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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: Veterans Administration:
Veterans - General Information
(1 of 6)
Box: 47
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
PENDING REVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH E.O. 13233
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection: Blackwell, Morton C.: Files
Archivist: kdb
OA/Box:9077 OA 9088
FOIA ID: F00-084/2, Fish
File Folder: Veterans Administration: Veterans - General Information
Date: 3/15/07
(1)
9th 5/8/08
DOCUMENT
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
NO. & TYPE
A. memo
John Murphy to Aram Bakshian re draft Presidential speech, 5p
8/6/82
open 5/21/08 alb
8/6 RC: 389-5351
called Betty res self this.
that nimmo's
Very anxious
Comments arein-
corporated.
A 'AUG' 6 1982
Office of the
Washington, D.C. 20420
Administrator
of Veterans Affairs
Veterans
Administration
THE
SERVING
FIFTY
August 6, 1982
tornum
YEARS
1930
1980
MEMORANDUM FOR:
file
Mr. Aram Bakshian
U.A.
Speechwriters Office
The White House
The following represents the Veterans Administration's
comments and suggestions with respect to the draft of the
President's speech for the VFW Convention in Los Angeles.
We have, given the short period of time allotted, attempted
to suggest language more appropriate to veterans issues and
more directly related to their concerns.
We suggest that the following paragraphs be added after the
word parachutes" on page 2 of the draft speech:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars represents the highest
principles of service to our Country. You sacri-
ficed and gave of yourselves to safeguard our
Nation; you insured that the freedom we cherish and
enjoy preserved; and, you are justly entitled to
the gratitude of the Nation and to the programs
that insure that you yourself enjoy the freedom you
secured for us all.
Your service has continued unabated. Through the VFW,
you have continued your service to our Country and
its veterans. Last year alone the VFW and Ladies
Auxiliary units contributed over 1-3/4 million hours
and $1-1/2 million to community service projects.
Your driver safety and bicycle safety programs as
well as your drug abuse projects touch the lives of
hundred of thousands of young people. Over 1,100
Boy Scout troops are sponsored by VFW posts.
The VFW truly reflects, and is an example of, the
finest tradition of American voluntarism. Last year
you donated time worth millions of dollars in VA
hospitals and offices. You unselfishly helped care
for the injured and the ill. Your service officers
2.
Mr. Aram Bakshian
Speechwriters Office
The White House
fully and ably represent veterans to insure that
they receive the benefits to which they are
entitled and which they have earned. It is
truly a pleasure for me to be with you again; to
be with those who have given, and keep giving, so
much in the service of their Country.
During this time of necessary budget cuts, I have
not cut back at the expense of those who defended
this Country. For 1983, I accepted and proposed
to Congress the budget recommended by VA Adminis-
trator Bob Nimmo--the largest Veterans Administration
budget in history. This proposed budget, despite
less favorable competing proposals made in Congress,
is now receiving favorable consideration in both the
House of Representatives and the Senate.
I have recently met and discussed with Bob Nimmo the
programs and issues of concern to our Nation's
veterans. I can assure you that Bob Nimmo is a
strong advocate of veterans and their rights. I
fully share his view that veterans' benefits are
benefits that have been earned--earned by sacrifice
and commitment; earned by service. They are the
fulfillment of a Nation's obligation to those who
have preserved it. They are not a social welfare
program. They are entitlements.
With regard to health care for our Nation's veterans,
I want to reaffirm my campaign commitment to the
continuity of a separate veterans' health care system.
As our Administration develops a national health care
policy with competition as its guiding principle,
there will be those who would advise me to transfer
veterans' medical care to the private sector. Here
and now I want the record to be clear that this
President will not support such a proposal.
I have discussed maintaining the independence and
integrity of the VA medical care system with
Administrator Nimmo. I agree with Bob Nimmo's
concern that this system must be protected. Let me
express my commitment, shared by Bob Nimmo, to
maintaining the integrity of a comprehensive
quality health care system dedicated to and operated
3.
Mr. Aram Bakshian
Speechwriters Office
The White House
for veterans and veterans' needs. An integrated
medical system is a substantial part of the
obligation owed by our government to our veterans.
Since before the birth of the Nation, the people of
this Country have recognized an obligation to
those who have participated in its defense. The
health care now provided America's veterans has
evolved from a simple system of maintenance to one
involving the most complex medical care, research
and education. It is truly one of our Nation's
greatest resources, employing many of the foremost
health care personnel in the world.
The VA system has been specifically addressed by
every President since Abraham Lincoln, and
consistently endorsed by both Houses of Congress.
It is a record of unparalleled support for a
separate, comprehensive health system providing
the specialized care that veterans have merited
through faithful service to the Nation.
And, finally, recently passed legislation that I
signed on May 4, 1982, provides a new mission to
this unique system; that is, the role of contingency
back-up health system for the Department of Defense
in time of war.
One of the most important things we have tried to do
is focus on the improvement of government. We have,
and will continue, to attempt to increase govern-
mental efficiency to insure that the benefits
provided by government are responsibly delivered with
efficiency to those entitled to receive them. We
are working hard to improve management; we are
reviewing programs to insure that, to the maximum
extent possible, they fulfill their purposes and meet
the needs for which they are designed. Administrator
Nimmo has undertaken such efforts to improve
management of veterans' benefits and to insure that
the programs fulfill their designed purposes. These
initiatives attempt to maximize the delivery of
benefits to our Nation's veterans.
.4.
Mr. Aram Bakshian
Speechwriters Office
The White House
Following these insertions, we would suggest that the
sentence on page 2, which begins "It is certainly a
pleasure
be deleted because it has been incor-
porated in the above paragraphs. We recommend that the
three full paragraphs on page 2 follow, with the changes
discussed below, our above recommended additions.
We would then suggest that the second sentence in the third
full paragraph appearing on page 2, which begins "Relying
on government
be deleted. The basis for this
suggestion is that such a statement is more likely to cause
concern among the veterans organization than it is to engender
support. The sentence, in relation to veterans programs,
suggests and implies the possibility of contemplated budget
reduction--a subject of extreme sensitivity with the veterans
organization.
We would suggest the deletion of the paragraph commencing
on the bottom of page 2 and ending at the top of page 3.
The most sensitive veterans' issue is the veterans' concern
that the VA medical health care system may be dismantled
or reduced through a process of providing medical care to
veterans through the private sector. This concept is
referred to among veterans organizations as "mainstreaming."
Any statement referring to the private sector must be done
with extreme care or it will result in a serious erosion of
support for the President and an outcry by the veterans and
their representative organizations. The individuals
assigned to the VA pursuant to Private Sector Initiative
have unfortunately identified this issue as one in which they
are interested. Accordingly, any reference to the private
sector initiative would be extremely counterproductive.
Under these circumstances we would strongly suggest that any
reference to private sector initiative or the role of the
private sector in connection with veterans be avoided.
The two full paragraphs appearing on page 3 and the third
paragraph on page 3 ending at the top of page 4 should be
deleted. The information contained in these paragraphs has
been incorporated in our suggested additions.
'5.
Mr. Aram Bakshian
Speechwriters Office
The White House
We would also suggest that consideration be given to deleting
the second to last sentence of the third full paragraph
appearing on page 2. This sentence begins "We've gone
through some tough fights " From the VA's perspective,
we have gone through some tough fights. However, some of
these fights have been with the VFW.
In an effort to make our suggested changes clear, I have
attached an edited version of the speech embodying our pro-
posal. We have not, because of the time constraints and the
nature of the subject matter, commented on the major portion
of the speech--that referring to the Defense related issues.
If I can be of any further assistance, please contact me.
JOHN P. MURPHY
Acting Administrator
Attachment
cc Honorable Craig L. Fuller
Honorable Elizabeth Dole
(Rohrabacher/AB)
August 5, 1982
11:00 a.m.
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: VFW CONVENTION
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
AUGUST 16, 1982
Commander Fellwock, Marion Watson, President of the Ladies
Auxiliary, distinguished guests and all of you. I'm especially
happy to see my old friend Charlton Heston here. Being with the
VFW, you understand what it means to be in a fight. Well, take
it from me, Screen Actors Guild politics is as tough as it comes,
and it takes real professional courage to make the kind of stands
he's been taking. So I'm more than pleased you've chosen to
honor Chuck Heston at this convention.
And a special greeting to Commmander Henry Kleeman, Lt.
David Venlet, Lt. Lawrence Muczynski and Lt. James Anderson.
These fellas did more for the cause of peace in a few minutes
over the Gulf of Sidra last year than all the jawboning people
have done with that Libyan dictator for the last decade. Pardon
the expression, but with men on duty like this, I sleep better at
night.
You know there has always been an argument over just which
branch of the service is actually the toughest, especially if
there is a Marine in the room. Well, I heard a story about a
group of Marines who were sent to Fort Bragg, an Army base, for
airborne training. An Army lieutenant briefed these Marines
about the operation. He told them they were to jump from their
plane at 800 feet and once they hit the ground they would regroup
and head north. After the briefing, several of the Marines went
to the Lieutenant and asked if the plane could be lowered to,
Page 2
maybe, 500 feet. The Lieutenant explained that if it went any
lower it wouldn't allow time for the parachutes to open
to
which the surprised Marines replied: Oh, you mean we'll be
SERT
wearing parachutes.
ITIONAL
EAGRAPHS
It is certainly a pleasure for me to be with you again.
We were in the midst of the Presidential campaign when I had
the honor of being with you at your convention in Chicago. I
want each of you to know that I have not forgotten that your
organization departed from an 80-year precedent to endorse my
candidacy.
Twenty-four months ago does not seem like such a long time.
Already our country was plagued with underlying economic ills
from which we are still suffering.
The problems we faced required a commitment to seek a
fundamental change of direction -- not band-aid solutions or
quick fixes. Relying on government to solve every problem,
turning to politicians whose only answer was tax, tax and spend,
spend had put us on the road to economic oblivion and was
undermining the character of our people Well, during the
19 months of this Administration, we've made an honest attempt to
put this country back on the right track. I want to thank you
now for all the support you and your office in Washington have
been. We've gone through some tough fights, and the VFW's been
there when it counted. The struggle isn't over yet, but we're
winning it.
One of the most important things we've tried to do is focus
America on new ways of approaching problems. Through our Private
Page 3
Sector Initiative drive, which has been a priority program, we've
encouraged people to get directly involved to take more
personal responsibility for their families, their community and
their country.
Your organization, of course, has always been an example of
what concerned citizens can accomplish. Last year the VFW and
Ladies Auxiliary units contributed over 1-3/4 million hours and
$1-1/2 million to community service projects. Your driver safety
and bicycle safety programs as well as your drug abuse projects
touch the lives of hundred of thousands of young people. And I
understand that over 1,100 Boy Scout troops are sponsored by VFW
posts.
All of this is in the finest tradition of American
voluntarism, as is the tremendous service you offer your country
by watching over the interests of the American veteran. Last
year, in V.A. hospitals and offices throughout the country, you
donated time worth millions of dollars -- and the kind of sincere
dedication that money cannot buy. Your network of accredited
service officers are an indispensable part of the system, which
all too often is marred by the complexities of government
bureaucracy. Through your network, veterans are able to cut the
red tape and receive the benefits that rightfully belong to them.
I'm proud to say that during this time of necessary budget
reductions, we have not cut back at the expense of those who
defended this country. I, for one, do not view veterans
benefits as a social welfare program. No one is giving the
veteran anything; these are benefits that have been earned. So
Page 4
today, let me restate to you that the quality health care offered
to our veterans will not be compromised and the programs promised
to those who fought for their country remain a solid commitment
of this Administration.
Two years ago, when I spoke at your Chicago convention, we
were concerned about more than a faltering economy. Sometimes
it's difficult to remember the frustration and helplessness we
felt then knowing that 50 of our citizens were being held hostage
in a distant land. America seemed confused and vacillating. For
the first time, one could hear the refrain that we were a Nation
in decline, that our best days were behind us. Morale in our
military was plunging as were recruitment and reenlistment rates.
What we witnessed was the predictable result of a decade of
neglect for the security needs of the United States. During the
1970's, our defense spending, in constant dollars, decreased by
22 percent. As a percentage of our gross national product, it
fell from 9 percent in 1960 to 5.3 percent in 1980. This
intentional cut back decimated much of our military potential.
The Navy, which once could muster a commanding force in any
trouble spot, shrunk from more than 1,000 ships in the early 70's
to 531 ships in 1980. In too many cases, new weapons systems
were simply delayed or deferred -- leaving the Army and Marine
Corps with arms and equipment designed in the early 1960's and
the Air Force with bombers almost as old as the men flying them.
The last administration, elected on a platform of cutting
military spending, turned this decline into a tailspin.
Page 5
Meanwhile, the Soviet Union launched a massive program of
militarization which doubled their military budget over the past
15 years. Today the Kremlin's military commitment takes 12 to
14 percent of the Soviet gross national product. With an economy
two-thirds the size of our own, the Soviets are, by some
estimates, outspending us militarily by 50 percent; in the last
10 years, their investment in weapons systems, related research
and development, and military construction has been about
$350 billion greater than our own.
Considering the deterioration of Western defensive
capabilities, what happened in the last decade was one of the
greatest voluntary reversals of a global power relationship in
the history of man.
When we met in Chicago, I pledged that if I was elected
President, I would take the steps necessary to restore America's
margin of safety. And, with your help, I have tried to fulfill
that pledge.
Just like restoring health to our economy, rebuilding
America's defenses is not something that can be done overnight.
Yet, we've taken the first, vital steps on the long road back to
peace and security.
We have reversed some of the more damaging decisions made by
the last administration. Rather than cutting back, we are moving
forward. Among our decisions was the revival of the B-1 bomber
and the neutron warhead, important weapons cancelled by the last
administration -- weapons that could well play an important role
in deterring aggression and maintaining the peace. Beyond
Page 6
weapons and spending, we've also ended the self-flagellation and
damaging attacks on America's intelligence community. Instead,
we've let the dedicated men and women who provide this vital
service know that we're proud of them and grateful for the job
they are doing.
And that is true for all those who play a role in defending
this country. During the last decade, the military became the
whipping-boy for those who were confused and uncertain about
America's role in the world. It is a tribute to their patriotism
and dedication to duty that our men and women in uniform remained
faithful even in the face of a seemingly ungrateful Government.
I am proud to report to you today that in this
Administration the brave men and women who defend this country
are being given the respect and consideration they deserve.
During the last decade, military pay and benefits were
permitted to seriously erode; righting this wrong was one of our
first orders of business. This, coupled with a commitment to
provide our personnel with the tools and weapons they need, has
shown dramatic results.
A few months ago, I got a letter from our Ambassador to
Luxembourg. He had been up on the East German border where the
Second Armored Cavalry regiment is stationed. And he wrote to
tell me what a fine spirit he found among our troops. He said,
as he started to leave, one 19-year-old lad followed him over to
the helicopter and wanted to know if the Ambassador could get a
message to me. As Ambassador, he is the President's
representative, so he replied he could do that. The soldier
Page 7
said, "Well, will you tell him for us that we're proud to be here
and we ain't scared of nothing?"
Well, the spirit reflected by that young man is only one of
many indicators that we've turned a very serious situation
around. The all-volunteer military, the system most consistent
with our tradition as a free society, is working, and working
well. All of the services are meeting their recruiting goals and
there's a high level of reenlistment. Furthermore, test scores
have improved dramatically and a larger share of the recruits are
high school graduates. In short, we're attracting more and
better people to the military service.
These fine young Americans have proved that they are willing
to do this hard and often dangerous job, now that they know their
country stands behind them and that their sacrifice is
appreciated. If for nothing else, I am proud that during my
19 months as President, I have been permitted to play a part in
restoring respect for the dignity and honor of those who defend
this country.
Rebuilding our defenses, of course, takes more than reviving
morale; it also requires money. Two decades ago President
Kennedy said, "Peace and freedom do not come cheap." Now
increasing Government spending for any reason is a painful task
for this Administration.
That's why I appointed a man in whom I have exceptional
trust, a man of talent and judgment, to head the Department of
Defense. An undeniably important part of Cap Weinberger's job --
and he's told me this on many occasions -- is getting control of
Page 8
the cost of our defense, realizing that to maintain a consensus
for national security, the people must be aware that their
resources are not being wasted.
And while it hasn't made much news, major reforms have been
instituted. Over the next 6 years, for example, $21 billion will
be saved by improvements in the acquisition process and
management operations of the Department, all part of a reform
package that will save the taxpayers over $52 billion in that
same time period. However, no matter how good the management,
the cost of defending this Nation is still an expensive
proposition. How much to spend, and on what, is a matter for
honest discussion. But, we cannot and will not compromise the
security of this country or the safety of our servicemen in the
name of free economy.
Our security rests on more than the morale of our troops and
the efficiency of their equipment. When I last met with you, we
talked about the need for a more coherent foreign policy.
Certainly, today's world is not without a broad array of problems
and conflicts, but I suggest the leadership we've offered in the
last 19 months is more consistent with maintaining peace than
what preceded us. Do any of you believe we were more secure or
more respected with a liberal foreign policy that glossed over
differences with the Soviets and never stood firm with our
allies? No, kiss-on-the-cheek foreign policy did not bring us
closer to peace.
There are those who criticize us for blocking American
involvement in construction of the Soviet gas pipeline. Well, at
Page 9
a time when their troops slaughter Afghan freedom fighters, at a
time when the Soviet pressure and threats resulted in Polish
repression, at a time when their arms production continues
unabated, it's no time to offer them credits so even more of
their resources can be channeled into making weapons -- it's no
time for our friends to fall into a dependency on Soviet gas.
There are those who point to our selling of grain,
suggesting our stand is inconsistent and self-serving. Well,
let's take a serious look at that argument. We are not selling
anything to the Soviets on credit. In fact, the more grain they
buy from us, the less money they will have left for weapons
production. Secondly, we are not becoming dependent on them --
it's the other way around.
Finally, let me say: Leadership does not always mean going
along, even with friends. It means doing what is right. In this
case, I am convinced our pipeline decision was right, and unless
there is a tangible sign from the Soviets, the decision sticks.
But let there be no mistake, standing firm should not be
interpreted as belligerency. I say to you who know the ultimate
importance of preserving peace, you who have seen the tragedy of
war firsthand, who have seen friends die on the battlefield, we
desire peace with all our hearts. But to realize that objective,
we must use our heads as well as our hearts. There are those who
pound on their chest shouting for peace. They would make
agreements even if it leaves the Western Democracies weak and
militarily vulnerable. They act on the blind hope that
militaristic regimes will respect our sincerity and compromise.
Page 10
As morally superior as that may make them feel, it does not make
conflict in the real world any less likely.
Teddy Roosevelt had something to say about this. "The voice
of the weakling," he said, "counts for nothing when he clamors
for peace; but the voice of the just man armed is potent. We
need to keep in a condition of preparedness
not because we
want war, but because we desire to stand with those whose plea
for peace is listened to with respectful attention."
No, we don't gloss over our differences with the Soviets.
We are proud of our free system and we are not afraid to say it.
We oppose Soviet tyranny, and we are not afraid to say that
either. Yet this does not mean we cannot -- even while realizing
our differences -- deal with the Soviet Union or anyone else on a
mature basis in order to prevent armed conflict, which is, of
course, in the interests of all the nations of the world.
To this end, we are engaged in serious strategic arms
negotiations. We've offered proposals to eliminate
intermediate-range missiles in Europe and to reduce the total
number of strategic arms to verifiable, equal and agreed-upon
levels.
I'd like to thank the VFW for your support of our arms
reduction efforts and for your vocal opposition to what is known
as the nuclear freeze movement. This so-called freeze undermines
our negotiating position with the Soviets and, to the extent it
is successful, would freeze us into a position of permanent
inferiority. In short, it would reward the Soviets for their
Page 11
massive buildup and guarantee them nuclear superiority over this
country. That is not the way to achieve a tranquil world.
Perhaps the freeze movement, and I don't doubt these
people's honest convictions, but perhaps this is just another
lingering reaction to the Vietnam conflict, which left so many
disillusioned with their own country. You might remember that I
mentioned Vietnam the last time I was with you. In fact, that
was about the only thing anyone in the media remembered for weeks
after that. Yet, no matter how that tragic war is remembered,
let us today confirm that a tremendous wrong, a breach of faith,
was done to those who fought that war and came home only to
suffer the brunt of the anti-military sentiment being fanned by
the emotions of the day.
The VFW is doing a tremendous job letting Vietnam veterans
know that their sacrifice is not taken lightly. Your
contributions to the Vietnam memorial project are most
appreciated. When I entered office, a man had been waiting for
years to receive a decoration he earned by his bravery in
Vietnam. He'd been waiting because some people thought honoring
him would revive memories of that conflict. Well, it was my
privilege to personally award Sergeant Roy Benavidez the
Congressional Medal of Honor.
We can and will make up to the Vietnam vets the ingratitude
some showed them on their return. We must also pledge that in
the future those who defend this country will know that, if they
are called upon to risk their lives, their Government and fellow
countrymen will have the courage to back them up.
Page 12
One of the greatest tragedies of Vietnam was that the United
States cannot be certain, even to this day, that the treaty we
signed to disengage ourselves from the conflict was fully
complied with in regards to our Prisoners of War and Missing in
Action. We have no confirmed evidence, but we have enough
information not to rule out the possibility that some of our
unaccounted-for servicemen could still be held alive in
Indochina. We will continue to use all means available,
including the full intelligence apparatus of the United States,
to get to the bottom of this matter. Should we discover these
reports are true, we are prepared to take appropriate action to
ensure that no American remains a captive. Simultaneously, we
are continuing our efforts to insure the remains of those
American prisoners still in Indochina are returned home.
Many of you fought in the Second World War, an epic struggle
that to this day affects our lives in so many ways. A thousand
stories emerged from that conflict; one of them, a tale of
British POW's used as slave labor to build a Japanese railway
bridge in Western Thailand -- a story made famous by the book and
film, Bridge on the River Kwai.
Well, there actually is a River Kwai. Near its banks is a
cemetery, the final resting place for those who died building
that railway. Many of the grave markers are inscribed with
nothing more than a name and service number. Yet, now and then
there is a small monument, built by a mother or father, or a
wife, who trekked half way around the world to the rugged
Thai-Burmese border region, searching for a marker with a very
Page 13
special service number. On one of those monuments, erected by a
loved one, are the following words: To the world, he is just a
number; but to us, he was all the world.
Let us today reaffirm that those who serve this country are
more than numbers. When discussing the defense of the United
States, let us never forget we are talking about the sacrifice of
individuals upon whose shoulders rests the future of our
independence and freedom. We know they will not let us down, let
us make certain we do not let them down.
Office of Public
Washington DC 20420
and Consumer Affairs
(202) 389-2741
Veterans
Administration
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VA LAUNCHES NEW AGENT ORANGE RESEARCH
The Veterans Administration's scientific inquiry into the
health related effects of Agent Orange is being enhanced by ten
new research projects approved and funded by the agency this week,
VA Administrator Robert P. Nimmo announced today.
The administrator said the new projects are supported for up
to five years with VA research funds in excess of $2 million, and
were selected from proposals submitted by individual investigators
working in VA medical centers across the country. The scientists
responded to a request for new research proposals issued by VA
Medical Research Service, which specified a biochemical, physiolo-
gical or toxicological focus on the delayed effects of exposure
to Agent Orange and Agent Blue.
The VA chief pointed out that the projects primarily involve
animal studies, but human tissue cultures will be analyzed in
some of the experiments. Specific approaches range from behavioral
observations of laboratory animals exposed to the defoliants used
in Vietnam, to biochemical studies of fat metabolism.
-more-
-2-
The medical centers where the new studies will take place
are: Albuquerque, NM; Baltimore, MD; Lexington, KY; Madison
and Wood, WI; San Francisco, Sepulveda, and Wadsworth, CA;
Washington, DC; and White River Junction, VT.
Nimmo said perplexing questions about the effects of exposure
to herbicides used in Vietnam have led VA into a number of research
initiatives. He explained that a key effort now in advanced
planning stages is an independently designed, epidemiological
study, the pilot protion of which will be conducted by contract
and will comprise a feasibility test of the full-scale study
mandated by Congress.
In addition to a number of research efforts, the VA has
performed health examinations for more than 89,000 Vietnam
veterans worried about possible adverse effects from the herbicides.
The VA is now authorized to treat any veteran for certain dis-
abilities which may have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange.
# # #
Contact: Ozzie Garza
August 4, 1982
(202) 389-2741
632470
PRESERVATION COPY
VA
Senators Probe Views
Of New Vet Jobs Chief
Associated Press
President Reagan's choice to head the govern-
ment's program for unemployed veterans ran into
opposition yesterday as senators questioned his
disagreement with Supreme Court findings that
segregated schools deny blacks the right to equal
educational opportunity.
William C. Plowden Jr. testimony last month
at his confirmation hearing on his nomination to
be assistant secretary of labor for veterans em-
ployment prompted Sens. Edward M. Kennedy
(D-Mass.) and Lowell P. Weicker Jr. (R-Conn.) to
ask to meet with him.
Plowden's remarks on school segregation came
when he was being questioned about his role as a
founder of a private academy in South Carolina in
1970, the same year a federal court ordered the
area's public schools desegregated. He told ques-
tioners that he thought racially segregated schools
could provide an equal educational opportunity.
Plowden told Kennedy yesterday that his re
marks had been misunderstood. He argued that
he had been active in helping blacks in his home
town of Manning, S.C. Kennedy asked for a writ-
ten summary of Plowden's record and told him
that he would withhold judgment.
uest
deferred
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
I thought you might be
interested in the attached.
ROBERT F. BONITATI
Special Assistant to
the President
Veterans
News
United States
Department
of Labor
Office of Information
Washington, D.C. 20210
CONTACT: Don Smyth
USDL: 81-499
OFFICE :. (202) 523-7316
FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt
SOUTH CAROLINIAN NAMED TO HIGH LABOR DEPARTMENT POST
The President has announced his intention to nominate William Coskrey
Plowden Jr., to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran's Employment.
Since 1976, Mr. Plowden has been State Director, Veterans Employment
and Services (South Carolina). He was appointed to the Americanism Commis-
sion of the American Legion National Organization in 1961 and served as
Americanism Chairman, State of South Carolina American Legion. He is a
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Disabled American
Veterans (DAV).
Mr. Plowden served in World War II in the China Burma Theatre attaining
the rank of lieutenant colonel and retired from the reserve as a full colonel
in 1965. He graduated from the Citadel Military College (B.S., 1939). He is
married, has three children, and resides in New Zion, S.C.
Mr. Plowden was born July 15, 1918 in New Zion.
October 23, 1981
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2- 4 wks. up to Coogress-
OMWH personnel office will know-