Veterans
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, at left, U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald and UCLA psychiatrist Patricia Lester discuss ongoing revitalization efforts at the West L.A. VA campus.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
World War II veteran Albert Erd, 93, never forgot the price he paid to earn his military decorations, which include a Purple Heart and WWII victory medal, among others.
But 50 years ago, the unexpected happened and Erd's eight medals were gone in the blink of an eye.
Albert Erd remembers making the disappointing discovery 50 years ago.
Someone had climbed through a narrow opening in the storage garage he was renting in Torrance and made off with his personal belongings.
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) presented Sergeant Albert Erd (93) with replacement medals for ones that were stolen many years ago.
Manhattan Beach - Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) presented Sergeant Albert Erd (93) with replacement medals for ones that were stolen many years ago.
LOS ANGELES - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, being held tomorrow on November 11, 2016.
Lawmakers representing the Southland are joining the chorus of politicians calling on the Pentagon and the California National Guard to stop demanding repayment of enlistment bonuses that were granted incorrectly to service members.
Some legislators have also called for a House of Representatives probe into the matter and for a legislative fix to be passed.
A decade ago, the Pentagon wrongly awarded substantial bonuses to thousands of people to induce them to enlist in the National Guard. Now, the department has realized its mistake and wants the money repaid.
But that demand is unfair to the soldiers who served in good faith. It should be dropped.