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Agent Helps Vets, Honors Purple Hearts »

Posted by: STONERS 2 years, 5 months ago

Some lost limbs in combat. Nearly all found nightmares that won't let them sleep. Others aren't getting the benefits the government owes them. Many can't find their way back to who they were before war took them from home.

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STONERS

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Comments: 55
  • Avg rating: (+3/-13 -10)STONERS
    STONERS
    May 27, 2007, 4:09 p.m.

    Along with getting veterans the medical care, psychiatric help and money they're owed from the federal government, he's given them something beyond what the law says they're entitled to: public recognition.

    In ceremonies at schools and town halls in this western Massachusetts county over the past four years, he has made a special effort to honor those who have received Purple Hearts, the medal given to soldiers wounded or killed in combat.

    • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)BronxBomber
      BronxBomber
      May 27, 2007, 4:57 p.m.

      That man's a Godsend! That is an uplifting story! I'm glad Leo Parent's taking up the slack of the federal goverment's total disregard of our servicemen and women who sacrifice their personal safety at risk to help us thrive in our freedom! I wish there were more like him, and I wish he can be here where I'm at, I work as a volunteer at the local VA hospital at the SCU unit (Spinal Cord Injury) and he's be a tremendous inspiration to the vets here.

      God Bless you Mr. Leo Parent! & you too Stoners for bringing this article here.

      This Memorial Day, let's let's show our gratitude,thank our veteran's, and give them our wholehearted support!

      • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)tehranchik
        tehranchik
        May 27, 2007, 5:12 p.m.

        Leo has the true soul of a good samaritan.

        • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)STONERS
          STONERS
          May 27, 2007, 5:16 p.m.

          May God Bless each and every one of them past and present and all the families too also a BIG THANKS to you Mr. Leo Parent...You all are always in my Prayer's.

          • Avg rating: (+5/-2 3)not2needy
            not2needy
            May 27, 2007, 6:09 p.m.

            Almost 40 years later, my purple heart having husband is still battling the VA over compensation for his war related problems.

            Don't get me started about this, i am so bitter on his behalf, i would NEVER recommend anyone go into the military.

            • Avg rating: (+9/-1 8)not2needy
              not2needy
              May 27, 2007, 7:23 p.m.

              Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes everyone!

              • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)Lincoln85
                Lincoln85
                May 28, 2007, 12:22 a.m.

                N2N is also in my prayers. I am glad to see so many on here believe in God and prayer. I have been on many blogs were that is not the case. thanks

                • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)Obaku
                  Obaku
                  May 28, 2007, 1:35 a.m.

                  Now if we could just get the politicians, and the public, to think about the cost BEFORE, and not after, they send men off to war.

                  • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)Stitches68W
                    Stitches68W
                    May 28, 2007, 9:22 a.m.

                    Outstanding story! I am so appreciative of people like him. There are so many out here that touch our lives. Even the little things, from kids sending their artwork from elementary schools, to the VA workers who help us when we get home. I am having a tough time dealing with PTSD myself, and these guys have been supportive through all of it. Thank you all who help and support us. Let's all hope the war and tragic times will end soon.

                    • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)1basque1
                      1basque1
                      May 28, 2007, 9:43 a.m.

                      My heart aches for any and all that have been affected by war...

                      N2N and Stitches , I will keep you close to my heart and thoughts that things will get better for you, and all of our men and women who have been injured by War...

                      My sympathy is so strong for the families that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country..There are no words, just tears..

                      Thank-you STONERS for this story..Perfect timing !

                      • Avg rating: (+1/-0 1)rbrt44nt
                        rbrt44nt
                        May 28, 2007, 10:17 a.m.

                        I'm a veteran my wallet was stolen in Washington State and my ID was used to commit a felony, the person who had my ID was arrested, But the VA took away my benefits because they went by my social security which was on my ID, now my state don't put your SSN on the drivers license, btu I'm still without benefits, the government will screw you any way they can, don't lose anything that has you SSN or drivers license number on it.

                        Sincerely,

                        Rev. R. Miller

                        • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)nikkibabe
                          nikkibabe
                          May 28, 2007, 10:36 a.m.

                          What does a military maniac who rapes a 14 year old Iraqi girl, then kills her with her 5 year old sister and their parents get?

                          A purple d#%k for his prowess and galantry?

                          What a bunch of criminals in uniform.

                          • Avg rating: (+7/-2 5)Charlson
                            Charlson
                            May 28, 2007, 1 p.m.

                            Parent deserves more that a medal himself. That man is a true patriot. He deserves a big thanks from all of us for his efforts to recognize and honor those who served and sacrificed.

                            • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)Macondo
                              Macondo
                              May 28, 2007, 1:47 p.m.

                              My profound respect for all the Veterans of all the wars.

                              Do not let the statement "SUPPORT THE TROOPS" be an empty slogan.

                              They need support while there but also support to their families and personal support while they are back.

                              Do not let corrupt VA administrators and chiefs dilapidate the moneys that belong to our soldiers.

                              Peace.

                              • Avg rating: (+4/-11 -7)RedRiverJ
                                RedRiverJ
                                May 28, 2007, 2:22 p.m.

                                My father is a vet of the Korean war. On his death bed he was 'fighting' at Pusan and Osan. The nightmares, the changed behavior never ever left him. There was remnants of the gore and horror he experienced 50 years after Korea. If I had my way all vets would get the very best medical care, nice breaks on things they need IE home loans, car loans etc, especially those that were in combat. Thanks LEO, Job well done for some really great Americans. We should all drop partisan politics and remember our vets and thank them for keeping us safe.

                                • Avg rating: (+14/-3 11)getreal1
                                  getreal1
                                  May 28, 2007, 4:27 p.m.

                                  War has many horrors and we are privileged to know that there are men and women of this nation that have and will stand up for our freedoms. This is more than just a day of reckoning, it is the 1st day of making our government do what is right for the ones that are pushed aside and ignored. If any one knows some one that has fought and been pushed to the curb, you should report this and stand up for them. The war vet in the wheelchair is still on the street in Georgia. I have passed him many a time on my way to work. The same sign on the back of his chair. It is most evident that he received wounds from somewhere. We must also acknowledge the families of the many who have fought. They are the ones that endure as well.

                                  • Avg rating: (+3/-12 -9)HMMace
                                    HMMace
                                    May 28, 2007, 9:14 p.m.

                                    To honor all our fallen comrades, we should bring the ones buried in France home, so they can rest in a land with honor..Bush should be impeached, also Cheny, Pelosi, and T. Kennedy..

                                    • Avg rating: (+3/-8 -5)tryinghard
                                      tryinghard
                                      May 29, 2007, 9:57 a.m.

                                      what a great story! thanks stoners for submitting it.

                                      • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)elel
                                        elel
                                        May 29, 2007, 10:05 a.m.

                                        I agree, people like Parent should also be honored! It is a great shame and major dishonor the way our government neglects, forgets and makes the system impossible for our soldiers to navigate.

                                        • Avg rating: (+3/-0 3)not2needy
                                          not2needy
                                          May 29, 2007, 10:57 a.m.

                                          The govt talks a good game, that's where it starts and stops. If you're lucky enough to come back from any war they turn their backs on you. The best anyone can hope for is a great support system from their families.

                                          • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)walden3
                                            walden3
                                            May 29, 2007, 9:32 p.m.

                                            for all of the VA's problems it's nice to see that there are still committed, hard-working people in government doing righteous acts. this is one thing i don't mind my tax dollars going to. can we build one less something that's going to make more customers for mr. parent and instead give mr. parent a raise?

                                            • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)usarmedforcesvet
                                              usarmedforcesvet
                                              May 29, 2007, 11:31 p.m.

                                              Let all Veterans know not to give up the fight for their benefits that they are due from the VA. The government wants people to get frustrated and give up that is the reason for the runaround. It's good to have a power of attorney as I found out and it still took about two years of appeals to finally get what I deserved for my service connected injury. GW was quick to send troops to war so he needs to step up to the plate and provide the proper medical treatment and compensation that is due for our troops, but funding the VA properly seems to be the farthest thing on his mind.

                                              • Avg rating: (+0/-0 0)The18Zulu
                                                The18Zulu
                                                May 30, 2007, 4:27 a.m.

                                                STONY,

                                                Good story bud. This guy is a true patriot. As for the VA, they have been great for my case. Fair, quick and thorough.

                                                N2N,

                                                Sorry there has not been any solution to the problem. Did any of the suggestions I made pan out at all?

                                                My biggest problem is the insomnia. Not nightmares, but insomnia. Look at the time now, it is 0325 am CST and I am wide awake. Laid down at midnight, and at one thirty I gave it up. Probably be up all night,,, again.

                                                I stand in awe at the warriors that have served and are serving. And am humbled at the ultimate sacrifice that too many have made.

                                                Take care all,

                                                Steve

                                                in honor of

                                                Tommy Field KIA 03OCT93, 160th SOAR, Somalia

                                                Bill Bennett 12SEP03, ODA-595 5th SFG, Ramadi

                                                Rest peacefully brothers, and Thank you ......

                                                The18Zulu

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