A lost veteran at the Wall

[lonestarnot]

Dear DU folks: While in D.C. on the Sept 24th, I had the pleasure of meeting a Veteran that has fallen through the cracks. This veteran named Odonnell H. Parker. He fought in Vietnam and lost 3 or 4 of his friend in Cambodia, a place the U.S. denies ever having sent troops. Therein lies the problem with Odonnell. Since the U.S. denies having sent troops there, despite the fact that 3 or 4 of Odonnell's friends died there (he's the only one of the group that made it back) the V.A. has denied him benifits for his injuries. Now, I have not verified his story, but Odonnell told us that he is living in a homeless shelter and that the little income tax return he got was snagged, but he later got it after an 8th month battle. Can't recall why this happened, but others who were with me may be able to contribute to the facts as they recall them. I promised O'Donnell that I would help him. So when I got home, I inquired with attornies and they told me that it would take big guns to get him help. ie McCain the warmonger, Hagel, or Kerry. The only place I know to locate O'Donnell is at the wall. He sometimes goes to the library to get on the internet. We told him about democraticunderground.com, but don't know if he will know how to locate us or navigate and may give up in frustration. I know I could be just a gullible bleeding heart, but would really like to see this man get some help. He walks with a walker, and could be helped by the V.A. if someone could put big pressure on them. I have a picture of O'Donnell and will post to this thread. Any suggestions?

[flying_wahini]

1. notify Air America? Maybe?

[lonestarnot]

3. Yes...

Will and good idea.

[MuseRider]

2. Just a gullible bleeding heart?

NOT! I would be doing the same thing so if you are gullible then you have plenty of company here I think. Good for you.

I would start by either calling or sending e mail and snail mail to all of those people, McCain and Hagel and Kerry. If nothing else they could probably put you in touch with someone who could help you.

I hope this works but after learning about a lot of Vet issues in Crawford I would be surprised if it did. How about contacting some of the Veterans Organizations?

I will follow this thread along and try to think of other things you can do.

Edit to add that there are a lot of people here who spent more time than I at Crawford so they may have some names for you. One in particular but I can't remember her name right now.....getting old is not for wimps. Keep kicking this and someone who has a better memory than I will come up with it. We should be able to do something surely.

[lonestarnot]

4. Am trying to get his picture of the disk to post to photobucket. Will

be back in a while Thanks for your input!

[lonestarnot]

10. Have posted pics! Finally! Shuwwee!

[oneighty]

5. Be careful here

Have you seen this veterans DD214? Do you know that he is in fact a veteran?

Just because he may have been in a 'secret' battle zone does not mean his service record will not record him to have been in Vietnam.

There are many men claiming vets status that are in fact phony veterans. Their common cover story is having been on secret missions etc etc etc.

If he is a legit vet he can get help.


180

[lonestarnot]

6. Reread my post. I said I had not verified identity, but how does one

go about that? Homeland Security I'm not! as in NOT for short!

[oneighty]

16. He can access

his military records if he wishes to. You could also if he gave you his service number or social security number name residence and so on to fill out form 180 available on the internet. Also it (Is/was) possible to access a service record under the FOIA also using form 180. (Google DD Form 180)

But of course the easy way is for the veteran to do it for himself. If he cannot there are numerous service agencies that will; for instance the 'service officer' at any VFW club. Also most states have a 'Veteran's service office' of some type or another.

Contrary to popular opinion we veterans are not without help.

180

[lonestarnot]

25. Hmmmmm thanks for this information. I am also a veteran. Peacetime

armchair weekend warrior ANG

[oneighty]

28. Navy

51-60 Korea 52. Mine sweeping and such.

Serious. It is very easy t0 access one's service record. I have used form 180 just to get copies of letters of commendation. I have a lot of my service record and some of my service medical records. The VA hosp system has ALL of my military medical records.

There really is plenty of help for veterans. Often in our zeal to honor our veterans (And rightly so) we tend to not look at a few facts. I have been in VA health care for years. Service connected disability. I am well taken care of.

I certainly cheer your compassion for this lost veteran. But there is help for legitimate veterans.

180

[lonestarnot]

33. Are you saying ODonnell not legit? I didn't hear any offer of any kind of

remedy for his situation, so I get the feeling that you think this guy isn't worth the effort.

[oneighty]

40. Of course

I do not know his true status-only he knows. I am saying he can access his military records and in them will be the proof of his claims.

I have been in the VFW for many years and now and then we have a phony (War) veteran exposed within our ranks. Their story often includes the SECRET mission that they cannot reveal.

And having been in the VA health care system I know for a fact there is help for these people if they are legitimate.

180

[lonestarnot]

41. There was a secret mission, but he revealed the mission. Cambodia

and U.S. denies ever having been in Cambodia, that is the damn problem as I understood him. When you are homeless this adds to the assistance problem. I not saying he's not a phony, I'm not saying he is as I know there are people who attempt the phony crap for sympathy and money, but I really think this guy is legit. I think he's been used in a time management case to the government's advantage and they just wore him down and out. He just got tired of the fight, and why should he have to fight for his meager survival after having served this country in Viet Nam?

[oneighty]

44. Even though he might

have been in Cambodia he will still have Vietnam service medal. It is that way with one of the secret mission guys at the local VFW-He says.

Bottom line this vet can do these things himself.

I did a quick google 'veterans assistance district of columbia'

Veterans affairs office of..202 724 5454

Veterans affairs 202 691 3115

That might help. You could call there and speak on his behalf. Also our congressman (Amo Houghton at the time) had a vet's affairs specialist on his staff. He helped me on behalf of a veteran friend of mine. Took about three days. Try your congressman also.

This man if legitimate can get help.

180

[lonestarnot]

9. Look at pic below... O'Donnell is on the far right in the pic w/ Cindy.

[lonestarnot]

7. HERE'S HIS PIC

<>

[lonestarnot]

8. THIS IS MY FAV PIC

<>

[lonestarnot]

11. ODonnell! I'm working on it! Hang in there buddy!

[MuseRider]

12. Jeff!

Could Jeff help you? Do you know how to contact him? Surely he must be trying to do something.

Great pictures. I fell in love with Jeff, what an amazing guy he is.

[lonestarnot]

13. No... don't know Jeff. Is Jeff in D.C., because the only way I know how

to get in touch with ODonnell is to go to the wall and I am in AZ. Poor dude goes there every day.

[MuseRider]

18. Ah, I don't "know"

him either but was able to spend a little time with him. I would bet he is very busy right now but it was a thought. Sorry, I thought that since he was there he might have gotten to know ODonnell's story and might have had some advice.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

35. jeff is in the photo w/ odonnell, mom, me and our ghandi-cindy

jeff key has been at Cindy's side since Crawford at least.
I have a contact number for him, but not sure how he could
help. He's a truly wonderful man also.

[lonestarnot]

43. Hey you! Sorry I didn't get a chance to meet Jeff! There were sooooo

many people. Didn't even get to meet Cindy until we got home. You are going to contact Jeff?

[PuraVidaDreamin]

46. No not directly- I'll try Whitney who now is working w/Jeff

I have her e-mail. She actually ran on all
6 cylanders 24/7 at Camp Casey and the Crawford
Peace House. Ask frictionlessO about her!

She is now working with him trying to promote
his one man show, a play he wrote and stars,on
his experiences in Iraq. which reminds me...
I need to start getting that info out to
the more art appreciative areas on Cape Cod.

However Kat said she has his direct e-mail.

[lonestarnot]

48. frictionlessO ....ok....

[lonestarnot]

14. Does Jeff post here?

[MuseRider]

19. Not that I know of. n/t

[lonestarnot]

29. Can you put me in touch with Jeff?

[MuseRider]

30. I am sorry I can't.

I do not "know" him. I spent some time talking with him one on one but that was the extent of it. I wish I could help you with that, sorry.

[lonestarnot]

31. Oh well I have some direction from Unhappy Camper, but now I need someone

to find him at the wall and give him a message from me. LOL I can see this is going to be fun.

[MuseRider]

39. As they say,

nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Good luck, I wish I could be more help.

[peacebaby3]

37. Jeff Key is from America Junction, Alabama.

I'm not sure if he still lives there.

He is also a member of Iraq Veterans Against The War if anyone knows how to get in touch with someone from that organization.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

47. Iraq Vets Against the War- homepage

http://www.ivaw.net/

there is contact info and
an address there.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

34. This man Odonnell is a good soul

He recognized me the very next day in day light.
And made sure I got to meet Cindy.

Do you know the first question he asked me was,
"So where's Lon and Kat. They coming?"


He was so helpful at the Vietnam War Memorial Wall.
He took the time to position us all in an area most
just walked by- to point out the reflection of the
Washington Memorial at dark.

He also had quite a deep understanding of all current
issues plagueing America. He's just fallen between
the cracks, like many not so fortunate vets have.
My take anyhow.

Lon, I told Odonnell to be watching out for you,
b/c you follow through. He said he would.
We told him to look on DU-

Maybe leaving a message on the DC forum, for folks
who live in the area- to help us contact him again
might work. Danostuporstar lives real close to
DC. He might be willing to help out. Dano is
A #1 stuff in my book! He walked with us for most
of the march.

[lonestarnot]

49. Woah damn! How could I forget about the state forums DUYA me!

[lonestarnot]

15. Skinner can DU do something?

[unhappycamper]

17. For what it's worth,

I was 100 meters inside the Cambodian border near the Angel's Wing when Tricky Dick told Merika we would not invade Cambodia.

I believe Mr. O'Donnell, and think a DD214 would be the first thing he needs. His unit records (if not redacted or 'lost') should show where he was.

And yes, we need a 'heavy' to push this along.

[lonestarnot]

21. I forgot to ask him about his DD214. It was emotional at the wall, so was

not thinking clearly.

[lonestarnot]

I'm sure he has one on him if someone could get to him at the wall.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

36. We should contact Danostuporstar!

I'll send him this thread right now.

[danostuporstar]

51. Just got this message

So basically you're looking for somebody who can go down to the Vietnam Memorial, hang out looking for Odonnell and then deliver a message?

[katinmn]

20. Yep. I was there and met him, too. A very nice gentlemen

who has not been treated fairly by the VA. I think a combination of bureaucratic screw-ups and budget cuts have fell heavily on this guy.

Multiple health issues that could be addressed with a little help, as lonestarnot has suggested.



I gave OHP my email address and have been hoping to hear something from him.

[lonestarnot]

22. Thanks so much for posting this pic! I didn't have one at the wall.

OMG! It's Kat! Love you Kat!

[katinmn]

23. I have one of you and him but it's really blurry

I can email it to ya but it looks like I moved the camera.

:hi: I love you too, happy warrior!

[lonestarnot]

24. OK.... coool... you have the address @ home right?

[katinmn]

26. Yup!

[lonestarnot]

27. Will check back afterwhile as washer fix it man here soon. Have to do

doggie round-up. Would hate for them to eat him for brunch.

[lonestarnot]

32. Well the damn washer blows... LOL but I'm back on the case for a while.

Do you know anyone who could make a run to the Wall and try to get ODonnell to fax me a copy of his DD214?

[ThomWV]

38. What Do You Mean " Never in Cambodia"?

Nixon sent us into Cambodia in a quite open fashion in either 1969 or maybe it was the summer of 70. I was there with the 4th Infantry Division, I think it was, at the time. We stayed about a month and then went back to Viet Nam.

[lonestarnot]

42. Not the open event.... this was prior, when we were sending troups in on

the sneak and denying doing so.

[JimmyJazz]

45. I don't mean to sound like such a skeptic, but I have three points:

1. If it was before 1969, then Johnson was president which means he would be the one denying US involvement in Cambodia;

2. The man in your photograph is pointing to a place on the wall that indicates his friends were lost in 1975;

3. The P.O.W. bracelet I wear reads: USMC 5-15-75 CAMB which seems me to indicate that the US wasn't denying involvement in Cambodia.

I really hope this man is telling the truth, but I think you need to tread carefully. BTW - I'm NOT attacking you for having a big heart, I just telling you what I see.

[lonestarnot]

50. Cool Jimmyjazz.... I'm not letting my heart be broken here.. Been there

done that and am not willing to risk my heart, but I am willing to use my hands and 1/2 my head, 1/2 appears to be burned out as I think I am getting the flu. Sneezing all day. But I would like to put him in touch with someone that would take an interest at helping him cut read tape. If what you say is true then he is lying to us. Will get to the bottom of it. Don't know when but will.

[Greyhound]

52. This could very well be true. I know a guy personally that has a similar

story except he was never even stationed in 'Nam. His "missions" are still secret (probably always will be due to the fact they were totally illegal), but he bears the scars and can't even ask for help.:scared: