I received these 2 e-mails a few days back from a Friend and Veteran Ed Oursien who resides in NB. It is worthwhile reading .......
The Year End Losses
Every year, at this time, the media remind us of the people we have lost over the year. The list always includes actors, politicians and billionaires. There is one missing category. According to the Canadian Legion, in 2008, 500 veterans of World War Two died every week. You might have passed one of these old men, sitting in a shopping center, looking at you with ancient, watery eyes. They are gone. Back in their youth, they performed incredible acts of heroism. Then they came home to obscurity. As a teenager, I bought my clothes at Tip Top from a quiet guy who had spent 3 years in a POW camp. That was his reward from Canada. But he was happy selling clothes and just enjoying the freedom he had earned. So in 2009, take a closer look at the old guys you see in WalMart, the Malls, etc. They will continue to die in greater numbers, maybe 800 a week. Soon, before we know it, they will all be gone. Return their smiles. They are infinitely more wonderful than actors, politicians and billionaires.
Lest We Forget
I spoke with another veteran this week whom I had the pleasure of serving with on 437(T)Sqn in Trenton. John LaFrance he is now 75 and a veteran of the Korean war. Married 55 years to the same woman.Congratulations old friend.
The other e mail is of interest to all living veterans and to the new batch of veterans forthcoming in a few years.
FYI
Military/RCMP Veterans Pension Reduction issue.
3.
Military/RCMP Veterans
Against Annuity
Benefit Reduction at age 65
To: Colonel (retd) Pat Stogran,
Veterans Ombudsman
Cc: Our Supporters,
Mr. Peter Stoffer, MP
Lower Sackville Eastern Shore
Mr. James Arsenault
Mr. Guy Parent,
Director of Research and Investigation
Mr. C.J. Wallace,
Publisher of Veterans Voice Info
January 21, 2009
Subject: Military/RCMP Veterans Pension Reduction issue.
Sir,
I write to advise you that I am very disappointed with the reply that your office has provided Mr. James Arsenault regarding our Veterans Pension issue and choose not to reply to my numerous communications with you. On a number of occasions, we have requested that the Veterans Ombudsmans office review the Military/RCMP Veterans claim that we have been unjustly and unfairly treated by the Government of Canada regarding our Pension Benefit Reduction when they attain age 65 or sooner if they became disabled.
Mr. Parent letter indicates that: Quote In addition, in Nov 08, the Ombudsman Executive Committee met with two pension specialist who delivered a presentation on the clawback process that applies to all Canadian pensioners who have voluntary contributed to an integrated pension plan End of quote.
You are aware that the statement is a complete lie! All major Public Service Unions were against the plan to integrate their pension plan contributions. It is a fact that Military Personnel did not have Senior Military Officers as Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) to represent them and they were not briefed on the issue. Furthermore, dont you believe that we should have been involved with this most important meeting and/or being advise of the content?
It should not be necessary for me to remind you of the Veterans Bill of rights Quote You have the right to make a complaint and have the matter looked into if you feel that any of your rights have no been upheld End of quote.
It is a known fact that most Veterans were not briefed and they were not given any options. In short, Government dictatorship was the only process followed. Democracy did not occur and no options were provided!
Office of the Veterans Ombudsman: Quote: It may be policy, it may be legal, but is it fair? End of quote.108 Former Colonels and Generals have stated that Veterans were unfairly and unjustly treated and billions of surplus dollars have been depleted from our Pension account. If the Veterans Ombudsman will not review our claims of unfair/unjust treatment and inform the Prime Minister of Canada of its just findings, then where do Veterans turn to for support??
Your office must also recognise that Military/RCMP personnel are not Public servants, they are not Civilians, but they are a most important different Government provider. They were prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice for their Country Canada.
In closing, I can only say that Military and RCMP Veterans are most disappointed with your lack of support. We expected the Veterans Ombudsman to stand up for the Justice and fairness of Veterans. Must we send individual applications? We must advise you that in February, 2009 Mr. Stoffer, MP will move Bill C-201 to the House of Commons for its second reading, debate and vote with the support of 110,000 supporters that include the support of 108 Former Colonels and Generals, while lacking the support of their Veterans Ombudsman.
What happened to your statement on CBC Quote New Ombudsman vows to go to the wall for Veterans It appears that your sword has turned soft!
Be advised, that Military/RCMP Veterans seek no funds from the Public purse! We request the same fair and just treatment that is available to Senators, Members of Parliament and Judge Advocates.
Military/RCMP Veterans have gallantly served our Country Canada! They deserve nothing less than to spend their Golden Years with the Financial Dignity they and their Families have paid for and so richly deserve.
Sincerely,
John Labelle
Campaign Coordinator
florencejohn@ns.sympatico.ca
www.petitiononline.com/vets8
Important site:
www.veteranvoice.info
Our younger veterans of Bosnia, Kosovo, The Sudan and Afghanistan will be facing the same problems if Parliamnet does not reassess their rights.
PEI Military Families Centre Hockey game tomorrow night at the Charlottetown Rink home of the Rockets. Please support your team and the troops. 23 Jan 09.
Tomorrow is Friday please show your support by wearing RED. God Bless our troops and keep them safe.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
