E-mail Helped Veteran Gain Benefits

Dear Sgt. Shaft:

I first wrote to you for help in June 2005. Because of your attention to my e-mail, I was awarded a 10 percent disability. Since then, it has been upgraded to 60 percent. And after my sixth back surgery this past June, I have received 100 percent unemployability and retained the 60 percent disability rating. I am writing to say "Thank You" and that it all probably would never have happened without your help. For all that you do for "us veterans," I say, God bless you and thanks from an old vet.

Sincerely,

Ray J, Coast Guard retired

Mobile, Ala.

Dear Ray:

Glad to hear that you got the benefits you deserved. Thanks for your service.

Shaft notes

A sad farewell to friend and pen pal, Korean War Blinded veteran Stephen Miyagawa, who died Nov. 16.

Steve, a strong veterans advocate, poignantly reminded the administration, Congress and his fellow Americans of a quote by our first commander in chief, George Washington: "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."

Mr. Miyagawa — who was born Feb 3, 1929, on Maui to Koichi and Sumiko Miyagawa — was a strong advocate for a comprehensive centralized rehabilitation program for his fellow blinded vets. He was a proud member of the 5th Regimental Combat Team Korean War Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

The longtime resident of the Chicago neighborhood Hyde Park was a graduate of Roosevelt College, a 32-year employee of Edgewater Hospital, a tireless advocate for Hines VA Hospital Blind Center, and editor of three newsletters on blind rehabilitation and blinded veterans. He also wrote the book "Journey to Excellence: Development of the Military and VA Blind Rehabilitation Programs."

Mr. Miyagawa, who was preceded in death by his wife Wanda, was the devoted father of Stephen-Alan (Peggy) and Dawna-Jeri Miyagawa, the adoring grandfather of Terri (Justin) Stiper and great-grandfather of Liam and the late Garrett Stiper. His cherished siblings were Randy (Martha) Miyagawa, Jane (Richard) Yoshizumi, Betty (Clarence) Fukushima and the late Matsue (Kenneth) Uyehara, Tommy (Sally) Miyagawa and Sueo Miyagawa;

He was an exceptional human being that was an inspiration to everyone and gave his all to every aspect of his life up to the end. In lieu of monetary gifts and flowers, donations to the Blind Service Association (17 N. State St., Suite 1050, Chicago, IL 60602-3510) would greatly be appreciated.

• The White House Commission on Remembrance has partnered with the USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum in a nationwide flag-raising effort. The flag began its journey December 7 at Pearl Harbor. The flag will visit 25 national cemeteries and historic battlefields across the nation. A flag-raising ceremony to honor the service and sacrifices of America's fallen heroes and the families they left behind will be held at each location.

Old Glory will end its journey at the U.S. Capitol on May 26, where it will become part of the National Moment of Remembrance ceremony. Members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, elected officials, representatives from the military services, veterans and their families, and cemetery representatives are expected to be in attendance.

• The Sarge salutes Rep. Bob Filner, California Democrat and chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, who recently co-signed a letter with Reps. Steven R. Rothman, New Jersey Democrat, and Steve Israel, New York Democrat, urging President Bush and Gordon H. Mansfield, acting Veterans Affairs secretary, to lift the freeze on enrolling Priority Group 8 veterans.

Priority Group 8 consists of veterans who are not service-connected for any disability and whose income exceeds the income threshold for VA care (about $27,790 per year for veterans without any dependents). On Jan. 17, 2003, the VA suspended new enrollment for veterans assigned to Priority Group 8. Veterans who enrolled in Priority Group 8 before that date remain enrolled.

• Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax 301/622-3330; call 202/257-5446; or e-mail sgtshaft@bavf.org.