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BOOK INTRODUCTION, in part:
“I used to pray for somebody to stand up, speak out and voice the concerns of so many Veterans and their families like ours. Then I realized…..I AM SOMEBODY." *quote derived from Lily Tomlin, Actor
Every Veteran and their family have a story Congress and America need to hear. I am a Veteran's Widow, Mother of a Navy Officer and Author of a book sharing my now 25-year battle with the VA following my Husband's "service-related" death from exposure to Agent Orange in 1996 - certified by the VA.
Our children were just 2, 4 and 6 when we first learned their Father had "two years to live." He lived for nine years; however, we "lost" him emotionally and physically prior to his death.
After attending my Husband's funeral, I learned the VA was erroneously paying my DIC Spousal Benefits to a person who submitted fraudulent documents. My now 25-year battle with the VA's error began....
I flew to Washington, D.C. in 2008 for a Hearing before the Board of Veterans Appeals. As we walked down the hall the DAV rep stated to me, "Denise, the VA will never admit the mistake they made in your claim as it would open up too many other appeals like yours. You do know...the VA's unwritten policy is 'stall, deny and hope they die.'
Thus, the reason for the title of my book:
"STALL, DENY AND HOPE THEY DIE" - The VA's Unwritten Policy
...The Story of One Widow's 19-Year Battle with the VA *now 25 years
★ AMAZON Website: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018T30FNG
★ AUTHOR PAGE: amazon.com/author/edenisesorkness
★ Amazon e-book, paperback and audiobook
★ Copyright Registration #TX 8-207-723
I was invited to share my story with members of Congress in 2017 by Commander John B. Wells, Military-Veterans Advocacy, as an example of the VA's infamous appellate "hamster-wheel" process.
Actor Reese Witherspoon corresponded with me in 2015 as she was considering producing a film on our story. She wrote to me and said, “I am so excited that you have written a book to tell the world your story. People need to hear it and connect a face and a family to this injustice.”
I received a call on 23 December 2020 from my VA Attorneys at Bergmann & Moore stating the
"VA ADMITTED THEIR EGREGIOUS ERROR!" It is 17 July 2021 today...25 years since my Husband's service-related death, and the VA paperwork continues. I have requested to testify before the House and Senate VA Committees in 2022 on behalf of all Veterans and their Families...far too many "Forgotten."
Through my strong faith, perseverance and love for my family, I have learned, “With GOD, all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26
Reese went on to say to me, “Like my grandmother always said, "If you want anything done, GET A SOUTHERN WOMAN TO DO IT!"
And, for all Veterans and their families, I Will!
★ 2021 BIO Elizabeth Denise Caldon Sorkness
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AAsOJZX9-21OROP2OPfxwLDWQd8fmG34/view?usp=sharing
★ CBS46 ATLANTA NEWS RELEASE
“Georgia woman says she's been battling VA for 20+ years”
http://www.cbs46.com/story/38329188/georgia-woman-says-shes-been-battling-va-for-20-years
★ In Memory: Families of Vietnam Veterans Lost to Agent Orange and PTSD
https://www.vvmf.org/Honor-Roll/263/JamesAnthonyCaldon/
★ EZINE NEWS ARTICLE By Veteran Robert Fearing February 19, 2017
It Is Time for the VA to Take Care of Widows Seeking VA Spousal Payments
http://ezinearticles.com/?It-Is-Time-for-the-VA-to-Take-Care-of-Widows-Seeking-VA-Spousal-Payments&id=9647175
★ VA SPEECH Elizabeth Denise Caldon Sorkness Veterans Widow/Author 11 Oct 2019
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Y1Rb7EQK1pbg8eqN9-Aa8s098hfRd3A/view?usp=sharing
★ YouTube Speech Monteagle, TN - Part One:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yte6Y8PRsns&list=PLvg8pV7uZkqoqNInDBBW2-3pF5-ZT_3Lg
★ YouTube Speech Monteagle, TN - Part Two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ecs6aoCf-s&list=PLvg8pV7uZkqoqNInDBBW2-3pF5-ZT_3Lg
"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE."
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