Ric chieu hoi’d in his sleep yesterday morning early. It was unexpected and sudden with no warning. He will be sorely missed by all of us. He was my son-in-law’s father and I had just helped him win the big 100% banana with SMC S less than three months ago. I expect his wife Marcia will have to fight for her DIC.
I told her and I will tell all of you spouses. Make sure to get an autopsy when this occurs. When you have less than ten years under your belt on 100% permanent and total, you run the risk of VA telling you to buzz off. The only exception is if you pass from a service connected disease. The autopsy will provide the evidence VA requires.
Ric did a year with the 15th Aerial Port Squadron at An Khe in 1967-1968 and was there when they attacked in December and took out the C-130 on the ramp. He served faithfully and suffered a lot of the usual Agent Orange diseases we all do. It’s going to leave a big hollow spot around here for a long, long time.
Ric’s world in 1968:
asknod
Bethanie Spangenberg
kcraveiro
robinhoodesqvetsatty
Wesley McCauley
Veterans Claims Help 
Thoughts and prayers going out to the family.
Our condolences to family and friends also. Too young to go. I guess when it comes to AO and other toxic exposures, one must expect the unexpected. The next generation of veterans have also been exposed to deadly toxic chemicals; hope they will do better than Vietnam veterans.
RIP, Brother. My condolences to the family. DIC is possible, I helped a widow get it last year, even though her vet husband died in 1987 because his death certificate said the magic words.