Vote! Vote! Vote! - Korean War Veterans Association

KWVA
Legislative Affairs
As most of you are aware, after a long struggle with Congress
we were finally awarded our Federal Charter. Our president,
Bill Mac Swain, is presently preparing for his initial report to
Congress. Soon we will be mailing our reports to Congress as
they oversee all that we do in the future, a regular audit, and any
changes in by-laws. Like all other service organizations, we now
report to the Congress of the United States.
Our Congressman, Sam Johnson, is looking out for the veterans
of this country, and recently I requested help from him on an
issue that would hurt all veterans, i.e., President Obama’s proposal
that would allow the VA health care system to bill a veteran’s
insurance for the care and treatment of a disability or injury
that was determined to have been incurred in or the result of the
veteran’s honorable service to our country. The President has
since withdrawn that proposal.
Before the proposal was withdrawn, Congressman Johnson
did speak to the Congress on this matter. (See his message
below.) His willingness to do so on our behalf is encouraging. We
now have someone speaking for the veterans of this country. As
members of a federally charted organization, we can add our
voices to advocates like Congressman Johnson’s to make our
feelings known should similar situations arise that may be detrimental
to veterans’ best interests.
Please make that phone call if and when they do. It is important
to all veterans.
Yours in service,
Ed Buckman
National Director of Legislative Affairs
Congressman Johnson’s Statement:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2009
Sam Johnson: Tell the WH forcing injured vets to pay for care wrong
“Talk about the cost of war!”
Today U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) asked
Americans to call the White House and make their voices heard that
the Administration must stop a proposal to force wounded vets to
pay for their own rehabilitation.
Recently, the White House would neither confirm nor deny its plan to
move forward with a proposed cost-cutting measure to save $540
million. The Administration intends to find the savings by making
combat wounded veterans to fund their own treatment.
During floor debate on a measure that would devote $1 billion a year
to pay volunteers, Johnson suggested that the Congress redirect a
small portion of that money to America’s real volunteers to ensure
injured war heroes don’t have to pay for their own care.
Later today the House will vote on H.R. 1388, the Generations
Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act later today. Johnson
considers “paid volunteers” an oxymoron and does not support H.R.
1388.
BUSINESS
by Ed Buckman, National Legislative Director
A combat-wounded fighter pilot, Johnson served in two wars.
Johnson represents portions of Dallas and Collin Counties.
Johnson’s prepared remarks follow:
“Today we’re debating the merits of paying volunteers. Experts estimate
that this bill will cost the government about $1 billion for just
one year.
“I have a better idea. Let’s redirect just a small portion of that money
to the real volunteers – those who voluntarily serve in the armed
forces. They volunteer to wear the uniform – there is no draft. Some
volunteer their limbs. Some even voluntarily give their lives. Surely,
these folks deserve special treatment too.
“Not so says the White House. The White House has floated a plan
to save the government $540 million. The White House will cut costs
by forcing wounded warriors to pay for their own treatment. Talk
about the cost of war!
“As a combat-wounded fighter pilot who served in two wars, I find
the White House idea of charging wounded war heroes for care
absurd, abhorrent, and unconscionable. It is sad and shameful that
the Administration is willing to force our combat wounded to foot the
bill for their own recovery and rehab. I will fight like mad to stop this
rash and reckless proposal and I back a new resolution blasting the
White House plan.
“I urge every American who loves freedom and supports the troops
to call the White House at 202-456-1414. Tell the President that
those who voluntarily choose the armed forces – and voluntarily
serve in harm’s way – and voluntarily leave their loved ones - and
voluntarily endure enemy fire – are the absolute last people we need
to hit up to balance any budget.
“Again – that number is 202-456-1414. Tell the White House that
forcing veterans to pay for the cost of war out of pocket is just plain
wrong.”
(L-R) Ed Buckman, Congressman Sam Johnson, Bill Mac Swain, Bill Hutton
11
The Graybeards
March – April 2009