VA Legislation Now in Congress August 1st, 2014 Veterans Corner by Ronald Verini 2.5 million Americans were deployed in the War On Terror and over 400,000 completed three tours of duty. We have a responsibility in our community to help those coming back to assimilate as seamlessly as possible. Hopefully by the time this column goes to press, an affirmative vote on the critical legislation for VA funding will pass, to address the care and accountability crises. The Bill would allow veterans to go to private doctors if they face long waits for appointments or if they live more than 40 miles from a VA site. It is shamefully clear that partisanship is alive and well and the art of compromise is certainly having its challenges but slowly moving forward! This partial privatizing of VA services is not only occurring at the VA but locally within the Ontario city ‘Public Works’ department and might be a good solution or, create other unanticipated problems. Listening to Sen. Sanders and Rep. Miller sounds like we might have a meeting of the minds but remember this is only the tip of the iceberg, we will visit this subject again as the year moves forward. When Max Arvidson walked into VAOI Office the other day I was reminded of the time that our community gave Max and his outfit a sendoff for their first deployment. Then his second deployment came along and as his service continued his family grew as did our friendship. When Max left the military and assimilated into civilian life his service to his Country never stopped. He sits on the Board of Directors for Harvest House and he is one of those folks that make this Nation the best in the world. Max also works hard in causes, to prevent human trafficking. He is truly an American that reflects high morals and ethics. As a military man he epitomizes the good that comes from serving our Country. Thanks Max for being part of our community. Boys & Girls Club: Keystone members, Brenda, Esmeralda, Theresa, Isabel, Gonzalo, Zeaida and Haley, along with Kiku Hondo, Julio Carbajal, Mike Clabaugh and Balde Riojas all came together to recognize our citizens with disabilities. Carrying the colors in the ADA parade brought together the Boys and Girls Club, EOCIL and VAOI. As a unit they also honored our military branches, ‘Killed in Action’, ‘Prisoners of War’ and ‘Missing in Action’. This continues from the last column to name those involved in the ADA March and display of our colors to City Hall this last week. Great job by all! This week marks the 100 year anniversary of the “War to End All Wars”, WWI, and at the time of the last battle, 9 million soldiers gave their lives, hundreds of thousands were wounded, and millions were left with the burdens of ‘unseen wounds’. As then and now, what is still missing is the ability to cope with the mental and physical wounds of our soldiers, their families and communities. “Governments first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” R. Reagan
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 04:07:23 +0000
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