Family Says Local Vietnam Vet Let Down by Country in Death
This is a disturbing story about the plight of a local Vietnam veteran who passed away more than a month ago. That veteran remains in what his daughter calls ‘cold storage’ because she cannot afford to have him cremated.
And she feels her country has let her — and her father — down. What do you think?
Tags: government, Veteran
Categories: Clark County, Veterans
February 18th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Harry Reid is insulting her saying he will “investigate”, while her Dad sits in cold storage……
There should be a group that steps in immediately, hopefully someone will now.
February 18th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I was married to Michelle’s Dad for 10 years and have seen the trauma she has endured trying to get her father buried. Michelle is disabled and suffers a lot of pain everyday and now she does not even have a vehicle to go the funeral home since it broke down yesterday. Despite her sorrow and the many blows she has endured since her father died, Michele keeps struggling to honor her father and to make sure that this does not happen to any other veteran and their families. Just because you are in dire circumstances financially is no reason for people to treat you without dignity and compassion. I am very proud of Michelle for all she has overcome. She deserves a break.
February 18th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
The funeral home should take it upon themselves if the Government does not take “full” responsibility for the burial of this Marine, to bury him HONORABLY! It always comes down to the almghty dollar does’nt it? They should all be ashamed of themselves for not doing the right things when appropriate. Shame on the representatives of this state for not taking care of this pronto. I do not know this family but my own Daddy was a retired Lt.Colonel with the Air Force so I understand how important it is to show respect and compassion to our military men and women no matter which war, what rank or the age of the soldier.I pray they will put this man at rest soon so that his daughter and other extended family members will be at peace as well.
February 18th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
We have received dozens of calls and e-mails regarding the plight of Vietnam Veteran William Baker. At least three of those calls came in while our original report was still on the air at 5pm on Monday. Several individuals have offered to pay the entire $600 cost for cremation out of their own pockets and local Veterans’ service organizations have also contacted Eyewitness News. We are going to help match Michelle Hoyt with the proper people to get her father, William Baker, buried at the Veterans’ Cemetery in Boulder City. We will let you know how this situation unfolds on future editions of Eyewitness News.
February 18th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I feel sorry for Michelle. I would be happy to pay for the expense of her fathers cremation, however I feel the same as her that the government has let down the very people that fought for our freedom. It is just sad.
February 18th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Channel 8 Staff,
What is really disturbing about this case is there are organizations available to assist the widows and families of veterans in situations like this. It is a shame that public service organizations like yours, Clark County Social Services and more sadly the VA themselves just are not informed enough to tell the families where to go. I am a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Subic Bay, Philippines VFW Post 11447) and it is in our Constitution and opening recital of every Post’s monthly meeting “to assist the widows, orphans, and family members of our veterans”. This encompasses many situations but specifically those encountered by Ms Holt. Our heartfelt condolences to her on her loss. But this did not need intervention by Senator Reid, the Channel 8 I-Team and the Clark County Social Services. We would be happy to assist Ms Holt with her financial needs. I can contact the local VFW Posts and the American Legion which also has the same commitment. I also wish to express my disappointment at the slant of this article that, at least in my mind, portrays the government as not caring. Such is not the case and if anyone would really think logically about this the government cannot provide total burial costs for all veterans. And no one should expect the same if they receive the appropriate information. I do know that Ms Holt should have also received a one-time burial benefit of $250 from the VA which is granted to all veterans families to assist with expenses. This was not mentioned. If she did not, well that’s the fault of the VA and again this can be taken care of with the assistance of the local VFW or most any other military fraternal organization. We do our very best to ensure hardships of this nature are not endured by the grieving families. If you care to give Ms Holt my contact information I can assure you that her situation will be taken care of immediately. And there will appropriate representatives in attendance at the burial of her father. I would also like you to take this information and see that any veterans families who are in distress seek the local VFW first or any other military fraternal organization they know of before saying there are people who don’t care. And please let other public service organizations who may encounter similar situations be aware of this option. I am a recent resident of Las Vegas, having moved here from the Philippines where I have lived for the past 30 years. I generally enjoy your incisive and unbiased newscasts. Thank you, Lynn Miller, CWO4, USN(Retired), phone 702-538-4961
February 19th, 2008 at 6:08 am
It is great to know that there are so many individuals here offering to help Ms Holt but the real responsibility lies with our Government. I too an a retired Marine and when I die, I EXPECT the government to bury me without the need or expenses of my loved ones. This is another of those “perks” that we were all promised when we were in the service and slowly but surely, all of them are being taken away. Being a combat veteran (Vietnam 68-69)in order for me to get a doctor or dentists appointment at our so-called Veterans Hospital at Nellis, we are at the bottom of the list for priorities!It takes a year to get an appointment for an eye exam and if we need any kind of dental work, we can come in and sit and wait until there is a cancellation. Is this how we treat our veterans? Ms Holt’s father should have been given the burial and all the honors due to him. I would love to see an investigation (not by Mr Reed)and get to the bottom of these kind of SNAFU’S that are constantly plaguing our veterans/familys and see someone or department go before the Mast for their action. MSgt Jerry Wilbanks, USMC(ret)
February 19th, 2008 at 8:37 am
So this woman already lives off of the government and now expects it to pay for her father’s cremation as well? How can this honorable man die without life insurance or $600 to pay for his own cremation?
She is already receiving a free service, burial plot and headstone. This is thousands of dollars in free stuff and all she can do is say that she is not getting enough for free from the government?
It is not and should not be the government’s responsibility to take care of you financially!!!
It is nice to see the local organizations and charities stepping up to help, that is what they are there for. These are the people she should have turned to in the first place.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Have Michelle contact me and I’ll pay for it. For crying out loud this is ridiculous! My dad was a Korean War vet and I can’t imagine going through this ordeal when he died.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:00 am
This comment is for Nathan who seems to condemn Michelle for “living off the government”. She is not a welfare recipient. She lives off off disability which she earned when working three jobs before she was disabled and which she had to fight for almost two years to get despite the pain and lack of mobility her disability causes. Michelle did contact so called “charity organizations” who were unable or unwilling to provide the needed support in her time of need. It is the very attitude of Nathan and the slightly veiled condemnation conveyed to Michelle for being in a situation beyond her control that had her in tears and so depressed she wanted to give up. Michelle struggles every day with her desire to work and support herself and would give anything to be able to be independent once more and free from the degradation and humiliation heaped upon her by people who assume that because she is on disability she is a second class citizen who simple too lazy to support herself. Nathan (and people like him) speak and act based upon their own ignorance and lack of compassion rather than from knowledge and basic human emotions. Michelle should be applauded for finding the courage and strength to overcome her sorrow, pain and the attitude of people like Nathan to bring this unconscionable situation to the public attention. I know Michelle was hesitant to expose herself to just this very criticism but she finally did so to honor her father and try to take steps to ensure that no other veteran or his family would have to endure the trials and tribulations (and most of all humiliation from people like Nathan). I pray that Nathan will never find himself disable and unable to support himself and his family as no person should have to endure the pain and degradation that this often brings.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
There is a reason for government, and that reason is for protection within a country and for protection from other countries. When a government has something else beyond that that it can pay for, consider it a bonus. Governments aren’t here to hold each citizen’s hand through the bad times, and isn’t here to give you a pat on the back through the good times. It’s each person’s own responsibility to do make due for themselves, and live their life the way they want to. Charities and organizations can arise beyond the government and help out individuals if they want, but the government doesn’t have the money right now to give to Michelle. When the government has a surplus of money to shell out to the disabled and their families’ funeral expenses, consider it a bonus. Money has to come from somewhere, and while it is sad to hear about Michelle’s circumstances, I’m sure there are sadder situations in the world that need more attention.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
According to http://www.marines.com/page/Medical.jsp “Life insurance is provided to all Marine personnel.”
What happened to this money? That is where the $600 should come from, not the taxpayers pockets. My grandfather was a veteran of Korea, did my family expect the government to pay for all of the costs when he died? Of course not, because it is not the government’s responsibility.
February 19th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Marine’s don’t leave ‘ANY’ Marine behind, even in death. Marine’s are a family unlike any other, so step up you Devil Dogs and take care of one of you’re own..dignity and Honor even in death. I’m not a Marine, but my son is……FOREVER Simper Fi
ps/ let me know if there is a bank account established to help….
February 19th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
The government is supposed to protect our borders too but they think it’s more thier job to tell other countries how to take our jobs and let millions of aliens cross our borders to take what jobs are left. Lets use some of that forien aid to help our own people, after all charity starts at home!
February 19th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Hey Mel,
Don’t count on it. I offered to pay for it and no one has gotten back to me. Go figure.
February 19th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Good job Mark Sayre!!! A newsworthy news story with great results!
Nathan you should be ashamed of your selfish self……
February 19th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I think the Iteam means I meemeemine. Still no response for MICHELLE. You sincerely SUCK.
February 19th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
To everyone, who has been supportive of Michelle since the story aired on Channel 8, Michelle has asked me to post this message since she does not have a computer. She would like to convey her heartfelt thanks to everyone who has offered to pay for her father’s funeral expenses and the moral support that you have shown. She also wants to acknowledge Mark Sayre and the Marine Corps League for their kindness and assistance in helping to resolve this situation. The kindness and compassion shown by the majority of people in response to Michelle’s story has touched her greatly and renewed her faith in the compassion of good people in the world. To Sam and all others who offered to pay expenses, Michelle appreciates your offer but does not yet have the information to respond to you personally other than through this blog. Thank you all for your support!!!
February 19th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Cary, I am unwilling to post an email address on this or any blog. I am seriously upset about some of the comments here about Michelle. The LVRJ and Mark DO have my email address. I DO want to pay for the cremation as soon as possible. They can give you my contact info so easily.
Let’s help Michelle bury dad with the dignity he deserves. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?
Dignity and respect. He was her father. Let’s please have some closure for a very good man.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
To the people, on their soap-box and throwing stones. it is very clear you have never been there done that and needed help—good for you—hope you never do in in my lifetime. And it is also very clear you never fought for your country and I wouldnt want you fighting for my county with your attitude.
God bless Michelle and the Vets and GOD BLESS AMERICA. Arent you glad you live in a free country??Thank William Baker and all the others.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Sam,
You must not have seen the the report that Mark Sayre did at 5 o’clock. The cremation and burial is being taken care of by an Organization that is experienced in handling just this kind of situation.
February 20th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Hey Lucie, why would you want to fight for a country that isn’t going to take care of you when you die?
February 20th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Just how do you think the Fed Government can com up with $600 for the burial of a veteran that honorable served his country when they have to give billions$ every year to the African dictators in the name of fighting AIDS, which really winds up in Swiss bank accounts.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I really don’t know how to start this, except that over the many many years I have been on this earth I have heard about so many young men and women that have been promised the moon and sun, and promised that they can get into what ever they want in the military, but once they sign those papers all those promises are out the door!! I am sooooo thankful that the MARINES BROTHERS have stepped in and helped this family. When any military person, any branch of the military, is injured or killed or passes away there should not be any question as to where they should be taken for help or buried, and “I” personnaly think that since they have been there to defend “OUR COUNTRY” we as AMERICANS should take care of them, not depend on their family or the family insurance to take care of them. Where is the loyality from our UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT when something like this happens, seems like they worry more about the OIL COUNTRIES and how much they can gouge us as AMERICANS, instead of taking care of our own. I have had it with what our GOVERNMENT and the promises they make and not carry through????
About time someone takes things like this in hand and helps OUR MILITARY VETERANS, doesn’t appear that the UNITED STATE GOVERNMENT cares.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:40 am
For those of you who have asked, you can send e-mails for Michelle to michellehot73@yahoo.com. We will see that she gets your message and this will enable her to express her thanks directly to you.
To those of you who offered to help Michelle, once again, words cannot express her gratitude or how much your support has renewed her belief in the basic goodness of other people.
To those of you who chose to criticize her because she is “living off the government”, perhaps you should think twice before you choose to cast stones. Since Michelle went on disability five years ago, she has suffered extreme back pain and had to give up her security job and working as a paramedic (jobs which she got into so she could help other people). She would go back to work in a minute if it meant not having to suffer the physical pain and the mental and emotional torment of those who see only her as too lazy to work. Despite her own physical condition she did not hesitate to take her father in and care for him when he could not care for himself (and helped him become independent once he recovered). The same kindness is extended to anyone she knows who needs help. She gives of herself and shares what little she has to help others. Michelle lives in an unsafe neighborhood because she cannot afford to move and struggles many days to just get out of bed and walk. Shortly after her Dad died, Michelle refused to be hospitalized for walking pneumonia because she needed to be home to make the countless calls trying to get her Dad buried, even while she was being pressured by his landlord to get his apartment cleared out. A few days before her story aired, Michelle’s car broke down and she cannot afford to fix or replace it so she now must depend on the kindness of friends to provide transportation even to pick up her Dad’s ashes and attend the memorial service. Yet with all she was going through, the only thing she asked for was help in honoring her father and ensuring no other family had to suffer the same humiliation and degradation she has endured. SHE NEVER ASKED A THING FOR HERSELF AND CONDUCTED HERSELF WITH DIGNITY THROUGHOUT!!! In the last few years this young lady has endured things which would cause most people to simply give up on life or to become very bitter. Yet Michelle not only found the courage to fight for her father’s honor, but for other families even as she continues to fight for her own survival each day. She has more compassion and spirit than anyone else I know.
So next time you want to put someone down because they are disabled, think twice. It could happen to you and I doubt that most of us would handle the same circumstances with as much poise, grace and spirit as Michelle has.
I AM VERY, VERY PROUD OF HER!!!!!
February 21st, 2008 at 9:42 am
Correction — Michelle’s e-mail is michellehoyt73@yahoo.com