"VA Shredder-gate" gets public attention. Comment and TAKE ACTION!

his important post from Jim Strickland today at VA Watchdog says it all- We can chose to enable the VA to continue business as its usual capricious self and allow the VA to continue to defy the tenets within 38 CFR and our rights as claimants or we can stand up and fight back. (Berta Simmons) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "When VAWatchdog broke this story weeks ago it caught VA off guard. We sent a torpedo in that direction and holed them below the water line. Make no mistake, the actions you are seeing today has rattled them to their very core. This wasn't an unpleasant mistake by a guy getting his laptop stolen. It is apparent to all that the shredding of documents was intentional and had a purpose. They aren't confessing that directly, no surprise. These guys are too smart to fall on their swords, you have to give them a push. It's my opinion that VAWatchdog has started what may be a turning point in how VA operates. That they are frantically trying to put committees together, put their own watchdogs in place internally and answer to some really annoyed Congressmen and Senators is a great start. As always, this won't go anywhere without every one of you taking the time to get in contact with your representatives and let them know just how you feel. I'm already in a dialogue with my representatives and I've sent a strong message to the transition team of our new president. I've said it before...if you haven't walked the walk...if all you're doing is to talk the talk...you are the problem. It takes 10 minutes to get on your computer and send a message to your Senator. It's almost too easy. Call your Congressman and leave a message. If you're one who writes to comment at VAWatchdog but you haven't written to the official who represents you in D.C., just what is it you're waiting for? The VAWatchdog has, because of one courageous VA employee who told the truth, created the perfect storm for you. This incident alone will ensure that Peake is history. VA employees are starting to speak more freely and tell their stories. The whole thing is vulnerable today. What were you trained to do when you saw an opening in the enemy's defenses.? Go do it." Jim Strickland VA Watchdog. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please pass this on to every veteran you know-and don't forget widows of vets too. We have to stand up for the future disabled veterans of this country as well as for ourselves. They deserve far better than what many of us got. BTW VA Watchdog now has a public comment section at end of each news story.

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Great Friday Fish Fry-- in Union Grove, WI

My wife found out that a new restaurant in our small, humble town had 'all-you-can- eat fish on Friday. Although we had food at home, fish now days is getting very expensive-- so I know that Sharon needed to get out--so we went about noon. I just love fish to death and they like me! I was very surprised at the quality of the late lunch with all the trimmings and the price was OK too. My wife doesn't care for fish so she had some roast beef, etc.

I left the waitress a big tip and explained to my wife why. I want her to remember me next time we go there so she will continue to give us good service, even though she was a bit grumpy to start with. We complimented her several times so as to make the event more cordial and peaceful... lol. If I wanted to trash someone for poor service-- I would not intend to ever come back, not that I am a vindictive person... just a tired old Vietnam Veteran.

I told Sharon that this place would be a good outlet for us to get out of our couped up house in the Winter time and enjoy someone else cooking our fav. dish for us. She loves to get out of the house to enjoy good food without cooking it herself. Are most women this way?? LOL!

When a good time comes my way I like to STRETCH it and 'keep it alive' for as long as I can. The world seems to be getting so gloomy and full of bad news -- why not try to brighten things up and share some good news/ activity?!

Our Wisconsin weather is finally getting cold and windy. I am so happy and glad that I invested in the new guitar and Amp to give me another outlet / pass-time, in the cold Winter months, and my buddy, Marvin Ellis, plans to practice with me. The Victory Baptist church is letting me give a short talk to the AWANA [Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed] kids next Wednesday for Veteran's Day and show how the Military compares to the bible and the book of Joshua [the great military general of Israel]. I am wondering if I can play a short song on my guitar too, like, 'Onward Christian Soldiers' and teach them how a "march" sounds. I will wear my Army Camo BDU's [Battle Dress Uniform] too and I spit shinned my old combat boots. Ha!

Maybe I like the lime light.

Have a great day!

Tom