remembering our vets this july 4

[movie zombie]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20050701/ts_csm/avets

in california the wait for services has gotten longer, not shorter, as facilities are being closed and staff cut. i ask that each of us remember our vets on july 4 and encouarage us all to contact our elected officials on july 5 or sometime during the week to push for better veteran services.

peace, movie zombie

 

[IrishEyes]

Thank you, movie zombie!

As a veteran myself, as well as my husband and my friends in my unit as well, I have to say that it is wonderful to have support from civilians on issues that concern veterans of all wars. We do recieve a certain amount of care and support from the government and veteran''s services, however, that care could also be far greater and still has a long way to come. The issues that us veterans face, both physical and emotional, impact us on a day -to- day basis, and our memories of our time in combat are always with us; the good and the bad. Thank you again, so much, for remembering us on this holiday weekend. It is the support of people like you that we so desperately need!

IrishEyes and Mr. IrishEyes

 

[Kamuelamom]

Yes, a big salute and a thank you to all the veterans and brave troops out there.

 

[MissAva]

Sadly it is like this all over the country. And the truth is it is often harder for vets to get treatment and helathcare then others.

We as a family are going through a situation right now related to this and it breaks my heart that someone who served for more then 50 years and flew in the Koren and Veitnam war is being treated so poorly. I cannot imagine how bad it most be for those who dont have a DR and lawyer as their only children to push things along. I hope things will get better soon but I dont think they will.

 

[Jennifer5973]

I get charitable soliciations by the dozens each week and I give only to two types: the homeless/abused animals and the Vets.

I cannot imagine the kind of strength and courage it takes to put your life on the line for millions of people you don''t know, to be willing to put your own life aside to defend greater ideals and liberty for all. I humbly thank all the veterans I know. Whenever the VFW stand is set up on the way out of the food store, I make a contribution. The gentleman says "thank you," and my only response is "No, sir, Thank YOU."

 

[perry]

I could almost cry on this issue; but, it is not a new one for me.

The fact of the matter is that funding for the VA and for various other Veteran services has been fairly steadily cut since the end of the Vietnam war (in about 1975).

I seved from 1975 to 1980, and after I got out - specifically in about 1982 - there were complaints about the cuts at the local VA hospital. Not just for the Viet Nam vets - but also for the WWII and Korean War vets. I knew many people from all 2 wars.

So sad; It is one of the reasons that I oft recite the following work "constrcution"

Poly = Many

Tic = Blood Sucking Insect.

Politics =

It is more than just the veterns who bleed.

Perry

 

[partgypsy]

The current VA is under budgetary pressure the budget is stagnant overall, and reduced in places. This is at the same time the number of veterans served is increasing. That makes for some tough choices.
I work at a VA hospital. My 2 year old daughter sees the men in wheelchairs out front as I am dropped off by my husband. We explain to her they are soldiers that help protect us and our country, and now they need our help. (She knows about soldiers from Richard Scarry''s "Cars and trucks and things that go."
She says, "Mommy, I want to give them chocolate milk and a kiss to make them feel better".
To be honest I believe the choice to start the Iraq war was wrong. However I think alot of people wish they could give the soldiers chocolate milk, a kiss, both to make them feel better, and to let them know how they are appreciated for the invaluable service they do for this country.

 

[Rank Amateur]

2004

25 Million Vets.

65 Billion in VA Expenditures.

Wow to both numbers.