From time to time, readers need a reminder of who really led the war in Vietnam: NCOs.

We held it together, from dealing with dopers to stopping fraggings. For all the promises and efforts to keep platoons together, we fought another war inside Vietnam. Some refused to follow orders—and ended up in the brig or with less-than-honorable discharges.

After Vietnam, I was assigned to Marine Barracks–Great Lakes as a cross-country brig chaser. Every prisoner I encountered, I tried to spend five minutes with—to help get him back on track. Sometimes it worked.

Gene T. Spanos
via email

The “Bridging the Gap” article in the last issue offered a great solution to the VA mental health staffing crisis—using specially trained Physician Assistants. The article was informative, especially regarding PA history and training.

However, the authors suggested achieving parity with Nurse Practitioners, which warrants clarification. PA programs are two-year degrees. PAs practice under a physician’s license. NPs, on the other hand, hold a bachelor’s in nursing followed by a four-year clinical doctorate. They practice independently under their own licenses.

PAs should indeed be well-compensated—but these two roles are not equivalent, as their training and scopes of practice clearly show.

Carol Brautigam
via email

What’s the holdup with building a long overdue Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Providence’s Memorial Park? Back in the early ’80s, I was part of a small group of R.I. vets who had everything lined up: design, foundry, site, and fundraising plan. Then the state and city gave away our chosen location. Our committee dissolved. Years later, I tried to revive the effort. No luck.

A new effort [in 2022] called for a commission to report findings by Jan. 31, 2023 and to dissolve by April 30, 2023. The only part that happened was the dissolution. No findings were ever publicized.

In 2002, I built a large granite sculpture for the 3 February Park in Hu? in Vietnam. No engineer required. It’s already survived several floods. I’ll do the same here, pro bono. I’m working with major New England foundries who are ready and willing.

It’s time to call in the fast movers and get it done.

Tom Morrissey
via email

I was pleased to see the “Privatization Backdoor” letter in the May/June issue. Bob Myers hit the nail on the head.

The Veterans Healthcare Freedom Act and the Veterans Access Act of 2025 are marketed as “improving access,” but in truth, they appear designed to dismantle VA healthcare.

Sure, private care can help in certain situations. But after reading Tom Burke’s revised view, it’s clear that far fewer veterans actually need private care than proponents of these bills claim. The bills also lack meaningful oversight regarding how funds might be siphoned from the VA to the private sector.

If passed, these bills would likely result in a slow, painful move toward full privatization. Older veterans may not live to see the full impact, but our younger brothers and sisters will. We have a duty to protect the legacy of VA healthcare.

Every veteran deserves care with dignity and respect. If you agree, write your legislators. Let your voice be heard.

T.M. Wiggs
via email

I enjoyed the “Member Spotlight” review by Bill McCloud in the May/June issue. However, I must clarify a point regarding enlistment.

The author wrote that Army draftees served two years active duty, while enlistees signed up for four years. Bill McCloud countered that enlistees typically signed up for three years. That’s not entirely accurate.

I was part of the first draft lottery on December 1, 1969. My number was 67—very low. Knowing I’d likely be drafted, I chose to enlist. The recruiter offered options: two or three years of active duty, with four or three years in the reserves. I chose two years active duty, was inducted in February 1970, and released from active duty in December 1971.

Thanks for The VVA Veteran—I read every issue.

Robert Ramirez
via email

Just received the latest issue of The VVA Veteran. I was especially touched by the “Parting Shot” photo—a beautiful little girl at The Wall on Vietnam War Veterans Day.

That image tells the whole story.

My hat is off to Joe Gromelski for capturing that moment.

Donald Thompson
via email

The President’s message in the May/June issue regarding the dissolution of VVA is disheartening.

To me, it’s clear that leadership had this planned for a while. Yet VVA still solicits members, despite announcing its own sunset.

To continue accepting dues under these circumstances feels deceptive. It’s a betrayal.

Best wishes to all my fellow Nam vets, wherever they may be.

John Blouch
via email

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