Thinking about a drivetrain swap

Budd Cochran wrote:

> Sorry to hear about your exposure Agent Orange. I was Nat. Guard Combat
> Engineer during 'Nam but never saw action. I do want to thank you for your
> service for our country and it's citizens.
>

FYI, there is a presumptive cause in the law if you were so much as in-
country during a certain period - roughly 1966 - 1969. Even one day triggers
it. That will be on your DD214 if it applies. The causative relationship
applies to certain cancers and heart conditions as well as diabetes. Worth
checking with the VA as it's pretty easy to qualify and reach enough of a
disability rating to qualify for a small payment that will cover your beer
consumption ;-)

More importantly, you may qualify for prescription services. That ain't
peanuts for some of us.

--
Will Honea

On 10/26/2012 10:44 PM, Will Honea wrote:
> Budd Cochran wrote:
>
>> Sorry to hear about your exposure Agent Orange. I was Nat. Guard Combat
>> Engineer during 'Nam but never saw action. I do want to thank you for your
>> service for our country and it's citizens.
>>
> FYI, there is a presumptive cause in the law if you were so much as in-
> country during a certain period - roughly 1966 - 1969. Even one day triggers
> it. That will be on your DD214 if it applies. The causative relationship
> applies to certain cancers and heart conditions as well as diabetes. Worth
> checking with the VA as it's pretty easy to qualify and reach enough of a
> disability rating to qualify for a small payment that will cover your beer
> consumption ;-)
>
> More importantly, you may qualify for prescription services. That ain't
> peanuts for some of us.
>
Don't hold your breath waiting for the VA to act. I spent 22 months, 14
Sept 1969 to 31 July 1971, in country with the 101st. A veteran friend
told me about the "presumptive cause law" so I applied for a disability
.... in February of 2011. I got a letter from them asking for more
"proof" in May of 2011 so I know they got my VA 21-526 and supporting
documents. The only bright spot is if I get approved finally the
disability is retroactive from the date of my application. If you're a
member of the Legion or VFW talk to them. Most posts have a guy who will
help with the forms. Good luck.


--
FRH

"Will Honea" > wrote in message
...
> Budd Cochran wrote:
>
>> Sorry to hear about your exposure Agent Orange. I was Nat. Guard Combat
>> Engineer during 'Nam but never saw action. I do want to thank you for
>> your
>> service for our country and it's citizens.
>>
>
> FYI, there is a presumptive cause in the law if you were so much as in-
> country during a certain period - roughly 1966 - 1969. Even one day
> triggers
> it. That will be on your DD214 if it applies. The causative relationship
> applies to certain cancers and heart conditions as well as diabetes.
> Worth
> checking with the VA as it's pretty easy to qualify and reach enough of a
> disability rating to qualify for a small payment that will cover your beer
> consumption ;-)
>
> More importantly, you may qualify for prescription services. That ain't
> peanuts for some of us.
>
> --
> Will Honea
>

Nope, never out of the continental USA. My unit, 1313th Eng ARNG was behind
two other IN units for activation when the conflict ended ... IMHO, they
threw in the towel.

I lost a best friend a few years back to V.A. medical ineptitude ...
complications of T-2 Diabetes, so I'm not interested in V.A. care. I have
Medicare A,B, and D for my disability care. Soon I need to hook up with a
Part D provider it seems .... I guess they spent too much money elsewhere
again.

I have checked in with the local V.A. rep and I don't qualify.

To be honest, not every soldier, sailor or airman went into combat ... not
in 'Nam, Korea, or WWII, yet they all got V.A. bennies. Reservists, like
myself, that served in the reserves (12 years for me) and didn't run out of
the country like Clinton, and we get nothing.

I don't think that is right. Three IN units, not to mention other units in
other states, all set to be shipped over when ordered. One IN unit, Co, D,
151 Airborne Rangers, volunteered and served in 'Nam with honors.

But the rest of that didn't run and hide got nothing.


--
Budd

Every vote counts ... unless it wasn't cast.

Budd Cochran wrote:

> To be honest, not every soldier, sailor or airman went into combat ... not
> in 'Nam, Korea, or WWII, yet they all got V.A. bennies. Reservists, like
> myself, that served in the reserves (12 years for me) and didn't run out
> of the country like Clinton, and we get nothing.
>

We're way OT here but your first sentence caught my attention. I was
regular AF for 12 years (cadet time doesn't count for service longevity
except you get to wear the stripe), flew 300+ combat missions in SEA, etc.
and my benefits aren't much more than yours because I got out at that point.

I came back from 'Nam and was sent to Univ. of Wisc. for a MSEE so that I
could teach at the Academy - incoming briefing by the AFROTC commander
included instructions that we were to wear no item of the uniform on
campus... Felt like I should have brought my helmet and flak vest with me
when I came back (Jun 1970). We probably agree completely about the draft
dodgers.

I really feel that those who serve should have a vested position after some
length of service. That has been tried several times but never got past the
bean counters.

--
Will Honea

Every vote counts ... unless it wasn't cast.
"Will Honea" > wrote in message
...
> Budd Cochran wrote:
>
>> To be honest, not every soldier, sailor or airman went into combat ...
>> not
>> in 'Nam, Korea, or WWII, yet they all got V.A. bennies. Reservists, like
>> myself, that served in the reserves (12 years for me) and didn't run out
>> of the country like Clinton, and we get nothing.
>>
>
> We're way OT here but your first sentence caught my attention. I was
> regular AF for 12 years (cadet time doesn't count for service longevity
> except you get to wear the stripe), flew 300+ combat missions in SEA, etc.
> and my benefits aren't much more than yours because I got out at that
> point.
>
> I came back from 'Nam and was sent to Univ. of Wisc. for a MSEE so that I
> could teach at the Academy - incoming briefing by the AFROTC commander
> included instructions that we were to wear no item of the uniform on
> campus... Felt like I should have brought my helmet and flak vest with me
> when I came back (Jun 1970). We probably agree completely about the draft
> dodgers.
>
> I really feel that those who serve should have a vested position after
> some
> length of service. That has been tried several times but never got past
> the
> bean counters.
>
> --
> Will Honea
>

Aw, dang ... I wuz jest a E-6 (SSGT) 'n I'z gonna haf ta salute ya ...

It was bad enough, from what I've learned from WW-2, Korea, and 'Nam Vets,
to have to put up with the abuses when coming home for good but to be denied
wearing your "colors" as well is just too much.

I wear 70's Army camo pattern (woodland) on a baseball cap with a logo that
reads "God's Army" but enough Vets notice the camo and ask if I served. I
don't hide that I went N.G. and I get many heartfelt "thank you"s for my
service time.

I always keep my eye open for a cap, shirt or jacket denoting prior service
or Vet status and for anyone in uniform, including ROTC and give my thanks.
To the last two roups I see what their plans are for the future and
encourage them to continue to serve.

Of course, you know the difference between officers and NCOs don't you?

Officers accept the praise for jobs well done.



NCOs make them look good enough to receive the praise.

;<)


--
Budd

Budd Cochran wrote:

> Of course, you know the difference between officers and NCOs don't you?
>

I was the first active duty NCO's kid to graduate from the Academy - I had a
slightly skewed outlook on the world.

--
Will Honea

Will Honea wrote:
> Budd Cochran wrote:
>
>> Of course, you know the difference between officers and NCOs don't
>> you?
>>
>
> I was the first active duty NCO's kid to graduate from the Academy -
> I had a slightly skewed outlook on the world.

The three scariest things you will ever hear in the AF.

1) An Airman saying, "I learned this in basic."

2) A 1LT saying, "In my experience."

and

3) A Chief saying, "HEY, Watch this!"

--
DougW

Every vote counts ... unless it wasn't cast.
"Will Honea" > wrote in message
...
> Budd Cochran wrote:
>
>> Of course, you know the difference between officers and NCOs don't you?
>>
>
> I was the first active duty NCO's kid to graduate from the Academy - I had
> a
> slightly skewed outlook on the world.
>
> --
> Will Honea
>

Not skewed ... you just knew who to call on when you had your backside in a
sling. <VBG>

The best officer I ever served under in the N.G. was too young for his
commissioning when he graduated O school, so he spent two years getting
dirty as an E-6 SSgt.

2nd Lt. Gary White was then knowledgable of his platoons skills, attitudes
and what they just plain wouldn't tolerate.

His platoon, 4th (front loaders & bulldozers), and mine, 3rd (Dump Truck),
moved enough dirt one two week summer camp to make a pile 10 feet high and
wide and 75 miles long.

Double that length and you have what all 4 platoons accomplished that summer
camp.

Great outfit!

Every vote counts ... unless it wasn't cast.
"DougW" > wrote in message
...
> Will Honea wrote:
>> Budd Cochran wrote:
>>
>>> Of course, you know the difference between officers and NCOs don't
>>> you?
>>>
>>
>> I was the first active duty NCO's kid to graduate from the Academy -
>> I had a slightly skewed outlook on the world.
>
> The three scariest things you will ever hear in the AF.
>
> 1) An Airman saying, "I learned this in basic."
>
> 2) A 1LT saying, "In my experience."
>
> and
>
> 3) A Chief saying, "HEY, Watch this!"
>
> --
> DougW
>

In the Army:

Private or Specialist: "I think this'll work. . . . ."

2nd Lt: "I think God should have asked me first."

C.O. "Huh??? What????"

1st Sgt: "No, really ... you don't need to worship me . . . . . in public.

SSgt: "So what do you want me to do now? walk on water? Come on ... give me
a challenge!"