Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 09/01/2003

Dear Sarge:
I understand there is a company that makes decals for veterans to put in car windows (VETERAN KOREA, VETERAN VIETNAM, VETERAN US ARMY etc…) Would you please send me the address and ordering information.

ON A MORE IMPORTANT NOTE
I have been trying since 1958 to get the remains of at least one GI recovered from a mountain in Korea that I discovered while stationed there as a GI. NO LUCK – only excuses and form letters thanking me for my concern.

In 1958 neither graves registration or bomb disposable would mess with the remains due to old grenades they said were unstable. In later years I actually wrote Pres. Reagan, the Pentagon, a US Senator all for nothing.

Would you be able to send me the address of the largest POW/MIA group? Maybe they can light a fire. I have all the paperwork over the years. I have a detailed map of the area and the map coordinates, which I have provided to the Pentagon.

I hope you can help.
Thomas N
White Plains, MD

Dear Tom,
The following was featured in a previous column:

A little over nine years ago our small group of retired Vets decided to make Veterans Recognition Window Stickers. We call them VetSignias. We felt the vets returning from Korea and Vietnam were not given the welcome and respect we had received when we returned from WWII. They certainly deserved it. We hoped our little stickers would give them some well-earned recognition in their communities.

When we began, WWII stickers were dominant. Now, however Vietnam stickers are the most popular. There has been a real change in attitude. Vietnam Vets are now being recognized and their valiant effort is appreciated, and rightfully so. Vietnam Vets are showing pride in their service. We also hear from a lot of Peacetime Vets who are proud to show their service involvement.

The stickers show combinations, like VET/VIETNAM/U.S. MARINES or VET/U.S. ARMY. Anyone who sees a VetSignia will know the bearer did something good for our country.

The stickers can be seen on the internet at http://www.vetsignia.org. They cost $4.00 each, or 3 for $10. Persons who do not have internet access can send requests to Bob Kline, Box 382, Blue Bell PA 19422; phone (610) 277-1171 or e-mail bobk.ww2usmc@vetsignia.org. Personal check or money order is fine. Include your branch of service and war served, expeditionary or peacetime.

Sarge, we think your readers will appreciate info about these distinctive badges that offer proud U.S. veterans "every-day" recognition.

To answer the second part of your question

The American Ex-Prisoners of War is a national organization for American citizens who were captured by the enemy. Membership is open to all former prisoners of war from any theater in any war, all former civilian internees and to the families of such persons.

At the present time, the American Ex-Prisoners of War has over 300 Chapters and State Departments, representing over 30,000 members.

Founded April 14, 1942 the American Ex-Prisoners of War organization has existed for the purpose of helping others. The organization of former POW's (military and civilian), their spouses, families and civilian internees has helped those affected by their capture deal with the trauma through friendship of those who shared a common experience. The friendships have formed lasting relationships from POW camps until late in life.

Their website is www.axpow.org. You can also contact them via phone Telephone: (817) 649-2979 Fax: (817) 649-0109 snail mail American Ex-Prisoners of War

National Headquarters
3201 East Pioneer Parkway, #40
Arlington, Texas 76010-5396

or e email axpow@sbcglobal.net

Dear Sgt Shaft
My husband and I are both veterans, and have both used our VA Certificates to get 'VA rates' on mortgages. However, after we paid the mortgage off or refinanced, we never got the certificate back. What is supposed to happen after the loan is paid off? How do we check  that our certificate is in 'good standing'? Do we really have to go to the VA?

I would THINK that after the loan was satisfied and the certificate cleared, we'd get another 'fresh' certificate mailed to us. But that doesn't seem to be the case. Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Nola A.

Dear Nola,
I posed your question to VA and received the following response:

The previous process involving Certificates of Eligibility (COE) has been changed. They are no longer routinely returned to the veteran borrower because many of them were misplaced. The veteran's entitlement use and available entitlement, if any, is now included in a letter that is mailed, along with other informational material to the veteran.

In the event the veteran needs another COE to obtain a new loan (assuming their current loan is paid in full, etc.) they should contact the lender where they are trying to obtain a new loan. The lender can often generate a COE online in a matter of seconds. Otherwise, veterans will need to apply to one of the Eligibility Centers (Winston-Salem and Los Angeles.) If at any time a veteran wants to check and see if their previous VA guaranteed home loan has been paid in full, they can contact the nearest VA Regional Loan Center. Personnel there will be able to provide that information.

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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