It would be much appreciated by the thousands of World War II and Korean War era veterans if you could publish the following:

For years, veterans who served 20 or more years in the Armed Forces have been asking that the government honor the promise made to these protectors of your freedom. The promise made was to provide free medical care for these servicemen and women who made a career of military service and their eligible dependents for as long as they live.

In 1996, Colonel George E. Day filed a lawsuit in the federal court in Pensacola, Fla., to regain the medical care that had been promised. This suit progressed through the courts to the United States Supreme Court where the case was refused to be heard.

Prior to this refusal, a three-judge panel of the United Stated Court of Appeals made this unanimous decision and stated “The retirees entered active duty in the armed forces and completed at least 20 years service on the good faith belief that the government would fulfill its promises. The terms of the contract were set when the retirees entered the service and fulfilled their obligation. The government cannot unilaterally amend the contract terms now. In contracts involving the government, as with all contractual relationships, rights vest and contract terms become binding when, after arms length negotiation, all parties to the contract agree to exchange real obligation for real benefits.”

Further, on Nov. 18, 2002, the full court of the United States Court of Appeals for the federal circuit, in a 9-4 decision, said this. “We cannot readily imagine more sympathetic plaintiffs than the retired servicemen of the World War II and Korean War era involved in this case. They served their country for at least 20 years with the understanding that when they retired they and their dependents would receive full free health care for life. The promise of such health care was made in good faith and relied upon.”

The court went on to say, “Perhaps Congress will consider using its legal power to address the moral claims raised by Schism and Reinlie on their own behalf, and indirectly for other affected retirees.”

On Feb. 2, 2005, Representative Van Hollen of Maryland, in an effort to correct this wrong, introduced HR 602, Keep Our Promise to America’s Military Retirees Act. This bill, if passed, will provide the promised relief.

To date, 244 congressmen have agreed with Rep. Van Hollen and have cosponsored this legislation. However, despite this overwhelming endorsement, the Republican leadership has declined to bring this bill to the floor for a vote.

All these veterans are asking is that this bill be brought to the floor and that the issue be resolved. Those currently serving on Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere throughout the world would like to know that promises made are promises kept.

Don Rehwaldt
Tyrone, Ga.

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