"TO THE TIGER SURVIVORS NEX OF KIN NETWORK:
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This letter is to update you on two issues about the Purple Heart Medal.
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The first is to tell you the good news that two Tiger Survivors have receivedÊ their long awaited Purple Heart Medal for wounds/beatings while a Prisoner of War.Ê One is Lupe Rodriguez of San Antonio and Ray Yoss of Manti Utah.Ê Lupe was in Medical Company and Ray was in K Company 34th Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry division.Ê Hey it only took 57 years.
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For going on 4 years now Rick and Brenda Tavares of Campo California have let the fight to get a Purple Heart Medal for those who died while a Prisoner of War from 7 December 1941 to the present.Ê BrendaÕs uncle, Melvin H. Morgan, L Company 21st Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division was promoted to Glory on December 6, 1950 at Hanjang-ni North Korea while a member of the Tiger Survivors.Ê Rick and Brenda have led the charge and without them I would still be out in left field.Ê I cannot thank them enough for this gallant effort in spite of operations and other sickness.Ê Bravo to them.
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36 National Veterans Groups took up the cause as well with a Veterans membership of over 8 million.Ê When you add family members, relatives and friends this figure could easily double.
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Congressman Robert (Bob) Filner of San Diego stepped up to the plate and championed a bill in to the House.Ê This measure passed with flying colors and then Senator Barbara Boxer of California and Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine took the torch to the Senate where it passed as well.
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So lets boil this down now.Ê The measure went to the Defense Department and then was sent on to all the heads of the Armed Forces and they all approved.Ê This came back to the Defense Department and then was sent to the appropriate committees of the House and Senate.
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Now it becomes a bit murky and it is hard to pin down anyone on this issue.Ê We believe that this measure will become part of the Purple Heart Regulations.Ê Not sure on the time frame.Ê The Defense Department will have to write implementation instructions that will enable those Next of Kin to apply for their loved ones Purple Heart.
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We have no idea on who will be allowed to apply.Ê The regulations now let Moms and Dads and siblings apply.Ê Hopefully they will allow other relatives to apply but that may not happen.
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Any way I will keep you informed as soon as I know for sure on this measure.
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Let us hope that it will be very soon.
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Again I want to thank Rick and Brenda the truly wonderful work horses on this.
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With Love to you all
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Shorty the Tiger
Wilbert [Shorty] Estabrook"