Letter written to Governor Jeb Bush
(FL)
In re: American POW/MIAs
August 15,
1999
Governor Bush,
I am writing this letter as a concerned citizen of the United States, a resident of the
state of Florida, and the granddaughter of a former WWII POW. One of my concerns is
the fate and welfare of the thousands of American veterans that are still unaccounted
for - our POW/MIAs. President Carter's "solution" was to declare all but one veteran
dead (PFOD)...to me and many other Americans, especially the families of our
POW/MIAs, that was not a solution but a way of brushing the issue under the carpet.
As a son, how would you feel if your father had not been rescued when he was shot
down? If you were counted among the families of POW/MIAs? Would you be content
with a Presumed Finding of Death or would you want to know what really happened...to
have your father returned to you - dead or alive? As a politician you pledged to make
the welfare of veterans one of your top priorities. You stated that you "...will be
respectful of the people that have given their lives, given their bodies...." In your 1999
Memorial Day message you paid tribute to the men and women that "paid the ultimate
price" for our freedom. None may have paid a higher price than our
POW/MIAs.
My second concern is for another group of POW/MIAs - those veterans that are
"Prisoners of Washington" and "Missing in America." Those men and women that
fought for our country and now live on the streets and/or get inadequate medical and
mental health treatment and financial support. The ones that came home - but have not
fully returned and/or received what was promised to them. Those harmed most by the
recent theft of funds by the very agency members appointed to award them appropriate
benefits.
I urge you now, using your own words, to "take time to remember and honor these men
and women who exemplify the best of America" and to show the respect for them as
promised. How better to show respect for our POW/MIAs than to bring them all home.
How better to honor our veterans than to assure the ones that did come home
adequate housing, treatment, and financial benefits.
Response received from Governor Jeb Bush's
office (FL)
In re: American POW/MIAs
September 14,
1999
Thank you for e-mailing the Governor. I was sorry to learn about your
situation.
Your best source of assistance with this matter is United States Senator
Connie Mack. Unfortunately, their office does not respond to e-mails. You
may contact them at: 1342 Colonial Boulevard, Suite 27, Fort Myers,
Florida 33907, (941) 275-6252. Because this is a federal entity, the
Governor's ability to intervene is limited. I am, however, forwarding a
copy of your e-mail to Florida's Department of Veterans' Affairs so they
will be aware of the concerns you expressed.
Please understand this is due to a lack of jurisdiction, not concern. The
Governor does, however keep in mind the problems and issues you raise in
the event he has an opportunity to address them with the appropriate
agencies and individuals.
I hope this matter is soon resolved. If the Governor can ever assist you
with any other issues, I hope you will contact this office again.
Mrs. Peggy E. Kassees
Citizen's Assistance Supervisor
Office of Citizens' Services
kasseep@eog.state.fl.us
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