WILLIAMS—The American Legion in Williams set up a dinner for the riders of Run for the Wall event. Mayor John Moore as usual welcomed the riders and thanked them for their service.
Run for the Wall is an annual event since 1989 in which veterans of all services ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. to arrive by Memorial Day. They ride to bring attention to the still missing in action and prisoners of war from all wars and to honor those who were killed in action. Their motto is “We ride for those who can’t.”
The policy of the federal government until recently has always been to not leave men behind in a war.
Mayor John Moore welcomes the veterans.
Commander of the Post Horacio Ortiz said that the volunteers were having a great time this year and were in high spirits. He was extremely happy with all of the volunteers.
Veterans stop to say hello to local residents.
The efforts of the Legion are appreciated by the riders of Run for the Wall who make Williams their first stop each year.
The Prescott Veteran Center brought a van to the event with various gifts for the veterans. These included a pocket calendar, various health pamphlets and stress squeeze foam items. One of the most useful to Navy veterans involved in anti-submarine warfare is a foam squeeze submarine.
Local welcome dog Prince receives a new tag from Run for the Wall crew.
I really eneyjod your blog, especially your guiding principle. I served in the Army as an Infantry Officer during the 1980s and wish there would have been an internet with this kind of information available then. I agree that although we are no longer serving in our nation’s military, we are never discharged from the service of our Lord. Thanks for making a difference with our vets. I just started an online christian bookstore at veteransforjesusbooksandmusic.us. Check it out if you get a chance.
The VA contends that Service Medical Records (SMR’S ) are not relavent to claims becuase they are for periods that are not covered by the law becuase they cover periods preceding the eligibility period. This newest twist is covered in Vet. App. No. 08-4333, Frederick L. Payne, Appealant, v. Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Appellee. The VA states that evidence developed after separation is the legal evidence of record. If the VA decides not to address a issue covered by the service medical records then there will be no medical evidence of record after separation becuase the VA failed in its duty to provide a complete medical examination of all identified and unidentified medical conditions during the compensation and pension process.This is exactly what the DVA is argueing in this particular case, becuase they failed to address issues during the initial examination and then failed to adjudicate the claim because of a failure to issue a Supplemental Statement of Case (SSOC) due to irregulartiy in mailing. The DVA mailed the SSOC to the wrong address, and now take the position that the claims of the veteran are unwarrented becuase of a lack of evidence.I would certainly like the opportunity to discuss this again.