ÿþ<HTML><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=unicode"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.2873" name=GENERATOR> <STYLE></STYLE> </HEAD> <BODY style="SCROLLBAR-FACE-COLOR: #080096; SCROLLBAR-HIGHLIGHT-COLOR: #ffffff; SCROLLBAR-SHADOW-COLOR: #0d0055; SCROLLBAR-3DLIGHT-COLOR: #024aa4; SCROLLBAR-ARROW-COLOR: #ffffff; SCROLLBAR-DARKSHADOW-COLOR: #bebebe" bgColor=#ffffff scroll=yes> <TABLE id=receivestrings dir=ltr cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0> <STYLE> .BORDERREG {margin:2px;cursor:hand;width:'26px';height:'26px';} .BORDERMO {border:1px solid buttonshadow;border-left:1px solid buttonhighlight;border-top:1px solid buttonhighlight; margin:1px;cursor:hand;} .BORDERREG2 {margin:2px;cursor:hand;width:'9px';height:'26px';} .BORDERCLCK {border:1px solid buttonshadow;border-right:1px solid buttonhighlight;border-bottom:1px solid buttonhighlight; margin:2px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0px;cursor:hand;} </STYLE> <SCRIPT> function MouseOverEffect() { var item = event.srcElement; if(IsValidId(item.id) ){ item.className = "BORDERMO"; } if(IsValidChevron(item.id)) { document.getElementById("soundbutton").className = "BORDERMO"; document.getElementById("soundchevron").className = "BORDERMO"; } } function MouseOutEffect() { var item = event.srcElement; if(IsValidId(item.id)){ item.className = "BORDERREG"; } if(IsValidChevron(item.id)) { document.getElementById("soundbutton").className = "BORDERREG"; document.getElementById("soundchevron").className = "BORDERREG2"; } } function MouseOverClick() { var item = event.srcElement; if(IsValidId(item.id)){ item.className = "BORDERCLCK"; } if(IsValidChevron(item.id)) { document.getElementById("soundbutton").className = "BORDERCLCK"; document.getElementById("soundchevron").className = "BORDERCLCK"; } } function IsValidId(elemId) { var isValid = false; if(elemId == "contentbutton" || elemId == "attachbutton" ) { isValid = true; } return isValid; } function IsValidChevron(elemId) { var isValid = false; if(elemId == "soundchevron" || elemId == "soundbutton") { isValid = true; } return isValid; } </SCRIPT> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="100%"> <DIV id=receivestrings> <DIV dir=ltr style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><I><B>From:</B></I> <A title=mailto:wesbrickner@sbcglobal.net href="mailto:wesbrickner@sbcglobal.net">wesbrickner@sbcglobal.net</A></DIV> <DIV dir=ltr style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><I><B>Date:</B></I> 04/21/06 18:46:15</DIV> <DIV dir=ltr style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><I><B>To:</B></I> <A title=mailto:scott@v-r-a.org href="mailto:scott@v-r-a.org">Scott Linsley</A></DIV> <DIV dir=ltr style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><I><B>Subject:</B></I> Fw: "NEW EVIDENCE" OF MY VRRA CLAIMS SUBMITTED TO MR. BEADLE AND A COPY SENT TO YOU FOR REINVESTIGATION</DIV></DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV></TD> <TD vAlign=top><IMG onmouseup=MouseOverEffect(); class=BORDERREG onmousedown=MouseOverClick(); id=contentbutton onmouseover=MouseOverEffect(); style="DISPLAY: none" onmouseout=MouseOutEffect(); src=""></TD> <TD vAlign=top><IMG onmouseup=MouseOverEffect(); class=BORDERREG onmousedown=MouseOverClick(); id=attachbutton onmouseover=MouseOverEffect(); style="DISPLAY: none" onmouseout=MouseOutEffect(); src=""></TD> <TD vAlign=top noWrap width=26><IMG onmouseup=MouseOverEffect(); class=BORDERREG onmousedown=MouseOverClick(); id=soundbutton onmouseover=MouseOverEffect(); style="DISPLAY: none" onmouseout=MouseOutEffect(); src=""></TD> <TD vAlign=top><IMG onmouseup=MouseOverEffect(); class=BORDERREG2 onmousedown=MouseOverClick(); id=soundchevron onmouseover=MouseOverEffect(); style="DISPLAY: none" onmouseout=MouseOutEffect(); src=""></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- <DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A title=wesbrickner@sbcglobal.net href="mailto:wesbrickner@sbcglobal.net">wesbrickner@sbcglobal.net</A> </DIV> <DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=RMWILSON@DOL.GOV href="mailto:RMWILSON@DOL.GOV">RMWILSON@DOL.GOV</A> </DIV> <DIV><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, April 18, 2006 4:34 PM</DIV> <DIV><B>Subject:</B> "NEW EVIDENCE" OF MY VRRA CLAIMS SUBMITTED TO MR. BEADLE AND A COPY SENT TO YOU FOR REINVESTIGATION</DIV></DIV> <DIV><BR></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#008080 size=3>Dear Mr. Wilson:</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#008080 size=3>I am sending you a copy of the most recent email from Mr. Beadle, ADVET, of your Santa Monica VETS office.&nbsp; Mr. Beadle has made many requests as to the method and manner in which&nbsp;I am to submit my "new evidence" for reinvestigation.&nbsp; </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#008080 size=3>He&nbsp;does not seem to be very accommodating and some of his requests are onerous and burdensome.&nbsp; However, I tried my best to satisfy his requests and requirements but was unable to comply with all of them.&nbsp; </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#008080 size=3>I do not feel that I should have to send the evidence via FedEx or UPS.&nbsp; The U.S. Post Office's Priority Mail should be more than adequate.&nbsp; </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#008080 size=3>I did not know that there was a time limit to present&nbsp;my "new evidence" to him as he did not state that requirement in his previous emails.&nbsp; My VETS file verifies that, in the past,&nbsp;the DOL/LMSA and DOL/VETS took months and sometimes years to investigate and respond, to me, on "new evidence" which I presented to them for consideration.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#008080 size=3>The Secretary of Labor and the DOL/VETS are mandated to assist veterans with their complaints and provide technical assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Which I have continuously requested.&nbsp; They are also allowed to request assistance from other Federal agencies (OFCCP - VEVRAA) in similar or related activities.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#008080 size=3>I cite here from the newly amended USERRA rules, 20 CFR Part 1002, effective January 18, 2006.&nbsp; The Sections listed below which support my claims and warrant a reinvestigation of my case.</FONT></P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P><FONT color=#008080 size=3>III. Prior Laws and Interpretation<BR><BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; USERRA was enacted in part to clarify prior laws relating to the reemployment rights of service members, rights that were first contained in the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, 54 Stat. 885, 50 U.S.C. 301, et seq. USERRA's immediate predecessor was the <STRONG><U>Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) of 1974, 38 U.S.C. 2021-2027 (later recodified at 38 U.S.C. 4301-4307 and commonly referred to as the Veterans' Reemployment Rights Act ``VRRA''), which was amended and recodified as USERRA.</U></STRONG> (<EM>See Exhibit "1" in "New Evidence" and my employer's failure to comply with the laws governing veterans' rights; <STRONG><U>VEVRAA</U></STRONG>)<BR></EM></FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#008080 size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In construing USERRA and these prior laws, courts have followed the Supreme Court's admonition that:&nbsp;<U><STRONG>This legislation is to be liberally construed for the benefit of those who left private life to serve their country in its hour of great need. * * * And no practice of employers or agreements between employers and unions can cut down the service adjustment benefits which Congress has secured the veteran under the Act. &nbsp;See Fishgold v. Sullivan Drydock and Repair Corp., 328 U.S. 275, 285 (1946), cited in Alabama Power Co. v. Davis, 431 U.S. 581, 584 -85 (1977); King v. St. Vincent's Hosp., 502 U.S. 215, 221 n.9 (1991). The Department intends that this interpretive maxim apply with full force and effect in construing USERRA and these regulations.</STRONG></U></FONT><FONT color=#008080 size=3></P></FONT> <P><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#008080 size=3>Subpart F--Compliance Assistance, Enforcement and Remedies<BR><BR>Compliance Assistance<BR><BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; USERRA authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide assistance to any person regarding the employment and reemployment rights and <BR>benefits provided under the statute. 38 U.S.C. 4321. <STRONG><U>The Secretary acts through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS). USERRA promotes the resolution of complaints without resort to litigation. In order to facilitate this process, section 4321 allows VETS to request assistance from other Federal and State agencies and volunteers engaged in similar or related activities. Section 1002.277 describes VETS' authority to provide assistance to both employees and employers. VETS' assistance is not contingent upon the filing of a USERRA complaint.</U></STRONG></FONT></FONT></P><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#008080 size=3></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT face=Arial color=#008080 size=3>Investigation and Referral<BR><BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <STRONG><U>Section 1002.288 implements USERRA's section 4322, which authorizes VETS to enforce an individual's USERRA rights. Any person claiming rights or benefits under USERRA may file a complaint with VETS if his or her employer fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of USERRA, or indicates that it will not comply in the future. 38 U.S.C. 4322(a).</U></STRONG> This avenue, however, is optional. Nothing in section 4322 requires an individual to file a complaint with VETS, to request assistance from VETS, or to await notification from VETS of the right to bring an enforcement action. Palmatier v. Michigan Dept. of State Police, 1996 WL 925856 (W.D. Mich. 1996). <STRONG><U>Invoking VETS' enforcement authority is an alternative provided by the statute once an employee decides to file a USERRA complaint. See Gagnon v. Sprint Corp., 284 F.3d 839, 854 (8th Cir.), cert. denied 537 U.S. 1001 (2002). See also sections 1002.288 and 1002.303.</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV> <P align=justify><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#008080 size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The regulation also contains the procedures for processing a complaint. See section 1002.289. <STRONG><U>VETS provides technical assistance to a potential claimant upon request, and his or her employer if appropriate. 38 U.S.C. 4322(c). Technical assistance is not limited to filing a complaint; it also includes responding to requests for information on specific issues that are not yet part of a formal USERRA complaint. Once an individual files a complaint, VETS must conduct an investigation. If the agency determines that a violation of USERRA has occurred, VETS undertakes ``reasonable efforts'' to effectuate compliance by the employer (or other entity) with its USERRA obligations. Section 1002.289-.290; 38 U.S.C. 4322(d). VETS notifies the claimant of the outcome of the investigation and the claimant's right to request that VETS refer the case to the Attorney General. See 38 U.S.C. 4322(e), 4323.<BR></U></STRONG></FONT></FONT><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#008080 size=3></FONT></FONT></P> <P align=justify><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#008080 size=3><STRONG><U>Section 4322(e) of USERRA requires that the Department ``shall notify the person who submitted the complaint'' of the results of the investigation if the Department is unable to resolve the complaint, and section 1002.290 reflects this mandate. Further, in those cases in which VETS' investigation indicates that a violation of USERRA has occurred, VETS must make reasonable efforts to resolve the complaint by ensuring that the employer comes into compliance. See 38 U.S.C. 4322(d).</U></STRONG> As a practical matter, efforts to achieve compliance would necessitate notice to the employer and an opportunity to discuss the investigative findings.<BR></P></FONT></FONT> <P align=justify><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT color=#008080 size=3><U><STRONG>Section 1002.289 sets forth VETS' authority to use subpoenas in connection with USERRA investigations. VETS may (i) require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents relating to any matter under investigation; and (ii) enforce the subpoena by requesting the Attorney General to apply to a district court for an appropriate order. 38 U.S.C. 4326(a)-(b). VETS' subpoena authority does not apply to the judicial or legislative branch of the Federal Government. 38 U.S.C. 4326(d</STRONG></U>).&nbsp;&nbsp; <EM>(</EM><U><EM>An option never utilized by VETS in the investigation of my case)<BR></EM></U></FONT></FONT></P> <P align=justify><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT color=#008080 size=3>&nbsp;With respect to remedies, the court has broad authority to protect the rights and benefits of persons covered by USERRA. The court may order the employer to comply with USERRA's provisions; compensate the claimant for lost wages and/or benefits; and pay additional, liquidated, damages equivalent to the lost wages/benefits <STRONG><U>if it determines that the employer's violation is willful. 38 U.S.C. 4323(d)(1). The legislative history establishes that ``a violation shall be considered to be willful if the employer or potential employer `either knew or showed reckless disregard for the matter of whether its conduct was prohibited by the [provisions of this chapter].'</U></STRONG> '' H.R. Rep. No. 103-65, Pt. I, at 38 (1993), quoting Hazen Paper Co. v. Biggins, 507 U.S. 604, 617 (1993) (holding that a violation of the ADEA is willful if the employee either knew or showed reckless disregard for whether the statute prohibited its conduct); see also Fink v. City of New York, 129 F.Supp.2d 511, 523-25; Duarte v. Agilent Technologies, Inc., 366 F.Supp.2d 1039, 1048. Section 1002.312 lists the possible remedies allowed under section 4323(d). Section 1002.313 states that compensation consisting of lost wages, benefits or liquidated damages derived from any action brought on behalf of the United States shall be paid directly to the aggrieved individual. Finally, the court may use its equity powers to enforce the rights guaranteed by USERRA. 38 U.S.C. 4323(e); section 1002.314.</FONT></FONT></P> <P align=justify><FONT color=#008080 size=3></FONT>&nbsp;</P> <P align=justify><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT color=#008080 size=3>In conclusion, I&nbsp;mailed, to you, an identical copy of my "New Evidence"&nbsp;which was also sent to Mr. Beadle today.&nbsp;&nbsp;In&nbsp;the cover letter, to you, I&nbsp;requested that you and your staff, at the National Office of VETS, investigate my claim in conjunction with Mr. Beadle.&nbsp; You told me, in our&nbsp;phone conversation at the beginning of this year, to call upon you if I need any help or further assistance.&nbsp; I am, at this time, humbly requesting your help and assistance in this matter since you are the Chief of the "Investigations and Compliance" Division of VETS.</FONT></FONT></P> <P align=justify><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT color=#008080 size=3>Thank you.</FONT></FONT></P> <P align=justify><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT color=#008080 size=3>Sincerely,</FONT></FONT></P> <P align=justify><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT color=#008080 size=3>Wes Brickner<BR></P></FONT></FONT><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2></FONT> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Mr. Brickner:</FONT> </P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>On March 20, 2006, I sent you an email (see below) indicating that I had completed my review of your VRRA case file and requesting that you send the "new evidence" in support of your allegations that you referenced on your most recent USERRA claim form.&nbsp; On Thursday, April 20, it will have been one month since that request was made, and this office has not yet received the requested documentation.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>As we previously discussed, in order to properly investigate your claim it is necessary for you to submit new and material evidence substantiating the allegations you have raised in your complaint.&nbsp; As you are aware, your complaint has been reopened and closed on a number of prior occasions.&nbsp; In each instance, the VETS investigators, Department Solicitors and Assistant U.S. Attorneys all concluded that the<U> evidence of record</U> failed to support your allegations, and decisions were made not to pursue the matter further.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>At this time, the evidence of record does not contain any additional documents or other material that have not been fully considered.&nbsp; Accordingly, you must submit new evidence which has not been previously associated with your claims file, and which is probative, e.g., would tend to prove or substantiate the allegations you have raised.&nbsp; You have indicated on several occasions that you are in possession of such evidence.&nbsp; Please forward that material to this office at the address indicated in my March 20 email, below, via either FedEx or UPS as soon as possible in order that it can be reviewed and considered.&nbsp; If you fail to submit the requested new and material evidence, as described above, by no later than April 24, 2006, VETS will have no choice but to administratively close your case until such time as the necessary evidence is submitted.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Thank you for your timely attention to this matter.</FONT> </P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Sincerely,</FONT> </P> <P><B><I><FONT face="Arial Unicode MS" color=#000000>Michael Beadle</FONT></I></B> <BR><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT> <FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=1>Assistant Director, VETS</FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; U.S. Department of Labor</FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (310) 576-6444</FONT> </P> <DIV><BR></DIV> <P><FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000 size=1>______________________________________________ </FONT><BR><B><FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000 size=1>From: &nbsp;</FONT></B> <FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000 size=1>Beadle, Michael - VETS REMOTES&nbsp; </FONT><BR><B><FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000 size=1>Sent:&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></B> <FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000 size=1>Monday, March 20, 2006 1:36 PM</FONT> <BR><B><FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000 size=1>To:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></B> <FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000 size=1>Wes Brickner</FONT> <BR><B><FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000 size=1>Subject:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></B> <FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000 size=1>VRRA/USERRA Claim / Brickner v. PMA</FONT> </P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Mr. Brickner,</FONT> </P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>I have completed my review of your VRR/USERRA claims, including the previously rendered opinions of the Solicitor's Office and the Department of Justice.&nbsp; I would now like to review the "new evidence" that you have acquired in support of your allegations.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Please FedEx or UPS your new evidence to:</FONT> </P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Michael Beadle/ADVET</FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>USDOL/VETS</FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>914 Broadway</FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Santa Monica, CA&nbsp; 90401</FONT> </P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>To ensure clarity and to expedite the review process, please assign an "Exhibit #" to each piece of new evidence.&nbsp; On a separate piece of paper please create an "Exhibit List" showing the exhibits in numerical sequence.&nbsp; Under each exhibit on the Exhibit List" please provide a brief description of the new evidence and</FONT><U> <FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>how it supports your allegations</FONT></U><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Do not send documents that are already contained in your case file or that do not support your allegations.</FONT> </P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Once the requested new evidence has been received and reviewed by this office you will be contacted with additional questions and/or to arrange a meeting to discuss your claim.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Your timely cooperation in following the procedure outlined above is appreciated.</FONT><BR><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp;</FONT> </P> <P><B><I><FONT face="Arial Unicode MS" color=#000080>Michael Beadle</FONT></I></B> <BR><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT> <FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=1>Assistant Director, VETS</FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; U.S. Department of Labor</FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (310) 576-6444</FONT> </P></FONT></BODY></HTML>