Iowa Vietnam vet seeking disability benefits dies before he can prove he fought in the war
A VIETNAM VETERAN DID NOT RECEIVE BENEFITS BEFORE HIS DEATH LAST MONTH. THAT’S BECAUSE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SAYS IT HAD NO RECORD OF HIS SERVICE. KCCI SENIOR REPORTER TODD MAGEL IS IN JASPER COUNTY WITH HIS FAMILY’S FIGHT TO FIND JUSTICE FOR THEIR FATHER AND OTHER MILITARY FAMILIES. IT’S BEEN ABOUT A MONTH SINCE KEN VAN VEEN PASSED AWAY, AND WAS BURIED HERE IN A RURAL JASPER COUNTY CEMETERY. SADLY, HIS FAMILY SAYS HE DIED FRUSTRATED THANKS TO ONE FINAL INSULT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
“His country was not recognizing what he did, and ... he even made the comment, 'I guess I was never in that hellhole after all.' You could just see it on his face. And it was horrifying to watch that,” Van Ryswyk said.“It is a fight for these veterans to get these benefits,” Alyssa Wilson said. The family had all the paperwork and pictures to prove their father was a Vietnam vet. Finally, after he died, the VA discovered its mistake. It was too late.
“When he came home from Vietnam, he was in the airport and told us about a time where he was spit on when he came back from Vietnam. And he kind of felt like that was happening again,” Van Ryswyk said.
Marines Vietnam Disability Benefits Family Military Veteran War
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jacksonville Navy veteran recounts sleeping under gun mount aboard the USS Davis during Vietnam WarDonald Barnes says sailors were firing 'day and night' on the firing line aboard the USS Davis to support ground troops.
Read more »
Vietnam Veteran shares experience returning from warPerla was born and raised in Orange County, went to UC Berkeley for her Bachelors, and worked in Bakersfield for her first job as a multimedia journalist.
Read more »
Iowa women's basketball team leaves a lasting impact on Iowa girl battling cancer14-year-old Bailey Lux has been battling cancer for two years, and the Iowa women's basketball team has been there for her every step of the way.
Read more »
'A special, special veteran' | WWII veteran dies at age 103, but leaves behind a big legacyFamily members say Harvey Gann was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1942 to fight in World War II. He was a German prisoner of war three times.
Read more »
Despite slight jump in February, veteran unemployment is lower than non-veteran unemploymentA veterans job fair is being held Thursday at the Jacksonville Jaguars' EverBank Stadium.
Read more »
Vietnam veteran uses military training to save friend's life'I thought he was dead, I'll be honest with you. He just started turning blue in the face and I just said 'Lord, don't let him die.’”
Read more »