2021-04-12 14:54:30
White Ribbon VA
As both a woman veteran of color who faced sexual harassment in the military and the mother of a soldier who was paralyzed from the waist down preparing for combat in Iraq, I’m grateful that this issue is being discussed. People join the military to be part of a team. When the trust in our community is broken, it’s a betrayal of everything we stand for. The VA is the one place where we should feel a sense of camaraderie and togetherness. We must all stand together and take action or report any mistreatment we see. Patricia A. Mazyck, Columbia, South Carolina
I have been a DAV member for over 25 years and have held three officer positions. I am the only active female in my chapter. Because of that, I get little respect from some. The White Ribbon VA article [Jan/ Feb 2021] inspired me to sit down with my commander and tell him what I have been experiencing. He assured me that he, the senior vice commander and my commander will pay more attention to their treatment of me. Anyone, male or female, with this type of treatment needs to speak up. We must support each other, not tear each other down. J.J. Lawrence, Ocala, Florida
As a disabled Air Force veteran and the father of a Navy officer, it’s shocking and appalling to think that anyone who served would be treated disrespectfully when they’re seeking the care they earned. My daughter served honorably on the ground in Afghanistan and just returned from an active-duty deployment in the Arabian Sea. She’s a proven leader. Like her male counterparts, she’s done her duty and deserves to be treated with dignity. Gerald Edgar, Garner, Iowa
“Forged in Cashe”
On behalf of the family of Alwyn Cashe, thank you for recognizing my uncle on the cover of DAV Magazine. Losing a loved one is never easy, but knowing his life is remembered and his sacrifices for our country are honored make it more bearable. Keep up the good work and remember his life by looking out for his brothers, sisters and other survivors through your important mission. Dru Holmes, Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Peace for the peacemaker
Thank you for all you have done for our military, Robert Jordan (Marine diagnosed with cancer from his exposure to Agent Orange, who through DAV’s help, was able to receive the medical care he earned). I say your name aloud to honor you for your service and to show you the respect you so rightly deserve. Noelle George, Carlsbad, California
Vernon Baker
What a wonderful article regarding the bravery of Vernon Baker in World War II. What a brave, courageous leader. The January/February article showed the rampant racism that existed in the military and country at that time. It was quite unjust and sickening that someone could go to war and still be denied the awards of sacrifice and bravery. Only one’s deeds and character should matter, not the color of their skin. Mr. Baker was a true American hero. Harvey Porter, California
DAV Transportation Network
I drive for DAV in the summer in Erie, Pennsylvania. This program is so rewarding, and I have met the most wonderful heroes through this experience. It’s an incredible way to give back to those who sacrificed so much for us. JoAnn Love Dickey, Erie, Pennsylvania
I have been the hospital service coordinator for Western New York Veterans Hospital in Buffalo for two years now. This past year has been quite a year, to say the least. The volunteers for our DAV Transportation Network have been here through this pandemic and have shown their dedication in serving the veterans in our community. They have gone beyond the call of duty! During this COVID pandemic, my drivers were able to service five counties in Western New York to make sure that all veterans could make their appointments. Robert Seltz, Buffalo, New York
30 years later
As a combat Vietnam veteran, I could truly identify with the article regarding feelings that never go away. Combat leaves physical as well as psychological scars. Organizations like DAV can point this new generation of veterans in the right direction. Help is available, but you have to make a commitment to seek it. Through the VA, I have confronted my PTSD. I now can live a normal and productive life. Frank Schuyler, Burlington, New Jersey
WRITE TO US
Please send feedback to DAV Magazine, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, or via email to feedback@dav.org. We also welcome feedback on our Facebook (facebook.com/DAV) and Twitter (twitter.com/davhq) pages. We regret we are unable to acknowledge every letter due to the volume received. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, style, accuracy, space and propriety. Letters involving claims are referred to DAV’s Service Department.
Published by Disabled American Veterans. View All Articles.
This page can be found at http://digital.dav.org/article/LETTERS/3998250/703079/article.html.