I am a gold star wife and received a copy of the email you wrote to the "powers that be" (or at least some of them) and wanted to thank you for standing up for us.  We always need all the support we can get and certainly appreciate it. 

 

Theresa Ann (Teri) Butler

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Dear Col Riley:

 

     Over the last five years you have been the voice of thousands of W.W.II and Korean Retirees seeking justice for themselves and their spouses.  For that we owe you.

 

      I, like you and many more retirees have reached an age where whatever happens; happens.  We have lost faith in our government and especially Our Commander-in-Chief to do the honorable thing; Keep American's Promise.

 

      We have served in countries around the world and have seen and know what it is to live in conditions where governments impose their will upon its people. 

 

      Our government in my lifetime has a history of always making promises to induce young men to service. But, when its time to deliver fails to do so. Remember, W.W.I veterans seeking their promised bonuses had to march on Washington and how the government reacted to their demands.

 

      Remember the governments refusal to acknowledge the effects of radiation sickness on troops whose participated in atomic testing in New Mexico.  Remember there is no such thing as Agent Orange.  Remember, Asbestos is not a problem for servicemen who served on ships during W.W.II. /

 

And, now its final blow:

 

       "The Military Retiree Community has received so many benefits over the years that its has become a drain on the military budget and causes our active forces to do without needed equipment and supplies."

 

      Your correct on your stance concerning what is going on in Washington. And I would add Pork Barrel legislation alone, which every senator and congressman supports, is the prime reason for the lack of funds to meet the governments needs.  But, It is a means to stay in office and get reelected.  It is a way of telling the people back home I got this for you (a bridge to nowhere).  If the House and Senate would really care about its responsibilities, and would keep its to promised comitments not only taking care of its military retirees, veterans, sick, elderly, etc., but keeping its word our government would have more respect both at home and abroad.

 

     Can you wonder why so many people have been absent in the fight for what we feel is right?  I have been fighting for the cause for five years.  What have I accomplished? Nothing but,  B.S. letters from Washington canned responses from both Senators Dole and Burr.  Congressman Price on the other hand is on our side. This notwithstanding we can't win the war without winning the battles. But, until there is a change in the administration agenda I do not foresee the war being won.

 

Sincerely. 

G. P. Giggins SFC USA (Ret)

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