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LINKS

 

Please visit the following sites.
 

  

 


101st Airborne Links


Sights and Sounds of Vietnam
Alpha Originals
B 2/501st RVN 67-72
Raider Ray's D 2/501st Site 
http://members.aol.com/KWNolan/Viet.html -  (Book about Ripcord)
www.lzsally.com
101st Airborne Division Vietnam Veterans
Maps of South Vietnam
FSB Ripcord Association Message Board


Vietnam Veteran Links
 

How do I get a copy of my military records?


For copies of your military service records you may contact:

National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100


What do I do if my records were destroyed in the 1973 fire?


You may contact the National Personnel Records Center at:


National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
 


Military Awards and Decorations - How can I get replacement medals?
 

You can request replacement for lost or stolen medals from the National Personnel Records Center. It is helpful to include a copy of your Discharge Certificate. If a DD 214 is not available, include your full name, service number, social security number, date of birth and as much additional pertinent information as possible. Veterans are entitled to one replacement set of their medals. To request medals, send a Standard Form 180, which can be obtained from the National Personnel Record Center web site, National Personnel Records.

The Standard Form (SF 180), Request Pertaining to Military Records, is recommended for requesting medals and awards. Provide as much information as possible and send the form to the appropriate address.


Army


Where to write for medals:

National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

 


Where medals are mailed from:

U.S. Army TACOM
Clothing and Heraldry (PSID)
P.O. Box 57997
Philadelphia, PA 19111-7997

 


Where to write in case of a problem or an appeal:

Commander
U.S. Army Human Resources
 Command Attn: TAPC-PDO-PA
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22332-0474

 


Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association
http://www.wardogsmemorial.org/


Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This condition is pretty much inevitable in most all soldiers, firemen, policemen, etc. and it affects these people for the rest of their lives. Many have had long-term dysfunction of some sort, primarily alcoholism and drug addiction, as well as depression. Some are lost to mental trauma. For more information about PTSD, please visit the following web sites:

www.ptad.va.gov
www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/ptsdmenu.cfm
www.ptsdalliance.org
www.mhsanctuary.com/ptsd/

Another suggested web site for PTSD is: http://www.remilitary.com/article-ptsd.html


 


(Our thanks to Lisa Davis for providing the above links)

 

MORE VA WEB SITES

Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA.  Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know.  Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won't tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it.

You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you   and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.


Appeals http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc 
Board of Veteran's Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ 
CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ 
CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105  
Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/ 
Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm 
Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/ 
Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html 
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html 
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.doc 
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm 
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/  
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view 
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm 
Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc  
Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc 
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/ 
Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf 
Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/ 
Environmental Agents M10 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002 
Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315   
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC  andhttp://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158 
See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc  
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC  
Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206 Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm  
Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/    
General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html 
Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/  
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm 
Guide to Gulf War Veteran's Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf 
Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A 
Gulf War Veteran's Illnesses Q& As http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf  
Hearings 
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc 
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/ 
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/ 
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm 
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/    
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/         
M 10 for spouses and children < http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007   
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008 
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html  
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130...DOC  
Mental Health Program Guidelines http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094 
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/          
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp 
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/ 
NASDVA.COM http://nasdva.com/  
National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/ 
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp 
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc 
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/ 
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/ 
Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf   
and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/          
Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131 
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html          and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html   
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html 
Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003   
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005: http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232 
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006 
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans'_Illnesses_Appendices.doc          Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congresshttp://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf  
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004 
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005          
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm  
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc          Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/ 
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337 
Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/  
Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/  
Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4 
Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm   
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html  
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html  
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft   
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc  
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses 
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf 
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm 
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html 
Title 38 Index Parts 0-17 
 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl   
Part 18 
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl 
Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl   
Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also § 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl         Title 38 PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGS 
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38 
Title 38 § 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on un employability of the individual. PART 4 SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1..96.11&idno=38 
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/  
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf  
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html 
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp 
VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html          
VA Life Insurance Handbook Chapter 3 http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310 
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm  
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp  
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/   
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/  
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp  
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/  
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/   
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va..gov/oig/hotline/hotline3 .htm 
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm  
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/  
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/  
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/  
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13  http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/UrlBlockedError.aspx> 
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http: // www.publichealth.va.gov/   
VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp   
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/  
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc  
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp  
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html  
Wartime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110          
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/  
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/ 
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3 
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html
 

 

WHY IS THE AMERICAN FLAG FOLDED 13 TIMES?

Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals, the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.

Here it is:

  1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

  2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

  3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

  4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

  5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

  6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

  7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

  8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

  9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

  10. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

  11. The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

  12. The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians' eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

  13. The thirteenth fold completes the folded flag and the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning.

 

 

Webmaster - Barth "Shortround" Cunico
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