Murdered Vietnam Vet finds honor too late from VA

VA Takes Back Slain Military Vet's Benefits
Families Of Vets Without Spouse, Children Can't Petition Takeback
POSTED: 3:18 pm EDT October 26, 2009



BALTIMORE -- Next month, Americans will pause to honor our nation's veterans, but the day will be tough for a Dundalk family who is mourning a slain Vietnam veteran while fighting the system that was designed to take care of him.

At 17, Daniel Hoeck needed his parent's permission to drop out of high school and fight a war in Vietnam. Two tours of duty later, he made it home safely with a Purple Heart and a deep conviction, according to his sister, Marie Davidson.

"My brother always loved his country. It didn't stop," she told 11 News I-Team reporter Deborah Weiner.

His love for country didn't stop as his body wore down from Agent Orange exposure and disease.

Daniel Hoeck was slain in his Westfield home during a burglary in February.
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http://www.wbaltv.com/11investigates/21429584/detail.html