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Thanks to veterans for coming forward

November 12, 2007

Kelly Rice

Investigative Producer

Today we're observing Veteran's Day and this day means even more to me than it has in the past. That's because I've spent the last four months talking to dozens and dozens of local veterans on the phone about allegations of discrimination. Now those phone calls have turned into an investigation we're airing this Wednesday at 11 p.m.

We talked to veterans who fought in Desert Storm and the Gulf War, veterans who are disabled, veterans who have families to take care of and mortgages to pay. Some veterans were scared to be interviewed on TV because they say they would be retaliated against and feared losing their jobs.

And yet several brave and courageous veterans didn't let that stop them and decided to come forward because they want to make the place they work better for veterans who will follow behind them, and you won't believe who these workers are pointing the finger at - Uncle Sam. We'll tell you what the United States Postal Service says in its own defense.

But first, you're probably wondering who I am and how I came to report this story. I'm the Investigative Producer who does a lot of the behind-scenes-stuff and part of my job is fielding story ideas all day long that come in from viewers. One day I received a call from a veteran who said he was being discriminated against and he wasn't alone. So I told him I needed proof that he wasn't alone. For the next two weeks, my phone rang off the hook with calls from other veterans who all shared very similar stories. I took notes on each and every call.

The next step was to find out what official records I could get. I started with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Each year the agency puts out a federal workforce survey. That's where I learned about statistics nationwide -- in particular, how many discrimination complaints have been filed at the USPS nationwide. Also, each veteran I interviewed provided copies of their individual EEO complaints. I also emailed a request for complaint data to the USPS under the Freedom of Information Act.

The numbers were very compelling and you'll learn more about that in our investigation.
So on this day, when I can't help to think about my grandfather who fought in World War II and my uncle who fought in Vietnam, I'd like to think they're smiling down on me for bringing this story to the masses.

I hope you'll join me this Wednesday night at 11 p.m., as Jeff Sonier and I tell the story of a group of veterans who are fighting a new war. You'll get the chance to hear both sides of the story and decide for yourself.

Posted by WCNC.com staff at November 12, 2007 8:10 PM

Comments

I would just like to say that I was disappointed with the on air presentation you did last night with regard to the USPS Veterans complaints of discrimination and harassment.

Unfortunately, it appeared to be all smoke and no fire ... why was no case specific information provided? About the closest you came was with the tiny black figure in a supervisor's pocket ... and even with that, it was never established how the "doll" was anything more than a dumb choice for a key chain, as opposed to causing any real harm to anybody.

And then there was the attempt to make that USPS spokeswoman look bad by continuing to press a question in order to get the desired, pre-determined response from her. All that accomplished was making both parties look like a couple of six year olds on the playground.

We viewers expect much more from an "Investigative Report" ... we usually get it ... but not this time! Didn't even come close!

I hope that there will be some follow-up reporting to clarify the allegations in more than the gratuitous and shallow terminology used last night. I would surely hate to think that this story came out as a way to grab headlines or ratings, rather than to correct a true injustice against Disabled Veterans.

And, I might add that there was never any attempt to document the kinds of disabilities we are talking about here with these Vets ... nothing was apparent, so it should have at least been addressed for credibility purposes.

It was maddening to keep waiting for some substance to appear, and then it never did.

I am, by the way, a Veteran myself. The Vets in this story deserved a better effort, if there are really more facts than allegations.

Posted by: Larry Newton at November 15, 2007 7:05 PM

I am a female, disabled veteran, Postal Supervisor who is also fighting this new war. I am currently experiencing retaliation. I filed an EEO against the US Postal Service and I have not been allowed to work since June 1, 2007. Thank God I did not abuse my sick leave and vacation leave. If I had I would have lost everything I own. If I am not allowed to return to work before Febuary 2008 my son and I will not be able to survive. I have contacted the US Postal Service on 3 different occassions requesting to return to work. The last request made, the USPS did not even respond. I have been a dedicated and loyal postal employee for 12 years. I have been a supervisor for 10 years. I have no history of any corrective action in my personnel file. I have articles from the National Association of Postal Supervisors that are encouraging employees to take these issues to Congress.
I have been informed of another female veteran that has been discriminated against.
I missed the Wednesday night broadcast. How can I get access to this story?
Thank You,
Eveat Jones
704-641-4749 (C)
704-566-0261 (H)
eveat@carolina.rr.com

Posted by: Eveat Jones at November 15, 2007 8:47 PM

i'm sorry i missed the broadcast. However, i appreicate all veterans for the sacrifices they've made and is still making for me and this country. Be Blessed

Posted by: e. broadie at November 16, 2007 3:03 AM

Thank you for airing the true about veterans. You have alot of my paper work of the past in the maintenance department. Just to let you know,a non-vet was allow an five year change of schedule for his children. Then when I needed a few hours for my child because of a show storm closing the day care. I recieved a letter of warning for taken care of a four year old. Kelly you have heard some of my story over the phone. I hope your story go to the nation level. The system needs an outside investigation from top to bottom.

Posted by: Mr. Gerald Webb at November 23, 2007 8:40 PM