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Shareware Supreme Volume 6 #1
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SCHORN1.TXT
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1991-05-07
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AGENT ORANGE REFLECTIONS
After Military Service I returned home to continue on with a
normal life with normal thoughts. But in the back of my mind,
Vietnam was always there. Anything that came to me as a thought
about my service-time was quickly shelved. In retrospect my
thoughts were of marrying my sweetheart, raising a family, and
future productive work.
My return home was in 1968. I worked at several occupations
successfully over the next almost 20 years, sometimes working 80
hours a week to provide for my family. My eyesight had been
declining while I was in the service and continued to decline to
such a point that I found myself forced into early retirement. A
long and arduous fight ensued with the Veteran's Administration,
which still continues to the present day.
I can no longer drive or work at any meaningful job. My
life was that of a professional mechanic, which included
automotive and diesel technology, as well as being a first class
engineer's mechanic in food processing equipment. Where once I
handled electrical current in excess of 800 amps, I can not even
change a common household light switch now.
My sight continues to deteriorate. I have a massive loss of
sensory perception, as well as loss of equilibrium and memory.
This has changed me from being a totally independent person who
did everything for my family, to being totally dependent upon my
wife. I have many other health problems which have stemmed from
my service in Vietnam. I find it extremely difficult to
accomplish any task that would otherwise be considered normal for
someone else my age.
Whenever I am out in public, I have to have someone with me
to assist my every move. I can only manage to get around in
familiar surroundings such as my own home or yard. I can no
longer read or write, or even watch a TV program, which were
normal everyday occurrences for me. My life has changed
drastically and continues to do so on a daily basis.
Now I am trying to develop new ideas and means to help
myself to remain functional in this society; In keeping with the
spirit of the Navy Seabees, "Can Do" approach. However with the
numerous disabilities I have, it is extremely difficult to find
anything that I can accomplish successfully.
At present I have been trying to help any veteran who is
having trouble coping with his or her life because of their
service in Vietnam, and this includes the civilians who worked
there too.
The Veteran's Administration refuses to recognize Vietnam
Service in relation to the disabilities it has caused. Parents
and family, as well as friends, turn away from the Vietnam
Veteran and their problems. Like the statement, " The Truth
Hurts ", is too much for them to face.
Thank God, I have a good wife and family, which many Vietnam
Veterans don't. This is where my motto, " To my Wife, I owe my
Life, " originated.
Israel Berle Schwed
October 14, 1987