Falling in to the VA Rabbit Hole

**After a 7 year career as an investigator, I am now a full time caregiver to my Ranger husband. In 2011 he was critically injured by a suicide bomber with a hand grenade. He was medically retired in 2014 with a 100 percent service connected rating. I blog so that the highly publicized shortcomings of the Army Medical Evaluation Board and the VA can be seen through one families personal experience and how decisions made by  those in charge trickle down to those most in need of care.**

As a caregiver, my role at the VA is to advocate for my husband, ask important questions about the recommended treatment plan and provide an emotional buffer to the stresses caused by the system. I do my best to remain calm, patient and respectful. This is no easy task.

My husband has very complex injuries and as a result he frequently falls. His falls are caused by leg injuries, nerve damage, TBI, and vision loss. After several serious falls, including knocking himself unconscious after a fall in the bathroom and, on a separate occasion, almost going over the second level railing at a football stadium, we knew he needed help. The journey to get the appropriate safety tools took 6 months.

He was first evaluated at the poly-trauma clinic who determined that, at a bare minimum, his falls could be reduced with leg braces. The clinic ordered X-rays and sent referrals to orthopedics and prosthetics. Prosthetics decided, without evaluation or knowledge of the internal structure of my husbands feet that orthotics will fix the falling. This idea seemed ridiculous to both my husband and I but we went along with it anyway.

Several weeks later, we were able to see the orthopedist. After his evaluation  he laughed that prosthetics had issued him orthotics to try and rectify his falling. The x-rays revealed three large shrapnel pieces that reside in the right foot. The x-ray also showed how his tibia and fibula are titanium rods screwed into his ankle joint. This severely limits his range of motion. The orthopedist prescribed "Ritchie Braces" which encase the ankle and heel to steady his legs and sent us back to prosthetics for casting.

This is when we hit a brick wall. The prosthetics department REFUSED to make the braces. They told us, "You saw the worst orthopedist in the VA system so we will not do what he recommends." Patients have no control over which specialty doctor they are assigned to and although no one in the prosthetics department is a medical doctor they believed they had the power to veto what was recommended.  On top of suggesting my husband was "perhaps putting the orthotics in backwards" they suggested we go back to the poly-trauma unit to determine "why he is falling."  Essentially, they wanted us to start back at square one.

We were turned away twice by the prosthetics department as they shared their clear disdain for the orthopedist who had suggested the braces. At this point, 4 months had passed, my husbands falls continued, and my patience was wearing thin. We decided to make a third attempt at getting the braces. This time, I refused to leave until he was casted. It took me 3 hours and taking a poster off their wall that listed "The Goals of Prosthetics". I pointed to number 9 on the list which stated "reduce the risk of falls". They begrudgingly gave in and casted my husband.  After another two months, and several calls attempting to dissuade us from the braces , my husband can finally walk with a sense of security.

No veteran or caregiver should have to experience such mismanagement of care nor should they have to fight tooth and nail for what a doctor has suggested.

Col (RET) Robert Howard

Colonel Robert Howard a legendary man on and off the battlefield, set the example to follow. With being wounded over 14 times in Vietnam, Colonel Howard earned numerous Silver and Bronze Stars, 8 Purple Hearts, a Distinguished Service Cross, and a Medal of Honor to name a few. This man embodied the Ranger Creed. As he makes his way to the patrol base, I want to take a moment to thank him for his service and remember his comrades who he was unable to save.The citation is an outstanding testament to what a soldier endures, and the challenges some choose to face on the battlefield.

Colonel Howard lost his fight with cancer. My condolences to his family, his friends, and the community he served. RIP Ranger. RLTW, SIR!

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then SFC.), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam.

The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader.

As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer’s equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant’s belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area.

Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard’s small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters.

1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard’s gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

A full list of his Medals include:

Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross (with one oak leaf cluster)
Silver Star
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (with three oak leaf clusters)
Bronze Star (with three oak leaf clusters and “V” device)
Purple Heart (with a silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters)
Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters)
Air Medal (with “V” Device and numeral 3. One award for heroism and two for aerial achievement)
Joint Service Commendation
Army Commendation Medal (with “V” device and one each silver and bronze oak leaf clusters. 4 awards for valor and 3 for achievement)
Joint Service Achievement
Army Achievement
Good Conduct Medal, 4 Good Conduct Loops (4 awards)
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
NCO Professional Development Ribbon with 2 device
Army Overseas Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, w/3 Service stars (3 awards)
Army Presidential Unit Citation, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster
Presidential Unit Citation (United States) 2001, Studies and Observations Group
Navy Unit Commendation
Army Meritorious Unit Citation
Foreign decorations
Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star (Corps citation)
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star (Division citation)
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star (Regiment or Brigade citation)
Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 2nd Award
Vietnam Wound Medal
Vietnam Civil Actions Medal 2nd Award
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster (Unit citation)
Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit (Samil Medal)

Read more: http://www.special-ops.org/medal-honor-recipient-robert-howard-finally-got-attention-due/#ixzz368NT3e6V

RLTW!

NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MERRILL’S MARAUDER DAY

The 70th Anniversary of the disbanding of the 5307th Composite Unit Provisional, or Merrill's Marauders is coming this August 10th.  Long overshadowed by other combat theaters and more famous units, Merrill's Marauders and the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations rarely receives the attention it deserves.  Family members of these heroes now are working feverishly to get every State in the Union to designate August 10, 2014 as National World War II Merrill's Marauders Day.  Please see the information below and see if your state is listed.  If not, contact me and I'll get you in touch with the Descendants.  Karl

Merrill's Marauder Vincent Melillo (Ranger Hall of Fame member) and Ranger Veteran Tommy Amenta (Ranger Up)

The Merrill's Marauders Proud Descendants, a non-profit organization that plans reunions for the aging WW II Merrill's Marauders of the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, is in the process of having August 10, 2014, declared National WW II Merrill's Marauders Day by the governors of all theUnited States. 2014 is the 70th anniversary of the Merrill's Marauders campaign ... including its battles, history-making 1,000-mile march behind enemy lines and the August 10, 2014, disbanding of the unit. The MMPD hopes the proclamation will generate recognition for this "forgotten unit" and its "forgotten theater," the China-Burma-India Theater. There are approximately 50 remaining original Merrill's Marauders, out of almost 3,000, who served under General Frank D. Merrill with the 5307th Composite Unit Provisional. The 2014 Merrill's Marauder reunion will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over Labor Day weekend. Bob Passanisi, who turns 90 in July, is the Merrill's Marauder historian/spokesman and out-going editor of the "Burman News." The Merrill's Marauders website, which is linked with the MMPD website, is http://www.marauder.org/   The website is currently being updated to reflect the addition of three more Merrill's Marauders into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame, making that total 25. Below are the proclamation clauses the MMPD is sending for consideration to the individual governors:

    NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MERRILL’S MARAUDER DAY

WHEREAS: In 1943, almost 3,000 men from the jungles of Panama and Trinidad, Guadalcanal, New Guinea, New Georgia and the United States answered President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s call for a secret “dangerous and hazardous” mission, not knowing where they were going or what they would be doing; and

WHEREAS: This unnamed provisional unit of U.S. Army volunteers, expected to have more than 85 percent casualties, landed October 31, 1943, in Bombay, India, and was officially designated January 1, 1944, as the 5307th Composite Unit Provisional, code-named "Galahad" and later nicknamed Merrill's Marauders by the press after their commander, Gen. Frank D. Merrill. They were the first American ground troops to fight the Japanese in Asia, and,

WHEREAS: With only what they could carry on their backs or pack on mules, Merrill’s Marauders walked farther, almost 1,000 miles, than any other WW II fighting force, trudging behind enemy lines up the foothills of the Himalayas and into the jungles of northern Burma to capture the only all-weather airstrip May 17, 1944, at Myitkyina, crushing Japan’s control of the sky and enabling the Allies to begin flying supplies into Burma so the Ledo and Burma roads could be connected and a crucial pathway opened up into China; and

WHEREAS: It has been 70 years since the short-lived Merrill’s Marauder unit of the mostly overlooked China-Burma-India Theater of Operations was disbanded August 10, 1944, after defeating the Japanese 18th Imperial Division, which vastly outnumbered them, in five major battles and 30 minor engagements. Jungle diseases ravaged their numbers so only about 300 of the approximate 1,300 remaining Merrill’s Marauders were still fit for combat when they reached their objective, and later went on to join replacements who continued to fight in Burma as the 475th Infantry, which became part of the Mars Task Force; and

WHEREAS: For their accomplishments in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, Merrill’s Marauders were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, and have the extremely rare distinction of every member of the unit receiving the Bronze Star Medal. There were six Distinguished Service Crosses, four Legions of Merit and 44 Silver Star Medals awarded. Twenty-five Merrill’s Marauders have been inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame. The Merrill’s Marauder legacy continues to be honored today by members of the 75th Ranger Regiment who wear the Marauder patch as their crest; now

LIST OF STATES COVERED as of JUNE 29

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
California
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wyoming

Job Hunting

As most veterans take the plunge back into society after military service many are running into road blocks. Obstacles that seem very large with little experience in the outside world can be overwhelming. Finding the right mentors and the right support is key to becoming successful. Since I just graduated college with a Bachelors of Science in Human Services Psychology, finding jobs have been frustrating. I realize that a degree in Human Services does not really open up a ton of options in the job market. Utilizing my degree isnt really my first choice in pursuing a certain job or company. But I do know that my military background and coupled with a college degree I can add value to a company that has the capacity to allow it. My knowledge of people and the skills I developed in the military are not teachable.

With that said, I am learning to tweak my resume to make my skills marketable. My experience combined with a degree isnt much to be disappointed about. Getting in front of the right people and as GallantFew has equipped me to network through the "back door" has also been very beneficial. Making contact with people, veterans, friends, and church members that are already within the company you are pursuing has proven successful. So far I have driven to Iowa for a job interview at Cargill. I have talked with Koch Industries about possible options at their Headquarters in Kansas and am currently looking at the Social Security Administration for a direct hire position. Being a veteran has its pay offs. Sometimes keeping my mind positive is key to keeping me on task. Persistence pays and if anything I am proving to myself that I do have the power to get a job. I have the power to become a better person through my own skills. Dont let the negative thoughts pile up, prioritize your goals and anything is possible.

As a veteran and as a person who believes that the power lays within, I had to reach out at my darkest hours for help. The people who allowed me succeed are the same people who want me to succeed. Finding the right groups and the right mentors to share your time with will help put you back on the path to success. GallantFew has given me the power and the tools necessary to succeed and now I have the skills to pass that on to my peers. There are men and women that I served with that their family does not get to witness them become successful. At the very least, do it for them. As a collective group of people that have fought gallantly for our freedom, who can stop us?

Random thoughts

JD

Airborne Ranger in the Sky

GallantFew has created a new tribute site for Rangers:  www.ARITS.org or www.AirborneRangerintheSky.com.

Here's our first page:  Ranger Aaron Barr.

Take a moment and learn "Why".  Here are some high points.

• Establish a historical record of every Ranger's service in a controlled, managed environment
• Any Ranger that has passed on to the Patrol Base in the Sky may be listed 
• Never a cost to anyone for creating and maintaining the tribute page
• Forever ad-free
• Accept donations to maintain and improve the site
• Offer a link for a veteran viewing to connect to the GallantFew community for help (or to help)

This site just launched.  We need you to go establish a page for your Ranger!  Please give us your opinions/recommendations and tell us if something doesn't work.

I added these steps to help you get started as we build this into a comprehensive library of Ranger hero history that will remember and pay tribute to our Airborne Rangers in the Sky.  km

Here are the steps to a successfully published biography:

1. Do your homework, gather the required info, be thorough.
We require, at a minimum :
full name
rank
dob
date of casualty
hometown
several paragraphs of personal and military history
photographs
awards
unit assignments
...of the departed Ranger.

2. Register on the site, membership is free - Register HERE now !
Once registered, you will get a Welcome Email from the site  ( can't find it? LOOK In your spam folder ! )

After you register, make sure that you are logged in to the site.
In the Biographies menu, go to the    _-* Add a Biography *-_   menu item

3. Submit your Ranger's Biography
Some fields are required

Please provide as much information, as many photos, as you can find

NOTE: Currently, 10 photos and 1 youtube vid is the default.. IF YOU HAVE MORE, you contact us, we can handle that.

Save your work OFTEN, it's the internet !

4. Wait for the "Published"  OR  the "More Info Requested" email
~~~~~

If you want to volunteer to help manage the site, let us know here.

A huge thank you to Ranger veteran Kent Morrison.  Kent did the heavy lifting of building this site, and he donated the majority of his time to make it happen.  Here's Kent's business site.  Please give him business!

RLTW  Karl

1/75 Memorial Stones - Order Now!

Rangers, Family Members and Friends of Rangers:
The 40th Anniversary of the Reactivation of the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, is fast approaching.  Many guests will be arriving for our anniversary events in August (20-23) and we are planning on a new installation of Memorial Stones for the first part of August.  Please get your orders in now.
$150 for Active Duty - $200 for all others.  You may submit your order by email, but mail your check to the address below.
RLTW!

Please mail and make check to:
1st Ranger Battalion Sua Sponte Foundation, Attn: Chuck Fountain
PO Box 60281
Savannah, GA 31420

A P P L I C A T I O N - 1/75 MEMORIAL STONES
　
Name:_______________________________________________ Date:___________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________
Phone:__________________________________
Amount Enclosed: $____________ $150 (Active Duty Military) - $200 (All Other)
***********PLEASE PRINT AND LEAVE SPACES BETWEEN WORDS************
*NO MORE THAN 16 CHARACTERS PER LINE AND NO MORE THAN 4 LINES
______________________________________________________________________________
EXAMPLE:
SGT JOHN SMITH
B CO, 1st BN, 75th RGR RGT
1992-1994
RLTW!
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

VA Internal Audit Report - Staff at 3/4 of facilities instructed to lie about the data

Breaking news today (heart-breaking).

Veterans Administration internal audit report released today.

• More than 100,000 veterans are waiting more than 90 days for care
• "staff at 76% of facilities surveyed reported that they were instructed to misrepresent appointment data at least once"

MY GOD READ THAT LAST LINE AGAIN.

76% of VA facilities were instructed to LIE about their care for veterans.

...and they did it, willingly.

The VA Access Audit raw data is available here.

UPDATE:  The result of this inept, perhaps criminal neglect is this (video):