Hines VAMC PO Box 5000 Hines, Illinois 60141 Attn.: Revenue Office Re: Co-payment Dear Sir/Madam; Again, it seems, I must make you aware of my situation. (The last time was April 14th, past.) Last month you demanded $80 for drugs, which were alleged (in 1955) to be free for life. The day I remitted this amount, you demanded another $144. This, too, was promised to me at no cost in exchange for my enlistment in the Air force at a pay rate of 8 ½ ¢ per hour, agreeing to even lay down my life if necessary for my country. This, in legal terms is a bi-lateral contract, if I recall my legal training correctly. Should this happen in the private sector, I would have a valid legal action, as I fulfilled my portion of the contract.. Because of men like myself, Americans today do not have to begin their letters with “Dear Comrade”. But of course, that danger is now past, and, at my advanced age, I can be considered of no further value to my country and hence expendable. Apparently, with this situation, you feel no longer obliged to perform your part of the contract. Let me now return to the devastation you are, without conscience, exacting upon me. My sole income is derived from Social Security. I receive $983.00 per month. My rent is $535.00 per month (54% of monthly income). Your vile and immoral demand of $144.00 represents 15%, leaving 31%n for such frivolities as groceries, utilities, petrol (of which almost $10.00 is needed to visit Hines), insurance, etc. To compensate for this shortfall, I have, this week, reduced my medications by 50%; daily meds are now taken every other day, twice daily meds, once a day. I am a diabetic with high blood pressure, prostrate cancer, degenerating disc disease along with other maladies of old age. The result of these measures will, in all probability, result in an acute shortening of my life. Will this play into your hands? Your banner at the main entrance reads, “IT'S ALL ABOUT THE VET”. Is this merely propaganda, or is the true meaning “IT'S ALL ABOUT THE VET PASSING AND DECREASING THE SURPLUS POPULATION THAT WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR”. If I am in error, kindly explain how I can survive. You have my financial environment. You know, or should know the commitment made between enlistee and the services in the 1950's. Explain it to me! In closing, I am advising you that this communiqué shall be forwarded to any entity I consider may be of value for the cause of any veterans who may be in a like situation. I sign this letter “Regretfully” as I love my country and do regret the circumstances that have brought me to this action, yet feel I must raise my voice, if only as “a voice crying in the wilderness”. Regretfully,