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usdart
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Posts posted by usdart
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I see on my Awards and Decorations page it shows Sanctuary Counter Offensive and to the right it says
DAsg10130Z Dec71 RUNCM 6/68 DEV AR670-5
(this one is fuzzy
so I am not sure)
Anyone know what this is?
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PR , and some of us other advocates, have learned to be sort of abrupt sometimes, in an effort to understand, in hyperspace, exactly what evidence a claimant needs. We are all on your side.
Believe me, if he can help you, he sure will and he knows his stuff!
“I have read after action reports (only found a few) In one it says my Unit fired 22,190 rounds during Op Rock Crusher. I wish it had been 90%. “
If you were in that unit at the same time of this after action report, have you sent this info to the VA?
Possibly this link will help?
http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitPageHistory/1,13506,102156,00.html
Maybe this is better:
http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/unit_org.html
This is the list of Field Artillery Units prior to and after TET.
http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/unit_org.html
Then again there should be more info on the net regarding your unit and Ops Rockcrusher, s well as TET just by googling your unit designation.I am a civilian so my links here might be way off base but it is amazing what one can find on the net.
PR , and some of us other advocates, have learned to be sort of abrupt sometimes, in an effort to understand, in hyperspace, exactly what evidence a claimant needs. We are all on your side.
Believe me, if he can help you, he sure will and he knows his stuff!
“I have read after action reports (only found a few) In one it says my Unit fired 22,190 rounds during Op Rock Crusher. I wish it had been 90%. “
If you were in that unit at the same time of this after action report, have you sent this info to the VA?
Possibly this link will help?
http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitPageHistory/1,13506,102156,00.html
Maybe this is better:
http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/unit_org.html
This is the list of Field Artillery Units prior to and after TET.
http://www.bravecannons.org/the_gun/unit_org.html
Then again there should be more info on the net regarding your unit and Ops Rockcrusher, s well as TET just by googling your unit designation.I am a civilian so my links here might be way off base but it is amazing what one can find on the net.
I found those too. I am going to use different search terms and see what I can find.
Meawhile, Is there a site to fill out those PTSD forms on line and print or save
them for free?
Thanks to everyone for trying to help. I would really be lost without this site and these good people.
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I had a huge arguement with my Nurse because she refused to fill out a one page form. She said she did not have time to fill out forms all day. I pointed out that it was her job to help Vets and that this form HAD to be signed by my Doctor. Still refused so I changed my Team and there was a meeting at the VA with my VSO. Bottom line I would have to go to Walla Walla 60 miles away.
All the form was asking is if my PTSD and Hyper tension were related.
3 months to get an Appt and I would have had to wait to get my claim started. And no gaurantee the form would help or even be filled out then.
I dropped the whole thing and decided not to muddy the water with addirional issues YET!
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usdart - thanks! 2/35 Arty, huh. Somewhere, way back, many yrs ago, I helped another 2/35 Arty vet, w/his claim. At the time, I was making a trip to the National Archives, for myself, and located some records, he needed, for a claim. I think he was w/them 69-70, not sure. I don't even remember his name.
Somewhere, I have a book, that was authored by one of the archivists, at the National Archives, about 15yrs ago, that lists every VN units locations and when. I think it's at my home, in NC. I'll be headed down there, soon, for about 2-3 wks, and will locate it, then and get back to you - so stick around Hadit.com for a month or so, so I can maybe help ya.
Thanks!
pr
Yes, july 1969 to july 1970 was my term in Country. thank you for the research, I can't find much at all. I did find one after action report but, that was one event.
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Please give me the name of the unit you were in?? To "me" - "almost daily incoming" is not constant fire.
FYI: con·stant
/ˈkɒn
stənt/ Show Spelled [kon-stuhnt] Show IPA adjective1.not changing or varying; uniform; regular; invariable: All conditions during the three experiments were constant.2.continuing without pause or letup; unceasing: constant noise.3.regularly recurrent; continual; persistent: He found it impossible to work with constant interruption.4.5.steadfast; firm in mind or purpose; resolute.Just saying. I wish you well!prI told you my english was not up to par. I should read more, but it bores me too much.
I was in A Bty 2 Batt 35th Arty 23rd Arty Grp, 2 field forces.
Constant fire is probably wrong but, I am reaching out for words. I know we were under attack 4 or 5 days aweek. We followed the Infantry units and fired direct support for the 199th Inf and the 25th Inf. Now and then a couple of Inf APC's would come in to help us as well as Dusters. As a low level Enlisted (Sp4) I did not have the 'need to know' so I was unaware of our location and Mission until after we moved to the next clearing. I do remember FSB Mace could be seen in the distance one time. I did know when we were in Cambodia cause I saw it on the LT's map. But he told me not to say anything. All I had to know is keep the Vehicles running. Our unit was supposed to rotate to a Fire base every 3 months, but for some reason we did not.
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OK, I read Navy04's post and I understand. Thank you Phillip for standing guard.
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In a way it was meant to hurt or at least make you think. No one and I mean 'no one' was under "constant fire." It irritates me when I hear a grunt say I really had it bad, "we were in the shit 24/7." No one was in it 24/7. For many, it was like being a cop/LEO or firefighter or EMT - - 90-95% boring or routine and 5-10 pure scared shit hell. We did Search & Destroys, which were very routine, most of the time.
From your post I feel you were Arty and at various firebases or in a line company that routinely secured firebases. Firebases often received H&I fire, from the enemy, but not constant fire.
A couple of points I will help with, though. 11 o'clock at night would have been referred to as 2300 hrs (a red flag went up on that statement). A VN service medal/ribbon is not a combat award but is an "I was there, also" award. Being on an operation, such as Rock Crusher can count as a stressor. The VA likes to downplay operational awards, as routine, but being mortared or rocketed can be a stressor for the average citizen.
I believe the University of TX has many reports online you can research. You can also contact the National Archives, in College Park, MD, for info on events for you stressor(s). You really only need one stressor.
Sorry to be so hard on you but . . .
pr
I was never at a Fire support base. We fired direct support for the infantry and my unit moved 39 times in 6 months from clearing to clearing to set up operations. almost Daily incoming was a fact. I was not saying I was in it 24/7. I have read after action reports (only found a few) In one it says my Unit fired 22,190 rounds during Op Rock Crusher. I wish it had been 90%.
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Sorry, I don't give key words to help fabricate a stressor letter. The best thing to do is just tell the truth. That should be fairly easy for someone who "spent the entire year out in the Field under constant fire." You should be able to describe almost any day and that should suffice.
jmo
pr
Man that hurts, I am struggling with Vocabulary, I m not trying to cheat or fabricate anything. I don't read much and I don't know the VA jargan or even how grafic to get. Just stressing out more as I write. This is even harder than talking to my shrink, didn't sleep all night last night and have to keep going on this crap.
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I have two written down and I have the effects on my personal and work life done.
Now I have to go through my health records and copy the Shrinks report of mu SC to PTSD and the link she made to my nightmares etc.
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In may 1970 my Unit was moved to the Central Highlands to fire support for Operation Rock Crusher inside Cambodia.
On one night I was assigned Guard Duty on the Burm near the Ammo Dump. Late that night about 1100 I heard noises in the tree line about 75 yards from my position. I made myself quiet and listened as hard as I could. I decided to report this to Fire Direction Control immediately. They told me not to fire at all so I did as told. Later that night ALL Hell broke loose. Motars and small arms fire was everywhere and I was scared to death. After the everthing calmed down a bit I realized I had
been hit in the hand so I went to the Medics. There were several severly wonded soldiers there so I
was abit ashamed. The Medic pulled out a Ledger and asked me if I wanted a Purple Heart. I said no thank you,That is for real wounds. He wrapped it up and I went to the pit to help break out
ammunition for the Guns. That's when it hit me like a rock,THIS WAS ALL MY FAULT!
I should havebeen more insistant on someone verifying what I heard and saw on Guard Duty. All these injuries could have been avoided if I had done the right thing. I felt so bad that I don't remember much ofthe next day or so. I do remeber Burial Detail the next day! We put all the bodies in a ditch,dumped diesel oil on them and burned them. My God what a terrible thing to do! Why did we not turn the bodies over to the Locals? When the smell of the burning bodies hit me I started pukeing and ranback to my bunker. What a horrible way to treat humans. What must the Vietnamese think of GI's who do this? It can't be right but, I keep my mouth shut because I am not in charge. Turns out the enemy had tied themslves up in the trees to call in Mortar on our unit. They had Comm wire from the trees and were well suitd to attack us. All of this could have been prevented if I had spoke up more than I did. This is ALL my fault, and no one is going to convince me otherwise!
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First, be honest and complete as you can with your stressors. The main form that you need is the 21-0781. My husband is a Vietnam Vet. and was there during the TET Offensive. Some of the verbage they are looking for is "horrified", fear for your life or for the lives of others. He didn't remember the names of the other men that had been shot or killed. Cripes how could he remember or even know the names of practically a whole dang platoon being ambushed by the VC. Do you have the dx from a VA psych? Ask your VA psych. to write a statement in support of claim (21-4138) stating that your stressors are related to combat, and how you really are having a hard time functioning in your daily life due to your symptoms of PTSD. We didn't put date of attacks, (Just the time frame) they were happening all the time during TET especially spring/summer of 1968. Try to write out three different ones, they can all be in the same time frame. Send in your DD214 with every claim that you file for. Isolation is another aspect because you do not want to be near people.
Hopefully others will chime in.
That helps alot. The VA started this by telling me I had PTSD. My VA shrink has linked my nightmares to Viet Nam and I have permanant injuries to both my feet from kicking the walls during these dreams. I have had over 25 different jobs since I left the Service. Just can't seem to be happy anywhere. Never fired, just got P-oed and quit alot. Absolutely hate being near people and can hardly speak I am so nervous. I miss meetings at work and they are not happy at all. I just can't bring convince myself to go.
Is that the sort of thing I need to repat?
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Being in there should be enough, but since they are following up means they need specifics. I first off I am sorry you will have to rehash this. Preferrably between a 3 month date range. They will need if possible names of wounded or killed. Maybe date of attacks. Mortar or incoming. Something to verify. The vsm is good enough to buy exam based on new relaxed standards, but the above information will be needed. BE SPECIFIC on events names placed. They need that to verify or corroborate claim since you didn't have recognized medals/badge. Jmho
Wholly cow, This was 44 years ago! I remember certain incidents very clearly, but, names, dates etc are long gone. I can draw a picture of gun emplacements, burm, wire, entrance and culverts we covered with sandbags to sleep in, mess tent, FDC bunker. But I had just been re-assigned to that unit and did not know anyone. My old Unit was Deactivated and they reassigned me because I still had 6 months to do in country. We moved the Gun emplacements every 7 days following the Infantry units to fire direct support for them. There was no Village near us that I ever saw other than Ahn Loc when I was first in Country. I spent the entire year out in the Field under constant fire. My DD214 shows the 2 different Units and even the 2 different MOS's,. I was only 19 and I am 62 now.
Things are not looking good for me!
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They want more Evidence so I have to fill out some forms.
21-0781
21-4138
21-0781a
Since my VSO has flown the coup I am lost.
What are some key words I should use in my descriptions that will help?
I do not have a puple heart or any of the list of Service medals.
Is a Viet Nam ribbon a Combat Action Badge?
Can I use my DD214 which says I participated in 'Operation Rock Crusher'.this was the routing of the enemy during the incursion into Cambodia. The last major campaign of the War. Wikipedia has a very good discription of it that I can also include. I was never officially awarded this either and should have been according to my DD214.
My 'stressors' were incured during this Offensive so I want to describe them using the right verbage to shine the brightest light I can.
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I will keep this info in mind to use when and if I get a denial on my claim. Meanwhile I still need a VSO.
Can someone recommend DAV, or some othe agentsy with a good record?
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Oh man..sorry I stirred things up! I have an aversion to welfare. I personally would rather take care of myself.
As far as my Congressman, He already sent a letter to the VA on my behalf.
My evidence of Combat is on my DD214. It not only shows Viet Nam Service it also says specifically "Operation Rochcrusher" in 1970.
Myheathyvet has all the obtainable records of VA Clinic visits including my diagnosis for PTSD which started this whole thing. I was unaware that I had it and it was compensable until the VA Clinic told me about it. My VA shrink has it in her notes and shows my SC and the connection to my nightmares are very specific to a couple of things in Nam.
If the VA wants Evidence all they have to do is go on thier own Web Sites Ebenefits and Myhealthyvet and read my files there. Apparently my VSO did not tell them where the Evidence was, this is what makes me upset!
Why would a VA trained and certified Counselor not do things to help the Veteran by being complete and correct with claims?
Why did the VA tell me over the phone 5 months ago that they had all evidence requiered and I just need to wait?
Now I have no representation and am left out in the cold. I am not going to be pushed aside and ignored because the VA does not want to do what is right and proper.
I am not going to a Lawyer yet, I have already asked Congressman Hastings to help and he will. This will have to happen first because I already started it. It would muddy the waters to add another layer to it now. I will let you know how it goes for your own future reference.
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No, he is Indian by Birth only. His Grandfather was at Little big Horn, his name was Johnny Thonton. I have a picture of Mr Thonton when he got his first haircut. I wish I could date it, but records were not kept for Indians and thier offspring. My son is a percentage Indian which does make him eligable for programs but, he has not pursued them. He does very well.
I remember driving through New Mexico and seeing Indians passed out and getting run over in the street. I know at the first of the month they bring wine in by tanker truck. Some Tribal Chiefs are trying to get away from drinking for thier folks. I hope it catches hold for them. I was born in Portales 1951. My Dad was a migrant worker picking fruit.
I only want what I deserve, nothing more, I loose most of the time but,I do NOT back down from a fight! Not the brightest thing to do but, I am no coward by at least.
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I just thought we should be treated with respect and dignity. I was spit on at Oakland Airport when I returned from Nam. There was no recognition that I served honorably for our nation. Go ahead and be harsh if you think it helps. I was just venting a little and I apologize if I struck a nerve or two.
My son is Indian and he is not on welfare. I just think it is near criminal to treat Vets as if they are all trying to play the system. Unfortunately like everything else a few make it harder for the rest of us.
Please don't be offended, I am sorry I struck a nerve!
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After a denial we can get lawyer's and if they take our cases, most times
it is on a contingency basis.
So we have to get a Lawyer to recieve earned benefits! But, Welfare, food stamps, Obama Phones, are no problem?
Does anyone see an issue here?
Should we have to PAY to recieve earned benefits?
These are things we should be addressing to our Representatives as often as we can.
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Since I have already set things in motion with my Congressman I have to see this through.
If had the $$ fo a Lawyer I would have done so. I just spent my entire savings and retirement on bi-lateral knee replacemnt for my wife. $500,000 total cost. I paid $100,000 and am now totally broke forever.
I know they will circle the wagons on me, that is what I am used to. I NEVER get a break so just another nail in my coffin.
The VVA Rep emailed me and said 'until you get a letter from the VA be Patient'. Patience my a** I am tired of being nice and always loosing.
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I turned the whole thing over to my Congressman!
I am tired of being lied to and put off and ignored by the VA rep who was supposed to help me, The VA clinic,and my VA Phsyc for leaving things out of her reports and trying to trick me.
I offered as evidence to the Congressman my Ebenefits and myhealthevet records to back up what I am saying. I let them know I trusted these people to help me because like most I did not understand the system. I let him know that I had not filed before because I was unaware of the entitlement and my family prodded me to get help. I told him I spent 10 months in turmoil and raging anxiety and was then told my Claim was totally witout evidence. Even though my VSO insisted everything was there and when I called Seattle they said they had 'all the evidence'.
I am waiting for Doc Hastings to let me know. He has helped me before with positive results from the VA in 5 days. I am hoping for good results here too. At this point if I shot myself in the foot, so be it. I only want what is due.
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Moved post
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It looks like I need a new VA Reresentative very soon.
My old one is no longer involved with the VVA and I need some help. It appears he cused me some grief by telling me that what we submitted was enough Evidence. Not even close!
Does anybody know how to find a GOOD VSO to help me in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco Washington state?
I have and will continue to search internet of course, but, totally a shot in the dark.
I feel Hosed and all the negatives that goes with being misled and caused 10 months of agonizing waiting for nothing.
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There was No mention of Sinusitis or Tinitus in the letter. I wonder if that means these will move forward?
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Right click on the text and select all, right click on the text again (with it all highlighted) and Copy.
Open up 'Notbook' and right click and select Paste.
Then you can delete personal stuff before you post it here. and you can save to a file or email it etc...
Va Envelope Recieved, Need Massive Help Please
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
The yellow, green and Red is standard issue for Viet Nam Service. The Offensive medal is a seperate line on my DD214.
I was thinking this would verify Combat Action that they want to see proof of?