Today in History – March 10, 1968 – The Battle of Lima Site 85 (Battle of Phou Pha Thi) intensifies.
10 March 1968 – “During the Vietnam War and the Laotian Civil War, Phou Pha Thi mountain was an important strategic outpost which had served both sides at various stages of the conflict. In 1966, the United States Ambassador to Laos William H. Sullivan approved a plan by the USAF to construct a TACAN site atop Phou Pha Thi; at
We recently learned that the Veteran’s Administration has approved a second claim for 100% Service connected disability for the latest F-100 Pilot, Gary Parent in 2014. His Widow has received Widows Indemnity Compensation, and Texas Property Tax exemption for life as a result our work with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Many members of the Super Sabre Society have been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Gary Parent death in 2014 was the 29th in a long line of F-100 flyers. There is a direct correlation to this disease with toxic Mil-std 7808 oil mist bleed-air leaks from the J-57 engine. A study by the Arizona State University shows that F-100 pilots are 17% to 30% more susceptible than the general population, despite the fact that pilots in general are in better health.
B.V. Johnson and Gary Parent did significant work trying to publicize the VA disability service connection prior to their deaths from IPF in 2013 and 2014.
Four USAF General’s have written to members of the Armed Services, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on this issue, including SSS member General Tony McPeak. Mcpeak IPF
If you know of others in our ranks are suffering from IPF, contact Win Reither CIO of the Super Sabre Society who understands the VA disability process including VA Widows Indemnity Compensation (DIC) ($1,707.35/MO) and Property Tax exemption in many states..