Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 01/14/2002

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
I am a former Marine and (Combat wounded) Vietnam veteran, as well as a Purple Heart recipient. My wounds include the loss of my lower left leg, for which I wear a prosthetic device. I am also employed as the Deputy Director for Outreach Programs with the Department of the Treasury. I travel extensively for Treasury, and I am fast approaching our “travel season” which is typically January through October of each calendar year. My prosthetic device has always caused me to be “searched” a little more vigorously than most, and I (certainly) understand that this is all a part of airport security’s responsibilities. Heretofore I’ve had no qualms. However, this “new” recently implemented shoe search requirement has me extremely concerned. Over the (past) Christmas holidays, I traveled to visit friends and family in Memphis, TN. At BWI and Memphis International airports, I was requested to remove my shoes because (as usual) my prosthetic device had set off the metal detector. The problem is I cannot remove my shoes without removing my pants and leg, AND THEN removing my shoes! I refuse to do this in a public place under any circumstances, and neither airport offered a discreet place or venue for enforcing this regulation! Additionally, when I requested to see a copy of the rules and regulations regarding the implementation of the policy, neither the individual with Argenbright Security nor the supervisor with United Airlines (in Memphis) could produce a copy! Both even admitted that they had never seen a copy of the regulations and that they were just told to implement the policy! I travel too frequently to be subjected to this, and I have these wounds BECAUSE I believe in and fought for my country! I want to know if you have a suggestion regarding how I might be able to obtain a letter (special) pass, or “something” that will exempt me from this “level” of embarrassing scrutiny every time I enter an airport. Surely I am not the only American with this dilemma! I have already sent an e-mail to the Federal Aviation Administration, and I also intend to send one to the Americans with Disabilities Act people as well. Any (other) suggestions, Sgt. Shaft? 

Thank you.
Dan S.
Washington, D.C.

Dear Dan:
I sent a copy of your letter to fellow Vietnam vet and friend Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge. B.J. Georgen of Gov. Ridge’s staff will get your letter to Gov. Ridge and, knowing Tom as I do, he will correct this abhorrent situation. I also talked personally with another fellow Vietnam vet, VA Secretary Anthony Principi, and gave him a copy of your letter. He assured me that he will speak with Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and try to rectify your situation. Rehabilitation is an ongoing process and those in the disabled community do not need to be reminded of their disability every time they travel on an airplane. I suggested to Secretary Principi that sensitivity training, in particular guidance on how to treat individuals with disabilities in the confines of the security environment, be included in all instructional material for all airport security personnel. Simply, one’s dignity should not be disregarded. Semper fi.

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
The Hospice and Palliative Care Program at the Washington, D.C., Veterans Affairs Medical Center is in the process of initiating a new volunteer program to enhance the care given to our veterans and their families and friends at the end of their life. Current research comports with the feelings of health care professionals that one way to improve care at the end of life is to help in comforting patients and families. This is to be done along with other aspects of patient care such as controlling pain and other symptoms.

Persons participating in the volunteer program would work with a team of various health care professionals (doctors, nurses, social workers, dieticians, and chaplains) in performing care tasks. These tasks would include assisting the veteran at mealtimes; escorting veterans to appointments and other activities in the medical center; and assisting veterans with functions of daily living, including providing companionship and encouragement by presence and possibly reading. We feel that “small things” can make a tremendous difference in the quality of an individual’s journey at the end of life.

In keeping with our desire to be in partnership with the local community, we are seeking persons from churches and civic associations who would be eager to participate in the program. This would keep any volunteer from having to visit more than once a week. Volunteers will receive training on the guidelines of the program and an orientation to the medical center. Interested persons should contact Voluntary Service at 202-745-8320. Thank you.

Sanford Garfunkel
Medical Center Director
Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center

Dear Director Garfunkel:
I am glad to highlight your new, wonderful, caring endeavor.

Shaft Kudos
To noted actor Gerald McRaney, who will chair the VA’s 2002 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans campaign. This annual recognition of the men and women who once served in military uniform will be marked by community activities throughout the country February 10-16 at VA health care facilities. McRaney, known to television audiences in series including “Simon and Simon” and “Major Dad,” has agreed to visit hospitalized veterans throughout the year. Nearly 100,000 volunteers contribute millions of hours a year helping hospitalized veterans. The national event is timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day because of the sentiments of caring and sharing match the salutes’ purpose of expressing honor and appreciation to veterans. Persons should call their local VA health care facilities’ voluntary service office to participate in this year’s national salute.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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