Veterans Should Not Have to Battle the Homefront for Honor

Some of our most jingoistic elected officials are leaving American veterans behind to fend for their own rights.

Today, with Walter Reed and America’s numerous other VA Hospitals remaining grossly underfunded and poorly equipped, the early activism pioneered by Vietnam-era veterans is well-worth remembering — and renewing.

Properly allocating and spending public funds on veteran care is the only way to honor them and others. 15,434 veterans in Texas are currently homeless. According to Central Texas VA Social Services Chief Joyce Duran, veterans with disabilities have difficulty finding jobs.

This embarrassing fact is due in part to structural workplace barriers such as stairs or absence of Braille. But it’s also due to a lack of support for veterans as they psychologically adjust back into civilian life. Services currently available which are proven to help smooth a discharged solder’s readjustment are not being readily or effectively advertized.

And, of course, our society generally discourages the personal disclosure of a need for help. No wonder returning vets still face employer prejudices!

An America genuinely and sincerely committed to treasuring veterans would not require them to put up with stingy conditions and inadequate — or non-existent — community resources and federal assistance. Adequate healthcare, job opportunities, and transportation options would commemorate veterans year-round. One does not ever stop being a veteran, disabled or otherwise, after a specifically designated day has passed.