Millions of Americans have shown patriotism by serving our country. There isn't a day that goes by that a person doesn't enlist in the Army, Marines, Navy or Air Force. They put their lives on the line to protect our nation. Those of us who stay at home when we're at war have no idea what our soldiers are dealing with when they're across seas. We can only imagine the horror they experience, the sacrifices they face and the character changing decisions they make day to day. These men and women give everything for the protection of our country. So, why is it that we treat them so poorly when they return home?
Our national government recruits these men and women. They train them, and send them to fight. When they return home, our government disowns them. The majority of these men and women suffer from serious PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), along with a lot of psychological problems. This alone is enough reasoning for them to be denied employment. A lot of veterans have the toughest time re-adapting to society when they get back. War changes people in more ways not known by experts. These people should be able to turn to our government for assistance. However, this isn't the case. Our government turns their backs on our Veterans. If these men and women haven't lost their lives on the battlefield, it isn't long before they lose their lives due to homelessness, suicides or substance abuse. The U.S. government should do everything possible to take care of those who have taken care of our country. Regardless if its psychological help that's needed, housing assistance or healthcare. Our government should fight for those who have fought for us.
Veterans are supposed to receive health and financial benefits once they go on inactive duty. However, our government has set up loop holes that denies and robs these men and women of their benefits. I have friends and family who have been waiting for years just to find out if they are approved or denied for their benefits. It's sad that we don't respect our Veterans enough to assist them. What is the meaning for Veterans Day if we have millions of Veterans living on the street, killing themselves or self destructing from drugs? It isn't about barbeques or family gatherings. It is about showing the respect, love and support for those who have made it possible to live the lives we live everyday. The least our government can do is repay them for all that they have lost by giving the help where it's needed. There should not be a single homeless Veteran in the United States.
They have suffered enough while being away in foreign disastrous places. Therefore, when they return they should be treated as heroes, as people of importance who have done their duty by serving our country!
1 comment:
In Tori's blog "Our Crumbling Empire" she wrote "They Die On the Field, They Die At Home" which brings up the point that veterans are uncared for in terms of their trauma and injuries.
An excellent point that was addressed, was that the service people put everything on the line, so they should not be treated poorly when they return home.
Also, the bit about Veterans Day being meaningless if the veterans that are being honored are also being denied help, leading to their suicide, drug use and homelessness.
I do like that she mentioned how even though it is illegal to expressly deny employment based on a disability, it would still happen and thus the veterans would have issues getting a job. I wish some of the psychological ramifications were brought up, such as the flashbacks, night terrors, insomnia, and violent anger outbursts. It would also help if the kind of assistance was brought up.
She did mention housing and healthcare, but didn't really go into detail. The type of assistance could include help with disability checks, surgeries or medications, therapy dogs, and even paying for stays at a psychicatric hospital so that they can get more help than a doctor throwing pills at them. In fact, one thing I had a therapist say, was that kids in war zones tend to have more help, because they are able to discuss and lean on other people who are like them. Government funded support groups would provide amazing results.
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