It is obvious from the letter by Joseph Nugent (Dec. 1) that he never met, or even has spoken to Robert Macdonald. If he had, he would realize that Macdonald is probably one of the biggest advocates that veterans have in the Twin Cities area.
Knowing, first-hand, the tireless energy he puts into assuring that veterans have access to all services available, it is upsetting to me that such negative comments can be made by someone who doesn't even live in this area.
Macdonald uses all the tools available to him through his position with the VFW, as mayor of Lewiston, as well as the many organizations to which he belongs in order to spread the word to veterans.
My husband is one of the many people he has assisted. Macdonald was informative and caring. He not only got my husband in touch with someone who specialized in difficult issues, but continued to keep in touch with us to assure all was going well.
Nugent should get his facts together before he makes accusations against not only Mr. Macdonald, but the VFW and all other organizations and their members who are working so hard for veterans.
I firmly believe Nugent owes all of them a sincere apology.
Jacqueline Smith, Lewiston
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Good response Jacqueline...
I am reposting this from another letter supporting Mayor MacDonald...
How many times were we told in the military that you are your own best advocate and received talks about personal responsibility. We as veterans need to take personal responsibility to be aware of assistance that is out there.
I did thirty years and had to sit through what I thought at the time were WAY too many briefings about our exceptional benefits given to us by grateful Americans for our service. When I separated as an enlisted soldier, I was counselled...when I retired as an officer I was counselled.
Many military service organizations are chartered by Congress to work with veterans, admittedly some better than others. The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans etc all have veteran service officers (VSO) ready and willing to assist their fellow veterans, but veterans should take the first step. The rules and periods of qualified service can be confusing and frustrating, but that is the purpose of the VSO, to help you through the process.
Veterans who complain should get involved and/or volunteer with our military service organizations, there are many to choose from so you can find the right fit for you; many are going though tough financial times and need membership to carry out their missions.
In addition, each organization puts out periodicals that address the latest veteran's issues and status, regarding entitlements, education and medical coverage etc. You can also read them, in most cases, free on line at home or your local library. I have found them to be most useful.
You may not always get the answer YOU want, but you will get an answer, my personal experience at the Pentagon helping veterans is that approximately 95% received help and were happy, 4% were not happy with the answer for various reasons, and a very small percentage were trying to get something they were not entitled to i.e. claimed service/benefits when none was served/due.
Robert MacDonald cares about veterans, I have met him around town and know it to be true.
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