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VIETNAM VETERAN OUTREACH RESOURCE GROUP: |
CALL TO ACTION!
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Message From Darryl Higgins, Chairman of VVORG and Secretary VVAG
Content 4
CONFIDENTIAL TO ADDRESEE ONLY
(Contact Darryl Higgins)
Dear Fellow Vietnam Vets and Families
We want to bring to your attention the matter of a “Holding to Account” against the Crown currently under way. Eight grievances have been listed as failures of the Crown with regard to Vietnam Veterans upon our return home. This is the extent of this case – it does not involve other matters such as agent orange etc. The Crown has responded in writing.
As a member of our cohort you and your family are invited to be a participant in this ‘Holding to Account”. So far about 100 Vets have expressed interest and it is now time to confirm participation, gather personal documentation and get it into a cohesive package.
We will assist with a template and with meeting times for you to discuss, if you need this.
To enable you to participate in this process, it is required that you consider the points raised in the attached template below and put your own stories to them. These form the basis of the grievance against the Crown for financial recognition to Vietnam Veterans. It is our view that, if you have a partner, involving them works best. If this is not possible for you please invite a trusted confidante to assist you.
Email Me
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Content 1
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO |
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Set aside time to put yourself into ‘the space’ with your partner / confidante present, and verbalise your issues as relevant to the 8 listed grievances. |
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Your partner should ask about each grievance in the template below, prompt you and take notes, verbatim as much as possible. Your own words and half-sentences, however they come out, are more powerful than carefully constructed or polished sentences. |
3] |
Your partner should also record their feelings and experiences as are relevant. |
4] |
Be aware this is hard to get into but it must be done. This is your “attestation” or personal statement substantiating your grievances. |
5] |
Gather photos of you in Vietnam if available. |
6] |
Plan to be available some time in the future when advised. Bring your draft and, importantly, please bring your partner. We will set aside time to meet with you, discuss your draft and help assemble your personal submission. |
As we say, we are here to help you but you must do your homework in advance.
Kind regards Darryl
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WHAT YOU NEED TO DO STRAIGHTAWAY
Content 2
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO STRAIGHTAWAY
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Consider the templates.
Include personal details of date time and place.
Units served with; actions engaged in, any particulars of service in Vietnam or since that impact your wellbeing.
TO HAVE YOUR PARTICIPATION TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY THE CROWN, YOU MUST TELL YOUR PERSONAL STORIES IN EACH SECTION (Grievance 1 to 8) below..
USE THE PROMPTS FOR YOUR OWN STORIES.
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- GRIEVANCE 1
- GRIEVANCE 2
- GRIEVANCE 3
- GRIEVANCE 4
- GRIEVANCE 5
- GRIEVANCE 6
- GRIEVANCE 7
- GRIEVANCE 8
- Your Story
GRIEVANCE 1
One day carrying weapons in war – an unnatural state in an environment filled with anguish and anxiety - injuries, disease and mental damage. The next day made to ‘disappear’ at home, a pariah, not cared for. Removed from peer support circles. No medicals no accommodation
(Your name)”s Story:
GRIEVANCE 2:
On return from leave, lack of counseling, support, failure to help reintegrate, no help line phone numbers. Humiliation and inadequacy .Government / RNZRSA spurious support.
(Your name)”s Story:
GRIEVANCE 3:
The crown “clobbering machine”, public admonishment by the crown (Vets employer), retreated into unhealthy lifestyles, denial, drink, deepening existing deep psychological wounds and damage
(Your name)”s Story
GRIEVANCE 4:
Crown seemed happy for us/me to bear brunt of derision, failure to support or protect or stand up for us vets. Gave raise to accusations of delusion and feelings of abandonment. Started to even doubt my self??? Government even denied our accusations causing further stress
( Your name)”s Story:
GRIEVANCE 5:
Being taxed whilst in country on active service bloody annoyed me. I understood there would be full refund at next tax return. I want a full refund in today’s dollars. No taxation with out representation we gave away our rights to representation when we were in country.
(Your name)”s Story:
GRIEVANCE 6:
The Army or government’s failure to tell me about my entitlements and how to access them caused me and my family harm. The government is quick to post out leaflets informing other NZ’s about what is available to them and what they are doing for them. Why did they not do the same for me and mine???
(Your name)”s Story:
GRIEVANCE 7:
No comparison with WWII and other war. They had lengthy travel time back to NZ under good medical care on board. We had little or no meaningful contact with those in the regiments on return from Vietnam. Ad-hoc returns, no transition. No feeling of worth or brotherhood from the Army. Vietnam Vets were the only ones continuously armed – then “dumped” into a peace time context – suddenly no weapon!! My / Vets brains unable to process this information or make sense of it. No wonder me and many had alcohol and cigarette issues, avoiding emotional reality.
(Your name)”s Story:
GRIEVANCE 8:
Hiding and avoiding the issues behind emotional problems ended as disintegrated relationships. In turn removing one of the few support structure available wrecking havoc with my equilibrium. Limited in resources as it might have been. It is my view that these multiplied unattended and I suffered quite severe social and economic loss. Impacted on ability to earn and on potential lifetime income. Business, work, family, friends all were an escalating struggle which need’nt have been (to the extent) had intervention happened as I now know I was entitled to. When this sort of stuff is going on unnecessarily prolonged, how do I know when the suffering actually started??.
(Your name)”s Story:
(Your name)”s Story:
(your own Story) >>
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I attest that these are my / (partners) words.
Describing as best I can at the moment my feelings.
This is very hard and some thing I would rather not have to record. But it is done and I give permission for Darryl Higgins to hand this attestation to the Barrister for the preparation of my affidavit in the matter of the submission to the tribunal.
Further I give Darryl Higgins full authority to act on my behalf in this matter.
Signature…………………………………………………...... Date…………………….......
Witness Name and Signature…………………………… Date…………………………
| (a) |
I would not recommend that any one serve in the NZ military knowing that when their service is over the government will turn its collective back on them for the sake of
- Budgetary constraint issues.
- Transient political self serving issues
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| (b) |
How come I received faith reassurance prior to departure on active service but not on return I would have had greater need for this support then. |
| (c) |
Why wasn’t there a place that I could have gone to for a while before being sent away that felt safe? |
| (d) |
I could have been deployed on some thing useful even though I did not want to do a second tour of Vietnam instead of being “managed” out of the Army. They took my dignity. |
| (e) |
I thought my battles were over how wrong I was. Dealing with the agencies were all new battles. |
The matter of financial recognition to NZ’s Vietnam Veterans should be a parliamentary committee non parochial debate. Similar to what took place when the house debated the deployment of troops to Afghanistan. I listened to that broadcast – it was uplifting.
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You can then download print it out and sign it and send to:
Ian Barnes
- 65 Queenwood Road
- Levin 5510
- New Zealand.
Ian is in charge of the health register and can liase with Darryl for the hard copies as they are registered.
It is important that all parties involved keep a copy for their records.
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NOTES RELATING TO FINANCIAL RECOGNITION FOR VIETNAM VETERANS
A serious social comment on one of the matters before the community
The Crown must do the right thing.
A primary object in seeking reasonable financial recognition due these Vietnam Veterans is because of the awful way their health has been impacted by the acts and/or omissions of the crown their employer, and/or its agents.
In the recent past we have had solutions imposed on us, and then denied the democratic right to examine, accept and ratify these remedies. How many legal practitioners would allow a client to be held to or bound by an understanding under these circumstances? This is the position these Vietnam Veterans find themselves in.
Sadly such contradiction of natural justice was a lost opportunity. Informed examination of the words surrounding the MOU/TRUST by those affected was with held. History will judge the leadership responsible for this.
Unhappily the very signatories were the serving officers through the seventies and eighties who failed these Vietnam Veterans after their return from active service. We see the poacher in charge of the game keeper. Taking the Queens Shilling carrying out orders and issuing instructions that in part added to the anxiety and stresses of these Vietnam Veterans.
Further under lining this point they had a conflict of interest and being part of the problem at the time they should have disqualified themselves from the process. They are tainted by history are now being held to account.
Acting in response to this invidious position, a growing body of opinion within the Vietnam Veteran community wants to expose this wrong doing. This is proving a more difficulty undertaking then it should. Instead of acting with moral steadfastness the Minister is sheltering behind obfuscation connected to the construction of the MOU/TRUST.
“Darryl, as I have explained to you in previous correspondence, the Vietnam Veterans Trust was established to be independent from government. As a consequence I am not able to comment on or intervene in the operation of the Trust.”
With sincere respect that this is simply ridiculous given that the Trust must only report back to Veterans annually and does not co operate with those it is there to assist, by volunteering details of its modus operandi. Yet the Act requires that information - that is held by an entity that is covered by the act - cannot be with held. Isn’t the Trust supposed to report back to the Government? Surly these reports are covered by the act which would provide some insight in to the workings of the Trust.
Minister, to whom is the agency responsible?
Minister; I formally request release under the freedom of information act copies of all of these reports and all related material.
Having served in the uniform of our country, and suffered active service related disabilities, these Veterans should receive financial recognition commensurate with loss and a decent quality of life. In a good number of cases, including myself, these Vietnam Veterans continue a long line of selfless military service to New Zealand over our short history.
All of our ancestors would gather in support of this rightness. Many New Zealanders believe erroneously but in good faith, that all matters have been resolved satisfactorily between the Crown and these Veterans. Each person to whom I have put the true situation has been astounded and horrified. Clearly the support of the people in general is in place.
Pleasingly I have not received one adverse response.
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Under the present circumstances the Crowns obligations to these Vietnam Veterans has not been settled and cannot be without proper consultations. We have gone beyond the quick technical fix. Pressing reconciliation between these Vietnam Veterans and the Crown is a time that has come. Existing veteran leadership is out of order. Their suffering and experiences do not mirror that of these Vietnam Veterans and more tellingly they were subservience to previous Crown bullying.
Symptoms of impairment were much more likely identified and dealt with in an expeditious and rightful manner. Concurrent with a tailored medical intervention plan, was the Regimental support on offer to those fortunate veterans. Which is as it should be but this was “denied” these Vietnam Veterans. These Vietnam Veterans are more likely to have experienced the full force of degradation and abandonment deeply.
The term “poverty” OR “hardship’ is like the term “mud” in the U.S.A. to these Vietnam Veterans and their whanau. It is claimed by the leadership that the inclusion of “or” instead of “and” was a win by the negotiators……………
This excuse flies in the face of ‘good faith bargaining” It was a mechanism to limit the number who would be eligible.
To further underline the obfuscation in play here:
1.
4th December 2006
Aide Me moiré of Oral Item Minister of Defence to Cabinet Chair;
“The TRUST will recognise the service given to those who went to Vietnam and have subsequently suffered difficulties in their life. The Trustees will be responsible for tailoring assistance to those in need.”
2.
4th December 2006
Minister of Defence states;
“The $7m endowment will generate funds for assistance/ex gratia payments for a wide/flexible range of need situations not specifically catered for elsewhere.”
One way or the other the Vietnam Veterans negotiators had the wool pulled over their eyes.
This is not “good faith negotiating!
There are several good reasons why the MOU/TRUST attracts scepticism. How for instance can it be relied upon going forward taking into account the strident dissatisfaction with its outputs to date? Birthed in controversy, father unknown - the deficient qualities of the midwifery in attendance are coming home to roost. Continued defence of the maligned MOU/TRUST will be seen for the cynicism that it is.
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P2 (P6)
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Questions for the house Melissa Lee
Briefing notes
The Crown must do the Right thing.
A growing consensus exists within the wider Vietnam Veteran Community that the MOU/TRUST has fundamental shortcomings. The structural flaws evident at the time but acquiesced are creeping ever bigger. Even some of those closely aligned with the negotiations are seeing the reality of the “Now” being starkly at variance with expectations led by the precious government. A significant number within the Vietnam Veteran Community were unconvinced about the so called “good faith” principal in play at the time. It is the considered view of many, that the Crown
“pulled the wool over the eyes” of the veteran leadership who had largely become “politicised”.
This body of opinion has lost faith in the RNZRSA/EVSA to properly engage with the Crown and judge the material weight of the contrary sentiment. Clearly they are mired in defending the decisions of the past rather than doing the right thing now. Consequently we are showing leadership and arranging a Hui to co ordinate and reach agreed positions on the issues before (these) Vietnam Veteran and their whanau. After the forum, the heads will seek to meet with the minister and lay before her the précis of their circumstances.
We express our deep concern about the deficiencies which stalk our psyche contrary to New Zealand’s democratic values and principles.
We launch an appeal to all parties of the house to take non parochial concerted steps to arrest the continued delay of financial recognition due these N Z Vietnam Veterans. Putting to good use the historical statesmanlike leadership exemplified by the house when it debated the deployment of troops to Afghanistan
First and foremost we must seek the restoration of our right to a strong voice in articulation of our unique circumstances within the N Z society fabric. We express our determination to bring these matters to the attention of the N Z Parliament in a courteous and respectful and measured manner.
It is not possible for the minister to make informed decisions with respect to (these) Vietnam Veteran and their whanau without all the information. Policy has to be translated into something that is properly actionable. In our case this has not happened. Direction has to come from the minister so that the terms and conditions and the policy of the new government with respect to (these) Vietnam Veteran and their whanau is actionable.
The absence of this right doing has resulted in (these) Vietnam Veteran and their whanau seeking redress from the Tribunal.
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Reasons to see the Minister |
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Why this step? |
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The reason is to have the crown reconsider its position in relation to the National Iwi of those Vietnam Veterans seeking redress. |
 What’s it all about?
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WAI 1657 |
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Holding our previous employer, the Crown, and its agents, to account. |
Why has this come about?
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Because of the structural defects MOU/TRUST |
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Because the outputs of the MOU/TRUST failed to reasonably deal with the grievances of (these) Vietnam Veterans and their whanau |
Why this group?
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It represents the divergent body of opinion. |
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Because other groups have not rightfully settled our grievances, and show no willingness to take up the torch. |
What have they done?
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Placed a claim before the Tribunal |
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They have become politicized by the process, and do not have the confidence of (these) Vietnam Veterans and their whanau. Tribunal has received the claim and given a Wai number |
What is the divergent opinion?
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Those outside of the RNZRSA/EVSA |
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Through their own resources have organised a consensus of position concerning the Crowns failings as a good employer. |
How was this position arrived at?
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How is this all going to happen? |
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A hui of (these) Vietnam Veterans and their whanau. Authorising these representatives to brief the minister. Contact the group and come along to the meetings. |
What does this mean?
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So what… |
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Documentation is being collated from all Vietnam Veterans and/or their spouses as source to their personal attestation |
Who gets to see this material?
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The Tribunal and the Minister? |
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The collective factual narratives are personal accounts of the dreadful suffering (these) Vietnam Veterans and their whanau have suffered since their return from active service in Vietnam.
Prolonged suffering continues in the absence of natural justice to address this position. |
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| The matters raised here can only be remedied by the crown in terms of the above and the bullet points below. |
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WAI 1657 says that the current “deed of settlement” if it can be termed as such is unsafe. |
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WAI 1657 says that while the MOU/TRUST may appear to have majority support that is either untrue or largely misleading. |
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WAI says that the MOU/TRUST in it current form compromises the definition of a rightful settlement. It compromises the tribal dignity, identity, and honourable service of (these) Vietnam Veterans. |
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Regrettable the crown now appears to acquiesce to and there fore by default approve the view that the national Iwi of (these) Vietnam Veterans is not separate and independent with respect to its right to be hard and seek remedy. |
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Arguably less then half the surviving Vietnam Veterans participated in the “smoke and mirrors’ charade at Wellington. |
| The tokens of |
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Dross metal and cloth |
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The shout of a few beers |
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A walk in the street |
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The contrived apology |
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The biased propaganda piece by national T V |
| Are reminiscent of the buyout of yore with a few bolts of cloth and some whisky. |
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WIA 1657 will present these personal attestations outlining the extent of the injustice in its current form that has been served up to (these) Vietnam Veterans and their whanau. |
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Their continued suffering can no longer be dismissed. |
| Recognition, remedy and provide a financial recognition package for social and economic losses suffered. |
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Financial recognition for the unreasonable taxation collected from (these) Vietnam Veterans |
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Financial recognition for the loss of earnings due but not brought forward because the events took place prior to 1974 in the case of (these) Vietnam Veterans |
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Financial recognition for the loss of entitlements due but not brought to the attention of (these) Vietnam Veterans. |
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Compensate for the erosion of the proper level of entitlement payments due but not paid to (these) Vietnam Veterans. |
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Financial recognition for the loss of dignity, mana and wellbeing due but not provided to (these) Vietnam Veterans |
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The package of grievances as documented supported by personal affidavits to WAI 1657 |
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The name of the Body shall be:--
Vietnam Veterans Resource Group (NZ) Incorporated
Aka Vietnam Veterans Action Group/Aka Vietnam Veterans Action Group Inc
1. OBJECTIVES
1.1 Arrange and approve a Vietnam Veterans Resource Outreach Team
1.2 To facilitate, promote, and co-ordinate as required; all measures to deal with the proceedings related to WAI 1657 and other matters so determined by the chairman Darryl Higgins, or his delegated representative from the executive committee.
- It may be that the executive and officers of the body determine that the experience gained through the proceedings of WAI 1657 could be carried forward in pursuance of related outcomes.
1.3 To promote well-being and co-ordinate any help with providers in health and
- Disabilities and War Pensions for the benefit of the Bodies members.
- To help arrange any legal matters if required in furtherance of the goals of the Body.
- To purchase, lease, hire or otherwise acquire any real or personal property,
rights and privileges to erect buildings, borrow and raise money with or without security or upon mortgage of any such property, to sell, lease or exchange or otherwise deal with any property upon such terms as the Body may decide, to issue debentures, invest and deal with funds of the Body in furthering the objects of the Body and generally do all things as may benefit the members of the Body including emergency funding with Chairman approval.
2. MEMBERSHIP
2.1 The membership shall be
- Service men and woman that have served overseas in Vietnam with NZ Armed Forces and their spouses and families either alive or deceased.
- Other interested persons may join as an associate member, subject to approval
by the Chairman Darryl Higgins, or his delegated representative from the executive committee.
2.2 Membership will be by written application to the Secretary
- The Committee shall qualify and approve all applications to the Secretary
- A member may resign by informing the Secretary verbally or in writing
- Failure to behave in accordance with the rules, the aims and the good intentions of the Body shall after (1) written notice open the member to be deemed as longer a member.
- The Body shall appoint a Patron to lead and promote its objects
3. EXECUTIVE
3.1 The executive shall comprise of such members as are deemed appropriate by the chairman. The executive shall serve in their roles until the end of the WAI 1657 proceedings or earlier as determined by the chairman.
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3. EXECUTIVE continued
3.2 The executive shall also comprise the Vietnam Veterans Support Outreach Team. The
V. V. S. O. T. shall serve in their roles until the end of the WAI 1657 proceedings or earlier as determined by the chairman.
3.3 The officers of the body shall be the chairman and the executive. In addition a Patron and Honorary Solicitor and Accountant shall be appointed
4. ALTERATION TO THE RULES
Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the “Holding to account” measures be taken with respect to WAI 1657, different rules need to apply.
History clearly shows the wreckage of past failings to gain proper and rightful recognition for the Vietnam Veterans and their whanau.
4.1 There may no alteration, addition, amendment or revision of or to the rules of the Body unless authorised by the chairman.
4.2 Any such changes will be published within the Vietnam Veterans Community communication channels and published on the Body’s website.
4.3 But no changes will impact on the goals of the body as determined in the attachment to these rules.
See appendix 1; Grievance document
5. SUBSCRIPTIONS
There shall be no subscriptions unless otherwise required under the laws pertaining to the incorporation of this body.
5.1 Expenses incurred whilst undertaking legitimate and approved duties will be paid for by the individual concerned.
5.2 Such expenses will be reimbursed at the conclusion of the proceedings from any funds in the applicable Solicitors Trust Account. Receipts must accompany the request for reimbursement.
- Use of a person vehicle is accepted and will be reimburse at the rate of $0……. Per km. Statement of reason for travel being sufficient receipt.
- Expenses in excess of $100 need to be approved by the executive in advance.
6. MEETINGS
Meetings of the executive shall be held at the discretion of the chairman.
The Date, Time and Place of the meeting shall be fixed by the Committee and the executive informed.
A minimum of 4 persons plus the chairman is to be considered a quorum.
- Minutes of each meeting will be taken and then posted on the website.
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7. NOTICES OF MOTION
Any member in good standing at the discretion of the chairman may bring an issue before an executive meeting. Details of the issue in writing (e mail) that the member wishes to be put on the agenda of the meeting should be received by the chairman ten (10) days prior to the meeting.
8. FINANCIAL YEAR
The Financial Year shall commence on the 1st day January 2010 and end on the last day 31st December 2010. And there after.
9. OFFICERS and EXECUTIVE
The Officers of the Body shall consist of the Chairman, Executive committee, a
Secretary, and the non executive members;
- Sir Brian Dudley - the Patron,
- Bruce Weir - the previous past president
- Ian Estler the previous past vice presedent.
9.1 Any member in good standing can be nominated in writing ((e mail) to hold a position as an Officer of the Body.
9.2 In the event of a vacancy occurring and/or an additional officer being required, the chairman and the executive committee will give good consideration to the nominated member in their deliberations.
10. INVESTMENT of Funds
The control and investment of the funds and borrowing powers of the Body
shall be exercised by resolution of the Chairman and the executive committee.
All such transaction shall be operated through an appropriate solicitors trust account.
- Minutes will be kept on all meetings for records.
11. Common Seal
The Chairman shall provide for the custody and safe keeping of the Common Seal, which
will be fixed to documents only pursuant to a resolution of the Body.
12. Winding Up
A majority at an Executive meeting and with the consent of the chairman convened for that purpose may resolve the Body be wound up and that funds and the property of the Body shall be dispersed to the members
See appendix 2; Membership List. Financial recognition due these Vietnam Veterans…
Notice of such resolution and confirmation shall be posted on the website and shall forthwith be sent to the Registrar.
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CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMERY OF SALIENT POINTS FOR PSYCOHLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND ONGOING SUPPORT MEETINGS for VIETNAM VETERANS.
Service Providers: David Bullen and Rob Schief.
To be read in conjunction with the VIETNAM VETERANS SITREP
Both David Bullen and Rob Schief support these measures, as does my barrister Charl Hirschfeld.
The importance of this structural support can not be over emphasised.
Recent events confirmed the rapid deterioration in (these) Vietnam Veterans over all well being when exposed to the effects of post Vietnam experience. Arising out of and/or exacerbated by the acts or omissions of the crown. This is amplified and covered under the mantra and ethos that the Crown and its agent the Army, owes a “Duty of Care” to the soldier until their passing.
This is a contention that I have believed in for some time and the one over riding issue that I discussed with David (and Rob Schief) I was concerned to know if these professionals viewed my assertion as a reasonable one? If so was the way in which the Crown/Army discharged its obligations as an employer fair and reasonable? Receiving affirmation that my stance in judging the Crown/Army had fallen short in their obligation gave birth to this passion to assist (these) Vietnam Veterans.
Failure by the Crown/Army to provide reasonable financial recognition after acknowledging their culpability in many respects confirmed for me the need to take action “Holding the Crown to Account” .
I was very fortunate to be guided to a most worthy barrister Charl Hirschfeld, who critiqued my assertions in a most empathetic and caring but thoroughly professional manner.
With the consent of these eminent professionals the deliberations have led to the filing of WAI 1657 action.
Information uncovered during this undertaking and subsequent enquiries and discussions were sufficiently disturbing to bring about a changed attitude to a number of issues. The failure of these matters to be addressed properly is a damaging lapse in the wider community consciousness in my view.
Accepting a leadership role and front footing this submission has been at times quite troubling.
To rectify the omission of the oversight in failing to provide for proper psychological assessment this
needs to happen now.
Adequate delegated authority exists already with in the case manager current structure and by the precedent set under the terms of the MOU authorising thorough physical examinations.
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P1 (13)
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CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMERY OF SALIENT POINTS FOR PSYCOHLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND ONGOING SUPPORT MEETINGS for VIETNAM VETERANS.
The two highly qualified professionals are well experienced and sympathetic to veteran concerns under these circumstances. My personal testimony underlines this. Other Vietnam veterans can also attest to their empathy and approach. MOST IMPORTANT IN THIS REGARD.
- Case manager / Veteran Affairs approval is requested for the initial psychological assessment done by Rob Shief who prepares the initial report and develops the programme of support needed.
- Meeting with Rob Schief for Assessment. A buddy is welcome.
- Veteran Affairs approve the ongoing support necessary for the well being of the veteran
- David Bullen arranges and delivers the support programme.
- Rob Schief sets the markers and provides the over view.
Ongoing meeting needs” group and individual sessions.
- Acceptance that that there are those who might want to attend group sessions.
- But only those who have been assessed by David Bullen and Dr Rob Schiff as being appropriate for those who prefer this.
- This should get under way now and not parked up by bureaucracy for further deliberation and approval. The overall tone of what has been agreed by the crown provides sufficient grounds to accommodate this now.
The criteria being:
- Tolerate the group structure
- They can listen respecting the rights of the other participants to be heard.
- They can tolerate and respond constructively to the issues raised with in the group.
Princilpals of the group.
The criteria being:
- It has to be safe
- Veterans are treated with courtesy and respect
- All veterans have the right to own and share their feelings
- The job that they did was reasonable
- What is said in the group stays in the group
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P2 (14)
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CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMERY OF SALIENT POINTS FOR PSYCOHLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND ONGOING SUPPORT MEETINGS for VIETNAM VETERANS.
Veterans are the Truthholders.
Amplified this means:
- They are the true holders of the horrors and experience of war
- Of its sacrifice and of its injuries visible and not visible
- They protect society from the misrepresentation of war
- They are a small group of men and women who hold unique knowledge not available to many others in the community
- The group are there to find a way to honour this knowledge
- The group knows that to allow political convenience of the day to hold sway ignores the sacrifice of those past, living and those to follow.
- They know of the courage brought forth in war
IN THE EVENT THE CROWN/ARMY OVER LOOK THEIR OBLIGATIONS IN THIS REGARD THE TRUTHHOLDERS SEEK REDRESS.
This redress is not just not about financial recognition it is also about enshrining in our national identity the special and unique place of veterans and their needs – LEST WE FORGET.
These proceedings have already pushed too hard on occasion. The most substantial brought about an anxiety attack leading to hospitalisation. This has me asking myself questions of the behaviour or the EVSA/RNZRSA. I get cross at the continuing disingenuousness and obfuscation coming from these spokespeople. It seems more urgent for them to defend decisions of the past then to address the proper concerns of the now.
It feels like our people acting on our behalf signed our rights away. The lauded package by the RNZRSA/EVSA has so far seen a minimalist return to Vietnam Veterans.
See letter to President RNZRSA dated 10th October 2008
Every Vietnam Veteran reasonably believing that they were ill treated by the Crown and/or its agents
on return from active service and/or subsequently is entitled to due financial recognition. This is not best meet by “Hardship and Poverty” as is laid down in the Trust Deed.
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CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMERY OF SALIENT POINTS FOR PSYCOHLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND ONGOING SUPPORT MEETINGS for VIETNAM VETERANS.
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT RESEARCH HAS IDENTIFIED RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING PTSD.
FACTORS OPERATING DURING AND/OR AFTER THE TRAUMA SUCH AS:
- The individual’s personal characteristics
- The trauma severity on the individual
- The lack of social support
- Existing ongoing stressAdditional life stress
- A social environment that produces shame, guilt, stigmatization or self hatred.
A NUMBER OF AUTHORITIVE PAPERS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED GIVING THE REASONS LEADING TO PTSD.
THESE FINDINGS ARE NOW WIDELY ACCEPTED BY THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY.
Source: Risk factors for PTSD. Journal of Consulting Clinical Psychology.
Authors: C R Brewin, Bernice Andrews and J D Valentine
Affiliation: Royal University College, London.
Publisher: American Psychological Assoc Washington. 2000.
NOT WITHSTANDING THE WEIGHT OF MATERIAL IN THE PUBLIC ARENA ABOUT THIS.
I AM UNABLE TO FIND ANY EVIDENCE OF THE CROWN TAKLING REASONABLE STEPS TO PROVIDE FOR PTSD ASSESMENT FOR
VIETNAM VETERANS.
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P4 (16)
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CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMERY OF SALIENT POINTS FOR PSYCOHLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND ONGOING SUPPORT MEETINGS for VIETNAM VETERANS.
The Assignment is to get financial recognition for Vietnam Veterans
For the manner in which (these) veterans were dealt with on return from active service.
1.0: Only a few days before they were carrying weapons in a war environment.
Yet (these) veterans were treated like pariahs on their return – “banished” on leave.
1.1: What manner of physical and emotional injuries were these veterans enduring at this time?.
Direct from a tropical third world country where basics of life were minimalist.
Physiological damage to (these) veterans resulted and added to their anxiety.
Proposed financial recognition: $30 to $50,000.
2.0: On return from leave (this arguably should gave been done before allowing (these) soldiers to go on leave) The lack of counselling and/or support provided to identify where the individual soldiers needs may lie and provide for these. Culpability for failure to take reasonable steps to reintegrate (these soldiers) back in to the community and family. Not even a telephone number in the event of need was given to these soldiers
2.1: For the manner in which (these) veterans were dealt with on return from leave.
It was evident that were an embarrassment to the regiment/army and they were cleared appraised of their position. (In my case they had me cleaning trucks for god’s sake!) (These) soldiers were managed out of the system as quickly as possible with out due regard for the honour and dignity of (these) veterans service in the uniform of their country.
Another layer of physiological damage to (these) veterans resulted compounding to their anxiety.
Proposed financial recognition: $30 to $50,000.
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P5 (17)
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CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMERY OF SALIENT POINTS FOR PSYCOHLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND ONGOING SUPPORT MEETINGS for VIETNAM VETERANS.
Issues raised by Vietnam Veterans which in a number of cases were denied by the Crown and/or its agents. Denunciation of this weight was similar to a clobbering machine. Rebuffed by the force of the Crowns resources dealt (these) Vietnam Veterans a heavy blow.
Physiologically (these) Vietnam Veterans suffered further. Some retreating into a life style founded on denial and pretence. Dealing with this public admonishment in a “put away in a suitcase” kept from sight consciousness.
3.0:
3.1: Intensifying the feelings of neglect, abandonment was a sense of betrayal by the employer and the ‘Regiment”
Vietnam soldiers were described as government employees in their passports. Copious words released by officials decrying the issues flagged by Vietnam Veterans artfully contrived and massaged placed humiliation and ridicule on (these) Vietnam Veterans.
3.2: Callous cavalier treatment of this nature wounded deeply (these) Vietnam Veterans. It is not only visible scars that indicate injury as we well know. The physiological and emotional well being of (these) Vietnam Veterans was being further under mined.
Proposed financial recognition: $30 to $50,000.
4.0: These acts and/or omissions of the Crown and/or its agents, who are meant to honour and respect the contribution of the communities returned soldiers after active service, ran contrary to the tradition and statue responsibility. Some official pronouncements gave joy to the anti war sentiment but added to the confusion of those who had worn the uniform of their country in honourable purpose.
4.1: I am unable to find any official pronouncements in support of (these) Vietnam Veterans. Nor have I been able to discover any official word from the Crown requesting temperance and courtesy when confronting (these) Vietnam Veterans either in person or through the media.
4.2: Yet I have been able to uncover many words and pictures aimed at discrediting the reasonable service of (these) Vietnam Veterans. Proposed financial recognition: $30 to $50,000.
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P6 (18)
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CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMERY OF SALIENT POINTS FOR PSYCOHLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND ONGOING SUPPORT MEETINGS for VIETNAM VETERANS.
5.0: Taxation being applied in the case of (these) Vietnam Veterans beggars belief. Had this policy been some bureaucratic over sight quickly rectified – well and good. Common sense did not over come the Crowns intransigence to fairly correct this wrong.
5.1: No taxation with out representation is the universal cry. “In country” the Vietcong were not interested in the niceties of universal franchise. “Power comes for the mouth of a gun” to quote Mao.
Proposed financial recognition: All taxes “irregularly” collected in this context to be refunded as well as compounding interest. The IRD would make a case for penalty charges in the reverse no doubt.
6.0: Specific failure by the Crown, and/or its agents, to take reasonable steps to ensure that, (these) Vietnam Veterans; were fully acquainted with their entitlements and how to access them.
Moreover, there are cases where (these) Vietnam Veterans suffering to them selves and their families was prolonged due to the neglect in reasonably carrying out their moral and statue responsibilities.
Proposed financial recognition: $30 to $50,000 and be duly noted to those involved..
7.0: In contrast to and as a comparison of how WW11 and Korean veterans were treated on return,
(these) Vietnam Veterans
- Little or no meaningful contact with the regiment
- No transition period to adjust to and adjust from
- A war context and being continuously armed
- To peace time context and suddenly unarmed.
(these) Soldiers were still physiologically in the jungle/at the fire support base, but confronting the reality of a divided community and in cases a divided family.
- Physically with out their weapon or regimental support
- Physiologically not knowing how to process the emotions of the war and subsequent dealings with the divided community and/or family.
- The real danger of not knowing who it was safe to talk too.
7.1: (These) returned veterans felt that we were encouraged to avoid emotional, processing war time experiences. In some cases this encouraged harmful avoidance behaviours, such as alcohol, sexual and/or smoking disorders.
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P7 (19)
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CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMERY OF SALIENT POINTS FOR PSYCOHLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND ONGOING SUPPORT MEETINGS for VIETNAM VETERANS.
7.2: Avoidance of emotions may at times trigger wartime experience memories leading to potential relationship malfunction. Science accepts that this can contribute to matrimonial, parenting, domestic and/or business colleague disintegration.
7.3: At such time, when best needed, the circle of support structure on offer to (these) Vietnam Veterans may no longer exist.
(these) Vietnam Veterans may seek solace in absenting them selves from what they view as situations giving rise to their anxiousness. When in fact these are just the triggers and the symptoms. To lose the coherent constructive ability to maintain and these necessary support structures exacerbates the deteriorating position of (these) Vietnam Veterans.
- Impacts on business arrangements and partnerships – work/livelihood
- Impacts on domestic arrangements and partnerships – extended family relations/loyalty
- Impacts on marital arrangements and partnerships – children/grandchildren
- Impacts on the social fabric of the community
It is in recognition of past failings on the part of the Crown, and/or its agents which may contributed to the on set of the disability or may likely have exacerbated the disability to (these) Vietnam Veterans. An element of crucial importance in this context is the prolonged unmeasured suffering.
Proposed finncial recognition: For every 1% of accepted disability at the present time (these) Vietnam Veterans receive $1000.00
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P8 (20)
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In Summary
Veterans Affairs provide immediate under delegated authority, permission for (these) Vietnam Veterans to have access to properly trained and sympathetic professional physiological and psychiatric evaluation.
The veteran being able to chose his own preferred service delivery clinician. After all this time, heavy bureaucratic insistence may be parked up. Some of (these) Vietnam Veterans have/are retreating into a life style founded on denial and pretence.
Dealings with (these) Vietnam Veterans whose community service contribution we were meant to honour and respect after active service - can now be treated gently surely.
Activist bureaucratic formalities in this regard have no place and are contrary to the sentiment.
They can even get in the way of a successful take up.
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