SILVER ROSE NEWSLETTER
May/June 2003
What is the Order of The Silver Rose and it's
1) Our primary Missions
are to see to it that all Vietnam Veterans and their families are aware
of the fact that their exposure to Agent Orange Dioxins while serving in
Vietnam and a few other select areas has made it very likely that they are
prone to illness or cancer from more than 21 + Million gallons of AO Dioxins
sprayed during the war.
The Veterans Administration and the Government currently recognizes 42 cancers
and sicknesses (including Diabetes 2) and also Spina Bifida in the children of
Vietnam Veterans. Few Veterans or the families of deceased Veterans are even
aware that compensation can be received if they are suffering or deceased from
one or more of these appalling illnesses.
We seek to warn all
2) We seek to bring Honors and Recognition to any Vietnam
Veteran living or deceased with the presentation of the Prestigious Order of
the Silver Rose Medal and Award. The award is gratis You
may go to our website at http://silverrose.org/ for
more information and a downloadable application. We believe these Heroes
deserve this recognition because Agent Orange was a weapon of war and thus
qualifies them for the Purple Heart.
We offer the Silver Rose Award to these Heroes in lieu of the Purple Heart
since our Government fails to Honor these illnesses as Combat related and that
they fail to recognize the great sacrifices these victims have made to this
Great Country for our Freedoms. The Silver Rose fills that void for these
Heroes.
From the Desk of the National Director
The Order of the Silver Rose
Directors and I are grateful for all of the support we have been receiving from
everyone across
The more Veterans receiving this award the more attention we will get from the
media in hopefully soon fulfilling our
Have a great summer, Gary Chenett
Directors/Committee Reports
Roger Landry, Maine
Director: Hello Gary and all, I hope
this finds you better Gary and the other directors all doing well. Welcome to
the new folks, thank you for caring enough to take the time for the next
person. I have finished this year’s session and feel very good about my
accomplishments in the State House. I was able to reverse the closing of 2
state veterans centers that was proposed by the
Governor in his budget. And I had an amendment added to a state health care
reform that call for a task force to find and establish new ways to provide VA
health care to vets in rural(and I mean rural) areas. I read recently that a
vet named Stephenson took chemical companies to court seeking compensation for
his agent orange related illness and was not able to
get in on the previous class action because he was diagnosed after the cutoff
of payments from the chemical company (s). I am in that same situation and I
know there must be others out there as well. Anyway, Stephenson went all the
way to the Supreme Court and won his case. So I know there are lawyers out
they’re just waiting to jump on this bandwagon. I just don’t know of any
locally and I don’t know of any nationally that are legitimate. So if anyone
knows of a law firm that is dealing with this on a legitimate basis I need to
know it soon. Thanks to anyone that can help.
I have applied for the CRSC program because I am eligible and I followed up my
appointment with 2 phone calls to my servicing office. I have been told
that my appointments looks good and that I shouldn’t
have any problem getting all of my retirement pay back due to being 100% in the
agent orange program. If anyone needs more info on this the best source that I
found was: ww.moaa.org/BenefitsInfo/crsc/crsc.asp. That’s correct capital B and
a capital I. If we have any retirees out there that have lost their pension due
to agent orange VA disability then they need to check
this out. I am off from session until January but my constituency work will go
on through then. If I can be of any help to anyone in the Order please email me
at my home email which is: feenix01@gwi.net
or call me at (207) 490 3483. Meanwhile thanks for your help.
Hal and Maddy
WELCOME TO OUR NEW DIRECTORS:
Laura
Zolman
James E. Sellers
IMPORTANT!!!!
The
Order of the Silver Rose will be having a table at the V V A National
Convention in
Silver Rose Medals Awarded
May 1st, 2003
Lance Corporal Jimmie "Jim" Wesley Gulledge U.S.
Marine Corps #128-03
Staff Sergeant Thomas L. Wise U.S.Army #129-03
Master Sergeant Roger J. Bennett U.S. Army #130-03
Sergeant Lawrence J. Klancir U.S. Army #131-03
Specialist E-5 Albert L. Van Coppenolle U.S. Army #132-03
First Class Sergeant Bobby Lee Deats U.S. Army #133-03
Specialist E-4 Raymond E. Wilkinson U.S. Army #134-03
CW2 Jerry Wayne Gillmore U.S. Army Deceased #135-03
Airman First Class Thomas Craig McKee U.S. Air Force Deceased
#136-03
Sergeant First Class Earnest R. Brooks U.S. Army #137-03
Specialist E-4 Dennis A. Giunto U.S. Army #138-03
Staff SergeantKenneth D. Tomlinson U.S. Marine Corps #139-03
First Sergeant Fisher B. Plymale U.S. Army #140-03
Specialist E-4 Rene Amoldo Anzaldua U.S. Army #141-03
Specialist E-5 Ronald E. Heibler U.S. Army #142-03
Corporal William L. Meyer U.S. Marine Corps #143-03
Sergeant Caldwell Blanks Sr. U.S. Marine Corps #144-03
Corporal Garry W. Moore U.S. Marine Corps #145-03
Sergeant First Class Philip S. Krum II U.S. Army Deceased
#146-03
Specialist E-4 Russell S. Stewart U.S. Army #147-03
EN3 E-4 John T. Terry U.S. Navy #148-03
Captain Joseph Hancharick Jr. U.S. Marine Corps #149-03
Sergeant Robert Soto Valle U.S. Air Force #150-03
Master Sergeant John B. Buchanan U.S. Air Force #151-03
Sergeant Jerry E. Kinney U.S. Army #152-03
Senior Master Sergeant Todd R. Mac Arthur U.S. Air Force #153-03
Sergeant Ricky L. Robertson U.S. Air Force #154-03
Specialist E-4 Ronald Wayne Thompson U.S. Army Deceased
#155-03
Specialist E-4 Henry Clayton Snyder U.S. Army #156-03
Staff Sergeant William Joseph Benson U.S. Army #157-03
Major Roland Wayne Sitzmore U.S. Army Deceased #158-03
Specialist E-4 Donald P. "Woody" Woodbury U.S. Army #159-03
Specialist E-4 Owen Charles Martin U.S. Army #160-03
Sergeant Rayburn L. Rash U.S. Air Force #161-03
Staff Sergeant Robert M. Bartlett U.S. Air Force #162-03
Honorary Order of the Silver Rose
Disabled American Veterans Chapter #9 Derry, New Hampshire #H-19-03
June 1st, 2003
EN3 James M. Disney U.S. Navy#164-03
AN Robert J. Hug U.S.Navy #165-03
Captain Paul S. Zonderman U.S. Marine Corps #166-03
Sergeant Patrick Michael O'Brien U.S. Army #167-03
Corporal Laurence R. Braasch U.S. Marine Corps #168-03
E-4 James David Cowles U.S. Army Deceased #169-03
Specialist E-4 Ray B. Burkley U.S. Army #170-03
E-2 Richard A. "Buffalo Rick" Galeener U.S. Navy #171-03
CWO2 "R" Lynn Rishel U.S. Navy #172-03
HM-2 Alan C. Meyers U.S. Navy #173-03
Major Charles V. Hoggett U.S. Air Force #174-03
Specialist E-4 Delbert Louis Schmeling U.S. Army #175-03
Specialist E-5 Thomas Joseph Heyde U.S. Army #176-03
E-3 Thomas W. Corbon U.S. Marine Corps #177-03
Sergeant Thomas E. Lewis U.S. Army #178-03
Specialist E-5 Wayne Weisberg U.S. Army #179-03
Sergeant John Rowan U.S. Air Force #180-03
Corporal Pastor Toro, Jr.U.S. Marine Corps #182-03
Sergeant First Class Ronald Powers
INFO
Agent Orange
Evans indicated in his letter that veterans, who are claiming
service-connection of disabilities that have been associated with herbicide
exposure, have had serious difficulty in proving exposure. If the Department of
Defense has evidence that herbicides were used in particular areas, during
specific periods of time, that information should be
made public so that affected veterans may receive appropriate assistance in
establishing their claims. He complained that it is more than 30 years since
many of the herbicides were used, yet veterans are still having claims denied.
This is because the Department of Defense has not been forthcoming with
information concerning the locations where veterans may have been exposed and
it is well past the time for full and open disclosure.
In addition, he requested an assessment of the use, testing or storage of Agent
Orange, Agent Blue, Agent Purple, Agent White or other herbicides which contain
dioxin, including the locations, amounts and relevant dates...at the following
locations and any other location for which documentation exists:
* Aberdeen Proving Ground (Aberdeen, Maryland)
* Apalachicola National Forest (Sophoppy, Florida)
* Avon Air Force Base, Florida
* Beaumont, Texas
* Brawley, California
* Bushnell Army Air Field, Florida
* Camp Detrick, Maryland
* Dar and Prek Clong, Cambodia
* Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
* Fort Gordon, Georgia
* Fort Richie, Maryland
* Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
* Guanica, and Joyuda, Puerto Rico
* Gulfport, Mississippi
* Huntington County (State College, Pennsylvania)
* Jacksonville, Florida
* Kauai, Hawaii
* Kingston, Rhode Island
* Kompong Cham Province, Cambodia
* Laos
* Las Marias, Puerto Rico
* Las Mesas Cerros and La Jugua (Mayaguez, Puerto Rico)
* Loquillo, Puerto Rico
* Mauna Loa, Hilo, Hawaii
* Operation PACER HO (Disposal At Sea)
* Pinal Mountains (Globe, Arizona)
* Pranburi and other locations in Thailand
* Prosser, Washington
* Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
* Wayside and Wilcox, Mississippi[Source: Congressman Evans News Release 9 May
03 - POC: Mary Ellen McCarthy Tel (202) 225-9756]
BASE EXCHANGE AND COMMISSARY STORE PRIVILAGES: If you are declared
100% or if you are declared " Individual Unemployability 100%" then a
vet can obtain a letter from his regional VA office to grant permanent Base
exchange and Commissary store privileges, Done that, been there know how .
SemperFi Doc_Judd
If you are 100 & or your family qualifies for CHAMPVA you could save
lots of time and money.
This information may help you if a family member needs medications, care or
overall major health problems-- Did you know that you can get them into most VA
facilities and there is no co-payment--unlike CHAMPVA this program will pay
100% for their treatment. Please Go over the list and see if it will help
you--this is from the VA website and if your VA care center is not
listed-contact them to see if they can be.. It could
save a lot of worries and expense.
Important: You must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 5.05 to view
and print these forms. You may wish to download and install the free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 5.05 if you have not
done so already.
FEDERAL REGISTER UPDATE
Veteran angry that individuals cannot address
A Vietnam veterans' spokesman has protested plans not to take evidence from
individuals at a Government inquiry into
The Government has put together a select committee to examine evidence that
Vietnam Veterans Association of New Zealand president John Moller said he was
horrified to learn the committee was only hearing submissions from veterans'
organizations.
Select committee chairwoman and Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick said the committee
made the decision because it did not have time to hear evidence from everyone
separately.
She said the committee was aware many individuals and their families wanted to
contribute to the inquiry.
"We suggest they contact the veterans' organisations directly so that
those organisations' submissions reflect their views," Mrs Chadwick said.
Mr Moller said the select committee's terms of reference for the inquiry,
announced yesterday were "bloody outrageous and unacceptable".
He said he had brought the matter to the attention of the Prime Minister.
Mrs Chadwick said the veterans should be thanking the Government for
undertaking the inquiry -- not rubbishing the select committee for trying to
get the matter resolved as soon as possible.
"John Moller is always outraged. He should be thanking us for reopening
this because all that has come before us is a map that tends to show Agent
Orange was definitely used in
The decision to hold the inquiry followed the discovery of a long-forgotten map
providing evidence of defoliant spraying in the area of Nui Dat in
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
10 USC Sec. 1129 01/05/99
TITLE 10 - ARMED FORCES
Subtitle A - General Military Law
PART II - PERSONNEL
CHAPTER 57 - DECORATIONS AND AWARDS
Sec. 1129. Purple Heart: members killed or wounded in action by friendly fire
-STATUTE-
(a) For purposes of the award of the Purple Heart, the Secretary concerned
shall treat a member of the armed forces described in subsection (b) in the
same manner as a member who is killed or wounded in action as the result of an
act of an enemy of the United States.
(b) A member described in this subsection is a member who is killed or wounded
in action by weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, other than
as the result of an act of an enemy of the United States, unless (in the case
of a wound) the wound is the result of willful misconduct of the member.
(c) This section applies to members of the armed forces who are killed or
wounded on or after
(Added Pub. L. 103-160, div. A, title XI, Sec. 1141(a),
AMENDMENTS
1997 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105-85 substituted ''
AWARD OF PURPLE HEART TO PERSONS WOUNDED WHILE HELD AS PRISONERS OF WAR BEFORE
Pub. L. 104-106, div. A, title V, Sec. 521,
"(a) Award of Purple Heart. - For purposes of the award of the Purple
Heart, the Secretary concerned (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United
States Code) shall treat a former prisoner of war who was wounded before April
25, 1962, while held as a prisoner of war (or while being taken captive) in the
same manner as a former prisoner of war who is wounded on or after that date
while held as a prisoner of war (or while being taken captive).
"(b) Standards for Award. - An award of the Purple Heart under subsection
(a) shall be made in accordance with the standards in effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act (Feb. 10, 1996) for the award of the Purple Heart to
persons wounded on or after April 25, 1962.
"(c) Eligible Former Prisoners of War. - A person shall be considered to
be a former prisoner of war for purposes of this section if the person is
eligible for the prisoner-of-war medal under section 1128 of title 10, United
States Code."
Civilians honor Agent Orange vets: Toledo Blade Article published
Nine
"This ceremony has no official sanction from our government or any other
government agency," said Dan Foote, staff assistant to U.S. Rep. Marcy
Kaptur (D.,
"In fact, this is anything but official - this is the only war-related
medal awarded by civilians. This is a tremendous honor," he told the
crowded room at VFW Post 2984 in Northwood, where more than 50 veterans sat
with their families.
The Order of the Silver Rose was founded in 1997 by Mary Elizabeth Marchand
after the loss of her father, Navy Chief Petty Officer Frank Davis, to Agent
Orange-related lung cancer.
Founders of the Order of the Silver Rose emphasize that although eight cancers
and 28 sarcomas are recognized by the Veterans Administration as connected to
Agent Orange dioxins, no Purple Heart ever has been awarded to a
The order wants a Purple Heart awarded to every combat veteran identified under
the 1991 Agent Orange Act.
"In World War I, they gave Purple Hearts for mustard gas," said Roy
Hernandez, a past award recipient and one of the ceremony’s organizers.
"In World War II, they gave it for nerve gas. Now the government’s
admitted illnesses due to Agent Orange, but aren’t giving Purple Hearts."
"Agent Orange causes injuries on the inside, not the outside," said
Linda Berry, one of the local directors of the Order of the Silver Rose and
wife of Bernie Berry, the first to be given the award in northwest Ohio.
"These recipients were wounded just as badly as those awarded Purple
Hearts."
Recipients yesterday included Jack Bloomfield of Toledo; Mike Bowen of Rudolph,
Ohio; Tom Bryce of Toledo; Tom Dugan of Toledo; Arnie Duseburg of Perrysburg;
Dan Foote of Walbridge; Russell Stewart of Toledo; Robert Valle of Gibsonburg,
Ohio, and Albert Van Coppnolle of Toledo.
Including the nine recognized yesterday, 19 Toledo-area veterans have been
awarded the Silver Rose.
Mr. Dugan, 53, in the 25th Infantry Division, was diagnosed with throat cancer
in October after never smoking a day in his life. His division was
headquartered near the
"I didn’t even know I was wounded until I got back - and I do think it’s a
wound. I’ve got a nice scar to show for it," Mr. Dugan said, tracing his
neck from ear to ear, outlining where surgery was done to remove his cancer.
Agent Orange Bracelets: Ordering information, three
different kinds will be available, personalized ones for living and deceased
victims and a bracelet honoring Agent Orange Victims in general The bracelets are of light weight iodized aircraft aluminum
and are $9.45 each including postage.
Colors available are gold , silver or black. Please
state which color you desire.The words Agent Orange will appear on all of the
bracelets
For personalized bracelets:
For the Deceased Victims please include birth date, death date and full name of
victim
For the Living Victims please include birth date and full name of victim
The personalized bracelets can say widow, wife, friend etc. of the victim
Please state which you desire
General bracelets will say "In honor of Agent Orange Victims"
Checks and money order accepted , no credit cards please.
Include the name and address to which the bracelet will be mailed.
All proceeds will go towards to the Quilts of Tears Project, which honors Agent
Orange Victims, as it travels across the country to Vietnam Veterans Reunions
and other Vietnam Veterans events.
Send order to:
Jennie R. Le Fevre
Founder of The Quilts of Tears
6400 W.Shady Side Rd
Shady Side ,MD 20764
AGENT ORANGE FLAGS: If you would like to buy an AO flag,
first of all the price is fair and it goes to Vets. In fact
if goes to the Vets that designed it. So if you buy one don't fear it's
not made in
Write and send your money to the following
Michigan VVA State Council
Attention!!! AO Flag
30039
If you order any tell them Gary sent you from the Silver Rose, not that they
will give you a deal but it will let them know that the ground they broke years
before anyone knew about AO is now getting plowed up good and much is Thanks to
Them...
If you ever visit my home you will see all 3 flags always flying in my
courtyard. 24/7. Gary
VA Handbook: The 2003 edition of
“Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents” is now available on the VA web
site at http://www.va.gov/pubaff/fedben/Fedben.pdf
This booklet lists the variety of federal benefits available to military
veterans and their dependents. Topics covered include health care enrollment,
VA claim filing, burial and survivor benefits, and workplace benefits. The
booklet is being printed now and distribution will begin 4 APR 03.
The Silver Rose Blues
© 2003 Sarge Lintecum
Agent Orange Award to Veterans from Veterans
(Key of A D Harp)
They gave their bodies to their country
And their health to Agent Orange
Gave their bodies to their country
And their health to Agent Orange
Someone finally told them thank you
With the Silver Rose Award
Some fought deep in the jungle
And some were River Rats
Some fought in the jungle
Some were River Rats
Each one served with honor
Now their brothers take up the slack
The Silver Rose is an honor
These Vietnam vets have earned
The Silver Rose is an honor
These Vietnam vets have earned
Brothers step in
When a nation forgets
(Lead Breaks - D Harp 24 Bars)
The VA allows forty-two illnesses
They admit come from Agent Orange
Yeah, so far forty-two illnesses
Come from Agent Orange
We gave our bodies to our country
Now we find our health is gone
The Silver Rose is an honor
These Vietnam vets have earned
The Silver Rose is an honor
These Vietnam vets have earned
Brothers step in
When a nation forgets
Russell
"Sarge" Lintecum . If you need more info on
me my military bio is at my web site http://vietnamblues.com/ . 3 tours, 101st Airborne, Purple Heart,
yada yada.
Sgt Russell "Sarge" Lintecum
USMC
Agent Orange Ad/Posters
ATTENTION
20 Million Gallons of Agent Orange Dioxins!!!!!
More than 42 Cancers and sicknesses "approved by the VA"
Plus Spina Bifida in our Children!!!!!
Is that reason enough for you to get a full physical every year and a CAT scan?????
“PM” (Preventive Medicine) Could Save Your Life………….
Please go to this site and print off the Agent Orange
ad. Help to distribute and place in newspapers and
newsletters. http://silverrose.org/ao-ad.html
Also, go to this site and print off the Silver
Rose Poster and put up so we can spread the word. http://silverrose.org/tearad.html
Volunteer Needed
Why and how to be a volunteer or
director. If you are interested in helping the Silver Rose by spreading
the word of Agent Orange cancers and sickness, please distribute the
information on the Silver Rose site. silverrose.org
Please consider being a Director or volunteer.
Donations/Merchandise/Raffle
We have just received a shipment
of Silver Rose Pins. The pin is 1 inch in diameter and an exact copy of the
very prestigious Silver Rose Medal. The cost is only $10.00 including
shipping. You can order it on line at http://silverrose.org/donation.html
or contact the nearest Silver Rose Director. We have Silver Rose patches
on order too.
SILVER ROSE PATCHES NOW AVAILABLE: We now have gorgeous Silver
Rose patches available for you. They are 3 and 1/2 inches in Diameter and can
be purchased either on our website via bankcard or from your local Silver Rose
Director or write me directly if you would like to purchase one by check or
cash. They are only $10.00 shipping included when purchased online. Visit the
website to see a photo of these gorgeous patches.
Questions/Answers/Comments
06/14/03 09:43:23 PM Split Decision In
our local newspaper there was an article about the "Agent Orange claims
revived"...stating ..."The Supreme Court kept alive hopes of cancer
stricken Vietnam veterans who want to recover damages for Agent Orange
exposure, deadlocking Monday (June 9th) in a case that has implications for
anyone who misses out on a settlement of a class action lawsuit. Instead,
justice deadlocked 4-4 on a case involving two veterans who blame Agent Orange
for their cancers, but got sick too late to claim a piece of the 180 million
settlement with makers of the chemical in 1984. The non-decision allows
veterans to pursue lawsuits claiming they were wrongfully shut out of the
settlement."
There is more to the story, however the problem is
these chemical companies believe they aren't liable for anyone after the
settlement in 1984. This is absurdly WRONG because how were these veterans to
know they would become ill at a later date. It boils my blood that these big
corporations can get by with this. What if it was their father, brother, etc.
that died as a result of this chemical. You can bet they would be cared
for...but we probably would never hear about this.
Something has to break...we can't go on allowing these corporations to sweep
their blunders under the rug. My sister cried when she read about this ruling.
She lost her husband 3 years ago from A/O. I cried when she told me how it
affected her. Dale
Dale, You appear to not be
understanding the meaning of the Supreme court decision regarding Agent Orange.
What the tie ruling means is that the case reverts to the lower court decision
which stated that
May 06, 2003 7:50 AM My name is Bob Hug I was readind an artical in
Silverrose on 9 AO outside vietnam ), Where it reads -- There are limited
records of Naval and AirForce use of AO outside VM and would be interested in
the Naval records.
I served on the USS Hancock aircraft carrier in
I had a complete laryngectomee operation in 2000, Cancer of the larynx a Cancer
connected with AO. Everyone I talk to states that you have to have stepped foot
on ground in Vietnam for an AO case with the VA, Although I did fly into Danang
on my way to the Hancock I would still like to prove AO was in fact aboard and
even if I can never prove this that the AO herbicides carried for miles and
miles and could have affected our plains and our Ship.
I would appreacite any information you can help me with.
Thank You Bob Hug
GUESTBOOK
05/05/03 07:43:03 AM I am an Aussie Nam
Vet and served at Phan Rang 68/9 patrolling and ambushing beyond the wire as
part of the airbase defence plan. During that time I was exposed to AO both
directly and indirectly and the health record of myself
and my troops tells the story. We do not have any form of award for death or
wounds due to service but I do know of the importance the Purple Heart to my
05/09/03 03:00:43 PM Last weekend at the
Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vigil, the "Order of the Silver
Rose" ceremony was performed for BT-2 Ronald Lee Empfiend U.S. Navy
Deceased #121-03. His wife Susie was presented the medal and certificate. It
was very touching to know he should be receiving the purple
heart, but being in the system does not qualify.
Ray Wayne
06/13/03 07:41:41 PM: I am in awe of the
dedication that I see from so many families of Veterans in a effort to have their
Vet properly recognized for their service and for their continual giving of
their lives with PTSD, Agent Orange and all the other illnesses that they have
endured. My Vet died on