Hi everyone I need some advice dealing with a VSO(WDVA) that refuses to let Mike and Myself control Mike's VA 20%! We are trying to work with the deputy Director of WDVA! It is like talking to a brick wall. We tried to do it the right way thru the VA but it got killed by WDVA! I have been called un co-operative because I have refused to tell WDVA how Mike and I spend his Social Security benefits that we got away from the WDVA.WDVA has a history of this control of all a veteran's .Sally

TO SALLY:

Davey Doo can help you with this one. But, last I heard, he has limited computer access on the weekend having two young lady daughters in the house, lololol.

He may not be able to get with you on this until the early part of the week methinks.

This stuff is definitely not my area of expertise.

Keep us posted as you go through the fight, I'll be praying for you and your hubby,

GOLDIE

quote:

Originally posted by SallyArmyMedic:
Hi everyone I need some advice dealing with a VSO(WDVA) that refuses to let Mike and Myself control Mike's VA 20%! We are trying to work with the deputy Director of WDVA! It is like talking to a brick wall. We tried to do it the right way thru the VA but it got killed by WDVA! I have been called un co-operative because I have refused to tell WDVA how Mike and I spend his Social Security benefits that we got away from the WDVA.WDVA has a history of this control of all a veteran's .Sally

VSO's as state employees have zero control over your handling of VA funds. VSO's are supposed to be representing the veteran, or the veterans surviors, not the VA. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office has a right to know how a veterans funds are used, if that veteran has questionable competenticy issues. The VA is charged to assure helpless veterans funds are used in a responsible manner. When I discovered, a caregiver was using a veterans funds, for the purpose of purchasing illegal street drugs, it was my moral duty to report that to the proper VA authority.
Have you point blank asked a veterans organization for assistance? I do not mean a state agency, I mean a veterans organization as AMVETS, DAV, PVA, VFW or the Legion? After you contact a veterans organization personally, you should get help. It takes action on your part. Look up the name of the organizations Department Headquarters in the telephone book and call them. I am not speaking of a canteen, but the organization itself.
You need congressional intervention, if you do not get the proper representation by the VSO you appointed.

Dave; Thanks for the advice! We asked DAV to help Mike get control of his money, DAV refused to help. We met with the Deputy Director of WDVA. I emailed her yesterday, Mike said to give her a week to respond. Do I write a letter to my congress person or what? Senator Patty Murray is the person that represents Washington State. I have know Patty for years as I use to lobby Washington State legislators and write bills. Thanks Sally

DAV is one of many organizations who represent veterans. I have no idea of why they would turn down a veteran, as I do not know all of the factors involved. I still suggest you discuss the issues with a VSO, who agrees to discuss the issues with Mike. If Mike has been deemed incompetent for VA purposes, it is an issue of who is the fiduciary and why that person was appointed and not you. This is a topic which should not, or cannot be discussed in an open forum.
You can e-mail me through Military.com mail, or go to my website and click on the direct e-mail. When my e-mail address was put on line before, the 'bots loaded my mail box with spam.

TO DEPICTS:

Email from AlphaDog incoming, Hon.

Hugs,

MOM

Has anyone heard from Mikey lately?

Mikey, are you ok??????

Worried,

MOM

DAVEY DOO:

Does this mean you have computer access on weekends now???

MOM

I wish.
Yesterday was Scioto County Swap Meet at the fairgrounds and Kayla went to the faigrounds to work for the Church. They were selling Hot Dawgs and 'burgers. Corrin meanwhile went with her Mom shopping and I got on the 'puter.

Since 1977, I have represented veterans in their claims before the Department of Veteran Affairs. On the 45th anniversary of the begining of the five days of total disaster in the Bay of Pigs Cuba, I will be driving to Daytona Beach for our annual AMVETS National Training Seminar. A little over a hundred miles from what could have been a major war.

As most sailors, my Navy experience will live with me throughout my lifetime. In my experience as a Veterans Service Officer, I do realize we have a tendency to remember the best of times and forget those days of struggle and woe.

I wish to leave my thoughts of our involvement in the infamous Bay of Pigs, Cuba incident. I served aboard the USS Cony DDE 508. We were one of seven destroyers of DESRON 28, Task Group Alpha serving with the USS Essex CV-9 and the USS San Marcos LSD-25, in the actual waters off the coast of southern Cuba. The event was from Monday, April 17th to Friday April 21, 1961. But not just another workweek.

This story is true; but it almost falls into a "sea story" category. We were not given any indication, of any change in our normal "out to sea" for ASW exercises. We all expected to be out for our normal two weeks and return for two weeks in port. As our DESRON was two in two out. When the ship Quartermasters were ordered to no longer log our position and no longer to use the sextant. We all became suspicious.

Our Captain (CDR. Frank Dunham) who with our XO (Lt. Jack Wilson) did all of the readings and logs. None of the crew had access to any logs or equipment to allow us to figure out where we were. We did know for sure we were not in our usual patrol areas and it was getting hot, in temperature as well as pressure. Neither the Captain nor the XO spoke of what was going on. When we asked we only received a smile. Fortunately for the Cony sailors we had two outstanding leaders, both were very crew oriented. The smiles were seemingly sincere; but we understood.

The seven destroyers were chosen to go into the bay , they were the Bache, Beale, Cony, Conway, Eaton, Murray and the Waller. The Essex and San Marcos remained further at sea. At this time, I was a leading seaman and in charge of the side cleaners. We were instructed to go over the side and paint off the five of our hull number. We became the 08 rather than 508. We then painted off the name Cony on the stern. Then our Commission pennant and U.S. Flag were removed; there was no longer any question of what we were going to do. We still didn't know where or why. We had unknown (to us) civilians come aboard, VIA our motor whaleboat. Although I was a member of the boat crew, we were not to speak to them at any time, for any reason.

As documented by author Peter Wyden in his book THE BAY OF PIGS, THE UNTOLD STORY (Simon & Schuster 1978), our ships did meet some resistance. It is further documented in the VFW Magazine (September 1993), "a whaleboat carrying sailors heavily armed with Browning automatic rifles, from the Cony, was beached at one stage. While rescuing Brigade survivors, it was fired on by a Cuban helicopter." Actual small arms fire struck the Cony. A round from a Cuban artillery piece was fired over the bow of at least one of the destroyers. We went to GQ. It seemed as if GQ lasted for the entire five days, but I am sure we had breaks in the time or at least went to a relaxed battle condition.

Several times during the invasion we were certain we were at war with Cuba. However we were unaware that the President of the United States had altered the plans of the invasion. Of course we sailors, other than the Captain and XO had no idea of where we were, or what we were doing. In an amusing fact, it is a lot of what we experience today, from the layman's perspective. While underway to our port, we were instructed by the Captain, not to discuss any event we had observed or heard about. After our return to port, one of the crew members of the USS Conway had written a poem of the Bay of Pigs, the poem was briskly distributed throughout the DESRON and retrieved just about as quick. We were again instructed not to discuss the events with anyone.

When I first read the book BAY OF PIGS: THE UNTOLD STORY, I called Captain Dunham and asked him if we could finally discuss that event. The skipper told me we were now declassified and could tell the world. For the first time in my life in 1978 I told family and friends, not one seemed impressed at all. Too little, too late.

It was 45 years ago April 17th went we steamed into the Bay of Pigs Cuba. Wow, what a pack of lies that grew for the next 17 years! All kinds of creeps claimed they were there and were not. Ask any of us who were there, we are ticked and will most likely stay that way.

This is a modified version of The U.S. Navy Memorial Log Entry for David A. Barker
To see more entries go to Navy Memorial

During the invasion four Alabama Air National Guard planes were shot down. All survivors were executed on the beach. No American was taken captive alive, no not one. Leo Baker of Wellston Ohio survived the crash and was killed by Castro orders when he was pulled from the wreckage.
Over the past 45 years, a few of us who were there have exposed liars claiming to have been POW's. One I found was getting special VA Healthcare status with the VA, until was discovered in 1998 as a phoney.
Sooner or later the covert, or spook events become public knowledge.

Dave; your message understood and I have a plan, Thanks. Everyone, I was feeling down today. So after Mike and I watched a DVD on our new TV/DVD combo that I hooked up yesterday, we went to a park and fed the birds bread, The we went to Shari's for some food. I have learned how to gum food. With PTSD, I have had ups, downs and panic attacks so much that sometimes I just feel like staying in my own little home. I am taking my meds and positive little steps. Talk Later, Sally

Well, I said I was going to use this forum for sanctuary and here I am already...

....Our beloved 2 yr. old dog, Snuffy, is dead.

Last night about 9 p.m., a horse escaped from the horse farm next door. No one is there at night so we try to keep a look out for stuff like that. Trying to save the horse from getting on the road and being hit by a fast car coming over the hill, Bob and I both shot out of the house on a dead run.

Snuffy escaped out of the house in the rush of the exodus. Meanwhile, we are handling a partially trained thoroughbred horse without even a lead on it.

Snuffy ran into the road, was hit by a car, and the family tragedy began. I don't allow guns in the house. Big mistake.

The new widow next door came to help but could not endure Bob putting Snuffy down by borrowing her gun. I can understand that. She has gone through so much and often talks of one of her beloved dogs getting hit. She lost her husband just two weeks ago without a lot of warning.

Trying to comfort Snuffy, she bit me pretty badly on the hand. God Bless her.

She was in so much pain. It took many attempts to get in touch with a vet at 9 p.m. on a Sunday night.

Then she bit Bob too. Took way too long to get a muzzle on her and get her to the vet.

Her back was broken and she was in so much pain I don't think she even heard our comforting words.

Bob was crushed emotionally. He felt responsible for not being able to put her down quickly.

I'm in the numb, overwhelmed, depressed, achy ptsd mode.

We loved that dog like a child. She was my first dog ever. She gamboled happily into my life running loose on the road, she died in the exact same way.

I know there are bigger, more important issues and things going on for many.

But, for me, I needed to come to you all for a hug.

It is hard to see Bob so upset. He's a good man.

Sadly,

MOM

Mom
Mom, I doubt there are any bigger issues in life than the loss of a loved one, whether that loved one is a human being or a pet. The emotion of loss is the same. My heart goes out to you and Bob. Every dog I have ever had has gotten killed and each time, I swear that I will never get another. It has been six years since I have had a dog. Three special pets that I had at different times come to mind: Elvis (a bassett hound), Wrinkles (a sharpei), and Bear (part chow-part mongrel). They were all special to my heart in their own personal way. Wrinkles was hit by a truck. Elvis and Bear were shot by the same "good neighbor" in their own yard. I cried like a child each time.

Some of these quotes might be comforting:
FAMOUS DOG QUOTES

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies."
Gene Hill

"In dog years, I'm dead."
Unknown

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear."
Dave Barry

"Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend; inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
Groucho Marx

"To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs."
Aldous Huxley

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."
Ann Landers

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down."
Robert Benchley

"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that's how dogs spend their lives."
Sue Murphy

"Ever consider what they must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul: chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!"
Anne Tyler

"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult."
Rita Rudner

"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."
Robert A. Heinlein

"In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him."
Dereke Bruce

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."
Ben Williams

"When a man's best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem."
Edward Abbey

"Cat's motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it."
Unknown

"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail."
Unknown

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."
Christopher Morley

"Man is a dog's idea of what God should be."
Holbrook Jackson

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."
Andrew A. Rooney

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man."
Mark Twain

"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts."
John Steinbeck

My prayers and love for you both!

preacher

Mom and Bob, To loose a loved one by sudden death is a time to grieve,if the lose a person or a family pet. To me all my pets have been treated as a member of the family, very much like a child. Right now Benny, 8 year old golden retriever, is our gift from God! Did you realize that dog is God backwords?! It is ok to cry and talk about losing your dog and friend. I have had to put Lady(pitbull mix) and Ladie( colie like Lassie) down at the vet. I cried like a baby. They were old but it still hurts. I swore that I would never get another dog after that experience. Then came Benny at 15 months old! We got him for free. He had been abused since 8 weeks old. We took him to dog training and he more than learned his lessons. To everyone: I am doing ok. Yesterday, Mary Ellen went to the hospital again. Found out that she has staph in her urine and kidney stones! I am praying that she gets admitted and goes on IV meds to get rid of the infection. It is amazing how tight our mother-daughter bond is! I heard form Mike, he is busy. Sally

Sally,
It's good to hear from you and glad that things are going well. Hopefully Mary Ellen can be treated soon for the staph infection. Take care. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless.

preacher

My sinceere apologies for my being rather quiet, i have been around, just life has been hectic.

I have also been there for many people on a one to one basis, that can take some time.

Its good to see that this form is being put to good use, and please realise that this is a forum for you to use, feel at home, and here you will find no big compnay agenda, no powergames, just a simple forum, with simple rules, and some real good people.

So a note to all, Cherryread, he is someone we have all come to respect, and get to know over a good period of time, he has been there as friend, moderator, and to some he has had to play the disciplinarian.

But he is one of us, he needs our support, lets bring in in to our circle, or forum, our home.

Please make efforts to communicate with him, he would do the same for you.

Regards

Mike D

TO VARIOUS FOLKS:

Mikey....

Bob and I are supporting Cherry. He is our beloved friend and true brother. As far as he and we can figure, he actually DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DESERVE TO HAVE HIS MOD POWERS TAKEN AWAY other than to defend me when I was being harassed by personal email over there by a Lead Mod who is now an Assistant Forum Administrator.

Watch your back, Mikey.

Also, we loved em and smiled so endearingly as Bob and I looked at the Karate pics of your sons. After our dog dying and what has happened to Cherry, Bob and I needed to see those. They warmed our heart. Please give the boys a mega-hug from Auntie Lynne and Uncle Bob.

----------------

TO ALL:

Take care of each other. Bob and I are going on a mini-5 day vacation to spend time with his two adult sons, whom we both adore. We is gonna go to the BEACH !!!!

We leave tomorrow, Thurs., and will return to computer access next Tues. early a.m.

We need the break badly.

Till we return, know that you are in our hearts and minds and we love you, dear forumily !!!

MOM (& BOB too, lololol)

Bob & Lynne

Ya'll have fun but don't get sun burned! We'll miss ya while yall are gone but know that it is a well deserved vacation! God bless.

preacher

To Mom and Bob, Have a good vacation and visit with family! To everyone: I am doing ok. I find that taking little positive steps help a whole lot better than big ones! Tomorrow, I will be spending some time helping a friend who is having problems in her marriage. I wrote a note to Cherryread to join us here. I was shocked by what happened! Does anyone have his personal email? So that we can tell him to join us on this forum. STAT! He needs us to support him. Blessed Easter to All and Your Families, From Sally, Mike and Mary Ellen