As a veteran, I truly appreciate the emotional support that everyone is showing on Veterans Day. More importantly, I applaud tangible benefits that companies like Starbucks are offering that can actually improve the lives of returning veterans and their families. It remains an embarrassment that our military gets paid so poorly that many qualify for aid like food stamps and even that was reduced by the latest cut by Congress. They could easily quadruple their salaries by leaving the military and fighting as contracted mercenaries on the same battlefields, but they dont because they are true patriots in every sense. Remember that at the start of the Iraq War families were sending bullet proof vests to their sons and daughters in combat because the military didnt provide that. Lets not forget that it takes veterans up to two years to get treatment started at the VA facilities. Also remember that only 1% of our citizens defend us all. Cant we make sure that that this 1% is given the care and support they need to become whole again as they return to society? So, if we truly support our troops and veterans, lets make sure on an ongoing basis that our government gets beyond lip service to veterans and those currently serving and actually gives them the financial support needed to insure that they are paid well, have easily available medical and emotional support, and that they are given preferred status for jobs as they return to civilian life. Lastly, can we encourage our government to stop creating frivolous wars that put these heroes in harms way unnecessarily? I wonder how many veterans put on their uniform to march on Veterans Day only to return to the homeless shelter or to the streets the next day. Again, I applaud the efforts of companies like Starbucks who are willing to make a lasting and meaningful commitment to those who gave so much. Lets make everyday Veterans Day!
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 16:57:21 +0000