Friends, OUR government is trying to reduce the number of vets getting medical benefits. In the Clintonian form of dishonest government it is being done behind the backs of the American people. Please get this article into the hands of any vet you can. This is a reprint of an article in the Mississippi Air National Guard News. If you are a veteran, or have a family member(s) or know someone who is a veteran, this news may be of special interest... The President of the United States has recently signed into law a bill that affects all veterans. This law states in effect that, "if a veteran-has not registered at a veterans affairs office or hospital since October 1, 1996, then on October 1, 1998, he or she will lose all medical benefits for life. " To make matters worse, the Veterans Administration (VA) cannot notify veterans about it, that information must be disseminated via word of mouth or by letter. The VA recommended that everyone eligible for benefits come by their local office and sign up prior to the October 1, 1998 deadline, regardless of whether individuals have received treatment through the VA hospital since October 1, 1996. This way no one will slip through the cracks. You will need to take your DD-214 to your local VA office and it will only take about five minutes to complete the form. This will maintain your veteran's benefits. If you can not locate your DD-214, go to the VA office and they can help you obtain a copy. You may call your VA office and request an eligibility pack to be sent to you. If you are prior service or have served on active duty and received a DD-214, please contact the VA before October 1, 1998. This is clearly an attempt to steal away the benefits promised to Viet Nam vets who have not yet needed them. Many of these men and women will not even be aware that the government has reneged on their contract until they are too old and too ill to fight for what's right again. Notify any veterans you know about this injustice and call your representatives in Washington and remind them that they are being watched. Sincerely, Dave Marlett