From Shorty Estabrook:
"PURPLE HEART UPDATE
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The Purple Heart bill is living and doing quite well in spite of attempts to defeat it.
Below is an Update on the Purple Heart for Prisoners of War Who Died In Captivity.36 Veterans Organizations with a membership of over 8 million indorsed this long due legislation.
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A source in the Pentagon informed us that they are behind the Bill the way that we had originally written and intended it. The Colonel that we talked to at the Pentagon has sent a letter over to the various Secretaries of the Armed Services informing them of this!
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He has asked that they respond back by the "First of June", and when he gets their responses back, he will send a copy of his report and their responses over to Dr.Chu in DOD who will, in turn, send it up to Secretary Gates for his approval. It should be in Secretary Gate's hands by the 15th of June [hopefully]!
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It would be wonderful if this change to the Purple Heart Regulations became effective before the Reunion of the Korean War X-POWs in July-August.
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Senator Barbara Boxer said that her office is keeping track of this fine piece of legislation and has talked to DOD about it.
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Your Continuing Support Is Greatly Appreciated. Together We Will Get This Done.
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Rick & Brenda Tavares, prime movers of this bill for more than 3 years, sent the above for all to read.
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Please direct any inquiries to Shorty Estabrook.
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As this bill progressed up the legislative ladder someone added that the Purple Heart should also be awarded to a X-POW who survived and died in later years of a disease he acquired while a POW. We were never told of this change. This was not part of the original Resolution introduced by Congressman Bob Filner more than 3 years ago.Ê So there is the fly in the ointment.
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In Freedom and Peace,
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Shorty the Tiger"