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6/8/99
Rolling Thunder XII
Annual Veterans Health Care Rally
"AFTER ACTION REPORT "
Courtesy of Joe Poe ~ UVAC2
*********************************************
To: Artie Mueller (President, Rolling Thunder, Inc.)
Through: Mike Woods (GW Affairs, Rolling Thunder,
Inc.)
From: Joe Poe, Jr. (President, Unified Veterans of America, Inc.)
Subject: Rolling Thunder XII - Annual Veterans Health Care Rally (29 May
99)
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Thank you for the exceptional efforts put forth
this year in providing a program of speakers whose background, knowledge
and expertise ranged over 30 - 40 years of specific health concerns to veterans.
( Agent Orange, ALS - ALS Variants, current Anthrax Vaccine problems, Parasitics
found in Vietnam Veterans, Mycoplasma Fermetans-Incognitus [laboratorialy
altered & weaponized Biological Warfare Agent], Yellow Rain, and in cases
the many associated medical difficulties experienced by family members including
Birth Defects related to our veteran's wartime service.) ....
Each speaker had the voice of experiences combined with the facts needed
to be heard by thousands and the public. Unfortunately, the audience was
far less than expected, although though the word had been spread far and
wide. Such is the nature of the beast, especially when multiple activities
occur at the same time.
Weather (heat) has been cited as the major factor
for low attendance. Possibly.
However, the faces present at the start of the program, were mostly the same
when it ended. Admittedly, the heat was a smoker, and it's affects did catch
up to quite a few later on, and the following day. Hopefully those Spartans
who endured the heat will be the extended voices of those who spoke, to reach
out to the thousands.......
Mike
&
Jessica
Woods,
Chrissy
Noel,
Carolyn
Zoldos and
Chris
Hamrick kept the program alive and moving
in pace, regardless of the small unexpected changes....
Joe Jacobs, USMC Vietnam veteran, and the presiding
Chaplain, opened the event
with an invocation befitting all veterans past, present and future. Joe had
traveled from Michigan to help reinforce the purposes for which we were gathered;
Truth, accountability. Solemn memories for all who had fallen.
And to keep the fight alive for our POWs and MIAs.......
Tom
Burch, Vietnam veteran, and President
of the Washington, D.C. based, National Vietnam - Gulf War Veterans Coalition,
gave his encouraging remarks, in support of the event and the need to continue
to keep pushing forward for congressional awareness and conviction to veteran's
needs......
Michael J. Martin and Dave
Ridell, provided their separate styles
of music and song, which so many veterans, familles & friends have become
accustomed to. Their performances were informative, inspirational and at
times spontaneous, when called upon to keep the program moving along.
Michael J. Martin's songs continue to fill the void
of night for thousands of veterans whose war(s) will never end ...
The presentation & testimony by,
Major Michael
Donnelly
USAF (Medically
Retired) his sister
Denise (authors of " Falcon's Cry: A Desert
Storm Memoir "), explosively impacted the audience with the seriousness of
one of the crippling yet publicly covered up after affects of the Persian
Gulf War, ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's
disease. In the book & their many appearances they have continued to
expose the proven links to Organophosphate poisonings, which includes the
Chemical Nerve Agent - Sarin, as strong contributing catalysts inducing ALS,
or variants of ALS. It's noteworthy to point out that the entire Donnelly
family, Mike's
wife Sue & children were there in support of the event. His mother Rae
& father, Tom USMC (Ret) and a Vietnam veteran, who still fights his
war and that of his son's.
Another confirmed ALS afflicted veteran of the PGW
who supported the event was, Major Randy
Hebert, USMC, (Medically Retired), his wife
Kim & family. Randy and Kim have testified before Congress and keep the
fight for truth alive. Though severely afflicted by their invisible wounds
incurred from service in the PGW, and confined to cumbersome wheelchairs;
Major Michael Donnelly still flys high and fast over battlefields of government
beurocracy & veteran apathy as he strikes out at targeted lies and
misinformation, Major Randy Hebert has never lost his strength to continue
the fight for truth, treatment and justice, he is a true hero and inspiration
as he maintains his Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis", always faithful...
Domencio
Lopez's information regarding the effects
of Depleted Uranium, was factual and powerful. His fervent ability to convey
his message shone forth brilliantly as he spoke from the heart of a veteran,
with the mind of a steel trap. Domencio traveled from New Mexico to speak
at the health care rally. His concerns for fellow veterans combined with
the courage to speak out with data collected across the country regarding
the effects of Depleted Uranium on our nuclear workers and the civilian
communities surrounding nuclear plants and sites clearly are the marks of
a patriot....
Dr. Garth
Nicolson, is another speaker who
traveled a great distance, from California, to support the event. Dr. Nicolson
(PHD) in Molecular Medicine, has been at the forefront of battle in the field
of research, and applicable treatment protocols resulting from his findings
since 1994, pertaining to a wide variety of medical maladies suffered by
PGW veterans, and in cases, their families. Dr. Nicolson's work created the
core nucleus of factual data which was highly and overtly criticized by the
Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, while covertly
being recognized for it's value. He presented his findings to the audience
clearly and concisely, instead of the usual "razzle - dazzle", so many
researchers are known for. He spanned the boundaries of wartime from Vietnam
to the PGW, and present. Many heard him tell of symptoms they have had since
Vietnam, others recognized symptoms from the PGW, and they sought his assistance
upon completion of the program. Dr. Nicolson clearly stated that some of
the antibiotic treatments ARE NOT cures, but do improve the quality of life
for many. I was pleased to hear him state this again, as he has in his published
work, too many veterans and or spouses have misrepresented his antibiotic
protocol regarding Mycoplasma Fermentans Incognitus, as a CURE, instead of
presenting the facts as
they stand....
Karl Sherrer, (Arch Angel)
a 1959 veteran of Laos, was in his
usual powerful & invigorating personae as he spoke regarding the Birth
Defects of our nations hidden and tiny warriors, the children borne out of
Agent Orange and Yellow Rain from Indo-China, and subsequently the many chemical
exposures of the PGW. Karl and his wife Mae, were responsible for providing
the beautiful, thought provoking canvas "Children's Wall - Toxic Legacy".
Arch Angel was the perfect one to introduce his following speaker......
Betty
Meckdici, President of the Association
of Children's Birth Defects (ACBD). Betty's words were those seldom heard
at veterans events. She spoke up, and out with facts the government continues
to hide or play down referencing the children borne to veterans returning
from war, affected by Toxic exposures. Many of these children had abruptly
shortened lives, or affected in ways which preclude them from otherwise "normal"
lives, of functioning and or communication. On a weekend of events where
the primary focus of all was centered on truth and accountability for our
nation's POWs and MIAs, and half a million bikes rumbled, "Riding for those
who can't speak for themselves", I found Betty's words ironically appropriate
for the little warriors who cannot speak for themselves.....
Though controversial to some, and not specific to
health care, Daniel
Knew was highly charged in speaking up for
his son, Michael, who refused to serve under the UN blue, while sworn to
this nation's Red, White and Blue. Personally, I fully agree. As a father,
I agree even more. For those who found his dragging of the UN flag on the
ground offensive, that is their right. I found it far more appropriate than
being draped over the coffins of American soldiers. May my two sons currently
in uniform not be placed in the same awkward position, nor any more of the
sons and daughters of America. Thanks to the Knew family for standing their
ground! ....
No veteran event including PGW issues would be complete
without the notoriously outspoken, Joyce
Riley, Captain, USAFIR, Flight Nurse. She
was true to form in demanding truth and accountability. No doubt about it,
her powerful presentations will always be a thorn in the side of those government
officials and agencies who attempt to shove denial down the throats of our
veterans and the American public. No one can ever describe Joyce Riley as
bashful, in her fight for veterans and their families....
One of the special speakers was certainly known
by all, Vietnam veteran,
Adrian Cronauer, the real life radio announcer,
played by Robin Williams in the movie, " Good Morning Vietnam". Adrian pleased
the crowd with the uncanny mannerism of address he is so well known for.
He spoke informatively on the current efforts regarding the protection of
the American Flag from desecration. He is also known as the narrator for,
"VIETNAM A MUSICAL RETROSPECTIVE"........
Another PGW veteran who would never let an event
of this nature pass her by without speaking was,
Denise Nichols, Major (USAFR)
RSN, or as she prefers to be called, "DSNurse".
She was able to break away from her heavy commitments to the ALLVETS Memorial
Day Rally, which was occurring at the same time at another location, where
she was also a speaker and tasked in other roles as well. She brought two
other PGW veterans who were members and scheduled speakers for ALLVETS, and
requested time in the program for them to speak. That request was honored
by Mike Woods, the Rolling Thunder XII - Annual Veterans Health Care Rally
Coordinator. In his words... " any veteran who had something to say, would
be allowed time...". Denise introduced the following two veterans.....
Anne
Shelby, from the United Kingdom.
Anne was a NCO in the British Army, and served with HQ, 7th Armored, "Desert
Rats", during the PGW. She presented the case of the British veterans who
continue their plight for treatment in the UK. Anne referenced the problems
UK veterans of the PGW face in establishing clear recognition of medical
maladies incurred by the PGW. One unique difficulty for them is that they
have no system such as our Veterans Affairs. Upon departure from service,
they are essentially on their own. Our system is slow, and in cases broken,
but thier's is non-existant. Their Prime Minister basically renders lip service
of appeasement, much the same as our "President". Anne made it quite clear
to those who did not know, that our UK brothers and sisters of the PGW, are
in dire need of assistance particularly since they lack any real system of
care for their veterans......
Gloria Nickerson, Major,
USAR, a PGW veteran with many medical
difficulties she attributes to her service in SWA, yet are still to be recognized
by the VA. Gloria spoke out calling upon, Togo West and the VA to extend
efforts to care for veterans afflicted by Agent Orange, and to further recognize
and treat veterans of the PGW. She additionally spoke out for Bernard Roestker,
Special Assistant OSAGWI, DOD, to produce more than a "web site", to assist
and treat PGW veterans........
Denise followed up Anne and Gloria, by reinforcing
the areas they spoke about, and added that it looked like she would need
to extend her travels from Colorado to D.C.,
by adding on visits to the UK, to assist our British veterans. She strongly
stated the need for all to join together in their efforts to recieve recognition
and treatment for our veteran community. She cited works of the independent
researchers and doctors, such as Dr. Nicolson and the former VA Dr. Baumswieger,
and praised Rolling Thunder, and the Last Patrol, before she, Anne and Gloria
headed back to their other Rally.......
James Stutts, LTC,
USA, (Medically Retired) Physician,
a Vietnam and PGW veteran, gave a well prepared speech regarding his experiences
in the VA system. And how if he, as a doctor with his experience and knowledge
in the medical profession and as a LTC, had been ignored, denied, and dealt
with in a condenscending manner by the Veterans Affairs personnel, then what
hope was there for a veteran of lessor rank and knowledge. James, his wife
Carol and son traveled from Kentucky, to participate and strenghthen the
collective efforts to attain proper medical care and or due compensation
within the DOD and the VA...
Redmond
Handy, a consultant on defense business
opportunities in Wash., D. C. held the rank of Colonel in the USAFR, before
he retired in protest of DOD's mandatory anthrax vaccination policy. He testified
against the vaccination policy before Congress at the first hearing specific
to Anthrax vaccinations. Redmond brought with him valuable informational
handouts for those concerned about the Anthrax vaccines, and manner of
administration. Due to logistical constraints, Redmond spoke on behalf of
Lori Greenleaf of Colorado, who has been the leading advocate against the
mandatory Anthrax vaccinations......
Note should be made that all speakers who were contacted
and committed themselves to participate did so with the exception of one,
Paul Sullivan of the NGWRC. Paul was unable to attend due to a medical emergency.
His absence was noticed, and it is hopeful that all understand and send best
wishes and prayers to him and family. The success of the program was due
to the overall caliber of those present....... Though many could be justifiably
cited for their ongoing work for veterans, three stood out for crossing the
boundaries of wartime service, era or station in life, they were publicly
recognized.....
The following is as read, and presented by:
Chaplain Joe
Jacobs &
Kyle Bittner
USMC (Medically Retired) Veteran of the
PGW ......
The next was to one who was wounded while serving his country
in the Republic of Vietnam, 68 - 69, and is the recipient of the Silver Star
The final person recognized, is not a veteran, however,
her work behind the
scenes and her dedication to all of our nation's veterans cannot be overlooked.
From the heart & mind of this tiny lady pours pure nitro. God Bless Her.
I found it impossible to use brevity in total for
all the fine people who made this event
the best yet. Truly
Michael
Woods is most well deserving and should
be credited for his tenuous work in coordinating this year's Rolling Thunder
XII - Annual Veterans Health Care Rally. All should recognize that this largest
single gathering of veterans nation wide, would never have been possible
had it not been for the dedicated determination of Vietnam Veteran,
Artie Mueller, President, Rolling Thunder,
Inc.
Thank you Artie, you will continue to find support
in whatever manner possible that
we of Unified Veterans of America, Inc., can provide.
God Bless you, Welcome Home.....
~ Joe Poe ~
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Memorial
Day Weekend "99" Photos
Health Care Rally After
Action Report
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