VETERANS CHRONICLE
Inside:
Confused about disability benefits? 5 fun facts about the Pentagon New rules for Gulf War illnesses
JUNE 2022
Helping hands Find hope, support from the Spokane County Veterans Services. PAGE 6
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
LEARN ABOUT VA’S MISSION, VISION, CORE VALUES, GOALS Mission statement
To fulfill President Lincoln's promise: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.
Core values
VA’s five core values underscore the obligations inherent in VA’s mission: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. The core values define “who we are,” our culture, and how we care for veterans and eligible beneficiaries. Our values are more than just words – they affect outcomes in our daily interactions with Veterans and eligible beneficiaries and with each other. Taking the first letter of each word—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence—creates a powerful acronym, “I CARE,” that reminds each VA employee of the importance of their role in this department. These core values come together as five promises we make as individuals and as an organization to those we serve. Integrity: Act with high moral principle. Adhere to the highest professional standards. Maintain the trust and confidence of all with whom I engage. Commitment: Work diligently to serve veterans and other beneficiaries. Be driven by an earnest belief in VA’s mission. Fulfill my individual responsibilities and organizational responsibilities. Advocacy: Be truly veteran-centric by identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of Veterans and other beneficiaries. Respect: Treat all those I serve and with whom I work with dignity and respect. Show respect to earn it. Excellence: Strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement. Be thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountable for my actions, willing to admit mistakes, and rigorous in correcting them.
What we hear from veterans regarding their VA benefits A special message from Veterans Help Net “I tried once but I gave up.” “The VA took so long, I quit trying.” “There are lots of veterans that really need help, my problem would take something away from them.” “I started but they gave me a run around.” “They kept asking for more stuff.” “I couldn’t find my records so I quit.” “Is it really worth it?” We also hear these statements a lot ... “I wish I would have kept trying” “I wish I would have known this 20 years ago” “How come nobody told me about this?”
‘I didn’t know it would help my family also.” We hear these statements every day. We hear them over and over… I started but I quit… I got the run around… There are others more deserving... I don’t want to take away from them... If you’re a veteran or you know a veteran, you need to read these next sentences... It is worth it! You do deserve it! You can get through the process! Look, Soldier ... you served! Because you served you owe it to yourself and your family to seek the benefits or services that you earned with your service. If you quit, try again. If you never started, start now.
They won’t do it for you ... You have to do your part. Make your application, gather your information or documents they ask you to provide. Ask for help. “You will never know unless you ask” Don’t wait… Don’t be the veteran that says “ I should have done this 10 years ago…” Hey Vets! Make your life better, find out your options, apply for the benefits or services you have earned Does this sound like someone you know? For local help see the “How Can I Get Help?” section in this publication. Start today!
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE VETERANS CHRONICLE A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW JUNE 17, 2022
VETERANS HELP NET Don Walker Bryan Bledsoe
the third Friday of every month to increase awareness about veteran issues and to help veterans find hope and help.
MANAGING EDITOR Joe Butler
To share a veteran story or information about resources for veterans, please contact info@ veteranshelpnet.com or visit www.VeteransHelpNet.com.
ART DIRECTOR Anne Potter DIRECTOR OF SALES Scott Baumbach KIP HILL/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Dick Kirkendall inspects the monument to the Korean War installed at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on June 27, 2021. Kirkendall was a member of the U.S. Navy aboard a ship stationed off the western coast of the country in 1951 and 1952. The monument will be rededicated June 27 to allow more people to attend.
IN THIS ISSUE Additional benefits from VA..........................................................................2
Veterans Help Net partners with The Spokesman-Review to publish Veterans Chronicle on
For advertising information, please contact advertising@ spokesman.com or (509) 4595095. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.
WE BELIEVE IN
VA FINANCING
Understanding disability paperwork...........................................................4 Hey veterans, did you know?.........................................................................5 How Spokane’s Veterans Service Center helps........................................6 Meet Spokane’s VSO Leaders........................................................................8
The United States S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans to active military members, reservists, and retirees, as a benefit of service in our nation’s Armed Forces. Many service members are not aware this earned benefit is available to them; many sellers are not aware of the advantages to VA loans in the transaction process.
New definitions for Gulf War illnesses........................................................10
We encourage all Spokane realtors - to become familiar with this loan type so that we can all join in saying “We believe in VA financing!”
What’s special about the Pentagon.............................................................11
Visit www.spokanerealtor.com to view VA qualified homes in your preferred area
Korean War Memorial Wall to be dedicated.............................................12
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VETERANS CHRONICLE “VA care has definitely benefited my family. It is a tremendous burden off of them and a relief to know that I’m taken care of.”
Karla, Air Force veteran
Better understanding your disability benefits Karla, a former Air Force captain, is among the 3.9 million veterans receiving VA compensation benefits for a service-connected disability in 2014. Veterans whose service-connected disability prevents them from working may receive VA support to live independently. VA may provide disabled veterans with resources to get around more easily at home and on the road. In gratitude for honorable service to our nation, VA provides benefits to help them take care of your family; buy, retain, or modify a home; earn a degree; start a career; stay healthy; and do so much more in life after the military. Here are a few ways VA benefits can help veterans who are disabled: COMPENSATION. You may be eligible for tax-free monetary benefits if your disability is considered service-connected. The benefit amount is determined depending on the degree of disability. Additional benefits may be provided to veterans facing special circumstances; for instance, if the individuals requiring the aid and attendance of another person, such as a health care worker, or has lost the use of a limb.
HELP ADAPTING HOME OR VEHICLE. Veterans with certain service-con-
nected disabilities may apply for grants to build an adapted home or install ramps, widen doors, or make other modifications to live independently. In certain cases, veterans may be eligible for financial assistance toward the purchase of an automobile and/or vehicle adaptive equipment (e.g., wheelchair lifts or other medically necessary equipment). PROMOTE INDEPENDENT LIVING.
Independent living services may be a resource for service-disabled veterans who are not ready or able to work. Part of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, these services include evaluation, counseling, and consultation with specialists who can recommend physicians or therapists to assist with rehabilitation. LIFE INSURANCE. For veterans who are disabled and who may have difficulty getting life insurance from private carriers, VA can help. Among other options, veterans leaving service have the option to convert their service members’ Group Life Insurance coverage to lifetime renewable group insurance from VA. No health questions are asked when veterans apply for coverage within 240 days of separation from the military.
VA Compensation and Pension exams, which are sometimes called claim exams, are an important part of your claims process. C&P exams help VA rate your disability, which affects how much disability compensation you’ll receive. Learn more at blogs.va.gov/VAntage/24493/
Explore other VA benefits at VA.gov including:
Find your next job with a mentor from ACP
Disability education and employment Memorial benefits Pensions Dependents and survivors Pensions Health care Home loans Life insurance Compensation Training services Housing
Does someone you know need to see if they qualify for VA disability benefits? For local help and hope, see the “How can I get help?” section in this publication.
VETERANS BULLETIN: INFO YOU CAN USE
What to expect at your C&P Exam
Whether you're looking for a higher-paying job or seeking a promotion, an American Corporate Partners mentor can help guide you toward great jobs. ACP works with Post-9/11 veterans to help them find meaningful employment after military service. Learn more about ACP's free mentor program at blogs.va.gov/VAntage/100654/
Housing grants for disabled veterans
Veterans and service members with certain service-connected disabilities can receive housing grants from VA to buy, build, or modify a home to meet their needs and live more independent-
ly. Find out if you’re eligible for a disability housing grant and how to apply at www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/ Looking for local help? See the “How can I get help?” section in this publication.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
HEY VETERANS ... HOW CAN I GET HELP? DID YOU KNOW?
Every county and state has a Veteran Affairs office to answer questions about benefits and provide assistance. There are also other useful resources for veterans in the Inland Northwest.
GO ONLINE VA.gov
... The VA can help with emotional distress?
Feeling distress is a normal response to negative events, especially events that feel personal. Veterans and those who care about them are encouraged to learn more about available mental health and healing resources. • Every VA facility has mental health specialists. Locate some at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/local-care.asp • Community-based Vet Centers are available. Call (877) 927-8377 or contact the Spokane Vet Center, 13109 East Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane, WA 99216 (509) 444-8387 • Maketheconnection.net offers stories of hope and healing for veterans experiencing challenging life events. • Call the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 at 800-273-8255, press 1, text to 838255 or chat. Have a question for VA? (800) MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is available 24/7.
VA offers less-known employee benefits ...?
While 44% of all veterans use at least one VA benefit, several lesser-known
benefits could help them live better and healthier lives. It is not uncommon for a veteran to struggle with translating military experience into civilian terms. VA offers employment resources for this, and every stage of the job search. Veterans who qualify for VA career and employment services can: • Search for jobs and find employers who want to hire veterans. • Access apprenticeship/on-the-job training using the GI Bill. • Get one-on-one career counseling if they have a service-connected disability through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. Visit VA.gov to learn more about all VA benefits. You can find local resources to help with finding Employment Resources in Eastern Washington: WorkSource Spokane is located at 130 S Arthur Street. Call (509) 532-3120 with questions, or visit www.worksourcespokane.com. In North Idaho, contact the Idaho Department of Labor, Veteran Services Representatives, (208) 457-8789 or visit 600 N. Thornton St., Post Falls.
IN PERSON
Spokane County Regional Spokane County Regional Veteran Service Veteran Service
The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on 1117 N. Evergreen Rd., every topic relevant to veterans. Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690 VA.gov/welcome-kit Apply for emergency services, The VA Welcome Guide covers all types of benefits and or have any benefits or service services available for veterans, questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers new recruits, active service (VSO) and staff. members and their families.
DAV9.com
Based in Post Falls, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 Fort Sherman shares links and information to both local and national help organizations for veterans.
Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.
BY PHONE
North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office
120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092 Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.
Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449 SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations.
(509) 477-3690
North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092
Veteran Crisis Line
1 (800) 273-8255, press 1
North Idaho Crisis Center (208) 625-4884
Washington or Idaho 2-1-1
Dial “2-1-1” for health and human resources referrals. If you don’t know who to call, VA has a new “Single Access Point” phone number to all VA contact centers 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center: The ‘one-stop help shop’ Mission Statement: Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center strives to provide a comprehensive array of veterans programs and services to Eastern Washington veterans in a positive culture of honor and respect for their military service. Vision Statement: To be the state’s flagship government veteran service agency renowned for innovation, leadership, and Veteran oriented services leading to long term positive outcomes for our veterans and our community. Overview: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=LqcBEPZ3zrY&t=11s
A Special Message
Since 1952 Spokane County Veterans Services has administered the Veterans’ Assistance Fund as mandated by Washington State Law to provide emergency relief to indigent veterans residing in Spokane County. The purpose of the Veteran’s Assistance Fund is to provide emergency assistance to qualified veterans in need. It is funded by Spokane County using property tax dollars. We are not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and assistance is provided on an emergency need basis only.
History
Spokane County Veterans Services has been a department of Spokane County since 1952. Originally known as the Veteran’s Aid Bureau, the office administered the “Soldiers and Sailor’s Relief Fund” which can be traced back to the 1890s. Each county in the state of Washington is responsible for providing emergency financial services to indigent wartime veterans, widows and their families. Funding for these programs is mandated by law and comes from a small portion of each county’s property tax revenues. In January 2017, Spokane County Regional Veterans Services established an
innovative strategic partnership with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs in order to expand our services offered to veterans in Eastern Washington. We are now providing a comprehensive array of services to include: • Financial and emergency relief services • Employment services • Transition services • Re-entry services • Outreach and advocacy
Commissioner-appointed Veterans Advisory Board
Just like other large counties in the state, Spokane County’s office has an advisory committee known as the Veterans Advisory Board. It is comprised of representatives from nationally-recognized Veterans Service Organizations and other community leaders in the Veterans Services Arena. Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center offers everything from emergency relief assistance to signing up for disability benefits can be found all in one location. This regional strategic partnership with Spokane County and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, leading innovation in rural veterans services by providing a comprehensive array of programs and services to Eastern Washington veterans in a positive culture of honor
and respect for their military service. What we do: Spokane County Regional Veterans Services is responsible for providing emergency financial services to indigent veterans, widows and their families. Funding for these programs is mandated by law and comes from a small portion of each county’s property tax revenues. Emergency relief assistance is provided in voucher form to a specific vendor for the following emergency related needs: food and hygiene, rent (facing eviction), burial assistance, work clothing (limited availability), transportation, utilities (facing shutoff ), training assistance and barriers to employment. Other services: In partnership with the Washington Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA) there are five Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) and staff are available to help people enroll in the VA system, answer questions, file claims and signup for veteran services and benefits. Service officers are knowledgeable, skilled and have relationships with area partners to work together in forming comprehensive and lasting solutions for clients. All services are free! Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center (and the WDVA) is located at 1117 N. Evergreen Road, open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed for lunch, 12-1 p.m.). First-time clients are encouraged to call before an office visit. Call (509) 477-3690 or visit www. spokanecounty.org/1122/Veteran-Services for more information. The facility, located on a main bus route, is ADA accessible with ample free parking. During this time, be sure to call or visit the website to check for updates before you visit! SCRVSC 1117 N. Evergreen Road Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 477-3690
Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center provides help, hope for veterans, families
By Don Walker
VETERANS HELP NET CONTRIBUTOR
Located in Spokane Valley and serving the Spokane region, the Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center has a staff of committed and dedicated men and women. The center’s mission is to provide area veterans and their families with help finding the benefits and services they have earned with their military service. Sometimes it is a struggling veteran that seeks out any help to find relief from the physical or mental wounds they received while serving their country. Other times, it’s a surviving spouse that needs help to support the daily needs of their family. Whatever the need … whatever the challenge ... the SCRVSC steps up to find the paths for providing the “Help and Hope” they need. We are blessed in our region to have one of the finest Veterans Service Centers in America. The Veterans Chronicle would like to recognize and thank this wonderful team for all that they have done and all that they continue to do: standing by our local veterans and their families, and helping them find a path to the benefits and services offered by our city, county, state and nation. If you, or someone you know, needs this service, this is a great place to start! You will always be treated with the dignity and respect you have earned, and deserve. In this edition of the Veterans Chronicle we will tell you a lot about the some of the SCRVSC staff and outline the services available to the veterans of our area. This includes profiles of Veteran Service Officers, who are trained and certified to be advocates for all of you. They are not VA employees. Assistance from a VSO is always free – contact them before you call the VA! It will save you a lot of grief.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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How to reach Veterans Service Center
The Spokane County Regional Veteran Services Center is experiencing high volume of phone calls at this time. If you are unable to contact staff via telephone or haven’t heard back after leaving a message,
please contact them through the online form at www.spokanecounty.org/1122/ Veteran-Services The Veterans Service Center staff is here to help. Employees provide phone and email sup-
port at (509) 477-3690 or VETSTUDY@spokanecounty.org. Additional ways to reach the center include: Return documentation to VETSTUDY@spokanecounty.org Fax: (509) 477-2299 Atten-
VETERANS PROGRAM HONORED The National Association of Counties (NACo) recently awarded Christopher Dorcheus
and the team at the Spokane County Regional Veterans Services with one of its 2022
Achievement Awards. The award was presented to the program for its continued
tion: SCRVSC Mail: SCRVSC, 1117 N. Evergreen Roadd, Suite 2, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 Drop box: visit the same address (left side of front entry door)
work in local government to promote the betterment of county services and programs. NACo ha been recognizing innovative programs around the country for 52 years.
La-Z-Boy Salutes Those Who Have Served
Thank You For Your Service
In appreciation for your service we provide an additional 5% off on every La-Z-Boy product 10205 N. Division St Spokane, WA 99218 (509) 465-4380 www.la-z-boy.com
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Meet our local Veterans Services Operators Chris Dorcheus
Recently military retired, Chris Dorcheus continues to serve those who served, as Operations Manager of Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center. Here, he oversees day-to-day operations providing essential benefits, emergency assistance and additional services to our local veteran population. Chris entered the Air Force in August 1999. Having served for 22 years, his background includes various assignments and positions such Operations Manager for Air Education and Training Command, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. At this location, he oversaw continuing education and professional development for 500 students annually while supervising 13 team members.
His good news story
“A veteran trying to claim benefits since 2019 sought our assistance in July 2021. A review of her previous documents submitted to the VA showed discrepancy in processing and handling her claim. We identified and showcased a timeline indicating a clear and unmistakable error, and submitted it to the VA, including requesting that effective date go back to 2019 as described by identified error. The VA accepted evidence and moved to grant the award effective 2019. This veteran received $48,000 in retroactive payments thus enhancing her quality of life because of the benefits she was fully entitled to.”
Education/ Credentials
B.S., Management, Park University, Parkville, MO A.A.S, Human Resource Management, Community College of U.S. Air Force A.A.S, Instructor of Technology, Community College of U.S. Air Force
Professional Manager’s Certification Instructor Certification Level 1 and 2 President, Toastmasters International, Fairchild AFB Chapter President, First Sergeant/ Human Resources Manager Board
He was also Operations Manager for Aerospace Ground Equipment, Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, where he managed 359 assets worth $11 million while supervising 32 employees. Finally, he ended his military career as a Human Resource Manager at Fairchild Air Force Base, where he served in an organizational and professional development role for 422 employees across five departments. Chris holds tight to his core values of Trust, Respect and Family which allowed him to successfully transform culture into one of continuous improvement while fostering inclusion and building highly effective teams. He spends his free time with his loving family, Kerry his wife, and three teenage daughters, Masie, Taylor and Hailey. They enjoy the outdoors and love skiing, hiking, biking, swimming and kayaking.
Veteran Community Boards/Programs/ Affiliations
Member, Veteran First Board Member, Veteran Leadership Community of Care Member, Eastern Washington Veterans Task Force Member, Veteran Leadership subcommittee
Meet the VSOs: Kyle Jones
Meet the VSOs: Adrian Wall
Kyle has been a Veterans Services Officer since 2021.
Adrian Wall, Army, enjoys woodworking. He likes being able to serve veterans – “to be able to provide a positive impact on a fellow brother or sister in Army life.”
To reach a Veterans Services Officer, please call (509) 477-3690.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Meet more VSO leaders Meet the VSOs: Doug Huff Doug Huff served in the Air Force. He enjoys snowboarding, Nordic skiing, hiking, tennis, and classic cars. What he likes best about proudly serving veterans: “Seeing outcomes which improve veterans’ lives. I also enjoy conversations with veterans about their military experiences.”
Meet the VSOs: Krista Gangis Krista Gangis has been a VSO for a year. She’s an Air Force veteran and a former Texas law enforcement officer. “It means a lot to be able to continue my service to the veterans in the Spokane area – I meet great, American heroes everyday and am able to educate and assist veterans through their claim process,” she said. “This office is also active in the veteran community and I enjoy participating in veteran walks and outreach events we have throughout the year. Her success story is simple: helping other veterans. “What I consider a success is the collective strength from the brave men and women who have faced their own battles to share their stories of Military Sexual Trauma with me. Starting this process can bring up a lot of emotions for them and they have all showed great strength and courage by trusting me to guide them in their claim process.”
Meet the VSOs: Brad Condon Master Sgt. Brad Condon joined the Washington Air National Guard in fall 2003. But that was not his first calling to military service. He was a student at the University of Portland, enrolled in the ROTC program during the events of 9/11. Condon knew what he was doing in Portland was not the right time for him or this nation. After some soul searching and consultation with family about which military branch to join, he enlisted in the 141st Security Forces Squadron. During his time in the USAF and Washington Air National Guard, Brad served overseas in Afghanistan and Qatar. Condon left his civilian employment with Providence Medical Group in 2021 and took a position with Spokane County as a Veteran Services Officer. In this position Condon feels he has heard his true calling to serve those who have also served. He is proud to be in a position where his military training is not needed in a civilian position. Condon is working hard to learn the
ropes of navigating the vast Veteran Affairs system and connect veterans to the benefits they have earned with their service. He is creating more success stories that he will share in the future.
Refueling Our Heroes
Support fellow Veterans and be a part of Operation Fly Together.
Buy your flight gear or donate today! A portion of all merchandise proceeds go into a Veterans Fund.
Operation FlyTogether.com
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Gulf War illnesses also linked to Afghanistan service If you served in Afghanistan, you may suffer from illnesses or other conditions that are assumed to be related to service in this region. These are called presumptive diseases. Find out if you can get disability compensation or benefits.
Am I eligible for disability benefits from VA?
You may be eligible for disability benefits if you served in Afghanistan and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge. Your illness or condition must also meet certain requirements. Both of these must be true of your illness or condition: • It started while you were on active duty or after September 19, 2001, and •It resulted in a disability rating of 10% or more You must have received a diagnosis of one of the illnesses or conditions listed under one of the time periods below:
Eligibility requirements related to time of diagnosis
If your illness or condition was diagnosed within one year of your date of separation You can get disability benefits for your illness or condition if you have one of these presumptive diseases: • Brucellosis • Campylobacter jejuni
• Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) • Malaria (or sooner in some cases) • Nontyphoid salmonella • Shigella • West Nile virus If your illness or condition was diagnosed at any time after your date of separation You can get disability benefits for your illness or condition if you have one of these presumptive diseases: • Mycobacterium tuberculosis • Visceral leishmaniasis
What kind of disability benefits are there?
• Health care • Compensation (payments)
How do I get these benefits?
You’ll need to file a claim for disability compensation. Find out how to file a claim at www.va.gov/disability/how-tofile-claim/
What if I need help?
Get help from a trained professional trusted to help with VA-related claims. Find info at va.gov/disability/get-helpfiling-claim/ Looking for local help? See the “How can I get help?” section in this publication.
GULF WAR SERVICE DEFINED For VA benefits purposes, Gulf War service is defined as active military duty in any of the following areas in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations at any time from Aug. 2, 1990, to present. This includes veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2010) and Operation New Dawn (2010-2011). • Iraq • Kuwait • Saudi Arabia • The neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia • Bahrain • Qatar • United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) • Oman
• Gulf of Aden • Gulf of Oman • Waters of the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea • The airspace above these locations VA offers eligible veterans a free Gulf War Registry health exam at publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/ This can find possible long-term health problems related to Gulf War service. Veterans may also be eligible for the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry at publichealth.va.gov/ exposures/burnpits/registry.asp Looking for local resources on Gulf War-related illnesses? See the “How can I get help?” on page 5 of this publication.
NEW STUDY CONNECTS GULF WAR ILLNESS TO SARIN EXPOSURE
Following the Persian Gulf War, one-third of all personnel who went into combat reported unexplained chronic ailments including rashes, tiredness, stomach and digestive problems, brain fog, neuropathy, and muscular and joint pain. Recently, a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives used genetic research and survey data to conclude that U.S. service members who were exposed to sarin, a nerve gas, were more likely to develop Gulf War Illness. Those who were exposed and had a less active version of a gene that aids in pesticide digestion were nine times more prone to experiencing exposure symptoms With estimates at
more than 100,000 Gulf War veterans not getting help, the work is not done. The Department of Veterans Affairs has traditionally not been wel-
coming to veterans who sought medical help for these symptoms after the war. Many veterans were usually sent to psychiatrists for mental health treatment.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
The Pentagon: A five-sided foxhole D.C. landmark considered world’s largest office By Ruth Aresvik
VETERANS HELP NET CORRESPONDENT
5D660....5th floor, D ring, 6th corridor, room 60. This was my office at the Pentagon during my Navy tour from 1971 to 1974. Finding it on my first day of duty felt like...well...it felt like I was roaming around 6 million square feet of space. Because I was. The Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, is the largest office building in the world. Located on 583 acres in Arlington, Va., across the Potomac River from Washington, D. C., it is the home to the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the highest echelons of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force. The Coast Guard is headquartered in downtown Washington, D.C. Before the Pentagon was built, the United States Department of War “main office” was housed in a temporary World War I structure along Constitution Avenue. Other divisions and departments of the military, were spread out in dozens of other buildings throughout Washington. In the late 1930s, a new War Department building was complete, but the space was immediately determined to be too small. On July 28, 1941, Congress authorized funding for a new Department of War. Requirements for the new building were that it use a minimal amount of steel to reserve that resource for war needs, and that the building be turned into a hospital, office or warehouse when World War II was over. Contracts totaling over $31 million (equivalent to $428 million in 2020) were awarded and construction began on the 1,100
acres of land which was once part of the estate belonging to Gen. Robert E. Lee. Ground was broken on Sept. 11, 1941. Yes, you read it correctly – 9/11. Exactly 60 years before the ill-fated 9/11 attack. The Pentagon was built using 680,000 tons of sand dredged from the Potomac River, 435,000 yards of concrete, and 43,000 tons of steel. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, construction went into high gear. Because it was built in sec-
tions, employees were able to move in by the end of April 1942, a mere eight months after the first batch of concrete was poured. With the help of 1,000 architects and a roundthe-clock multiple shift crew, the Pentagon was completed on Jan. 15, 1943. The war was at its height, so officials decided the building would remain the military's command center. Some fun facts about the Pentagon: • It has six different zip codes • It has 284 bathrooms and
4,200 clocks • There are 17½ miles of hallways within the Pentagon • The 16 parking lots can hold 8,770 cars. • The Pentagon was designed five-sided due to existing roads that surrounded the building site • About 30,000 people work at the Pentagon, making the Department of Defense the largest employer in the world. So, it's no wonder my first days at the Pentagon were akin to a corn maze. However, I fol-
lowed in the shadow of a great man. When Dwight David Eisenhower took his position as Army Chief of Staff after World War II ended, he got lost while on a walk and was compelled to ask a group of stenographers for directions back to his own office. Perhaps this event prompted his famous quote: "Accomplishment will prove to be a journey, not a destination." Search "facts about the Pentagon" for more about this remarkable building and its history.
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION JUNE 27
COURTESY RENDERING
The Eastern Washington Veterans Task Force invites the community to attend the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial later this month. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. June 27 at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave., in Spokane. Although the memorial was officially dedicated on this same date in 2021, organizers were required to keep the number of invited guests small due to public health restrictions at the time. However, since those are no longer in effect, everyone is encouraged to attend. The Korean War is
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sometimes called the Forgotten War. It ran from June 27, 1950, to Jan. 31, 1955. The memorial is dedicated to the brave men and women of the Inland Northwest who served in the Armed Forces, their families, and service organizations that supported the war effort, for their contributions and sacrifices in preserving peace, freedom and prosperity for a people they knew not.
KIP HILL/ THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Dick Kirkendall inspects the monument to the Korean War installed at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on June 27, 2021. Kirkendall was a member of the U.S. Navy aboard a ship stationed off the western coast of the country in 1951 and 1952. The monument will be rededicated at the Arena site on the same date of this year.
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