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–DON BURK/STAFF…6/18/98…Earl Kennedy(L) gets congratulated by Rear Admiral KLevin F. Delaney at the awards ceremony in which 63 Combat Aircrew Insignia were presented.The Florida Times Union Friday, June 19, 1998 Earl Kennedy (left) is congratulated by retired Rear Adm. Kevin Delaney at a ceremony where combat aircrew insignia were awarded. – Don Burk/staff Correcting what was described as a ”gross oversight” of three decades ago, the Navy awarded 63 Vietnam-era helicopter door gunners the combat aircrew insignia yesterday. The insignias were awarded in a ceremony at Jacksonville Naval Air Station by retired Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., who had promised …

My name is Carl Jewett and I’m the Veteran Liaison for the Mesothelioma Center (Asbestos.com); an organization devoted to assisting veterans through their application processes for VA benefits, and helping them obtain the maximum benefits for which they are entitled. I’m also the Executive Director of the Veterans Assistance Network, and a retired Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. While I was browsing through a number of Veterans sites I came across your website and was very impressed by the information you have listed. Countless veterans are currently suffering from life-threatening illnesses that are a result of exposure to asbestos, …

From: W.W. Bill Pressey Lt USN 67720 To: Whom it may concern Subject: Missing Injury Reports in Squadron Personnel Files It has come to my attention, after having numerous conversations with squadron personnel, there are numerous omissions of injury’s received while flying the hazardous missions that the squadron flew in Vietnam during the period of 1966-1972. It should be noted that HAL-3 was the most heavily decorated navy squadron in the history of naval aviation. Each aircrew men flew an average of 300 missions or more, flying in a environment no higher than 1500 feet and always subject to small arms fire. The …

Experiencing the traumatic event Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event Flashbacks (acting or feeling like the event is happening again) Nightmares (either of the event or of other frightening things) Feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event (e.g. pounding heart, rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension, sweating) PTSD symptoms of avoidance and emotional numbing Avoiding activities, places, thoughts, or feelings that remind you of the trauma Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma Loss of interest in activities and life in general Feeling detached from others and emotionally numb Sense …

by Joyce Romanski I have been meaning to write this “open letter” of thanksgiving for some time. After this great reunion in Washington, DC, I disciplined myself to get this task accomplished. I did! So I have enclosed my letter for a future Wolfgram to express my thoughts for what your organization has done for me personally. If you are able to publish it, I would greatly appreciate it. I think it is important that your members learn the contributions that they have made to my life. I thank you all for your efforts! Sincerely, Joyce M. Romanski It was …