I have a question about the article that was in the paper pertaining to Air Force reservists that are supposed to be getting money for coming in contact with Agent Orange. How come only Air Force reservists are getting paid for being in contact with Agent Orange? As a Vietnam veteran, I was told I was in-country where they sprayed Agent Orange, but yet I don’t get anything. Because they said there is no proof. And I have to pay to be tested. I was on the ground in the rice paddies where stuff was probably sprayed and so was a brother of mine. But yet after all these years we get nothing. Is this fair to all the rest of us? Only certain ones get and certain ones don’t. Please don’t answer with a stupid reply. The VA has established a list of diseases for which Agent Orange chemicals are considered to be the cause. Those who served in country in Vietnam, and certain other established geographic areas or exposer opportunities, who have any of the diseases on the list, are “presumed” to have contracted the diseases from exposure to Agent Orange chemicals, and therefore are entitled to be rated under the VA Compensation standards for these diseases. The ruling in question allows these Guard and Reserve members who flew on, and/or maintained, the C-123 aircraft that had previous carried Agent Orange chemicals, the same “presumptive causal affect” status. There is no automatic monetary award for having been exposed to Agent Orange chemicals. The only monetary award is one for being rated with service connected disabilities as a result of contracting one of these presumptive diseases. The lucky folks are the ones who never have the “opportunity” collect such an award. – Bobby Callahan, Director of Veterans’ Services, City of Westfield
Reading the Saturday’s edition of the Westfield Evening News, Rotarian Joe Deedy states the Southwick Parks and Recreation Commission will support fireworks but donations are needed. The fireworks cost a total of $11,500 of which $2500 is needed “for police for the event.” Here’s a thought: Approach the local police and ask them if they would contribute, at no cost to the Town of Southwick, the minimal amount of time needed to police the event. It would save $2500 and cut down on the cost to run the fireworks event. The SPD will not donate their time.
