Norman — We were able to process claims 168 veterans last Thursday morning at the Goldsby Community Center. There were 10 or more who were asked to come back next week when we would have more time.
This week our sign-in time still will be the same but we will not start processing veterans until 4 a.m. It seems like I’m giving out before the day is over.
Maybe with a few more helpers we would not be forced to turn any of our veterans away. This could be the week that you start working with us. Of the total number that we saw there were 10 who were rated at 100 percent by the VA. These veterans will receive $2,700 per month for the injuries that occurred to them while they were on active duty in our military. There also were another 20 or so who were rated 10 to 90 percent.
We are seeing an average of 35 new people each week who have never filed for VA benefits before. More than 90 percent of the veterans and widows that we help are approved for some type of benefits from the VA. Some of those that we see only are asking for help applying for VA health care, aid and attendance ECT. We also offer services to those who are seeking to take part in the Agent Orange screening exam and the Gulf War syndrome exam. The VA has decided to take a second look at the claims that were filed because of illnesses that could be linked to Gulf War syndrome. It seems to take a long time for some of these health issues to be connected to the chemicals that veterans were exposed to in Vietnam and in the Gulf War.
I worked with a Navy man recently who spent 1973 to 1975 at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He has lung cancer that could have been caused by the ground water contamination at that location. The problems at that base were discovered several years ago and many of the men and women who were stationed there could have health-related problems. We filed for service connection of the cancer that he is diagnosed with. I will let you know how this case works out for our veteran.
One of the problems that many of us face is no knowing the different chemicals that we may have been exposed to while in the military. If possible, go online and look up your old base camps to see if your base could have contamination problems like Camp Lejeune.
Harold Harvell should be ready to pour the concrete footing for the next stage of the Goldsby Memorial. If the weather permits, contractors will begin work this week and we should be able to move ahead with laying the bricks on each side of the sidewalk leading up to the memorial. If you haven’t visited with Harold about your brick please do so. The raffle tickets he has been selling will end this Thursday morning with the drawing scheduled for 9 a.m. His number is 596-8755.
Our benevolence fund has been used extensively the last few weeks in support of our veterans' needs. We spent money for five different families last week in excess of $1,400. If you would like to help with this project, call Ray Harden at 408-6950. Donations also can be mailed to Veterans Corner, P.O. Box 704, Washington, OK 73093.
For all your questions and assistance about veterans benefits we are at the Goldsby Community Center each Thursday. Our doors open at 1:30 a.m. for sign-in and we start processing veterans at 4 a.m. We will continue to register folks until we reach 150 or so. Be there early for us to help you with your claim. We do our best to process each one in a timely manner but be prepared to stay a while and be patient.
Take time to visit our Web address at www.veteranscorner.org or you can call me at 550-8806 or e-mail kdgraham@windstream.net.
On another note, my 3-month-old grandson Jake will be undergoing open heart surgery this week. Your thoughts and prayers will be greatly appreciated.
Semper Fi.
Dale K. Graham is service officer for VFW Post 4890.
