Service Officer BIO

JOSEPH DEVON WOODARD

Military Branch USA Medical Corp MOS 91DL, 91CM, 18D

Tours: Italy 1962 12 Years, Ft. Campbell KY, Korea, Germany, Jordan, Viet Nam, Ft. Belvoir VA, Ft. Bragg NC, Ft Sam Houston Texas Combat, Viet Nam, 1st Cal Division, Special Ops, Sports City, Jordan, Various operations under SP ops. Medical Team Member.( Ft. Bragg .NC)

Medals: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Medical Badge, Army Commendation , Army Achievement, Good Conduct x5, National Defense, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service, Presidential unit citation, Army Unit meritorious award, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Jordanian Humanitarian Award.

Education, AA Hospitality Management, BA Business Administration, Nursing Licenses VA.
Civilian life Two years Medical Advisor to the Saudi National Guard, Property Equipment Manager, 45t Field Hospital, Supply Analyst G4 SETAF, Italy, Property Book Officer, Military Intelligence, Ft. Belvoir Va.

QUOTE: While in the military I enjoyed all of my tours in one form or the other, there was always something good to be extracted. However over the years I developed some weakness in my legs. Like many of us old soldiers, I neglected to tell anyone, for fear of not being called on for duty or not being promoted or not trying to set the example of a healthy, strong, ready soldier. It was not until some years after service that my failing condition forced me to see a doctor. After going though several diagnoses, I soon learned that in addition to Diabetes I had a rare disease called CIDP (Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy). This disease destroys the nerves in the extremities. It was later that I was told that this condition may very well be related to my duties in certain war zones (Agent Orange) and may or may not get any better. This created a problem: Was I to late to make any claim for medical compensation and care?

While being confined to a wheelchair, I also went though a painful process of trying to present my claim. This took over four years, often dealing directly with VA at Washington DC. After many hours of administrative backlogs and frustration I finally obtained a Service Officer. It appeared, with good intent I had made several errors and judgment calls, which had delayed my processing time by years. After a careful review by my Service Officer, he reorganized my case and I obtained a rating within six months. While this is not intended as a demonstrative success story, it made my life a lot easier.

I was determined to learn more of the system and assist my fellow comrades, I have equipped myself with the knowledge of Veterans Benefits, Social Security, Income Tax, Visas and other social issues. I stand voluntarily ready to assist any active duty, veteran or his or her spouse at their request.