The following letter was just sent to FL. Sen. Mel Martinez and we are awaiting his reply...

Senator Martinez: I heard on NPR radio today (11/18/06) that Vietnam asked President Bushfor disabilities payments for Vietnam soldiers and civilian exposed toAgent Orange not only during the Vietnam War but also afterwards.Also, discussed was tax money for soil re-mediation... The U.S. Congress has yet to appropriate the needed tax dollars to takecare of American Veterans.  Keep in mind VA medical treatment forservice connected disabilities is still only a privilege which can bereduced or withdrawn at anytime.  That we only get $0.11/milereimbursement for travel associated with receiving medical treatmentfor service connected disabilities.  Medical benefits should be a rightwhich we certainly have already earned... Please let me know how you plan to address this issue with Vietnamverses the American Veteran.  My life depends on it as I have sufferedwith Agent Orange and still haven't received proper care orconsideration.  If you are in need of ways to finance this withoutraising taxes please contact me I have several ways of doing justthat... Respectfully, John Roane 5425 Aruba Place Sarasota, Florida 941-306-9949 Vietnam Vet The main question here is are we going to fund our own American Veterans FIRST before we offer to help and pay for what was done to the Viet Cong and NVA Regular forces who were engaged in combat with us???Find a Vietnam Veteran and ask them what THEY think about this issue...For now, that's just 'MY' opinion...Matt BruceManaging EditorNews Sarasota.comHost of "The Captain's AMERICA" Radio ShowVietnam Veteran