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Bureaucrats Lose, Chicago Victory

By VVAW

In the last issue of THE VETERAN, we reported that local Chicago bureaucrats had cut contract service for Vietnam veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

To oppose this outrage—the program had been of substantial aid to a number of vets—VVAW members mobilized both veterans and elected officials. First, veterans and their families began to confront the cutoff and the VA. Then the vets and VVAW started to contact politicians to put pressure on. By Memorial Day, Senator Simon's office and Congressmen hays, Evans and Collins and a representative of the Illinois Attorney General had all asked the VA for answers.

To our "surprise," the VA "found" the money to reinstate the program in full. It all goes to show what can be done by fighting back instead of begging or complaining.

If you were one of those cut off the program and want reinstatement, contact your former counselor or VVAW; for more information about the program, contact Chicago VVAW or the VVAW National Office.

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