Hi Guys!

I just wanted to take a moment and thank each and everyone of you for posting your thoughts, personal experiences, history, and research.  If I could, I'd also like to take this time to remind myself, and you all kind ones, why I, in conjunction with madartist Jacki, created this board.  We haven't posted rules because we believe we are all grown ups, and that we can act as such.  There are rules posted by Care2 that are very specific, and if you have questions about them, please ask.

Here we go:  My brother, a Vietnam Veteran, had been experiencing so many difficulties, both mentally and physically, ever since his discharge, culminating in repeated attempts to take his life.  He has filed for Agent Orange disability, has been waiting for a long time, like so many other vets.   He's depressed, despondent, just doesn't want to be here anymore.

In the meantime, I began investigating his medical treatment, of which, I won't go in to because it is still a hot issue right now with me and the VA.  But, in the process, I discovered that I had forgotten just how important our veterans are, and that I wanted to pay tribute in some way.  Perhaps help someone wade through paperwork via suggestions from other member who'd "been there, done that", visit the red-tape phenomena, and also find ways that we could help, volunteer, etc.

With all that being said, I'd like to ask you all to help Jacki and I keep our board on the positive side.  Let's steer clear of political discussions, or "mud slinging", and stuff like that. 

It's hard enough in our world today to stay positive, and in order for us to pass on light; to our children, and to those "children" over there, to the veterans returning, to the retirees, to the vets who are suffering horribly, we have to maintain a non-partisan viewpoint, and support them no matter the situation in order that no one get hurt. 

I hope you all support this.  Consider us a mini-USO.

Thank you....Nancy D.

 [ send green star]