Fellow Mariners: My previous posts have been to identify to you the history of some fellow merchant seaman and their way fo life on seaging barges. I have also attempted to share problems in gaining recognition for the sevices performed by a small but gallant group of people. Research has demonstrated that the barge people are not alone in having their records gone "missing". It is across the board and it looks like something has to be done so those that need these benefits may be able to obtain them through means other than what is now available. Just check the papers and read about the mess at the Veterans Administration regarding "lost" records. I am asking that you prepare something similar to what is below and forward it, along with a personal letter, to your members of congress, both House and Senate, and ask that they help those that have already helped us. We need those in congress to know there is a problem with records out there and there is little time left for it to be beneficial. The 111th congress is starting and there is attention being given to veteran's recordkkeeeping processes and now would be a great time to let them know that is has been ongoing for many years and no one has paid too much attention to it,except the veteran who has been denied recognition because "there are no records to prove employment for services during the timeframe required". Let's help them.
Update:
On 23 July, 2010 a bill was introduced into the house, HR 5829 "WW II Merchant Mariners Service Act". This bill will allow alternate documentation to be used in leau of docs that were destroyed/withheld by government actions. It will also allow our women who served in WW II an opportunity to be recognized for their service. This denial has been in force for over 60 years and no one has ever attempted to assist these women before. A travesty in itself.
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