Whenever I preach on November 11 (Remembrance Day, or Armistice Day, or Veteran's Day) I use a story. Well this year will be a dialogue, but still something a bit different from a standard sermon. Since the church blog is formatted for expandable posts I posted two of these stories there.
If you follow the links you can read Bill Remembers or The Dreams
We have a military veteran friend who was honorably discharged during the Vietnam era. He served in the US Navy while having dual citizenship (Canadian/US). He was born in Canada and his family moved to New York when he was a child and became dual Canadian and US Citizens.
ReplyDeleteAfter discharge my friend worked in the US for over 3 decades, paying US taxes and Social Security. When it came time to retire and apply for his pension he was informed that the US Department of Homeland Security had revoked his US citizenship and did not recognize his Canadian citizenship.
The Social Security Administration will not begin his pension payments until his citizenship issue is resolved. He has been trying to work this matter through the VA, his local representatives in government (congressional level) and directly through the Social Security Office. No one seems to know what to do, who should take action and who has responsibility. The DHS will not reply to his inquiries. Any ideas?
Not knowing anything about the bureaucracies involved I can't give any thoughts. Maybe another reader otu ther can???
ReplyDeleteRCG's friend should contact his elected representatives. Loudly, passionately, frequently. He should have lots of other people do it too. It can be done via emails, calls, letters, personal visits.
ReplyDeletewww.senate.gov and www.house.gov
Generally they like to help with things like this, especially if they can get some good press out of it. Perhaps the local paper can do a story and help in that effort!?
Hope it is handled SOON.
Gord, both sermons gave me chills.
Blessings!