Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 06/07/2004

Dear Sgt Shaft
A friend of mine submitted a claim for a service related illness over a year ago and the claim was still being processed when he passed away as the result of the claimed disability. The VA has notified his widow that the processing of the claim was stopped at the time of death and advised her to submit a claim as a widow. I am confused why she would be told the processing of the claim would be stopped at the time of death. Please explain the rules when a veteran passes away before final adjudication of a claim.

Chester
Via the internet

Dear Chester
According to current law, right or wrong, the processing of a veteran’s claim terminates with his death. If he did die as the result of a service related disability, his widow would be entitled to a widows benefit

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
Thank you so much for responding to my phone call so promptly.

If possible, I would very much appreciate receiving a copy of the retirement program of Capt. Lazarus, which you included in your column of March 29th. The words about “Old Glory” are some of the most moving that I have ever heard and believe me when I say that it takes a lot to impress this “80 year old”.

My husband is retired Army and he wishes to thank you for the help you give our veterans. Our nephew is on active duty now and his wife just retired with 23 years active and reserve duty. The nephew has more than enough time to retire but chooses to serve on active duty hoping to make this a safer world for their 4 children. Their greatest fear is having the military lose the support of the American people.

Please let the military know that there are so many of us who do appreciate the efforts of those who are serving and those who have served this Country.

We know that freedom is never free and that it is always paid for with sacrifice.

Sincerely,
Hilda. R.
Alexandria, VA

OLD GLORY

I am the Flag of the United States of America. My name is “Old Glory.” I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s hall of justice. I fly majestically over great institutions of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up and see me! I stand for peace…Honor…Truth…and Justice. I stand for Freedom. I am confident. I am Arrogant. I am Proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer. I bow to no one! I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped. I am saluted I am loved I am revered. I am respected and I am feared. I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years… Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy the jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, in the Persian Gulf and a score of place long forgotten, by all, but those who were with me. I was there! I led my Sailors and Marines…followed them…I watched over them. They love me. I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle worn and I was at Ground Zero in New York City on September 11th as cowardly fanatics attacked America. I was raised from the ashes of once proud buildings by brave firefighters, heroes who risked their lives to save others showing all that America, though bloodied will never be beaten. Those who would destroy me cannot win for I am the symbol of Freedom, of one Nation under God, indivisible With Liberty and Justice for all. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of Countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my own country, and when it is by those whom I have served in battle, it hurts. But I shall overcome…for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have borne silent witness to all of America’s finest hours. but my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield, when I am flown at half –mast to honor my Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the gravesite of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud! My name is “Old Glory.” Long may I wave! Dear God, long may I wave!

Shaft Notes

Dear Joanne
Many words have been written about your late husband, my editor and good friend Woody West. I was honored when Woody called me to say goodbye. In his humble way he thanked me for our friendship throughout the years and we reminisced about the evolution of the Shaft Column in the Washington Times. His total love for you was evident by his wish to spend his remaining time alone with his devoted wife. Your Marine loved our country and cherished his service in the Corps. Thanks for sharing your wonderful husband with me, my family, and the loyal readers of this column.

Semper Fidelis

Sgt Shaft
The Washington Times

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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