Download PDF of this full issue: v20n2.pdf (14.3 MB)

Veterans Helping Veterans

By VVAW

On February 17, 1990 VVAW member Lous DeBenedette poured human blood on the gate of the White House designated as an entrance for wheel chair disabled. The protest was aimed at the U.S. interface in the Nicaraguan elections and the U.S. support of the Contras. DeBenedette was joined by the other members of VVAW and friends. The protest was a result of a joint effort by both the organization of Revolutionary disabled (ORD), (disabled Sandinsta Veterans wounded by the U.S.-backed Contras and members of VVAW NY/NJ.) Human blood was poured at the wheel chair entrance in solidarity with the wheel chair entrance in solidarity with the wheel chair paralyzed vets in Nicaragua who had been on a campaign to re-elect President Daniel Ortega. The blood poured exposed the blood that had been shed by the U.S.-backed Contras.

On May 1, two members of the organization of Revolutionary disabled, both paralyzed Sandinista Veterans arrived in the United States for medical treatment. They were invited by VVAW to attend the march and conference at Kent State University on May 4. During an evening social both were presented with symbolic purple hearts made of glass and invited to become members of VVAW. In turn, the Nicaraguan vets presented Barry Romo with a Sandinista flag as a reminder that the Revolution in Nicaragua must continue and that together we must struggle to end all U.S. aggression and intervention in Nicaragua and the world.

Both Nicaraguan veterans are on a tour to raise funds for their organization (ORD). The need donations for gas, spare parts, salaries for wheel chair makers. If your chapter or individuals can help with as little as $10 a month as a sustainer please send a check to: ORD Fund, PO Box 21, Willimantic, CT 06226 each month.