly Hills residents calling themselves the “Veterans Park Conservancy” to use 16+ acres of that land, rent-free, as a public park. They are backed by Representatives of Congress who would rather put this land in the hands of their wealthy constituents than honor the original deed agreement and provide the veterans that fought for this country a protected place to heal from the war.

We must all stand together to protect this land on behalf of all veterans and not let this land be stolen. Once this land becomes “public property” the veterans will never see it again because reversing a “public agreement” will be next to
impossible.

The “slippery slope” land grab by the Conservancy is not a Democratic or Republican fight. It is also not a local fight here in Los Angeles; this is a national fight for veteran’s rights.

JOIN THE VETERAN’S REVOLUTION
AT THE CORNER OF SAN VICENTE BLVD. AND WILSHIRE BLVD.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16th, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
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“SAVE OUR VETERAN’S LAND”

For more information contact:
Bob Rosebrock at 310-472-2717
Steve Crandall at 805-388-1542


Friday, August 14, 2009

Agent Orange and who is hiding behind the curtain?

Framing The Agent Orange Argument

By

Chuck Palazzo,

Interim Agent Orange Editor

www.VetSpeak.org

Ed Note: Chuck Palazzo is a fellow VVAW member, from here in Florida, and a fellow combat Marine, who served in-country RVN, during the same period as myself. He also, recently, moved his business to Danang, Vietnam. Chuck's windmill is Agent Orange. He has been involved in the fight on that front, for awhile. While in Vietnam, he began making contact with the Vietnamese victims groups, who were petitioning the US Government for the right to join a lawsuit, affixing responsibility and damages.

Through this work, Chuck "met" Rena Kopy, our VetSpeak Agent Orange Editor, who had recently presented to an International Commission, in Paris, France, calling for support of the Vietnamese Agent Orange Settlement lawsuit, and had done a piece on her experience, here on VetSpeak. Sadly, since that time, Rena has suffered a personal family tragedy. As a result, she is unable to focus her attention on anything but her family for awhile, and it would be unfair for us to ask her to do so. She has assured me, that she will let me know when she is ready to hoist the banner, once more.

Consequently; I have asked Chuck to be our Interim VetSpeak Agent Orange Editor, until such time as Rena's recent broken heart is well on it's way to mending. Thanks, Brother; Together Then... Together Again... WH

Shots Across The Bow...

There has been a more than usual series of articles in the press lately about Agent Orange and its possible link to Parkinson’s disease. The study that these articles reference was commissioned by the VA, in accordance with a mandate from the US Congress, to review every two years evidence about the effects of Agent Orange exposure. In my opinion, beyond the Congressional mandate, the VA is either opening their minds further to the possible link to additional disease and afflictions caused by Agent Orange and its most insidious ingredient, Dioxin, or, they are trying to nail the door shut on existing and future claims as they relate to Agent Orange and Parkinson’s. All of the articles emphasized, and rightfully so, the need to further study the possible link. There is nothing conclusive yet, but the VA did in fact upgrade Parkinson’s from the status of “inadequate or insufficient evidence” to the status of “limited or suggestive evidence of an association…” This, in my opinion, is progress.

There are many of you that are on various mailing lists that might have been following my debate, which was joined by Willie Hager as well, with a person or an organization of some kind located in the UK by the name of “Viartis”. I state it that way, because they/he/she refuses to identify who they really are, or the qualifications they claim to have. Their self proclamation is that they are experts in the field of study – cause and effect – of Parkinson’s. The reason I challenged them immediately after reading all the press, was because there’s was the only article that was entitled “Agent Orange Wrongly Linked to Parkinson's”. This raised curiosity as well as a deep concern for all of us that may have been exposed to AO and could result in being afflicted with Parkinson’s at a much earlier age than what is typical.

My debate with them was civil, asking several pointed questions, but they refused to give any information beyond one specific database that they rely on for their information. They further went on to say that it was impossible for Parkinson’s to develop after so many years since exposure to Dioxin because of some kind of biochemical mumbo jumbo. I, admit that I am not a medical or a biochemical professional. I have no clue what they are talking about. But I do have an open mind and have enough sense to know that regardless of past research, new research could result in a new conclusion. With conclusive, supporting evidence – that there is indeed a link between Parkinson’s and AO. My only point and I continue and will continue to stand by it, is “True, the facts are not all in, true, the link to Parkinson's is not yet confirmed. But the possibility DOES exist.”

For those of you that don’t have the email thread that includes Viartis, Willie, and me, I will be glad to share it with you. Just send me an email at chuck_pal@yahoo.com and you can read the debate for yourself.

The more important point is this – we cannot allow people/organizations like Viartis to discourage us. We must continue our fight and seek the truth, and obtain the benefits we are entitled to. If there are any of our readers that are in the health and/or research professions and have supportive evidence – either for or against this argument, please send it to me.

Semper Peace!

www.VetSpeak.org