For three decades beginning in the late 1950s, Civil Air Transport, and its successor, Air America, flew clandestine missions for the CIA in Southeast Asia. Two years ago, Allen Cates, who worked for Air America from 1966 through 1974, filed a petition asking that Air America employees’ time be considered active duty, and thus qualify them for veterans’ benefits. In September, an Air Force review board denied his petition on grounds that he had not provided enough evidence to show Air America had been supporting military operations. Cates says he has uncovered additional facts which he will submit to the board. Meanwhile, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev, have sponsored a bill that would provide civil service benefits to former Air America employees.