Community Corner

Conference Focuses on Vietnam War Veterans Issues

Veterans fight for health care reform for military families affected by chemical warfare in Vietnam.

DEARBORN — They came from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois--Vietnam veterans, wearing remnants of their battle fatigues, and faded khaki and baseball-type caps replete with patches and pins reflecting military units that fought America's most controversial war.

More than 100 men from the Vietnam Veterans of America and dozens of volunteers from the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA) crowded into the Doubletree Hotel’s lobby Friday for the kick-off of the VVA Region 5 state conference.

Some traded stories and swapped photos with friends, while others sat quietly with their wives and loved ones thumbing through the weekend agenda.

The conference provides veterans with support, including how to file claims for federal financial compensation, educational classes on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and programs focused on chemical warfare and its’ effects on veterans, children and future descendants.

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“When we came home (from the war) there were no parades. People had a very different perception of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam,” said VVA state secretary Ray Essenmacher.

That’s why advocacy is so important, Penny Meinhardt, AVVA Region 5 director said.

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“The primary goal of the AVVA is to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans,” she said.

Those issues include aggressively advocating for health care; holding government agencies accountable for following laws mandating health care for veterans; and creating positive public perception of Vietnam veterans.

“We have hundreds of volunteers across the country who work in tandem with veterans to educate the public and Congress about PTSD and Agent Orange,” she said.

Essenmacher handles most of the financial claims for Vietnam veterans in Michigan and said one of the biggest challenges has been getting insurance companies to recognize the legitimacy of PTSD care.

“The problem is getting bigger rather than smaller. I’m working with one guy from Milan who can’t even get transportation to the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor,” he said.

Barry Murray, director of Economic and Community Development for Dearborn, greeted the veterans to the city on Friday.

"Much has come out of your efforts. Prior to 1978, very few organizations were helping Vietnam veterans impacted by health issues related to war. Today Vietnam veterans organizations continue to lead the way in meeting these challenges," Murray said.

"You survived a war that destroyed bodies and spirits. In Dearborn we remember that sacrifice and we value the lifetime of service you have given to help your fellow veterans throughout the nation," Murray continued. "We're honored to have such influential leaders with us. Dearborn is a community that has a long and deep commitment to honoring servicemen and women."

Betty Pike, AVVA of Michigan president, said members travel all over the region, hosting a conference every two years to reach out to as many veterans as possible.

To learn more about the AVVA and VVA, visit http://www.michiganvva.org/.


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