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Center for Veterans' Rights - Hunger Strike, May 1981 (4 of 4)
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Center for Veterans' Rights - Hunger Strike, May 1981 (4 of 4)
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: Center for Veterans' Rights -
Hunger Strike, May 1981
(4 of 4)
Box: 43
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REFERENCE SLIP
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INITIALS-DATE
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REASON FOR REFERENCE
APPROVAL
CONCURRENCE
NOTE AND RETURN
AS REQUESTED
FOR YOUR FILES
PER CONVERSATION
CALL ME
INFORMATION
RECOMMENDATION
COMMENTS
NECESSARY ACTION
SIGNATURE
PREPARE REPLY
FOR SIGNATURE OF
REMARKS
06
FILES
NHP
To:
KATHY CHRISTIANSON
OEOB - 17th St, entrance
go to Mailroom
Call Kathy at 2657. They will
Send someone to pickup.
Bob.
PRODUCER
DATE
TEL. EXT.
VA FORM
OCT 1956
3230
EXISTING STOCKS OF VA FORM 3230.
NOV 1945, WILL BE USED.
605718
File Hunger Stukers
Administration
REFERENCE SUP
TO (Name or title-Mail moting -
INITIALS-DATE
#:
Strat Appleman
z.
Acting Asst. Administrator for
a.
Information Services
4.
VACO
M
READER I
as INVOICED
FOR YOUR FILES
NOTE AND RETURN
COMMENTS
IMPORTANT this
PER CONVERSATION
CONCURRENCE
MEDEBIARY ACTION
SIGNATURE
REMARKS
Attached is the transcription of that portion of
my tape recording of the hunger strikers' news
conference at the Wadsworth VAMC the morning
of May 28, 1981 1 went back outside and all of
the news people had left the premisses and I was
unable to locate anyone who had a verbatim report
of Chris Noel's statements. In this transcription
her remarks are indicated by the initials "CN".
Ron Kovic was also in attendance and his statements
are also indicated. Pages 1 through 3 of this
transcription are being mailed to you inasmuch as
they did not include any remarks by Chris Noel.
Those remarks attributed to "Q" are either questions
by. reporters or remarks by some of the hunger strikers.
Jank
FROM
DATE
Frank W. Terry, Area Director
5/28/81
Office of Information Services (06LA
TEL. Ext.
799-7686
VA FORM
MAY - 3230
EJUSTING STOCKS OF VA Police MM,
AUG 1676, WILL as usit.
4.
(Excited screens)
voice
Bey, hey, the White House just ok'd all the statements.
Q
Says who?
(more excited screame and mixed talk)
+
n'
But those of you who don't know, the President has, in X moment, & time we find, 8
new acting director of the Veterans Administration temporarily
I guess you
know that?
2
No, I don't know anything.
is
Alright, fine.
CN
What I Am telling you is this. The original hunger strikers are about ready to
make a settlement. That's what I'm trying to tell you. And I've been trying to get
in touch with Bon Bitzer and Ron Kovic this morning, but 1 have not been able
n'k KOVIL I'm here right now. I'm here right now.
Cal
What has happened is that the acting director of the VA...
or
Who is who?
CN
His name has JUBL escaped me.
6 Kevic
Rufus Wilson.
ON
Yes.
y
O.K. The acting director of the VA...
CN
Has walked out...
0
Walked out OVRT this strike?
ON
I would think my so. It seems that everybody has ok'd, and a senior staff has
ok'd the document..
Q
The four requests, the four requests.
They are
GN
in Hus document.
a
Each and everyone of the four requests. Has each and everyone of them been met?
CN
I will be able to tell you everything shortly.
Alright. one other Question. Will we receive. will we receive 8 statement from the
5.
White House? That's what we wmt.
CN
You will receive B statement from the White House in the form of a telegram later
on this afternoon. I will be able to tell you shorfly 88 soon as we get the phone call
what is in this document, and they we will be sending & copy of it to Ron Bitzer, Ron Kovic...
G
And the hunger strikers. ?
CN
And the hunger strikers and also to & group in Santa Barbara.
R Koo's
O.k. Alright. our reaponse to that...our response to that is that we are cautiously
optomistic, uhm, the strike continues, we await the response from the President, WE will
make no decision on the status, we will make no decision on the status of the strike until
ye have read, until we have read everything, we are cautiously optomistic, we are awaiting 11
This 16, as far we're concerned, this is information, it's conjecture, until we 586 the
material, until we can go OVER the material and then we will make a decision.
CN
I tell, it 18 quite positive, the acting director of the VA to have walked out means
that It is definitely very positive...
0
It looks very good.
a
...for the Vietnam veteran.
50
Can you say the original hunger strikers reached & settlement?
CN
No.
CN
No. No. No.
G
Who are you referring to?
CN
I am referring to the two that have been on the strike for 14 days
14 days, that's correct.
Kovie
O.k. Again, we're going to be in communication with Marlin and with John. No decision
no decision on the strike will be made until everyone here, everyone here, is made aware
of the President's statement, everyone. And we are not, this strike is going to continue
until we are completely satisfied that everyone of the four requests has been met, and
we will not know that until this afternoon. So we ste waiting.
CN
I would like to make something very clear. We do not want a division over this.
R. LOVIC
We're not going to have one.
We do not want a division, 80 we really want to work this out all together so that
it's peace for Vietnam veterans throughout the country. In spite of controversy.
a
This is a major breakthrough.
CN
We are, we. will work together.
)
Do you work for the VA?
ON
No. No. I don't. I work with Vietnam veterans.
Chris, you'll have to repeat it for the cameras,
Tell the again what your new information 1s?
new
ON
The information is that the documents have been prepared, accepted by the senior staff
and at this point the acting director of the Veterans Administration, Rufus Wilson, has
just resigned.
He's resigned OVER this?
We'll...
It's look like that.
How'd you get all this.
I Sm in touch with the White House.
No when do they say that you will have these documents you're waiting on.
As soon as the new acting director has been chosen by the President. At this point
1t's between two men...
And what does this do the hunger strikers? Are they going to stay on their hunger
strike until..
(N
Until-thereio-a-need Stay on the hunger strike until there's a DEV administrator of
the VA.
&
When will this be?
('N
By tomorrow for SUTE.
Excuse BC, you're saying the hunger strike will continue until we, we must evaluate
havic
the statement. This is conjecture, until VE evaluate the statement thoroughly. no decision
on the direction of the strike can be made until everyone here is able to study this docu-
ment and to vote on the direction we're going to go.
Now I want to make that clear.
in
ON They have been continually support of Vietnam veterens since 1966.
a
You were with Armed Forces Radio?
CN 1 was with Armed Forces Radio, I If & friend of veterans everywhere, Vietnam veterans
everywhere. I choox not to represent any particular organization. This is the hunger
strike that was started by two individuals that believe in something 80 strong that thing
are willing to give their lives...
Q
Who then, Marlin and John?
(N That's right. And these...
4 Where are they now?
(A They're not here. They will be here shortly.
a What is your name?
( N Chris Noel. NOEL.
G NOEL?
ON Yes. You will bear from us again probably, actually IC's momentarily, we are simply
waiting for the President to make his decision.
is
But you have been in contact with the White House this morning?
=n Yes.
Two Hunger Strikers
Collapse at VA Site
By Cheryl Crooks
ers, in a demonstration organized by
Time-Life News Service
the Center for Veterans Rights, a
non-profit, independent veteran's
LOS ANGELES - Two hunger-
organization in Los Angeles, occupy
striking protesters collapsed yester-
one section of the hospital's lobby.
day as a group Vietnam veterans be-
Both groups are demanding an
gan its second week of a sit-in.
evaluation of the medical programs
Leaders said the vets would not
for Vietnam veterans by outside ex-
leave Wadsworth VA Medical Center
perts; adequate research and exami-
until all their demands for improved
nation for health problems relating
medical care are met with doc-
to toxic herbicide exposure, includ-
uments on White House stationery
ing Agent Orange; a delayed re-entry
and signed by the president.
program for Vietnam veterans; and
But protest leader Ron Bitzer of
attention from President Reagan.
the Center for Veteran's Rights in-
Hunger striker John Avalos, 34, of
dicated the hunger strike and sit-in
Glendale, Calif., has been fasting for
at the hospital could be ended with-
six days. The -Marine said the pro-
out a previously demanded personal
test is "like a call of duty."
meeting with the president.
"We' ready for a battle and know
"We must have a written state-
that some of us might not make it,"
ment from the White House," Bitzer
he said. "If some of us don't make it,
said.
Max Inglett, a paraplegic who had
then that's what it's going to cost be-
been on a water-only diet since Sat-
cause we'll be here as long as it
takes,"
urday and had already collapsed
twice, and Chuck Bass, on his 14th
The protest at the hospital began
May 20 in reaction to the death of
day without solid food, were report-
ed in stable condition but were still
James Hopkins, 32, an ex-Marine
who felt he was losing his mind be-
not eating, Bitzer said.
cause of his exposure to Agent Or-
The 12 hunger strikers and their
ange in Vietnam. On March 14, Hop-
supporters are camped in 13 brightly
kins put on his military fatigues,
colored tents pitched on the hospi-
crashed his jeep into the Wadsworth
tal's front lawn. Another six protest-
lobby and shot up the walls with an
M-14.
He died at home two months later.
An open liquor bottle and empty pill
container were found near his body.
The Los Angeles County coroner is
investigating his death.
"Am I going to be next? asked Vir-
gil Neigel, 30, of Riverside, Calif.-
Niegel, an ex-Army helicopter crew
chief, is one of the so-called "inside
six" protesters at the hospital. On the
first day of the sit-in, Neigel tore up
his honorable discharge from the
Army because, he said, "I honor my
country by serving in Vietnam but
the U.S. government is not honoring
me in medical benefits, schooling or
jobs.
Other protesters allege that some
VA doctors treat delayed stress by
prescribing medication until the pa-
tient is "doped up like a zombie;" that
VA staff are unsympathetic; that
medical school residents and in-
terns are often inadequately super-
vised by staff physicians, and that
new drugs have been tested on the
veterans.
Nick Longworth, VA respresent-
ative for Dr. Donald Custis, acting
administrator of veterans affiars,
said he assured the protesters that
medical programs at Wadsworth and
the VA's Brentwood Psychiatric Hos-
pital would be evaluated by outside
experts and that Hopkins death
would be investigated by an outside
Preservation Copy
team, both to begin within a week
0 10 days.
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
804-428-8105
P Chuis
305-833-3059
A
4226906 422-5919 6919
MEMORANDUM
File
OF CALL
Hunger
TO:
Stukees
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
OF (Organization)
PHONE NO.
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
FTS
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
a
Dr Wm. anderson
213
Wadoworth 478-3711 VA Horp.
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
63-109
STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev. 8-76)
Prescribed by GSA
4 U.S. G.P.O. 1980-311-156/16
FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
Nickt
TO:
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU
then WERE VISITED you BY
OF (Organization)
PHONE NO
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT
WILL CALL AGAIN
V CSHES AN APPOINTMENT
FTS
IS WATTING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
MESSAGE
Chris Noely
305-833-3059
has been workedouts
Can be ended
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
63-109
STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev. 8-76)
Prescribed by GSA
4 U.S. G.P.O. 1980-311-156/16
FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
She needs to
tall to you -
9R wants totall committee
to your
Signat clase to
PNS.)
Thoms before
it's = over
W Post 7/6/810 Bluos
8 More Veterans 30
On Way to Join VV.
Hunger Strike
SAN FRANCISCO, July 5 (UPI) - A
group of eight Vietnam era veterans who
have been staging protest demonstrations
since May 20 arrived today in San Francisco
on the first leg of a trip to Washington, D.C.
to join other veterans on a hunger strike.
The vets, most of whom participated in a
recent sit-in and hunger strike at a Veterans
Administration hospital in Los Angeles, left
Los Angeles early today from Exposition
Park in a motor home with two accompa-
nying vehicles. The vets were met in San
Francisco by a number of supporters who
staged a rally in their behalf at Glide Me-
morial Church.
The traveling protest will stop at 26 cities
before it reaches Washington. One of the
veterans participating abandoned a 36-day
hunger strike only 24 hours before the car-
avan departed.
The vets said they would join other vet-
erans in Washington in a request for a meet
ing with President Reagan.
They are demanding investigations into
the overall effects of the herbicide Agent
Orange used in Vietnam, better health care
for veterans, and recognition of delayed
stress syndrome as a service-related illness.
The motor home carrying the eight vet-
erans will lead two other carsgyone of them
ostensibly for newspeople and the other a
support car in the 3,000-plus mile trek.
The caravan has been dubbed "Operation
Snowball," because veterans said they hoped
others would join them along the way.
File
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
Ve Hunger Storkers
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
Keep there daten
OF (Organization)
PHONE NO.
H
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
FTS
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU.
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE June 9 181 eviction
May 28 Hukers - original Hurger
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
63-109
STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev. 8-76)
Prescribed by GSA
4 U.S. G.P.O. 1980-311-156/16
FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
The veterans don't like compari-
STAIL
sons to Bobby Sands, the world's pop-
star hunger striker.
P.D.1
MARY McGRORY
For one thing. "he was not educat-
ed nutritionally,' says Dr. John
disapprovingly. "He drank tap water,
which is full of chlorine, and he took
The War
salt tablets - most debilitating.
For another: "They were prisoners'
Hungk
and terrorists," says Bob Zappy. "We
That Still
are citizens demanding our rights.
We want an outside investigation of
the VA, an international commission
on Agent Orange, and recognition of
Divides
Delayed Stress Syndrome.
And finally, the vets will not fast
to the death in the IRA way.
Inside the tent on Lafayette Park,
They had a meeting in the Speak-
three veterans in combat fatigues
ers Lobby with Rep. G, L. "Sonny"
two of them hunger strikers - were
Montgomery a week ago, in an inter-
talking quietly about lost jobs- and
val in the tumultuous fight over bud-
lost wives, about flashbacks and
get cuts: He was so persuasive in his
promises for action that they decid-
nightmares and boneheaded doctors
ed to add fruit juice to their diet of
in the Veterans Administration. Out-
side, a tall figure in a white linen
bottled water. Like this, they can go
on indefinitely.
suit with a camouflage headband
around his long hair and full beard
The non-faster in. the tent spoke,
up. "I'm the only guy who's got a
was dancing in the sunlight to the
wife," said Richard Weinberg, an-
music of a portable radio.
"He's not helping," said Bob Zappy,
other native of Lynn, and age 35. He
told of Heather, his wife, and their
who is -37 years old, from Lynn,
two children back home in New Zea-
Mass., and in day 37 of fasting.
"Dr. John" Michel poked his head
land, where he has been living since
1976.
in the tent and looked sad. "When I
He came back to the U.S. on busi-
am happy, I have to dance," he said,
"to express my feelings and to exer-
nessin May, bumped into the protest
cise. "Dr. John" is not a veteran and
in Los Angeles and "had to join. He
has been fasting for 42 days, "for
was ruled ineligible to fast, because
some other causes, too.'
he has to take drugs, He was shot in
He went back to his boogying, "to
the head in Vietnam where he
get the attention of the chump
served as a Ranger.
across the street" = by whom he
"My marriage would never have
meant the president of the United
lasted in the U.S.," said Weinberg, a
States. One of the demands is for a
small, bright-eyed, engaging man
with a useless left arm, who works
meeting with the commander in
in a boystown.
chief.
"In New Zealand, the people are
Bob Zappy sighed. "He's Mr. Cali-
supportive of vets. They sent 5,000 to
fornia," he said of the dancer. "He's
Vietnam. A lot of people there pro-
a flower child of the '60s. We really
tested the war, but they directed it
ought to weed him out'
The Vietnam veterans' hunger
at the government. They never spit
on the Gls; the way they did here."
strike began in California on May 13
A light rain began to fall, and the
in discord. There were those who sat
fasters scrambled out to rescue their
in in the lobby of the Wadsworth
"Agent Orange Kills" poster outside
Veterans Hospital to protest the
the tent. They talked philosophically
death of James Hopkins, a veteran
about the condemnation of their ef-
who died of a drug overdose. An-
fort by Bobby Muller, who runs the
other group camped out on the
Vietnam Veterans of America from
grounds They got masslve coverage,
his wheelchair.
but split on goals and strategy.
The fast came to Washington -
Muller explained over the phone
and yawns - two weeks ago. The
from his New York office.
nine participants are living in St.
"I'm tired of the confrontational
Stephen and the Incarnation
politics we have used for decades
Church, and they come in pairs to
without results," he said. "We were
the park in the wan hope that Ron-
getting somewhere through negotl.
ald Reagan will ask them in for
ations."
lunch.
Muller sent a telegram to the hun-
The Park Police gave them a per-
ger strikers in California on May 29
mit for their Fourth of July demon-
urging them to quit, after a letter
stration in Constitution Gardens.
from the acting head of the VA went
The White House Secret Service
to the chief of the hospital, promis-
came across the street to inquiré
ing cooperation with Congress on
how they were getting along. Shades
the vets Rap Centers and continu-
of Richard Nixon, who wanted to ar-
ation of the Inter-Agency Working
rest the Vietnam Veterans Against
Group on Agent Orange
the War who camped on the Mall in
"If you are serious about the dis-
1971.
mal state of affairs," says Muller, you
have to go about It in a different
way."
Differences over Vletnam, in oth.
er words, continue. The hollow-eyed
folks on the Mall tell us once again
that it is the war that never ends.
Preservation Copy
DRAFT
Dear Mr. Anderson:
I just wanted to express my gratitude for your superb
handling of the recent protest at the Wadsworth Hospital
Center. The Administration very much appreciates the
skill with which you handled what was an extremely difficult
situation.
Once again, congratulations on an outstanding job.
Sincerely,
Morton C. Blackwell
Special Assistant to the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Write letter of
thanks and corpoticlations.
to
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
REFERENCE SLIP
TO (Name or title-Mail routing symbol)
INITIALS-DATE
1.
Morton Blackwell
2. Special Asst. to the President
for Public Liaison
3.
4.
5.
REASON FOR REFERENCE
AS REQUESTED
FOR YOUR FILES
NOTE AND RETURN
X
COMMENTS
INFORMATION
PER CONVERSATION
CONCURRENCE
NECESSARY ACTION
SIGNATURE
REMARKS
FROM
N
DATE
NICK LONGWORTH
7/14/81
Special Assistant
TEL. EXT.
Veterans Administration
VA FORM
EXISTING STOCKS OF VA FORM 3230,
AUG 1976
3230
OCT 1956, WILL BE USED
U.S.GPO: 1979-290-573/701
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
UCLA
DEPARTMENT
OF
BERKELEY
DAVIS
IRVINE
LOS ANGELES
RIVERSIDE
SAN DIEGO
SAN FRANCISCO
THE
FORMIA
SANTA BARBARA
SANTA CRUZ
1868
OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN
DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY
UCLA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
une 19, 1981
CENTER FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
Donald L. Custis, M.D.
Acting Administrator
Veterans Administration Central Office
810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20420
Dear Dr. Custis,
I am writing you this letter in my official capacity as Chairman of the
VA Wadsworth Medical Center Dean's Committee.
Our last Dean's Committee meeting was held on Wednesday, June 10, 1981, the
day after the Vietnam veteran protesters were removed from the premises. For
the benefit of our Dean's Committee, Mr. William K. Anderson, Central Director,
and H. Earl Gordon, M.D., Chief of Staff, gave an extensive report on the back-
ground and course of events relating to these demonstrations. As you can well
imagine, members of the Dean's Committee had been, as a result of continuing
newspaper coverage, in a state of concern for a period of two and a half weeks.
Early in the course of events undue attention was focused upon this small group
of protesters because of the visit of President Reagan to his home in this area.
From the administrative point of view it appeared to be one of those classic
"no win" situations. Almost any action (or inaction) on the part of those re-
sponsible for the decision making could have led to a very embarrassing situation
for the Veterans Administration/University community.
I should like to summarize for you the substance of the comments by various mem-
bers of the Dean's Committee present on June 10th. Many of these views were ex-
pressed by Dr. Louis Jolyon West, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, UCLA,
who is a recognized international authority on the psychological techniques for
dealing with violence and demonstrations. The tone of the meeting was congratulatory
to both Mr. Anderson and Dr. Gordon for the superb way that they had handled an
explosive situation over a period of two weeks. They were assisted in their efforts
by the advice and counsel of Central Office staff, particularly those staff members
that came to Los Angeles to help. It was pointed out that if definitive action had
been taken at a time that media coverage was highest, in the first few days of the
episode, adverse publicity would have resulted to the Veterans Administration. At
that time either capitulation to the demands of the demonstrators, or aggressive
action against them, would have been unfortunate. Similarly, further delay in hand-
ling the situation would have resulted in intolerable interference with the activities
of the Wadsworth Hospital Center.
Donald L. Custis, M.D.
June 19, 1981
Page Two
In the discussions at the Dean's meeting, it became apparent that the handling,
from the psychological point of view, both of the individual demonstrators as
well as handling of the group dynamics, were accomplished with great psychological
and administrative skill.
I should like to express to you, Dr. Custis, on behalf of the Dean's Committee, our
admiration for the superb way that this crisis was handled.
Sincerely,
JAmes Maloney, memory Jr., M.D.
Chairman, Dean's Committee
JVM:j1
VIETNAM VETERANS of SANTA BARBARA
An Independant Non-Incorporated Group of Vietnam Veterans
Meeting to Help Ourselves and Help Other Vietnam Veterans
7:30 pm, Tuesdays, Veterans' Memorial Building, 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd.
Santa Barbara, CA. 93101
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steve Schlah
OFFICIAL
Phone: 687-1134
Vietnam Veterans of Santa Barbara have given a list of requests to a
representative of President Ronald Reagan at the Western White House,
Refugio Canyon, CA. 93117. Below are those requests.
1. We request a Housing Program be implimented for Vietnam Veterans that
is comenserate with that given to veterans of World War II. Articles
of that Housing Program for Vietnam Veterans should include provisions
"no money down", extended mortgage term, and "availability".
2. We request "real" employment opportunities within the Private Sector,
implimented under similar guidelines to the "HIRE" program, but solely
formulated for Vietnam Veterans.
3. We request that funding be continued and expanded for the "VET CENTER"
Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program. It has shown both that it can be
effective and that it is truly needed by the Vietnam Veteran community.
4. We request that the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) continue to
be funded by the Department of Labor and to add "permenant status to
the DVOP representative positions. This program could be used to help
impliment our employment request labeled number 2.
5. We request that the nearly one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000) cut from
the Veterans Administration budget be restored. For years, the V.A.
has not been able to give the services to "all" veterans that it was
mandated by Congress to perform, due to inadequete budgets in the past.
Thus, there is no fat to cut from that budget, only lives.
6. We request that as the V.A.'s budget is restored, that its hospital and
out-patient care should be brought up to the standards of hospitals
in the Private Sector. President Reagan should now be aware what "good"
medical care can and should be, and the care he received is not what
veterans receive in V.A. facilities. (This is not to say that the Doctors
and nurses the V.A. employ are substandard, but that they are underpaid
and overworked. Their extreme dedication can only work so many days per week.)
7. We request that the V.A. impliment actions and compensation for cases
involving Post-Traumatic Stree Disorders as they have been requested
instudies sponsored by the Disabled Veterans of America (DAV) and researc-
hed by Dr. John Wilson and Dr. Charles Figley.
8. We request that the Federal Government initiate research into the side
effects of Agent Orange (Dioxin Herbicide used in Vietnam as a defoliant)
when it contacts human life, as it did to Vietnamese and Americans in
Vietnam.
9. We request that the present time limit of ten (10) years of GI Bill
eligibility be eliminated. Whether a veteran uses his or her benefits
(up to 45 monthes of benefit) should be determined by his or her own
individual needs and assessments and not the calendar. In a time of
technological change, as today, educational needs change, and if a
veteran still has benefits that have not been used, he should be entitled
to use that which he has earned.
We, Vietnam Veternas of Santa Barbara, feel that these requests are not anything
been granted long ago,
that veterans are not entitled to, but that which they deserve and should have
PAGE 2
Mailgram
THE DIAGNOSIS OF CHLORACNE DESPITE THE V.A. SO-CALLEC PHYSICAL
EXAMINATION FOR AGENT ORANGE THAT THE V.A, HAS ADMINISTERED FOR MORE
THAN TWO YEARS AND THE MCRE THAN 40,000 VIETNAM VETERANS WHO HAVE
REQUESTED SUCH AN EXAMINATION FROM THE V.A. HOSPITALS THROUGHOUT THE
COUNTRY?
WHY IS THE V.A. ONLY ABLE TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM THE CENTER FOR
VETERANS RIGHTS CONCERNING THIS IMPORTANT MATTER WITH THE APRIL 27,
1981 STATEMENT FROM CR BARCLAY M SHEPARD THAT "THE TASK FORCE (ON
AGENT ORANGE) IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REFINING DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES RELATIVE TO CHLORACNE?"
2, WHY HAS THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION CENTRAL OFFICE REFUSED TO
ALLOW OR DENY THE MARCH 31, 1980 REQUEST BY THE CENTER FOR VETERANS
RIGHTS FOR THE NAMES AND ACCRESSES OF ALL DISABLED VETERANS OF THE
VIETNAM ERA IN CALIFORNIA UNDER 38 U.S.C. SECTION 3301(F) FOR THE
PURPOSE OF OUTREACH TO THEM CONCERNING THE AGENT ORANGE SERVICES OF
THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION:
3. WILL YOU APPOINT AN EXPERT PANEL OF NON-V,A, INDIVIDUALS TO
EVALUATE THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL DELAYED RE-ENTRY PROGRAM FOR ALL 4.2 MI
LLION VIETNAM VETERANS WFO HAVE LACKED INFORMATION AEOUT THE
VIETNAM RELATED PROBLEMS OF CELAYED STRESS AND USE OF TOXIC
HERBICIDES?
4, WHY ARE VIETNAM VETERANS FLANNING TO PICKET THE CENTRAL OFFICE OF
THE V.A, IN WASHINGTON DC CN FRIDAY MAY 22, 1981 CONCERNING V,A, LACK
OF ACTION CN THE AGENT ORANGE ISSUES?
BUDGET CUTS IN THE V.A,
"I CALL ON PRESIDENT REAGAN TO STOPS SPENDING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON
INAUGURAL EALLS AND TO UTILIZE THE MONEY FOR WHAT THE DEFENDERS OR
OUR FINE CCUNTRY ARE ENTITLED TO, FROM THE MARCH 19, 1981 STATEMENT
OF. THE LATE JAMES R HOPKINS.
1. WHY HAS THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
ORDERED A 743 MILLION DOLLAR REDUCTION IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
OF THE V.A. SYSTEMS WITHOUT ANY EVALUATION OF THE COSTLY MEDICAL
SCHOOL AFFILIATION IN THE V.A, SYSTEM WHICH DRAINS UF TO 60 PERCENT
OF THE MEDICAL BUDGET INTO TRAINING COSTS (SEE JULY .3 1979 V.A. CEPT
OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY LETTER 1L-14-79-43?
2, HOW WILL V.A, HOSPITALS BE ABLE TO OPERATE AT ALL WITH THE PLANNED
REDUCTION CF 20,000 PHYSICIANS IN THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM BY 1986?
PLEASE RESFOND
CENTER FCR VETERANS RIGHTS
RONALD BITZER
TEL 213-746-6315
514 WEST ADAMS BLVD
LOS ANGELES CA 90007
13:23 EST
MGMCOMF MGM
TO REPLY BY MAILGRAM, SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR WESTERN UNION'S TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBERS
To mator
MEMORANDUM FOR: JAMES BAKER
MAY 26, 1981
FROM: KARNA SMALL
RE: VIETNAM VETERANS PROTESTS
I am concerned about the various protests taking place regarding Vietnam
Veterans and I understand that Elizabeth will bring up the subject at
tomorrow's staff meeting. Since we will all be at West Point, I wanted
to bring a few matters to your attention SO you would be aware of the latest
developments.
1. According to wire stories (attached) there are 8 hunger-strikers -- some
who have not eaten for 10 days. They seem to be supporting another
group of Vietnam Veterans who are staging a simultaneous sit-in at the
VA hospital there in California. (The hunger-strikers are out on the lawn)
2. The organizer of the sit-in sent a mailgram to the White House - to the
President (attached). Morton Blackwell, of Elizabeth Dole's shop had
it and has been coordinating with "our" man at the VA (the only Reagan
appointee over there running the place: Nick Longworth) The demands
in the mailgram are lengthy and absurd, but Nick Longworth is working
up a reply. Longworth feels that someone should GO TO CALIFORNIA to
talk to these people to end the sit-in and hunger strike
.he has offered
to go himself. (I'm not sure that would be necessary, but obviously, that
is something you all must decide). The VA has been waiting for same sort
of direction from the White House evidently. You should know that in the
mailgram they refer to the late James Hopkins
he had believed his
hearing was impaired by agent orange and had demanded a device for his
telephone. The VA hospital staff tested him, found no pronounced impairment.
Hopkins was SO mad he crashed his car into the front of the hospital and
later took an overdose and died. You should also know that the leader
of the hunger-strikers has, according to physicians who have treated
him, suicidal tendencies and has been a psychiatric patient.
3. Another veterans group, organized by David Belding (who originally was
with Vietnam Veterans against the war) called today. They had presented
a Modonna plus 10 demands, or areas of concern, to the gate at Santa
Barbara yesterday and wanted a response. I gave him a lengthy analysis
of the budget (cuts restored for vets etc.) and what we're doing on
agent orange. He was actually pleasant and said we should get that word
out because his people did not know that.
4. There are POSITIVE things we should get out about Vietnam Veterans funds etc.
and the story has not been told:
(a) Gramm-Latta restores virtually ALL veterans monies -- no medical
personnel will be cut, no regional offices cut - and we probably will
not oppose funds for store-front centers.
(b) We have an inter-agency task force examining scientific evidence on
agent orange.
(c) On-going budget expenditures will insure research on agent orange. In
1981 we're spending 3.1 million, in 1982, we will spend $9.5 million on this.
CENTER FOR VETERANS RIGHTS R BIT
514 WEST ACAMS ELVD
westem
Mailgram
LOS ANGELES CA 90007
4-0318785140 05/20/81 ICS IPMMTZZ CSP WSHB
2134799215 MGM TDMT LOS ANGELES CA 733 05-20 0125P EST
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON DC 20500
VIETNAM VETERANS ARE REQUESTING A MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES DURING YOUR MEMORIAL DAY VISIT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
AT THE SITE OF THE MARCH 14, 1981 PROTEST BY THE LATE JAMES R HOFKINS
TO INHUMANE TREATMENT BY VETERANS ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL TO THE
SICK VETERANS OF THE NATION:
THE REASONS FOR THE NECESSITY CF THIS PERSONAL VISIT, WHICH SOME
VIETNAM VETERANS AND SUPPORTERS ARE STRESSING BY OUR WAIT-IN THERE,
ARE THE FOLLOWING:
DELAYED STRESS AMONG VIETNAM VETERANS
"THERE ARE NO FEATURES, COMPLAINTS OR CLINICAL FINDINGS TO SUPPORT
ANY RELATIONSHIP TO AGENT ORANGE, OR THE POST-VIETNAM STRESS
SYNDROME, ALTHOUGH THIS WAS SPECIFICALLY EXPLORED" FROM THE APRIL
7-8, 1981 CASE REVIEW OF THE LATE JAMES R HOPKINS AT THE BRENTWOOD
V.A, HOSPITAL BY DOCTORS CYRIL BARNERT, RAMZI KIRIAKCS, GERALD
MCKENNA AND MANUEL STRAKER.
1, WHY DID THE BRENTWOOD VSAs CASE REVIEW FOR JAMES R HOPKINS
COMPLICATE THE CRITERIA FOR A CIAGNOSIS OF DELAYED STRESS BY ADDING
SYMPTONS IN ADDITION TO THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICAN
PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION (REFER TO SEE DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL
MANUALS CF MENTAL DISORDERS, 3RD EDITION)?
2, WILL YOU ORDER AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION INTO THE FAILURE OF
WACSWORTH AND BRENTWOOD V.A. HCSPITALS TO PROVIDE EVALUATION AND
TREATMENT TO THE LATE JAMES FOFKINS?
3, WHY ARE VIETNAM VETERANS, SPECIFICALLY SWORDS TO FLOWSHARES IN SAN
FRANCISCO, QUESTIONING THE MCDIFICATION OF THEIR CRITERIA FOR
DISABILITY COMPENSATION TO VIET NAM VETERANS FOR DELAYED STRESS BY
THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, SC THAT FEWER VETERANS GUALITY FOR
SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
4. WILL YOU ORDER A NATIONAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE VETERANS
ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING FOR VIETNAM
VETERANS BY A TEAM OF NON-V,A, EXPERTS IN THE FIELD CF DELAYED
STRESS?
HEALTH PROBLEMS RELATED TO AGENT ORANGE HERBICIDE EXPOSURE
"IT IS HIGH TIME THAT THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION ANC VARIOUS
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES BE SHAKEN FROM THEIR LETHARGY TOWARD ALL
VETERANS," FROM THE MARCH 19, 1981 STATEMENT OF THE LATE JAMES R
HOPKINS FRCM THE LOCKED WARD OF THE BRENTWOOD V.A. HCSPITAL,
1. WHY HAS THE V.A. FAILED TO INSTRUCT THEIR EXAMTATAC
Administration
glo
Draft of Response for signature of Acting Veterans Affairs
Acting
Director, Dr. Donald Custis, to communications from Ron
Bitzer, Chris Noel, and Steve Schlah.
The President has asked me as his newly designated Acting
Administrator of Veterans Affairs to respond to your recent
communications about issues of particular concerns to the
Vietnam Veterans.
As you may know, the President appointed me Acting Ad-
ministrator today to fill the vacancy created by the departure
of Rufus Wilson.
First, I am pleased to inform you that the President
has decided to continue the ongoing work of the Interagency
Work Group which has been the focal point within the gov-
ernment for Agent Orange activities. Many Vietnam Veterans
and leaders of Veterans groups had urged the President to
take this step.
Second, while many activities and programs of the Federal
government have been slated by the President for substantial
reductions or elimination, the President is pleased that his
fiscal year 1982 budget contains $9,540,000 of budgeted monies
for Agent Orange activities. Thei is more than 300% larger
than the $3,126,000 budgeted for Agent Orange in the current
fiscal year of 1981.
Third, in the overall figures for the Veterans Administration,
the President's budget sets out budget authority for fiscal
year 1982 of $24.2 billion. This is an increase of $1.3
billion over the $22.9 billion budget authorization for
Page # 2.
current year 1981. Again, this increase is in contrast
to the well known budget cuts proposed by the President
for many other areas.
Fourth, the major battle in Congress over the
President's economic recovery package has been the fight
in the House for the Reagan Bipartisan Budget Resolution
for fiscal year 1982, otherwise known as the Gramm-Latta
proposal. As you know from the news coverage, the President
won an impressive victory. The Reagan Bipartisan Budget
Resolution, for which the Administration fought so hard,
included a $597 million increase over previously proposed
cuts in the Veterans Administration budget. This budget
authorization of $24.2 billion, $1.3 billion over the
current year and $597 million over the initially proposed
cuts, will permit the Veterans Administration to operate
with no reductions in personnel in the Department of.
Medicine and Surgery and no reductions in veterans benefits.
Fifth, the President feels it is important to correct a
widespread misunderstanding with respect to the funding
of the Vietnam Veteran Outreach Centers. Many Vietnam
Veterans have contacted the President in recent days
expressing their dismay that these Outreach Centers are
to be discontinued. While it is true that the U.S. Senate
did pass many weeks ago a version of a budget resolution
which many thought would end funding of the Outreach Centers,
the situation has completely changed.
The President gave his full support in the House to
Page # 3.
the Reagan Bipartisan Budget Resolution which restored the
overwhelming majority of previously proposed cuts in
Veterans programs. The level of funding restored is more
than enough to fund the Outreach Centers.
Congressionial support for the Outreach Centers is
overwhelming. Virtually all Senators and Congressmen have
the clear understanding that the restored funding will keep
the Outreach Centers open.
The Congress has authorized the spending levels but
it now must pass legislation specifically extending the
life of the Outreach Centers. This has the overwhelming
support of both parties in both the House and Senate.
The President wants you to know he is specifically
committed to keeping the Outreach Centers funded and open
when Congress authorizes and appropriates funds for this
program by law.
The Veterans Administration has been specifically
directed by the White House to cease plans to implement
any proposed reductions in Veterans programs which were
reversed and restored by the Reagan Bipartisan Budget
Resolution Congress passed. In short, extension of the
life of the Outreach Centers is locked in by overwhelming
sentiment in the Congress and by the President's committment
mentioned above.
Page # 4.
In part because of the restored funding levels and
because of the specific committment of the President, the
American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War, AMVETS,
Blinded Veterans Association, and Jewish War Veterans
all endorsed the Reagan Bipartisan Budget Resolution which
restored funding to a level which would permit the
extension of the Outreach Centers and the retention of
personnel levels in the Veterans Administration's Department
of Medicine and Surgery and no reductions in veterans benefits.
I only wish that every news reporter covering Veterans
affairs was aware of these facts.
An unfortunate legacy of the Vietnam conflict is the
continuing concern of many veterans that they may have
suffered or may yet develop health problems as a result
of long-term effects of certain chemicals to which they were
exposed while serving in Vietnam. The President is committed
to the fullest possible scientific examination of these concerns,
with the aim of insuring that this matter is dealt with
fairly and equitably. The important scientific research
being coordinated by the White House Interagency Work Group,
including the AirForce Ranch Hand Personnel Study, will be
a major priority of this Administration
The President has personally designated me to be his
acting Administrator of Veterans Affairs until such time as
the Senate confirms his nominee, Mr. Robert Nimmo, as Administrator
of
Veterans Affairs.
I believe you will find me an
Page # 5.
an enthusiastic supporter of the President's policies
outlined in this letter. My office looks forward to
working with you in the future.
Cordially,
CENTER FCR VETERANS RIGHTS R BIT
514 WEST ACAMS BLVD
uestern
union*
Mailgram
LOS ANGELES CA 90007
4-0318785140 05/20/81 ICS IPMMTZZ CSP WSHB
2134799215 MGM TDMT LOS ANGELES CA 733 05-20 0125P EST
Agent Orange
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON DC 20500
VIETNAM VETERANS ARE REQUESTING A MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES DURING YOUR MEMORIAL DAY VISIT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
AT THE SITE OF THE MARCH 14, 1981 PROTEST BY THE LATE JAMES R HOPKINS
TO INHUMANE TREATMENT BY VETERANS ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL TO THE
SICK VETERANS OF THE NATION,
THE REASONS FOR THE NECESSITY CF THIS PERSONAL VISIT, WHICH SOME
VIETNAM VETERANS AND SUPPORTERS ARE STRESSING BY OUR WAIT-IN THERE,
ARE THE FOLLOWING:
DELAYED STRESS AMONG VIETNAM VETERANS
"THERE ARE NO FEATURES, COMPLAINTS OR CLINICAL FINDINGS TO SUPPORT
ANY RELATICNSHIP TO AGENT ORANGE, OR THE POST-VIETNAM STRESS
SYNDROME, ALTHOUGH THIS HAS SPECIFICALLY EXPLORED" FROM THE APRIL
7-8, 1981 CASE REVIEW OF THE LATE JAMES R HOPKINS AT THE BRENTWOOD
V.A. HOSPITAL BY DOCTORS CYRIL BARNERT, RAMZI KIRIAKCS, GERALD
MCKENNA AND MANUEL STRAKER.
1, WHY DID THE BRENTWOOD V.A. CASE REVIEW FOR JAMES R HOPKINS
COMPLICATE THE CRITERIA FOR A CIAGNOSIS OF DELAYED STRESS BY ADDING
SYMPTONS IN ADDITION TO THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICAN
PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION (REFER TO SEE DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL
MANUALS CF MENTAL DISORDERS, 3RD EDITION)?
2, WILL YOU ORDER AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION INTO THE FAILURE OF
WADSWORTH AND BRENTWOOD V.A, HCSPITALS TO PROVIDE EVALUATION AND
TREATMENT TO THE LATE JAMES HOPKINS?
3, WHY ARE VIETÑAM VETERANS, SPECIFICALLY SWORDS TO FLOWSHARES IN SAN
FRANCISCO, QUESTIONING THE MODIFICATION OF THEIR CRITERIA FOR
DISABILITY COMPENSATION TO VIET NAM VETERANS FOR DELAYED STRESS BY
THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, SC THAT FEWER VETERANS GUALITY FOR
SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
4. WILL YOU ORDER A NATIONAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE VETERANS
ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS CF PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING FOR VIETNAM
VETERANS BY A TEAM OF NON-V.A. EXPERTS IN THE FIELD CF DELAYED
STRESS?
HEALTH PROBLEMS RELATED TO AGENT ORANGE HERBICIDE EXPOSURE
"IT IS HIGH TIME THAT THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION AND VARIOUS
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES BE SHAKEN FROM THEIR LETHARGY TOWARD ALL
VETERANS." FROM THE MARCH 19, 1981 STATEMENT OF THE LATE JAMES R
HOPKINS FRCM THE LOCKED HARD OF THE BRENTWOOD V.A, HCSPITAL,
1, WHY HAS THE V.A. FAILED TO INSTRUCT THEIR EXAMINING PHYSICIANS IN
Hearing bad Agent Orange
Prove into hospital
Wife thinks accident
Carter Embraced Grown Latta
Pres. Response Draft. by close of business
Send Goveone to Negotiate
Groven Catta
PAGE 2
westem union
Mailgram
THE DIAGNOSIS OF CHLORACNE DESPITE THE V.A, SO-CALLED PHYSICAL
EXAMINATION FOR AGENT ORANGE THAT THE V.A, HAS ADMINISTERED FOR MORE
THAN TWO YEARS AND THE MORE THAN 40,000 VIETNAM VETERANS WHO HAVE
REQUESTED SUCH AN EXAMINATION FROM THE V.A. HOSPITALS THROUGHOUT THE
WHY COUNTRY? IS THE V.A. ONLY ABLE TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM THE CENTER FOR
VETERANS RIGHTS CONCERNING THIS IMPORTANT MATTER WITH THE APRIL 27,
1981 STATEMENT FROM CR BARCLAY M SHEPARD THAT "THE TASK FORCE (ON
AGENT ORANGE) IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REFINING DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES RELATIVE TO CHLORACNE?"
2. WHY HAS THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION CENTRAL OFFICE REFUSED TO
ALLOW OR DENY THE MARCH 31, 1980 REQUEST BY THE CENTER FOR VETERANS
RIGHTS FOR THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF ALL DISABLED VETERANS OF THE
VIETNAM ERA IN CALIFORNIA UNDER 38 U.S.C. SECTION 3301(F) FOR THE
PURPOSE OF OUTREACH TO THEM CONCERNING THE AGENT ORANGE SERVICES OF
THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION?
3. WILL YOU APPOINT AN EXPERT PANEL OF NON-V,A. INDIVIDUALS TO
EVALUATE THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL DELAYED RE-ENTRY PRCGRAM FOR ALL 4.2 MI
LLION VIETNAM VETERANS WPO HAVE LACKED INFORMATION ABOUT THE
VIETNAM RELATED PROBLEMS OF DELAYED STRESS AND USE OF TOXIC
HERBICIDES?
4, WHY ARE VIETNAM VETERANS PLANNING TO PICKET THE CENTRAL OFFICE OF
THE V.A. IN WASHINGTON DC ON FRIDAY MAY 22, 1981 CONCERNING V.A, LACK
OF ACTION CN THE AGENT ORANGE ISSUES?
BUDGET CUTS IN THE V.A,
"I CALL ON PRESIDENT REAGAN TO STOPS SPENDING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON
INAUGURAL BALLS AND TO UTILIZE THE MONEY FOR WHAT THE DEFENDERS OR
OUR FINE COUNTRY ARE ENTITLED TO," FROM THE MARCH 19, 1981 STATEMENT
OF THE LATE JAMES R HOPKINS.
1. WHY HAS THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
ORDERED A 743 MILLION DOLLAR REDUCTION IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
OF THE V.A. SYSTEMS WITHOUT ANY EVALUATION OF THE COSTLY MEDICAL
SCHOOL AFFILIATION IN THE V.A, SYSTEM WHICH DRAINS UF TO 60 PERCENT
OF THE MEDICAL BUDGET INTO TRAINING costs (SEE JULY 3 1979 V.A. DEPT
OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY LETTER 1L-14-79-43?
2. HOW WILL V.A. HOSPITALS BE ABLE TO OPERATE AT ALL WITH THE PLANNED
REDUCTION CF 20,000 PHYSICIANS IN THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM BY 1986?
PLEASE RESFOND
CENTER FCR VETERANS RIGHTS
RONALD BITZER
TEL 213-746-6315
514 MEST ADAMS BLVD
LOS ANGELES CA 90007
13:23 EST
MGMCOMF MGM
Asst. Hop. Pirector
Leo Nackman - 213 824-3133
Ron Kovick -sone
Bitzer 6 parple insid
5-8 outside
they claim tosupport Bitag
N
Marlin Atkins - Vist vet
psy chica tried
patient
Brentwood Hosp.
physicians says
Connie Hottman KA. controller
suicidul tandencies
-
fetter Ron Biteer to Sowrd to Plowshare
Hosp found Bitzer easy to work with
sit in in lobby
won't more until know from
Bitzer - Negotiator come to
told that white House
-Hospital police doing dauble duty
ATES POSTA
CENTER FOR VETERANS RIGHTS R BIT
®
514 WEST ADAMS BLVD
western union
Mailgram
UNITED
A
SERVICE
LOS ANGELES CA 90007
U.S.MAIL
1-0511208155 06/04/81 ICS IPMMTZZ CSP WSHA
2137466315 MGM TDMT LOS ANGELES CA 554 06-04 0428P EST
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
ATTN MORTIN BLACKWELL ASSISTANT FOR
VETERANS AFFAIRS
WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON DC 20500
SPECIFICATIONS OF DEMANDS
A. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
1. THE APPOINTMENT OF A TEAM OF NON-VA EXPERTS TO INVESTIGATE MEDICAL
TREATMENTS AT THE WADSWORTH AND BRENTWOOD VA HOSPITALS AND THE
MEDICAL TREATMENT BY THE VA OF THE LATE JAMES HOPKINS.
2. THE APPOINTMENT OF DR CHARLES FIGLEY AND DR ROBERT LIFTON OF
PURDUE AND YALE UNIVERSITIES RESPECTIVELY TO THIS NON-VA TEAM TO EN
SURE THAT THE TEAM INCLUDES IN ITS INVESTIGATION THESE 3 MEDICAL
ISSUES:
A. THE FUNCTION OF THE VET CENTER
B. THE ADEQUACY OF THE AGENT ORANGE SCREENING EXAMINATIONS
C. THE FUNCTIONING OF THE REGIONAL OFFICE RATING BOARDS WITH
RESPECT TO DECISIONS BY VA PHYSICIANS CONCERNING CLAIMS FOR POST
-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDERS
3. AGREEMENT BY THE VA TO RESPOND TO ALL FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
REQUEST FROM THE CENTER FOR VETERANS RIGHTS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME
PERIOD UNDER THE LAW (5U.S.C.552A).
4. AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH OFFICES OF PATIENT REPRESENTATION IN ALL VA
HOSPITALS COMPARABLE TO THE PATIENT REPRESENTATIVES IN THE OKLAHOMA
VA HOSPITAL BY JANUARY 1 1982.
5. AGREEMENT FOR A MEETING IN LOS ANGELES WITH OFFICIALS OF THE VA
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY, INCLUDING DR BARCLAY SHEPARD, TO
BRIEF THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE RESEARCH PROGRAMS SPONSORED BY THE
GOVERNMENT INTO THE LONG TERM HEALTH EFFECTS OF HERBICIDE EXPOSURE IN
VIETNAM. THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE IN JUNE OR JULY THROUGH
COORDINATION WITH THE CENTER FOR VETERANS RIGHTS.
6. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS INSIDE THE WHITE
HOUSE WITH ACCESS TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE LEADERS OF ALL FEDERAL
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES.
TO REPLY BY MAILGRAM, PHONE WESTERN UNION ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT:
FOR YOUR LOCAL NUMBER, SEE THE WHITE PAGES
OF YOUR TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
OR
DIAL (TOLL FREE) 800-257-2241
(EXCEPT IN NEW JERSEY 800-632-2271)
OR DIAL WESTERN UNION'S INFOMASTER SYSTEM DIRECTLY:
FROM TELEX
6161
FROM TWX
910 420 1212
TATES POSTA
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PAGE 2
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UNITED
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B. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS PROPOSED BY THE WHITE HOUSE TO CONGRESS
1. PROPOSAL BY PRESIDENT REAGAN OF A PROGRAM OF MEDICAL SCREENING OF
ALL VETERANS WHO WISH TO BE SCREENED FOR CURRENT DISABILITIES FROM
MILITARY SERVICE. THIS PROGRAM, A "DELAYED RE-ENTRY PROGRAM" WILL
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
(1) INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING WITH ANOTHER VIETNAM VETERAN WHO HAS BEEN
TRAINED TO UNDERSTAND AND TO FIND THE VARIOUS READJUSTMENT PROBLEMS
ASSOCIATED WITH VIETNAM WAR SERVICE AND THE LACK OF COMPASSION BY
SOCIETY UPON RETURN FROM THAT WAR TIME EXPERIENCE.
(2) PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING AND CLAIMS ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS
WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDERS AND OTHER PSYCHOLOGICAL
PROBLEMS, INCLUDING REPRESENTATION BEFORE THE BOARD OF VETERANS
APPEALS.
(3) COMPLETION OF HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXAMINATIONS FOR,
SYMPTONS THAT COULD BE RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO TOXIC HERBICIDES. VA
HOSPITALS WOULD BE UTILIZED ONLY TO COMPLETE NECESSARY MEDICAL TESTS,
IN VIEW OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE CURRENT AGENT ORANGE SCREENING EXAM.
(4) SCREENING OF ALL LESS THAN HONORABLE MILITARY DISCHARGES TO
DETERMINE QUALIFICATION FOR UPGRADING OF LESS THAN HONORABLE MILITARY
DISCHARGE.
(5) REVIEW OF ALL MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES TO DETERMINE
STATUS OF TREATMENT, COMPENSATION AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION BY
THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION.
(6) COORDINATION OF EXISTING SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE.
(7) OUTREACH TO INCARCERATED VETERANS IN ALL PRISONS.
2. PROPOSAL BY PRESIDENT REAGAN OF THE ELIMINATION OF THE DELIMITING
DATE FOR EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS, SINCE MANY DISABLED VETERANS HAVE NOT
UTILIZED THEIR EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS.
3. PROPOSAL FOR RETROACTIVE DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR
TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WHEN THE DATE OF ORIGIN OF THIS
DISABILITY IS ESTABLISHED BY MEDICAL RECORDS TO PRE-EXIST THE CHANGE
OF POLICY BY THE VA FOR COMPENSATION FOR THIS DISORDER (1980).
VIETNAM VETERANS
514 WEST ADAMS BLVD
5241 (R1/78)
LOS ANGELES CA 90007
16:30 EST
MGMCOMP TO MGM REPLY BY MAILGRAM, SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR WESTERN UNION'S TOLL - FREE PHONE NUMBERS
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(EXCEPT IN NEW JERSEY 800-632-2271
OR DIAL WESTERN UNION'S INFOMASTER SYSTEM DIRECTLY:
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Vutnam
Veterans
MEMORANDUM
Hunger stuke
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE JOAN MAIMAN REPORT
JUNE 11, 1981
According to Joan, Ron Bitzer is telling the veterans that
the White House is actively campaigning against the extension of
the veterans centers. This campaigning is taking place on the
floor of the House and Senate.
The hunger strikers plan a caravan across country to meet with
the President and camp in Lafayette Park until such a meeting
takes place. Scott Green (unidentified) says if a meeting can
be arranged with the President and the veterans liaison for
selected representatives of these veterans group, they ( the
hunger strikers) will call off the caravan and the strike.
c/o Green Siegel
MEMORANDUM
Suite 104
8350 Sunta Mousin L.A.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Blvd 90064
wals with
Chris Noel - President WASHINGTON aware Coobining itw
Nonpital
305833-3059
Johnny Grout -TV show inLA. Into
friend 865-7404
contribute
Hotel
1. Private mad Term Brentwood, records
put in investigation- pullout
Not being taken Came or
Hand to get admitted to hospital
5 weeks - saw doctor ten minutes
haven't ven in ten days
stopped eating
No body
Vials of pills
Post Traumatic stress disorder
Anti- flashbacks
post-war sgndrom
stress syndrome
Problem and in up on adurission street + in room just
57,000 promon suicides - DAV
ATES
POSTA
®
VIET NAM VETERANS OF AMERICA M L
329 8 ST NORTHEAST
western union
Mailgram
UNITED ST
SERVICE
WASHINGTON DC 20002
U.S.MAIL
AttN:
4-0706268149 05/29/81 ICS IPMMTZZ CSP WSHB
Morton
2025463700 MGM TDMT WASHINGTON DC 293 05-29 0633P EST
ELIZABETH COLE
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON DC 20500
THIS IS A COPY OF ORIGINAL MESSAGE SENT TO RON KOVIC AND RON BITZER.
THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO ADVISE YOU OF OUR HOPE THAT YOU WILL
DISCONTINUE YOUR PROTEST AT THE VA HOSPITAL, THE VIET NAM VETERANS OF
AMERICA DOES NOT SUPPORT YOUR CONTINUING PROTEST FOR SEVERAL REASONS:
WE FEEL THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION HAS ACTED IN A COMMENDABLE MANNER
BY RESPONDING TO THE REQUESTS OF MARLIN ATKINS AND JOHN KEAVENEY. OR
CUSTIS, ACTING VA ADMINISTRATOR, HAS COMMITTED THE PRESIDENT TO THE
MOST SIGNIFICANT GOALS VIET NAM VETERANS HAVE BEEN LOBBYING FOR OVER
THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. THE COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE THE INTERAGENCY
WORK GROUP AS A MOVING VEHICLE TO RESOLVE THE AGENT ORANGE ISSUE
PLEASES US GREATLY, AS DOES THE EXPANDED BUDGET FOR AGENT ORANGE
RESEARCH. THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENT TO HONOR CONGRESSIONAL INTENT IN
CONTINUING TO OPERATE THE VET CENTERS IN THEIR PRESENT FORM, AS STORE
FRONT FACILITIES, AT THE FULL LEVEL THAT CONRESS APPROPRIATED FUNDING
FOR, IS A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH. TO CONTINUE A POSITIVE DIALOG BETWEEN
VIET NAM VETERANS AND THE ADMINISTRATION REQUIRES VIET NAM VETERANS
ALSO TO ACT IN GOOD FAITH, AND, TO CONTINUE PROTESTING, IN LIGHT OF
THE VERY SIGNIFICANT COMMITMENTS THE HUNGER STRIKERS WERE GIVEN, IS
UNWARRANTED. ANY CONTINUED ACTION ON YOUR PART WILL ONLY SERVE TO
GIVE THE IMPRESSION OF DIVISIVENESS AND UNREASONABLENESS ON THE PART
OF THE VIET NAM VETERAN COMMUNITY.
HOPEFULLY, YOU WILL RECONSIDER YOUR ACTIONS BEFORE SERIOUS AND
IRREPARABLE DAMAGE IS DONE TO THE VIET NAM VETERAN COMMUNITY.
CC PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
CC ELIZABETH DOLE
CC DR DONALD CUSTIS, ACTING ADMINISTRATOR VACO
CC SHAD MESHAD, VAMC WADSWORTH
CC WILLIAM ANDERSON, DIRECTOR VAMC WADSWORTH
ROBERT 0 MULLER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
VIET NAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
18:34 EST
6241 (K1/78)
MGMCOMP MGM
JUN 0 3 REC'D
TO REPLY BY MAILGRAM, PHONE WESTERN UNION ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT:
FOR YOUR LOCAL NUMBER, SEE THE WHITE PAGES
OF YOUR TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
OR
DIAL (TOLL FREE) 800-257-2241
(EXCEPT IN NEW JERSEY 800-632-2271)
OR DIAL WESTERN UNION'S INFOMASTER SYSTEM DIRECTLY:
FROM TELEX
6161
FROM TWX
910 420 1212
Will
Sunday, May 24, 1981/Part II
5
is
apt
to
be
more
in
conservative
VETERANS: Protesters Await Reagan
a
Democrat
Continued from First Page
after crashing into the hospital, he
the problems of Vietnam veterans.
eeth
backing
veterans. He said Saturday that
told them he was suffering from ex-
"We just got a place to go to and
Sen.
John
V.
their gains under the Carter Ad-
posure to the herbicide.
they're cutting it off." said Virgil
statewide of-
ministration after years of protests
Subsequently, Hopkins was exa-
Niegel. Niegel said he has been un-
his
conser-
were being eroded under Reagan.
mined by a team of VA doctors, who
able to hold a job or get proper
Police Chief
"Tm warning the President of the
wrote in his case file, "There are no
treatment since his discharge and
ablican state
United States and the Republican
features, complaints or clinical find-
survives by donating plasma and
tonka
televi-
Administration," Kovic said bitter-
ings to support any relationship to
getting food stamps.
the
council-
ly. "We can only take so much. The
Agent Orange, or the st-Vietnam
Keaveney said he began his hun-
he
law
en-
death of James Hopkins is symbolic,
stress syndrome," according to Ron
ger strike March 15 because he was
indicative of how desperate the
Bitzer, co-director of the Center for
tired of being tranquilized instead of
conservative
Vietnam veteran is becoming. How
Veterans Rights.
treated for what he called "delayed
Antonovich
many more time bombs must go
That finding, Bitzer complained,
combat neurosis."
guests at
off."
was typical of the VA's failure to
Keaveney said he had tried to ad-
linner
at
the
Hopkins, a 32-year-old ex-Ma-
address the special needs of Viet-
mit himself as a patient at Brent-
week.
rine who drove a jeep through the
nam-era veterans.
wood about six weeks ago because
glass doors of Wadsworth and
"We are dealing with a bureauc-
he was "tired of the nightmares, OE
sprayed the hospital lobby with ma-
racy that's out of control," Bitzer
the mortar shells dropping in on me
that,
while
chine gun fire on March 14, was
charged. "The VA
is incapable
and seeing my friends dead." He
in
the
awaiting a federal court appearance
of providing readjustment services
said he was only admitted after he
probably
on charges of destruction of federal
to the Vietnam-era veteran. We
threatened to "pull off the doctor'
conservative
property when he was found dead.
have special problems: emotional
head."
Los
An-
The cause of death has not been
disturbances, exposure to toxic her-
"The last time I saw a doctor was
Besides,
determined, but Los Angeles Coun-
bicides and an inability to deal with
two weeks ago for 10 minutes."
Ronka
in
ty Coroner Thomas T. Noguchi has
institutions and authority."
The Memorial Day march in hon-
conservative
ordered an investigation into
All the veterans in the Wads-
or of Hopkins was scheduled to be-
the
prima-
whether Hopkins died as a result of
worth lobby complained bitterly
gin at 1 p.m. Monday in front of the
exposure to Agent Orange, a power-
about the planned elimination of the
Wadsworth Hospital lobby.
rimary,
has
ful defoliant used in Vietnam.
more than 90 veterans outreach
A separate rally in support of the
enough
When Hopkins, in camouflage
centers recently established across
hunger strikers was planned today
Ronka ex-
battle gear, surrendered to police
the country specifically to deal with
at 2 p.m.
He
is
ex-
$250,000
in
Ronka, ob-
own
cause,
CCO.
Factory Direct
sad
and
the Rein-
winds to-
Open to the Public
months
DESIGNER QUALITY RATTAN: Dining cole/Modular Seating/So-
idence
and
a
50%
-
on
both
63%
Off
fa/Love-Seale/Lounge Cheirs/Bar Stocis/Tables/Beekels
OPEN SAT.-SUN.-MON. MAY 23-25, 10-7 PM
embar-
that
have
to
get
out
of
as
intact
as
philosophy
testimony to
Handler,"
Green-
West Los
daughter.
attending
schools,
she
will
school next
to
dis-
schools chief in Stockton.
volved in the day-to-day operation of the
Harry Handler after selection as L.A.
of running a small system in
district and is less likely to delegate as much
schools chief. After interviewing candi-
of the parents and students are
authority as Johnston did
dates from across the country, the board
thy or famous, Handler is in
Please see SCHOOLS, Page 5
promoted its deputy superintendent.
LA,
Times
May 24,1981 May
Vigil Continues as
Vets Await Reagan
Protesters Say They Will Discuss Their
Complaints About VA Only With President
By KRISTINA LINDGREN, Times Staff Writer
More than 30 Vietnam veterans
we have a meeting with Reagan."
sat out the fourth day of their
whose proposed budget cuts threa-
protest at the Veterans Administra-
ten veterans' programs.
tion's Wadsworth Hospital in West
Wednesday, the veterans sent
Los Angeles Saturday, waiting in
the President a telegram detailing
vain for a response from President
their grievances against the VA and
Reagan.
the proposed budget cuts, then took
On the lawn outside, three hun-
over part of the Wadsworth lobby,
ger strikers-two of whom are pa-
vowing they would not leave until
tients at the nearby Brentwood
Reagan met with them.
Hospital, a VA psychiatric complex
But White House Deputy Press
-staged an independent protest of
Secretary Larry Speakes, who was
conditions there.
with Reagan at the President's
Both groups insisted that the
ranch near Santa Barbara, said Sat-
issues-from hospital mistreatment
urday that the matter is being han-
JOHN OLIGNY / Los Angeles Times
to cuts in veterans programs-that
dled by the VA in Washington.
them to camp, but thousands of needy
motivate their protest are broader
Speakes said the White House is not
summertime experience with their peers.
than the death last Sunday of the
directly involved.
emotionally troubled ex-Marine
Insist on Seeing Reagan
James R. Hopkins. In fact, two of
ve Under Way
the hunger strikers said they began
McCarthy said his group has had
their fast two day's before Hopkins
no contact with VA officials in
died, triggering the Wadsworth
Washington, adding that, in any
shed the average cost of a week of camp to
"wait-in" protest.
case, the protesters would discuss
only hospital complaints with the
re than $100, the generous support of Times
'I Want Respect'
VA. Of their broader grievances, he
ders is more important than ever. Without
"People are not aware of a lot of
said:
support, many children will miss an invalua-
things that go on here," said John
"We aren't talking to anyone but
experience.
Keaveney, 31, who said he stopped
the President."
Each child assisted by the Camp Fund has
eating solid food May 15 along with
As demonstrators planned a sym-
ed difficult personal circumstances-broken
Marlin Adkins. 37.
bolic Memorial Day funeral march
nilies, poverty, physical or emotional prob-
"It's a warehouse for people,
for Hopkins, whose body was found
ns.
that's why I'm here," said Keaven-
in his Calabasas home lying next to
Many of these children work to earn a portion
ey, who served two tours of duty
a liquor bottle and an empty pill
their fee by mowing lawns, selling peanuts or
with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. "I
vial, Vietnam veteran leader Ron
idy, baby-sitting or doing odd jobs. But with-
want the respect of the American
Kovic predicted, "This protest is
help from the Camp Fund, their savings can
people, the respect they owe us.
going to be big, very big."
ely pay the whole bill.
"If not, I'll die."
Kovic led a 17-day hunger strike
Thousands of disadvantaged young people are
Michael McCarthy, co-director of
in Sen. Alan Cranston's (D.-Calif.)
Please see CAMP FUND, Page 6
the Center for Veterans Rights and
Los Angeles office seven years ago
one of the "wait-in" leaders said,
to publicize the plight of Vietnam
"We are staying in the hospital until
Please see VETERANS, Page 5