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July 12, 2010
The response to the (January, 2010) V.F.W. Magazine article referencing N.A.A.V.’s work with
America’s Atomic-Veterans has reached it’s peak ( of more than 9,000 inquiries ), and has now greatly diminished, however; we are still receiving a few additional calls for information each
week. Our normal response is to have the Atomic-Vet download the A-Vet Claims Pack from this website. If this in not possible, we then send the information to them, via “snail-mail.”
The Claims Pack clearly defines an “Atomic-Veteran,” and the criteria of eligibility that must be met before filing a claim with either the VA or the DOJ ( RECA ), for service connected
radiogenic illness benefits. It also identifies methods of acquiring proof of participation in an ionizing radiation exposure event, either at an actual nuclear test event, or while assigned to post test activities
in or near a known radiation fallout “hot-zone.”
We also continue to get excellent reviews about the content and nature of our periodic newsletters, which are
also posted on this website. We get an average of 40,000 hits each month from interested visitors from several countries, many of whom are just now realizing the nature of the hazards and health threats we
were all subjected to many years ago, in the interest of protecting the national security of our country.
As we are all getting older, slower, and in many cases, are dealing with a host of illnesses,
it is becoming increasingly difficult to freely travel to annual meetings & conventions. Given these facts, NAAV has elected to hold a convention type gathering every two years, the next to be held in
Richmond, VA. in the fall of 2011. We will post details on this site, and in the March & July ( 2011 ) newsletter.
The Veteran’s Advisory Board on ( radiation ) Dose
Reconstruction ( VBDR ), of which I am privileged to be a member of, continues to work with the VA and DTRA ( NTPR ) on behalf of Atomic-Veterans. Many of our members have worked with their local Congressional
Representatives to stimulate interest in further recognition of America’s Atomic Veteran community, including the creation of an Atomic-Veteran Medal.
Sadly, given the current state of
affairs in Washington, D.C., these requests have, in all cases, died on the vine. Each time we get a few Congressman interested in this approach, they somehow lose interest, or it does not get out of the
“Committee” stage. A few years back, I received a copy of a letter, from a Pentagon spokesman, who stated flatly that the DOD could not consider such a medal for a small segment of the
military, as it would set a bad precedent, and may cause other special need veteran groups to also want similar recognition …………. And so it goes, America’s Atomic Vets are losers, one
more time ……….
We will continue to publish the NAAV newsletter, until our operating funds are depleted. At this time, we are “top-heavy” with LIFE members, and therefore
must rely solely upon the declining dues of annual members, and good Samaritan donations, for operating income.
We continue to welcome monetary assistance from our members, sympathetic Samaritans, and other
veterans groups. Each contribution is recognized with a letter of thanks, and in cases where the donations are $100.00 we will also send an ( four color ) Atomic-Veteran-Sponsor Certificate. Those who may wish
to contribute $200.00 will also receive a copy of “America’s Atomic Veterans – The Real Story ( CD ), that also includes past issues of our newsletter in full color. We are considering a new
approach where any interested party, or group, or American Legion, V.F.W. ( or other Fraternal groups ) who may wish to make a one-time contribution of $400.00 will receive a ( Bronze & Cherrywood )
Atomic-Veteran-Sponsor wall plaque, so as to properly display their “official” recognition of the honorable duty and sacrifices of those Atomic-Veterans from their respective City & State.
We thank you for visiting our website, and stand ready to satisfy any inquiries for additional information, as may be requested.
R.J. Ritter C.E.M.
National Commander
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