Wednesday 26 September 2012

5168 Days Later and we are Down to: "Yes or No"

Having been in the military for 25 years and having this struggle go on for 14 or so years, I thought it time to make things simple.

My question to DND is a clear simple one. It goes like this. In accordance with the "Terms of Settlement, signed and dated 01 April 1999, it clearly states, with no time constraints, that I could use the information on my Harassment Complaint ( the file) against the Base Commander, for pension and administrative reasons.

Question, DO YOU (DND) HAVE THE FILE! Yes or No? These are the only options here.

If yes, please forward it to me as soon as possible so that I may use it as I see fit.

If no, then DND is in violation of the "Terms of Settlement".

I have been more than patient. About two years worth. It is time for straight talk and straight answers.

I sent Mr. Eric Christensen a copy of our email correspondence since only normal mail has a response time limit on it (30 days). I sent this directly to this person a week ago (approx 20 Sep 2012).

Registered Letter 27 Sep 2012 sent to: MND and Priv Comm.

Will have news within 30 days.

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Day 5161 - A Thank You to VAC Workers

Along with pointing out deficiencies in a system, all of us must admit our own failings and thank those who have gone out of their way to help and show genuine compassion, for those they are helping and have helped.

I wrote a letter today, to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. The letter was not in any way a complaint, it was a heart felt thank you written by me to him, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of some within his staff. Here is a copy of what was written:


As a foot note, I continue to pursue the exact location of the missing file containing all of the documentation VAC needed, but did not have, for my case. This file was supposed to be available for pension reasons, IAW the "Terms of Settlement", in the Queen's agreement. The Commander and Chief is still MIA even though I have made several requests for the Queen's agreement contained in the missing file. I will of course, keep you posted.



Sent to the Minister for Veterans Affairs 19 September 2012‏

9:55 AM
High priority
To dave nurse, Josee McIver VAC Kirkland Lake, MND AIDE, Peter Stoffer/Holley Brown NDP, Peter Stoffer/Holley Brown, ANN.FOURNIER@forces.gc.ca, Priv Comm, Vet Advocasy
Sir; As a Check pilot, I was required to give feedback on; good points, bad points and ways to improve. In my dealings with VAC, because of a missing file that was supposed to be held by DND, it was difficult for your staff and myself, to conclude our business. The time and effort expended was vastly increased due to this missing DND file. With that said, the Privacy Commissioner is doing a full investigation and the MND is doing a Inquiry.
Even though these documents were missing, I did retain enough copies of relevant documents to convince your staff of the missing file and it's existence. 

I would like you to know that two of your staff, went well above and beyond in helping me through these difficult days. Their names are:

Dave Nurse: Dave is from the Trenton Office and was/is my case manager. He saw an immediate problem in my situation at the time, and took immediate actions which quite frankly helped save my life.

Josee McIver: She is from Kirkland Lake. Her dedication, attention to detail and warm personality is a complement to your organization. She took the time to read, talk and truly understand my issues. She worked tirelessly on my behalf. She did this even on her personal time, just to ensure I had all the information she promised. She is a very valuable employee and should be afforded all considerations for advancement available. 

I have expressed my thanks personally to these two individuals and I wanted to ensure you were aware of the fine work some of your staff is doing out there on behalf of you and VAC.


Captain (R) Michael I. Cole, CD1
Book: http://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/9781432792008.html
thebobs1@sympatico.ca
VETERANS BLOG: michaelcole9112010.blogspot.com

Friday 14 September 2012

Finally - 5156 Days Later "Full Investigation"

I realize that time has gone so quickly over these past 14 years or so but, results finally. Yes you heard it first here, I have broken through the glass ceiling and the Privacy Commission will be doing a full investigation into my missing documents.

I let Peter Stoffer know since he has always been an advocate for us as well. I contacted Mike Blais about Veteran co-ordination regarding missing documents. Thank all of you for your support.

I contacted the MND's Office to request a government lawyer to assist.


Saturday 1 September 2012

As We Wait! - Now 5143 days!

I realize that you have all been anxiously awaiting my next post. An update on all that action that has transpired since my last post. I am happy to report that VAC did not overextend themselves on my behalf and nothing has happened. Please keep a close eye on this sight for any rapidly occurring news.

My book sales are going great. Look for it at your favorite book store. "From Over The Fence".

http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432792008