Creating dreams by saluting our veterans

Poem read at new veterans park

On Veterans Day 2005, my poem Men (And Women) of Closter was read at
the christening of a new veterans park, in my home town of Closter, NJ.
Howard Bartholf, a former resident and Vietnam veteran did me the honor
of reading the poem, in my absence. Click on the picture to the right, to
read my poem and see the proclamation written by Bartholf, proclaiming
November 11, 2005 as Closter Vietnam Era Veterans Day.

Christmas in Iraq...

Please take the time to read the Christmas in Iraq article I wrote about an e-mail exchange between a father
and his son. Hopefully, next Christmas everyone of these soldiers will be home for the holidays.

Letter from John Kerry

Some of my writings have dealt with VA issues. One was written on Veterans Day of 2003. While the other
was written during the 2004 presidential campaign. John Kerry asked people to send their stories to him about
veteran issues. These two letters, along with over 3,000 other stories from people around the country, made it
to the Senate floor. You can read his response at the end of both articles.

I usually speak about things that I have personally experienced. So I'll say right away, I am not a veteran.
Though I do come from a family of veterans. My Dad was in World War II and was in The Battle of The Bulge.
My father-in-law also was in World War II serving in the Pacific Theater. I had one brother who served in
Vietnam and another who was a Vietnam Era Veteran.

But watching my father-in-law "battle" the VA for a number of years, my impression of the veteran and the
present day serviceman has changed. They deserve our respect and admiration.

Ryan - the "main man" in the
Letters From Iraq

Ryan's job
Apache Longbow pilot

Ryan's Dad has shared with me their story. A
story of family and pride in the jobs they do.
To read more of these exchanges between a
father and his son, please c lick here to read all
the Letters From Iraq.

Class Action Suit against the VA...

I watched my father-in-law battle the VA for years for healthcare he should have received with no argument.
But it was never this way. I'm glad to see that some veterans are taking a stance against the VA and making
our government keep their word.

Stated on line 56 of the suit;

At no time in U.S. military history have large number of troops been required to serve on the front line in any
war for a period of six to seven months, let alone a year or more, without a significant break to recover from
physical, psychological, and emotional demands that ensue from combat. During WWII entire units were
withdrawn from the line for months at a time to rest and recuperate. Even during Vietnam week long combat
patrols in the field were typically followed by several days of rest and recuperation at a base camp.

Did you know people who file claims get incentive pay for finding reasons to deny payment or services? It's a
lot of reading but if you're a veteran or know a veteran take the time to read through it all. These men and
women have served and continue to serve this country with honor. Let's make our country honor their word!

Class action suit against the VA (PDF file)

Freedom Day...

I received the following e-mail from Ryan's Dad on September 20th, 2007.

"Thought I would share this with you for what it is worth. Forty years ago tomorrow on Thursday 21
September 1967 I arrived back home at my parents home in New Jersey from Vietnam. I call it my "Freedom
Day". I left my unit in Vietnam on the 17th of September and flew to Camh Ranh Bay where I waited for my
turn to get on the big silver "Freedom Bird" as we called it, back to the states. I caught that bird on the 19th
and flew to Fort Lewis Washington (Seattle). I arrived there late at night and went through customs and was
processed for a new uniform and further assignment following my thirty days leave. There was a huge
building with hundreds of ladies working all night sewing and tailoring uniforms. I went in one side in my
combat gear and came out the other with a brand new dress uniform complete with stripes and medals
affixed. As it was late, I had to spend the night at the Seattle airport sleeping in a room set up with bunks by
the Red Cross. Early the next morning (the 20th) I was off for my trip back home to the East Coast. On the
way back East, I stopped to see my sister at the University of Oklahoma. When I pulled up in the cab in front
of her dorm, I was met by my sister and some friends who promptly told me I had to get out of my uniform
quickly as it was to dangerous for me to be seen in it due to the anti-war protests going on campus. I had to
borrow civilian clothes from my sisters male friends as I had nothing but my uniform. Needless to say, I got
out of Norman Oklahoma early the next morning and headed home. I arrived late that night at the airport in
NYC and was met by my parents and my girl friend Janet (now my wife). I will never forget my mother running
out to the plane as I stepped off. It was a very emotional and wonderful reunion.. I swore the day I left
Vietnam that nothing would ever get me down like that experience again and despite bumps along the road
of life nothing has. Now, I have a son in Iraq and I know what my parents went through so many years ago. I
also make it a point to thank a service person for his service to our country no matter where I see him or her.
It only takes me a minute to stick out my hand and say "THANKS FOR SERVING". So, now you all know why I
will be smiling all day tomorrow, no matter what the day may throw at me. Thanks for letting me share this
memory. Life is good....."

H-----