by Gary Kennedy

Well, here we are again. Julie and I have returned from the South Pacific. As most of you know my wife and I are doing humanitarian projects throughout the winter months in an attempt to escape the cold while at the same time helping those in need. We are always looking for books and school supplies. Believe it or not there are those who can’t afford to attend school. Many of these children really want to go and realize it is the only chance they have to obtain the possibility of success.

For many that only means the ability to become gainfully employed. If that happens then the entire family will benefit. Sometimes that means having food every day. In parts of the world things are very slow to change. Some of these children are very bright but need to be introduced to opportunity. There are many of us out there trying to help change the lot of many. However, we are no where enough to make the change needed. It’s not unusual to shed a tear here and there.

Not being able to help everyone can be a heart breaker for the strongest of us. Also, the older you get the more sensitive you become to the plight of the world. It all boils down to supplies and that carries dollar signs with it. The best you can hope for is someone or some company will have things that you could use in the communities you are working in.

Julie and I gave five scholarships this year, two to elementary students and three to high school and college. Hopefully we will be able to continue to do that again next year. Third world scholarships are very inexpensive. The five that we did cost us less than $5,000. We were able to put in clean well water in one community. The well was drilled the old fashioned way and after 36 feet we hit what we needed. A positive impact on another person’s life can be derived in so many ways. I figure Julie and I give about 25 percent of our annual income. You would be surprised how much can be done with only a little you just need to desire improving the lives of others.

If you remember my articles of last year you will remember my asking for 50 Bibles. Well, some things happen in strange ways; not only did I receive some Bibles from some of you but I received a case of 50 Bibles from a military group at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. That showed me that the military seeks peace not just with bullets but by freely sharing God’s word to anyone in the world who’ll accept it. For me, that was a beautiful message. I will speak with them again.

We still have many vets living in other countries especially in the South Pacific. I check in on some of them now and then. For the most part, most are happy and doing OK. They do have a medical facility in Manila, if the need presents itself. I offer my humble abilities as need presents itself. I thank God daily for the success he has allowed me to have benefiting those in need. Sixty years ago I was a boy scout. In those days it was a lot more than earning and displaying badges. We were taught to be humble and to never look down at others; to never see ourselves as better than others. That was taught to be counterproductive to our moral mandate. Time has probably changed in this politically oriented world but the old creed stated, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight”.

If one were to review the oaths of other humanitarian organizations they would find them to be almost the same. Nonsectarian, Nonpartisan is at the head of most. God is perceived in a different way. Mason, Knights of Rizal, Rotarians share much of the same oath. Some use religion as by Sect/type but nonetheless they all believe in God. God is viewed by the acceptance of a supreme being that created the master piece of all that exists along with all wonders including you and I.

We were given superior brains and the power overall things. How we use that power will determine our reward. Going to church, saying your prayer every night is not going to open the door for you. We all know what we must do. That was built into the hardware at the moment of our life. We can’t hide. Also, you can’t wait until the last minute to be your brother’s keeper. We don’t know when our last day will come. I am home now and I will answer the many VA questions I have been asked next week. Don’t forget those who need your help especially our veterans.

God bless and have a good week.

by Gary Kennedy

Good day to my fellow veterans and all of you who read and contribute to these articles of importance which support and clarify issues of relevance in the veteran’s life and well being. It can be a long and testy road from active military force overseeing all that we know and love to veteran. The uniform comes off but that which has been instilled in the minds of all those who served will remain always. There will always be a sense which is maintained by the veteran which will never be known by those who never served their country through the military. Veterans just seem to have a special sense when it comes to the stressors facing our country. They have a keen sense of danger when it comes to their homeland and all things that they love that reside within its borders. How many countries in the world have the second amendment? For veterans there is a feeling of security knowing we are able to protect that which we love. Unfortunately, not all in our system feels as most of us do.

I have worked beside veterans for most of my life and become very upset when I see veterans being abused in any way, shape or form. Not all veterans are in line for sainthood but all deserve the truth and a fair shake. Veterans depend on the VA system to protect them and express their problems to said entity to carry the ball for them. When the ball is dropped it needs to be picked back up and carried to the finish line in the most honorable fashion possible. Honor is one of the most elaborated on subjects carried into the battle field.

It is also insisted upon in all we say and do. If you aren’t sure of something then you should handle it as something of an unknown or I need more clarity. Here is where procedure comes into play. You’ve heard the expression “by the book”, this is a point in time when this rule must be adhered to. To exaggerate a situation, to hurt someone or to demean someone is a serious attack on humanity. Gossip, hearsay, insinuation are just a few words under the umbrella of baring false witness, which is an offense in my opinion beyond most. These things can be brought about in different ways.

Lately, I have been addressing this sort of issue with other veterans. As most of us are aware time is the precursor of change and this can be an event of rapidity or a slow change in world events and attitudes. Along with this comes language changes and social changes. This evolution is not necessarily good or bad. However, the impact can be great on certain communities and societies. Veterans are a very large group of individuals who think largely in the past and sometimes take a little more time to catch up with today’s requirements.

Even the brightest most progressive of us can find we aren’t or haven’t caught up with the changes being mandated by current society so in our panic we search out the aid and advice of those trained in the manner in which societal change can be coped with.

On the other hand those mandating these changes should realize that problems can arise because of habits established over time. So, if the societal push is on a vulnerable group in society, patients and real understanding becomes very necessary. Situations can become confused and serious negatives can be drawn from events not deserving of such. Without proper training serious harm can be extrapolated from another wise innocent situation. This can be the case with face to face communication or even in the handling of documentation. Unfortunately, there is also the possibility of the intentional infliction of harm on another.

Next time I will show you a problem I and others have run into recently involving the handling of veteran’s records. Veterans should always be vigilant when it comes to their records. Veterans should always read them carefully, more than once and make sure you understand what has been placed before you. Your future well being may indeed depend on it. If you don’t understand any part of your record take it to your Veteran’s Service Officer and ask for clarity. I will explain more next time.

by Gary Kennedy

Beauty is as beauty does. I recently read an article about a tribe in Asian. We will call them the Ubuntu Tribe. An anthropologist proposed a game to a group of very young children. The eldest was perhaps 16 years old. The others were 5 – 7, 8 and 9. A basket of fruit was placed at the base of a tree several yards away. The anthropologist wanted to see the mayhem that would ensue after the race. However, he was in for a big surprise and a lesson well learned. He saw the children sprint to the basket of fruit. What was surprising was when the children started their task they first joined hands and ran only as fast as the slowest to the fruited tree. They then sat and shared and enjoyed the assortment of fruit. They ran as one and enjoyed the meal as one. In his amazement he asked the children why they didn’t seek the prize singularly. They all wanted the fruit and they knew the others in their group wanted the fruit, also. However, they collectively replied Ubuntu, Ubuntu, how can one of us be happy if all the others are sad? You see in this very primitive tribe “their culture dictates”, “I am because we are”.

This so-called primitive tribe has an understanding of the secret of happiness that many societies claiming to be civilized have lost. These were little naked children; how beautiful, uneducated children who for some reason lived by what I believe is a very beautiful touching philosophy. For them it was a way of life perhaps taught by their parents. In any case it showed what we use to relate to as togetherness. What has happened to us? Why are different parts of the world so different than others?

Veterans have seen many different cultures in their travels; cultures as different as night is to day. I know I have seen the best and worst of them. When I started doing humanitarian volunteerism I learned to be very cautious. Some of the countries I would go to had a good side and a bad side. The same is true here in the U.S.A. If you travel, especially if you work with people, you will find the differences I have described.

When it becomes election time here in the USA, as is true in other places, these groups of people begin to show themselves. I noticed the other day that one political party was trying to show we vets why we should vote for them. It became obvious to me one of the groups was not telling the truth. I happen to know the truth as I have personally done the research.

The subject this group was trying to take credit for was I.V.F.. If you remember we talked about this months ago. When you start using veterans as examples make sure you have your facts together. Politics are so immoral these days. It’s never been great but recently it’s been horrific. Anyway, this group stated that veterans were given great benefit because of them, in the area of I.V.F. (In Vitro Fertilization).

Some of you might remember how this subject played out from personal experience. Yes, its true veterans can in some cases receive many great benefits for their contributions to our country. However, before you start boasting about it with the hope of political gain be sure of your facts.

True, veterans have received an I.V.F. benefit. It’s for their part free. The catch is the wife. I spoke with a Medical Specialist, in Portland, and he explains the easy part was the male extraction but the difficult and expensive part was that which was on the female side. Her process became much more complicated and was not paid for by the government. This doctor went on to give me a minimum of many thousands of dollars. The process doesn’t work on every attempt and can be a money pit and a heart breaker for the couple. I have talked to veterans who wanted this possibility so I thought I would share it with you once again. With enough attention perhaps the government will eventually give the entire package. Be aware of the politics. We are a valuable commodity during this time and our friends and family are not the Ubuntu tribe. God bless and have a great weekend.

The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.

by Gary Kennedy

In an issue of The Town Line, four or five years ago, I mentioned outside problems which I felt were causing VA unneeded stress. Like any source of information and service, information supplied under duress can be very harmful. The interpretation can lead to misinformation and lead one down the wrong path. It can also lead to distrust and become a very unpleasant venue. Going on 50 years now I have seen this sort of thing go south very rapidly.

Do you remember my article involving the Fisher House? This was a money gift that built a hospitality house. When I and others learned of the construction we objected and made our objections known. However, the powers that be, decided to avoid our warnings and the fact that the Fisher House was going to be built on wet land, land which couldn’t hold weight. I in fact was so adamant about my stand, I included the wildlife habitat and along with my wife asked for a meeting with the State of Maine to express my and others position on that issue.

I guess we know how far that got us. Now the Fisher House is slowly listing to the left, thus causing severe structural damage. I understand that the structure itself cost a few million dollars. These buildings which have become popular all across the USA are gifts to the VA. It’s heart breaking to see what’s happening because there are those who will not turn a blind eye and let others get involved, even though this is supposed to benefit the veteran. Veteran involvement could be a very good thing.

There are those with so much passion and talent that would love to be part of their surroundings. A few years ago I suggested that given the fact that there were interested, talented Vets who would love to be part of the solution and who were problem solvers. Mistakes like this one could be avoided. There must be a government virus going around. It seems the state and federal governments can’t seem to get it together and to get it right. Now we have to do and say, or not say, to be in the other side’s compliance zone. We use to be friends and worked things out ourselves but not anymore. The minority seems to have found a way to put fearful controls in places.

Five years ago the Community Living Center was supposed to be finished behind building. 205. That was a building that was sorely needed. Many disabled veterans who had been in the system for many years anxiously awaited. Unfortunately, most of them wouldn’t live to see its insemination. It was passed along that the building dollars got used in different places. The money that remained kept a small crew doing other small jobs over time. This is second hand information that I believe to be true. I am sure I will get to the bottom of this eventually. This all seemed to occur during the changing of the administration. That seems to be happening a lot lately.

I know you are familiar with my articles involving the gym and the swimming pool. This event was conveniently initiated post covid, forward. These two rooms were used for veterans’ rehab. Their primary function was for physical therapy and for PTSD. The pool was a wonderful advent to the wellness clinic. Veterans would meet there and walk around while sharing time with one another. It was great for physical health as well as mental health. Along came attrition disease, due mostly because of lack of concern for those who kept the boat afloat.

I was told it was a clever management tool to help with the retention of employees who were experiencing greener grass elsewhere. One day a few of my group got together and decided to check it out. The door was locked and a sign was placed outside advertising that the gym was for employees for a fee. Veterans couldn’t use it anymore even though it was provided for their use and well being. Three days per-week physical therapists would, by appointment, take their veterans for pool therapy. At the same time other vets could use the opposite side of the pool. When covid hit, the pool was drained and we were told that the pool had problems. We vets were told that we could use the YMCA, upon application. This was a no brainer from the start. Try placing the civilian elderly and the disabled veteran in a pool together. Now, all you have to do is toss in a few children and some PTSD and you have a very dangerous mix. I am sure the U.S. government would agree with me. If they only knew! I am sure it wouldn’t be long before we would wear out our welcome.

The Community Living Center went undone for years. It just began again last year. Now other veterans tour the acre long galvanized fence. Some of us refer to the new buildings as “Silver City”. At least the building we have been waiting for has almost reached fruition. NOPE! After all those thousands of man-hours and tons of shiny metal, the footings and foundation has been poured yet this magnificent building has had the brakes put on. OSHA doesn’t allow for poor design due to Tensile Strength. Tensile Strength is the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before it breaks when being stretched or pulled. We will have to wait and see what the administration does.

They like to keep these things private. It’s difficult to admit when you are wrong. Only the strong and self assured can handle that task. In any case the secret is out, in part; let’s see what they do with it. I know they have a problem with the moral part of running the government’s business. Veterans, it’s time to vote. Be sure you analyze your candidates well and ask the right questions. We are the soldiers of yesterday but that doesn’t mean we can’t impart our wisdom on our sons and daughters and those we love. It’s not what we take with us but what we leave behind.

Have a safe weekend and God bless you and yours.

by Gary Kennedy

I will try to get a couple things answered this week. I am getting slower in my old age and VA is becoming more complicated than it used to be. Remember, what I share with you is my opinion based upon my research and that which has worked for me and veterans I have worked with overtime.

I believe I am as accurate as VA sites are, and they vary, one to another. Trying to simplify VA rules, regulations coupled with case law is not an easy nor definitive task. However, it puts us in the ball park and gets the ball rolling. Even the lawyers aren’t 100 percent or they wouldn’t be needed, would they. A veteran needing help should accept any available knowledgeable source. You don’t need to go it alone. Always avail yourself of second opinions. A good person has been known to make mistakes. When you acquire satisfactory information share it.

There are many veteran groups outside of VA, from here to the S.E. Asia Islands. The VA has loosened their rules on medical help and pensions recently. It’s hard to keep up with the changes. A good example would be in the Presumptive area. We recently went through Agent Orange and Burn pits presumptive issues. These alone carry many commorbidities which also become presumptive. A few of the newer ones, for those of you who are not aware, are 1. Male Breast Cancer; 2. Urethral cancer and cancer of the Paraurethral Glands. These can be added to the list of Presumptive. Unfortunately, it takes time and research to reach this point and some may die before they know and obtain help. I have seen a couple of close calls regarding addendums to Presumptive cases.

VA states that you must have been in the military for 90 days or more, active and continues service. I would certainly argue that in some cases. Doctor’s notes and a good lawyer would have a viable argument in my opinion. The PACT Act alone added 20 presumptive conditions based on toxic exposure. Some of these cases are time sensitive, usually one year. So some of these can be very difficult and in my opinion, is unfair.

Cancer is a dirty player. It can hang around for years before rearing it’s vile head. In any case I would still fight for the exception. There is a lot of kidney cancer as of late. This is a presumptive condition and one I would not hesitate to argue outside of any time sensitive rules. We all have heard about our brothers at Camp Lejeune. This evolved from military to people living near the base as well as civilians working on the base. Lawyers are all over this. Simple conditions such as Chronic Rhinitis or Sinusitis can be service compensable conditions, depending on your MOS or having close proximity to the proximal potential causation of these irritants. (Smoke, gas/oil, fumes, solvents etc.) More than three quarters of a million veterans have filed for these Pact Act related events. More than half of these are still pending. Although we have a first come, first1st served policy there needs to be exceptions to this rule. I have seen a couple of situations where this should have been the case. I am referring to near death situations. Most veterans, especially those in line waiting would agree with me on this one. It’s so bad losing someone you love but even worse for the veteran knowing he/she is leaving some very important unfinished business relating to those loved ones. There have been dozens of Presumptive Medical issues added to the list. Speak with your Veteran Service Officer about the many presumed conditions if you believe you or your loved one may fit into any as the ever changing list of medical issues that might be in close proximity to your veteran’s condition.

Next time we will cover other issues on your list. I hope this has been of some help to you and yours. I will try to cover some of the more basic issues next time. God bless you all and have a safe and sharing week. Always remember, “It’s not what you take with you but what you leave behind”.