Veterans of Cape Cod, Amvets Post 333 Congressional Request

April 11, 2007

OPEN LETTER TO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS

Distinguished Chairman Filner, and honorable members of the committee. Our veterans post, Cape Cod Amvets Post 333, The Benjamin F. Baker MOH Post works tirelessly to improve services to our nations veterans and its active duty personnel. Our post is attempting to hold a Cape Cod and Islands wide veterans seminar with Congressman Bill Delahunt as honored speaker ( attached letter ). The most pressing needs of area veterans, are elimination of the VA prescription drug co-pays, a raise in the VA compensation tables for disabled veterans and an increase in the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. All veterans who served in time of conflict should be awarded the right of having prescriptions filled with no co-pays by the Veterans Administration. Many stories of veterans who were decorated for heroism forced to ask their family for loans to cover the cost of their medicines. For many of these aging veterans the costs of health care, housing, energy, local taxes, etc. have forced them to make harsh choices. The veteran who is unemployable and 100% disabled with spouse and 3 children receives a monthly award of $ 2852 per month. Federal COLA has not kept pace with the cost of “ real living ”. It is American Veterans hope that a bill can be sponsored to assist veterans in their time of need. Thank you for your service to this great nation and its veterans.

Respectfully submitted,
For The Commander
Richard T. Riehle

Adjutant