I read the story a couple times, looked at other reports, and I have yet to find any report that says he didn't get any help from the VA or government; or that he asked for help from the government in any specific way. I can see how some might want to project some stereotyped image or storyline about vets, but does that honor this one Marine?

Both of these issues need fixing, and have been lacking in attention for 30 years; they are not unrelated.

Fair enough, I was assuming that he was not homeless by choice or that he had some other issues. It is possible that he was simply down on his luck at the time of his death.

A lot of long time homeless folks tend to resist help or asking for help. You read all the time about homeless people in SF avoiding the shelters.

Could be he had long since tried utilizing VA help. But I really don't know how much help is available for someone in his postion. We could use a sort of CCC camp setup for vets.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Ok i am in but dont want to be -- the goverment health care system THE VA is and has been awfull at helping the vets ( that need the help the most ) case in point

i have a guy i went to HS with who in 1969 pulled him into my gunship while in cambotia he was a LRPS < 101st Airborne Ranger Long range patrol he was carrying 2 dead NVA under his arms and was convinced they were GIs no one in his squad made it back

i still keep in touch wiith him and the VA has turned him down for care, as he according to the VA, he cant tell them what happened, he does not remember anything about Vietnam but knows me and i cant do it, its way to painfull, if i take him back he will end his life for sure and the VA walked away -

the VFWs And American Legons bars are full of the younger Vets the VA has tossed as well , dont believe it stop by one in town on a friday night -- jz

I rely on the VA for some of my healthcare needs. I've got no complaints other than the clinic is an hour drive away and the hospital about 1 1/2 hrs.
A vet's DD214 file along with records of medical treatment are all that is needed by the VA, and the military-not the VA- is responsible for those records.

As a non service conected Vet the deal for you is good for that i am glad
and you do have a choice to pay an out side doctor or have them bill your med insurance

many of us have no other place to go, sure i can out pocket for a doctor, but because of the things that have gone on with me and many of the guys i know we dont have a choice, and if health care does get at nidnight slamed in -- the clinic will the only place any of the vets can go as i believe the VA system will become obomma care central and we wont be invited just my take -- jz

Where did you get the idea I am non-service connected? I'm eligible for complete coverage throught the VA, but since the facilities are so far aaway I pay for my own medical insurance so I can use local doctors.
Your friend should use one of the g'ment provided Veterans assistance offices in his quest for VA care. I used the Governor's Veterans Advocate here in PA. He helped me get the forms filled out and filed to retrieve my records from the Army and then helped me file for VA care. It all went down in 3 months. Later on I used the county Veterans Affairs office to get my status reviewed. The woman helping me was incredibly competent.
You seem more intent on slurring the president and whining than actually seeking out help with your medical needs. And if you qualify for VA medical help you will likely also qualify for VA disability compensation.

A man died a hero, what more does anyone need to know? What greater honor can there be than saving others? I personally found this story very touching and very very good. Makes me think there is hope yet...for everyone.

I don't know how this got turned into a VA debate as the article mentioned nothing about the VA or anything else. All of this really belongs in another thread. Not cluttering up the memory of a good man.

i am and have been 100% total and permanent for many years and unlike you have had to rely on the VA care or lack of like the man who this post is about - we were back then not treated like you are today - we were garbage in the VA eyes and the VA system in the south Bronx i went to in 1969 was SWEET and yes it has changed

unless i missed something service and non serviced connected are two different things, i have a current Military ID card to enter any post any service and use the COMM and post exchange same as any active member - i do not want to and don't no matter the politics of another Vet care to exchange dislikes of the current Admin - it is not what i do with brother Veterans no matter what -- jz

Where did you read that your situation is even remotely like the Marine who died saving others?

FYI, Service Corporation International, has a program that provides a proper burial for homeless veterans, free of charge. SCI operates Dignity Memorial-branded Funeral Homes across the US and it's a great program. I'm told we've buried 75 homeless veterans in and around St Louis alone, and the program is spreading across the US.

Now, continue your argument.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

it does not surprise me you have reached into the slime bag of tricks to SPIT at me,, - well dude if i say anything more i will be the one banished BUT hope is on the way for many years a friend in the buzz on your island has invited me hope some day we can have a laugh or 2 over a beer

BTW were you on the line when the nation called for MEN to serve, or have you put yourself in harms way another way, --just asking but i think i already know the answer --

i also have a film of me in the huey gun ship on a mission BTW

its your turn what have you done for OUR country besides Community service???????????????????????????????????????-- jz

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i will pass that along to the brothers in the Motorcycle club in MO they do a lot as well thanks for the info it is appreciated -- jz

Is that your long way of saying "Nope, I didn't read it anywhere and you're right MTI?

Instead your response is more akin to an insult to the honor and dignity shown by life of that Marine. Do you think he asked the folks he was rescuing whether they served in the military, or did he just do the right thing? Amazing that you're so thick that you still can't grasp the concept that my post meant to honor the man. I was once amused at your writings, now I'm merely embarassed for you.