Ot- Great News!

[dreambound]

I know I haven't been around much lately, but I thought I would share this. I don't know if anyone remembers the conversation months ago about disabled veterans and their treatment upon return, but yesterday we received the best news EVER.

My dad, a Vietnam vet exposed to high levels of Agent Orange (resulting in cancer and other problems) was FINALLY awarded 100% disability! He just found out yesterday and we are all thrilled. He has worked every night, 7 days a week for 37 years (his last day off was 7 years ago) and his job was literally back breaking. He is going to retire now and we are going to celebrate with a huge party. My last conversation with my mom an hour ago she said, "Well, maybe now we can finally have that big family trip to Disney World." WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Just thought I'd share that. FW Guy, I had shared with him your encouragment to keep pushing and keep fighting. He did, and in six weeks, he'll be sleeping at night for the first time in decades. Thank you!

So now I have two trips to plan, and I'm thinking Dad would like a cabin a lot. WDW '09!

Thanks again!

Meg

 

[auntie]

That is wonderful news! Thanks for sharing this with us today. Sounds like you've got quite a hardworking dad...God bless him.

 

[RvUsa]

Wow, great news about the benefits! WDW sounds like a pretty good place to party to me!!

Everyone needs to remember everyday, If you enjoy your freedom, thank a vet.

God Bless your dad, and God Bless all the service men and women, past and present.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

...He has worked every night, 7 days a week for 37 years (his last day off was 7 years ago) and his job was literally back breaking....

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!! Is that even legal???? No days off.....no vacation....you're Dad has a will of steel, and OBVIOUSLY a heart of gold to continue working like THAT to take care of his family..

I once worked 7 days a week for like 2 months and was considering going to work and GETTIN POSTAL!!!!

Here's to your Pops...

 

[dreambound]

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!! Is that even legal???? No days off.....no vacation....you're Dad has a will of steel, and OBVIOUSLY a heart of gold to continue working like THAT to take care of his family..

I once worked 7 days a week for like 2 months and was considering going to work and GETTIN POSTAL!!!!

Here's to your Pops...

Yeah, he's an independent contractor, so he could hire people to work in his place but just pushed through to get all of us through private school. I didn't have a CLUE when I was a kid what he was sacrificing for me. So yeah, we're really happy for him!

Meg

 

[We4mickey]

You are going to have such a good time. Congrats to your dad. May he get the time to do everyting that he has wanted to and enjoy every minute of it.

 

[Shannone1]

My dad, a Vietnam vet exposed to high levels of Agent Orange (resulting in cancer and other problems) was FINALLY awarded 100% disability! He just found out yesterday and we are all thrilled. He has worked every night, 7 days a week for 37 years (his last day off was 7 years ago) and his job was literally back breaking. He is going to retire now and we are going to celebrate with a huge party. My last conversation with my mom an hour ago she said, "Well, maybe now we can finally have that big family trip to Disney World." WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

That is such great news. I'm sorry happy for you all.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Wow! Cheers to your Dad! I can't imagine living with the effects of Agent Orange and still trying to live a normal life. Your dad must be one powerful guy! Or at least have the drive and resilliance of a super hero! Congratulations to him! I'd say it is about time!

 

[seabee]

I for one would like to thank your Dad. Coming back from the Vietnam War wasn't like it is now. So thank you for the sacrafices he made. I am very happy for him and your family. My husband is 100% disabled vet also. It is very comforting knowing that his medical needs are taken care of, and that there is an income even if he isn't at work everyday. I hope you really live it up at Disney when you go. Your Dad deserves it!!!!! Cabins sound like a GREAT idea!! Have a great time and thank you to your dad again for his service.

 

[des1954]

Meg-

I was just thinking of you the other day & wondered why you had abandoned us!!

Your dad absolutely deserves the disability from the Gov't. Any man or woman that was exposed to Agent Orange in Viet Nam deserves it! Someone correct me if I'm wrong here, but isn't Agent Orange now sold under the name of "Round-Up"? I believe it is at least a watered down version.

Anyhow Meg.... your dad is someone you can truly be proud of! I'm the Viet Nam generation and what was done to the Nam vets was shameful on the part of our government and our citizens. Remember - most of those serving in Viet Nam were drafted & had no choice but to go. Unlike today, when our brave men & women are going by choice and out of love for their country.

Your dad is an AWESOME figure!!! Enjoy him to the fullest!!

Deb ♥

 

[Colson39]

Wow, congrats! Really glad the was able to get his disability, that is great news!

 

[JCJRSmith]

Glad to hear your dad was able to get his disability and can retire. Personally, being a veteran, I think it is a damned shame this award didn't come thru YEARS ago, but I'm happy it is coming thru for him now. The big question: are they going to make it retroactive? THAT would be amazing.

Do us a favor please, and pass on to your Dad our thanks for his service.

 

[dreambound]

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, it is retroactive, but only to the day of his appeal, not the date of disability or the date he first applied or the day he got partial. But that's okay, he's happy to be finally DONE with working.

We're so ready to plan a trip!

Meg

 

[AuburnJen92]

Congratulations to your dad! I know it will be a sigh of relief for him. We lost my uncle, who was a tank driver in Vietnam, last year. He had to fight a long time as well to get 100% disability. He lived 63 short years. Now you have so much to look forward to in going to the fort over and over and over again!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Meg:

I was happy to hear of your dad's victory against the VA system and glad I was able to help in a small way. I'm sure it is quite a relief for him, and it makes me feel good that the VA is indeed supporting someone like your father who sacrificed so much when he was asked to.

Best of luck.

Jim

 

[kmurawski]

Congrats!

 

[Dis Dawg]

First off, Congrats to you and your father. He is truly an American hero!

Des1954, You may be thinking of "Paraquat" and it's slightly less evil brother "Diaquat". Round Up is inert and basiclly harmless. It just a solution that's very high in salt content. I actually saw a rep from Monsanto drink a half cup of it at a trade show to prove that it was harmless.

 

[Us3]

Such wonderful news! Enjoy planning the trip and what better place than at FW!!

 

[ntsammy5]

I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier. That's great news. I was around that stuff a lot but fortunately was never affected. I do know some guys who have had nothing but problems because of it. Tell your dad a MACV vet says hello and good luck.

 

[IDoBelieveInFairies2]

Thank-you, to your Dad! I served four years in the Army, including Desert Storm, and I truly appreciate all your father gave for his country. May he enjoy his long overdue retirement!