Suffolk Life / April 27, 1994
Dear Mr. Willmott:
A while ago, I wrote you asking if there was some way you could help in reaching
out to find other Long Island
Desert Storm vets; who might be suffering from the Gulf War illness (DS Syndrome)
and to inform the public about
what is going on. You not only accomplished that but much more.
I had written many letters to other papers, TV stations, etc., to no avail.
It seemed to be a "hot potato" issue that no
one wanted to touch with a l0-foot pole. Only you seemed to have the courage
to go public with this.
Thanks to you and your excellent staff (Lou Grasso and Janine Giordano) for
their blunt, yet compassionate way in
handling it, the results were phenomenal. You not only were able to bring attention
to the issue and inform the public,
but have been the impetus for getting our political figures involved.
As a result of your running the article, not only has a group of DSS vets
been formed but many have been given the
necessary information that has directed them to the VA Hospital for screening.
Long Islanders have passed the word,
sending the articles to those who live out of New York as well. It sparked another
paper to cover the story.
Congressmen, senators and assemblymen are now keeping abreast of information.
Many non-military concerned
Long Islanders and organizations have called to offer help or information. Vietnam
vets have called offering guidance
and support.
The whole Island pulled together on this one. All due to one man's courage
to "tell it like it is." On behalf of the
Desert Storm vets and myself, a big, big thank you. I would also like to, thank
Lou Grasso, as well as all the
Long Islanders, for their concern and offers of help. And a "special"
thank you to Janine Giordano.
Jackie Olsen