The attached letter to the P.M. expresses the anger and frustration of veterans of W.W.2 and Korea toward this government’s action to dispose and to discredit this man who has fulfilled his mandate completely and has told the government the truth regarding the shabby and dishonest manner in which it has failed so many veterans.

This ongoing practice of excluding many veterans from veteran services commenced 15 years ago (1995) when Paul Martin and Jean Chrétien decided that considerable needed revenue for debt reduction could be obtained by depriving veterans of the services to which they were entitled

Later, when the Conservatives took power, it was expected that they would correct this injustice, but that was wishful thinking. They permitted its continuation.

Then, in 2009 the government reinstated these excluded veterans, but to be reinstated each veteran has to meet the income threshold set at such ridiculously low levels that it was clearly designed to keep them in exclusion, except for those living under bridges and without incomes.

As a gesture of the government’s interest in its veterans, it appointed Col. Pat. Stogran as Veterans’ Ombudsman. His reporting what he had found wanting in Veterans’ Affairs Canada disturbed those who were part of the ongoing deception that he was immediately fired. Where else but in Ottawa would a person be fired for doing his job too well?

Those of you who line the bridges to honour our fallen in Afghanistan and other members of the public who still remember those who fought for the freedoms we all now take for granted, please support our cause for justice.

Ken Hayward

Editor’s note: The following letter was addressed to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, with copies to several others, including Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson.

The undersigned members of the veterans association of Shelburne, ON are writing to voice their support for Rtd Col. Stogran, Ombudsman for Canadian Veterans.

We are collectively frustrated and disgusted with the current policies of our government regarding Canadian veterans and their needs. Several of our members here in Shelburne are disabled as a result of military service for which they volunteered on behalf of their country. Yet in their declining years, when they require assistance to function as residents in their own homes, they are frustrated at the lack of support provided by our government due to recent changes in the Veterans Act which are either restrictive or unrealistic given their age and circumstances, compared to the price they willingly paid to serve their country.

Yes, most veterans have some sort of disability resulting from our military service, be it a visual, auditory or physical impairment. We suffer on a daily basis, some more than others, and need support to cover the cost of support services and equipment.

Col. Stogran is a decorated soldier and a fellow veteran who has seen and experienced the mental anguish and pain of military service in conflict situations. You, as our elected representatives, have never experienced this first-hand.

Due to that fact, we submit that a spokesperson of Col. Stogran’s caliber and experience should be a valuable asset in articulating the concerns and needs of veterans, young and old, as well as identifying shortcomings and problems regarding government policies and regulations concerning Veterans benefits.

We therefore request that you retain the services of Col. Stogran as Ombudsman for Canadian veterans – our choice as spokesperson for veterans’ concerns and requirements.

It is said, “you never appreciate a veteran’s pain until you have walked in his or her shoes”. If you haven’t walked in their shoes, then it would behoove you to listen carefully to the words and advice provided by one who has, in this case, Col. Stogran.

We therefore submit this letter as a testament of support for Col. Stogran and our concern regarding the current policies and regulations pertaining to Canadian veterans services and benefits.

Hopefully, by collectively voicing our frustration and concerns, your department will adjust their thinking regarding not only support for our troops but also support for our veterans. Too many of us have suffered without a voice. Now that we have finally found one who understands us, it appears that you have chosen to disregard his sound advice and terminate his services. We find this unacceptable. If you chose not to listen us then perhaps other Canadian politicians will.

Submitted without prejudice for your serious consideration and urgent corrective action.

Merv Parker CD GJM VSM

SSM

Spokesperson for the Veterans

Association, Shelburne, ON Signatories:

Bill Bailey - Army - Korea

John Lever - Army- WWII Dave Barr -Air Force -WWII

Jack Mason - RCAF - WWII

Ken Baynton - Navy - WWII Ken Mesure, Air force - WWII

Bill Bennett - Army- WWII

Ted Swica - Air Force - WWII

Geoff Green - Army - WWII Ken Wallace, Air Force, WWII

Don Kohl - Air Force -WWII

Al Walker - Army - WWII Jim Lennox - Army - WWII

Bill Hanna - Navy - WWII