Recent Reviews for Harold F. Hester
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Our Naked Veterans (Book) - 3/14/2009 6:44:44 AM
Fighting the VA - an all too sad lament - for far too many of our valiant vets. Thousand and thousands of back-logged claims, today. And as you are well aware, many of these fights are based on monetary factors, or lack of adequate and qualified staffing.
For far too long, many of our leaders have felt that when money was tight, chopping at the good old VA was a great place to begin.
I believe every veteran's needs should be met, and that every American should advocate that every American military veteran receives every benefit that they have earned, and are legally entitled to.
A great place to begin is to advocate that VA finally receives the money and the staffing that they need to get the job done.
Heaven's Luck (Book) - 11/27/2004 9:08:02 PM
Heaven's Luck is a different kind of story from most. First off, its said to be a "non-fiction novel".?? That kind of threw me off, not knowing for sure how to take the book. But, then it is a story involving guardian angels, making it a novel. I think the best part of the book was the chapters about Facts & Myths about Viet Nam and FUBIJAR. If you like stories about war & rescue with a side show about angels you might like this book.
Remembering Tomorrow (Book) - 4/12/2004 8:11:27 AM
Remembering Tomorrow was a tough read but not that bad. Hester's two other efforts were excellent. A commenet on Heaven's Luck:- Laughing with tears in my eyes
I laughed a lot, and cried a little here and there, but enjoyed it immensely and hated for it to end. Fascinating story for those of us who remember, who ever wondered about what really went on, and especially those of us who lost family there. He did not have a Guardian Angel who could stop as many bullets as Roger did. The Author did a magnificent job of letting us into his world. The love scenes were very well done, tender and touching. Thank you, Harold Hester
- Good History Lesson
I really did enjoy reading this book. It was a good story a piece of history and it is definitely worth the buy. The Vets, especially the chopper pilots who read it will say, "Damn, I remember that stuff." Some will laugh, some won't but they will recognize the truth and enjoy the read at the same time.
Although the book is factual it is not dry. The author manages to keep, and share with us the sense of humor that I am sure brought a lot of folks through their year in 'Nam.
The Guardian Angels are a wonderful way of telling another part of the story. I for one have always believed in them and I figue they worked overtime in Vietnam and deserve their time in print also.
With all that is written about those years, Mr. Hester brings to life Roger's year with both fun and sorrow, the way it was.
The Glossary will be a big help to anyone not familiar with military jargon.
Buy the book, read it and learn while you enjoy a very nicely put together piece of history
- Vets and non-vets alike will enjoy this different war novel
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Customer Reviews of January's Heat were equally rewarding:
- A very good read.
A nice balance of science fact, science fiction and science undiscovered. This book challenged my thinking of who I am, where I am and when am I really there. We are all ordinary people, until something extraordinary happens. Hopefully this author has more stories to tell. Writter unknown, but their words are worthy of print.
The (quilting) Needle and the Soul (Short Story) - 10/15/2009 3:39:27 PM
Excellent article, written with humor and eloquence. Educational and delightful. Very much enjoyed.
JP
Blind (Short Story) - 9/21/2009 4:57:22 AM
I can relate. I was blind for two days because my eyes were badly damaged from gas permeable contacts. Then another time I had double vision for nearly a week. God gave us sight. We need to be thankful for sight is a privilege and not a right. I also have approx 30 yrs with Uncle Sam enlisted, officer and civilian. God Bless our Vets!
John Michael Domino
My Daughter - The Drunk (Short Story) - 4/26/2009 4:15:28 AM
If this is a true story, it is so tragic. But medical proof show alcoholism can be passed no to the genes, just like smoking. The first reaction of an alcoholic is "I am not drunk" (denial).
Cynthia
Southpaw (Short Story) - 2/15/2009 8:33:55 AM
Ah, the trials of a lefty. I especially despise the "I didn't know you were left-handed" comments I get at least weekly. Very good work with a lot of interesting info I never knew.
Chili (Short Story) - 2/15/2009 8:21:45 AM
Awesome! My kind of humor. The world needs more stories about the subject matter. True story: I once went #2 at Osage Beach Wal-Mart Supercenter and didn't realize until I walked out and saw the Men's-room door across from me that I'd just made a doodie in the women's room. Nobody seemed to notice but my thoughts were subtitled in Comic Sans the rest of the day.
My Daughter - The Drunk (Short Story) - 2/1/2009 12:35:58 PM
This was one tough story. It had to be difficult to write.
Blessings,
JMD
Chili (Short Story) - 7/26/2008 5:37:15 AM
Funny story. Most of us had experianced it atleast once in lifetime.
My Daughter - The Drunk (Short Story) - 7/26/2008 5:30:17 AM
Very well written story, a mixture of facts and fiction with a trageic ending, well done Mr.Hester. It is a piece of litrature and we should not debate about its authencity, but try to understand, what writer wants to convey.
My Daughter - The Drunk (Short Story) - 7/12/2008 3:49:26 AM
I hope it isn't true either, but if it is it is a sad sad story. Yes, alcohol does kill you in the end, many of cirhossis of the liver. I am manic depressive bi-polar too and do drink once in a while a rum and coke, but don't feel well in stomach on it, so tend to lay off it. But sometimes can't help myself when in distress have to or like one drink on a hot summer day. I can go for months without, but do like a drink once in a while. My dr. said one drink when you go out. That is what I stick to. I don't want cirrhosis of liver either or to die, just find comfort once in a great while with liquor. I guess I am a bad girl at times too, but I do like a wine cooler at daughter's picnics like on the 4th, but know I have to drive home, so only one. I can understand your Lois' problem very well, if only it is not true and she has not died.
My Daughter - The Drunk (Short Story) - 7/10/2008 10:59:37 AM
Please do not let this story be true! lindalaw
A Beautiful Sunday on the Lake (Short Story) - 5/12/2008 12:13:06 PM
Good stuff! I want to read more so I'm now tracking you. That's kinda like stalking, but with A/D's blessing!
Chili (Short Story) - 5/12/2008 11:58:28 AM
Love your style! Great story.
Chili (Short Story) - 5/3/2008 10:00:17 AM
Haaa haaaa haaaaa!! Oh God, my sides hurt!!! Lol.
A Beautiful Sunday on the Lake (Short Story) - 2/5/2008 4:32:36 PM
Fun stuff. We own the house and the dock, but lack the boat and the boat box. I'm thinking kayak until we get there.
I will show my husband this article--he'll laugh. He says we're in a "tornado-free zone"--I laugh.
Will be reading more of your work. Eileen
Life’s Cycle and Walter Reed (Short Story) - 12/8/2007 11:15:09 AM
My 'sincere condolences' sounds almost trite when you've just lost your wife. In truth, nothing can be said that will help in any way. You're handling it in the best way you know how...and what better way than to write?
This is a great write Harold and I didn't see the need for the apologetic tone in the introduction. I'm glad I stumbled upon your site. Your bio makes interesting reading and your work is well penned and insightful. You're the kind of person I'd like to engage in conversation over a cup of coffee. Thanks for the inspiration today.
Chanti
From the Sands came Christopher (Short Story) - 11/26/2007 12:16:56 PM
I think I love the "DNA detector" concept, which is theoretically possible because a strand of DNA will have its own unique radiation signature. Nice touch! And a talking "DNA detector" at that. Cool!
Ted
Life’s Cycle and Walter Reed (Short Story) - 9/8/2007 7:26:55 AM
A very well written story by Hester and my favorite soliloquy from As You Like It by William Shakespeare is added.I am wondering at the marvels of a well written article.
Muscle, Blood and Electricity (Short Story) - 9/7/2007 11:00:55 PM
DEFINATELY life saving information, Harold: thank you.
Will save this and pass it around (if I may).
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
How I Learned to Speak DOG (Short Story) - 9/7/2007 10:58:44 PM
Dogs speak better than people: plus, they love unconditionally, despite ill treatment. Now that's love.
Beautiful. Well done, Harold.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
MRI or CAT (Short Story) - 9/7/2007 10:56:38 PM
I have a saying: Ya know WHY they call it medical PRACTICE? They ain't PERFECTED it yet. Spot on truth: they want their patients to be dumb, they are the smart DOCTORS, THEY have the schooling and the degree that SAYS they are. We're just stupid people who pay their greens fees/million dollar mortgages/brand new HUMMER payments.
'Bout time we wise UP.
Think it ought to be required of ANYONE in the medical field to be admitted into the hospital for a week or two, just to see what the PATIENTS go through. That'll change their tune...
"I have whatawhatawhat of the secondary what?????????????" Need a damn translator when they tell ya what ya got (or not)
"This won't hurt a bit" YEAH RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Your writing gets me stirred UP-keep stirring things up.
Just sorry I didn't read you until tonight: make it this morning LOL
Tracking you, so don't miss another WORD: very important!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Life’s Cycle and Walter Reed (Short Story) - 5/20/2007 4:30:10 PM
So sorry about your wife. I'm glad you're still here too.
Chrissy
Seventy vs. Seven tenths of a Second (Short Story) - 2/10/2007 6:37:22 PM
well written-poignant ending, i think
Ice, to Have or Have Not (Short Story) - 1/14/2007 2:38:03 AM
Hehehe! And to think, after all that, she only asked about the ice to be making "witty" conversation. I love this story and the way you have this young man tying himself in knots! Well done. Very well done (educational, too)>
Ted
Muscle, Blood and Electricity (Short Story) - 1/10/2007 3:30:24 PM
Good story with an important message; very well done, Harold!
Daddy... I want to... (Short Story) - 10/22/2006 9:51:05 AM
Wonderful dedication/story to nursing.
Chrissy
We Owe Our Military Veterans… (Article) - 5/18/2008 8:21:30 AM
Speaking of the BVA! Is there, a-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel? Why are some veterans being over-charged for their medication?
When you read the law on co-payments, 38 USC 1722a, think like a veteran. As simple, and short as it is, many cannot understand it, or I should say don't want to understand it. Because it is quite clear. For example, I asked the chief pharmacist at Hines VA Hospital to explain 38 USC 1722a. He got together with his colleagues, and determined that they could not explain it’s meaning. Because? They were looking for the VA answer. Doing otherwise would not have been wise. The BVA explained it, however, they should have been more careful, for they provided and substantiated my claim by providing me with the basis of my argument.
For split pill supplies, millions of veterans' are charged $16, over-charged in the copay cost for, using the (Board of Veterans' Appeals court) description, of an "actual dispensed" 30-day $8 medication supply. Why is this? Because, the prescription requires that a pill supply be split. No other reason. Add up the one month's split pill supply for the "actual dispensed" $8 supply over-charges by the well over 1.1 million prescriptions. Veterans $8 copay, as mentioned, of 30-day supplies can be anywhere from 30,60,90, or whatever. But if the veteran is required to split these pill supplies, the VA doubles, or over-charges, the copay cost.
Here is the law. The co-payment each 30-day period being $8.00, is explained in Title 38 USC 1722a “ Paragraph (a)(1) subject to paragraph (2),. the Secretary shall require a veteran to pay the United States $8.00 for each 30-day supply of medicine..if the amount supplied is less than a 30-day supply the amount of the charge may not be reduced.”
Paragraph 2. “The Secretary may not require a veteran to pay an amount in excess of the cost to the Secretary for medication as described in paragraph 1.”
I find no mention in either the USC or the CFR any mention of charging for split pill prescriptions. However, to the contrary, from the Federal Register12/6/2001, “Under these circumstances, we believe that a $7 [$8] copayment amount is reasonable....Also, as we stated in the proposal, under 38 USC 1722a, VA may not require a veteran to pay an amount in excess of the actual cost of medication and pharmacy administrative cost related to the dispensing of the medication.“ The Federal Register clearly states, “an amount in excess” of the cost of medication and pharmacy administrative cost. In two (2) supplies, the pill medication and administrative costs, being exactly the same, however, one pill supply being a split pill supply, double the copay. The amount in excess of the cost.
This is what happens to an appeal process. My claim filed with the Board of Veterans' Appeals, and denied, the BVA stated, “.. 1722a clearly pertains to VA‘s cost in dispensing the medication...,The VA incurred a cost...to dispense medication..”, I, like the Board, I am, “..unable to find any authority allowing for a deviation from the standard copayment.” As well, “The Board has no authority to act outside the constraints of the statutory and regulatory criteria.” My claim has been remanded by the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims, back to the BVA. I have been after them since March 2002. However, It's been 9 months now, and my claim perhaps has been lost a second time, as it has not been returned to the BVA.
So, to recap, the argument to my question in filing a claim is, if the cost, as explained above, and by the BVA, the VA incurred a cost, to dispense all outpatient medication, carries a copay cost of $8 for a 30-day supply of 30 pills, why does an exact same $8 supply in dispensing cost have to cost $16 because the prescription calls for the pill medication to be split?
And a final note. Federal Register: “VHA conducted a study of the pharmacy administrative costs relating to the dispensing of medication on an out-patient medication even without consideration of the actual cost of the medication.”
Should I Turn Right or Turn Left? (Article) - 12/3/2007 3:34:03 AM
Prez Bush talks about fighting their principles? why include any soldier there? I don't see no one oil barrel on any Veteran's drive way, but I see too many Veterans living inside one.
I should have teach my men that Gen. Patton phrase because we had that dumb ass Westmoreland who couldn't make up his cotton picking mind if it was the soldiers conducting the war or the politicians sitting on their ebony panneled men's club sipping boubon.
Over 56.000 paid for their stupidity, but the Nation never ask for them to take responsability.
The top of a politician arrogance was telling the soldiers to fight with what the had and not with what they wished to have, despite that all the wished material was well packed down with moth balls in huge storages.
We should hand to have been asked about turning right or left, the way of the soldiers is forward, the way of the politicians and cowards are right, left, retreat for God's sake!!! and "I don't know"
"Georg"
We Owe Our Veterans – Partie Deux (Article) - 12/3/2007 3:20:37 AM
For want a nail on a horse's shoe...
What about a Veteran going to Norway to get his neck-spine fixed and a reconstruction of his right shoulder? and otherwise not being reduced to a disable, by the military, derelict?
As my final word, read my comment on the previous article about our Veterans, by now I am too p****d off to ever think to say another word about that incompetent yahoos.
Semper Fi!!!!!!!!!
"Georg"
We Owe Our Military Veterans… (Article) - 12/3/2007 3:12:35 AM
There are not RED-TAPE when it comes to send a soldier to war, it is done by simple orders and very few words.
When they awarded you with two Purple Hearts, it is done by a simple bureaucratic prelined order from the Pentagon, the Bronce and Silver Stars that were supposed awarded by the President...he didn't, they were awarded by a simple and preordinaided bureaucratic action, like, as the author said above, a clerk adding your name to a piece of already printed paper by the thousands.(no emotion or gratitude there)
Then, when you become a casualty and are disabled is when you fell from the hoorrah wagon and land on the famous RED-TAPE, because you aren't more a viable combatatnt to them you are sweep under the bureaucratic carped and God help you to survive that.(as Air Force Veteran, multiple andicaped Karen Lynn Dorman can testify after been told that she wasn't "enough handicaped" to claim her benefits)
The Department for Veterans should be managed by experienced bureaucratic Veterans, not by ninnies 9 to 5 jockeys that can't see beyond the Manuals & Directives or have a sensible common sense to take a responsible action towards people that aren't asking very much, but the same swift action retribution as it was used to send them overseas to defend their country.
God help us from bureaucrats, because any enemy else we can take care ourselves.
"Georg"
We Owe Our Military Veterans… (Article) - 10/26/2007 11:50:10 AM
Powerful stuff. Thanks for sharing it with us.
We Owe Our Veterans – Partie Deux (Article) - 10/26/2007 11:46:04 AM
Thanks for the heads-up about your article. Great job. I was finally approved for my disability two months ago. It only took 11 months!
They figure if they postpone and delay long enough we'll die before it costs them anything.
We Owe Our Military Veterans… (Article) - 9/7/2007 10:49:45 PM
Thank you, Sir, for your service: welcome home, soldier, welcome home.
Does no good for your situation: God, I wish I could do more than vote, to help our Veterans.
Being disabled Veteran myself (barely, according to THEM), can't do anything.
Saving your articles to read again and again: this should be published and sent to every elected official who have FORGOTTEN--
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. *tears*
We Owe Our Veterans – Partie Deux (Article) - 9/7/2007 10:47:15 PM
SPOT ON, SPOT ON, SPOT O.N.!!!!!!!!!!!!
Harold,
We were either asked or volunteered to fight. Most went, willingly: the LEAST we can do for them is to pay them the honor due, INCLUDING free medical care.
For 22 years, I've been battling the VA to raise my disability from a measly 20 % (used to be 40 %, they cut it: why? Because my degenerative disc disease *CAUSED BY ON DUTY INJURIES, TWICE* is getting better--WHAAAAAAAAAT??????????????). You got it: $225.00 a month. Right. To pay bills, to eat on. After bills, WHAT food?
Why are there Veterans on the streets? Why are Vets going hungry? Why aren't Vets being hired (priority), like they used to be? Why do government officials get better, preferential treatment over VETERANS (most of those clowns ain't served a day in their LIFE)????
Something SEVERELY wrong, here.
ALSO! What's with accusing (that's what I feel like) Veterans of being drug addicts because they want pain relief? I have been taking Tylenol and Motrin for 24 beeping years, and it doesn't work anymore: hasn't for a long time. Go to the VA, ask for something stronger, they refer me to the psychiatrist: and then those happy beepholes tell me, 'YOU have an anger problem.' Ya THINK???? They're tickin' me OFFFFFF! Grrrrrrrrr
Sorry to rant and rave, this has nothing to do at all with your well researched, written article: you just stirred up some deep seated feelings. Our country is doing our military men and women a huge injustice: if there are none willing to go to battle for the USA, because of poor treatment, God help us when the enemy comes over HERE. Already happened before, 'twill happen again and again and again UNLESS --
Thank you, Sir, God bless you and God bless our Veterans!!!!!!!!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla (USAF, 1983-85)
We Owe Our Veterans – Partie Deux (Article) - 9/6/2007 7:38:09 PM
*AMEN!!* *Whistling and applauding wildly*
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
God bless you, Harold! :) Thanks for remembering our brave men and women, past AND present! (I'm the daughter/twin sister/younger sister/niece/cousin to people who served in the military--all branches covered!--; much military history in my family; I am proud of them all! :) )
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(
We Owe Our Military Veterans… (Article) - 5/24/2007 2:14:16 PM
God bless you for this and for being so brave.
We Owe Our Military Veterans… (Article) - 12/3/2006 2:55:15 PM
Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention. So many out there still don't realize how hard it truly is for veterans and no one seems to be listening.
Chrissy
We Owe Our Military Veterans… (Article) - 12/1/2006 4:25:56 PM
Now E Mail It Copy To:
info(at)rnc.org
Attention: EL Presidente Bushed
TRASK
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