We were there to see the mental health doctor, because my uncle is still fighting his war. Yes, over 60 years he is still fighting for benefits that was promised him for his service. And, so are these young people. That's why they are going to Washington, DC.
They will be fighting, too. I sat next to a guy about my age, who was a Viet Nam vet, he has been fighting for almost 30 years. Why are these men and women having to fight like this? They fight in the wars and then come home injured, physically, mentally sometimes both yet the war is never over for them, because they can't stop fighting. Our government won't give them what it said it would, what it promised them, that it would take care of them after they took care of us.
What is it going to take for us to realize these people put their lives on hold for us every day for years and ask very little in return and get very little in return. Their families sacrifice is more than most of us ever even think about. We don't even stop to think about what they go through every day. What those children give up not seeing their mommies and daddies, what those mommies and daddies give up not seeing their kids. What those wives and husbands give up not seeing their spouses.
So, yes, we are all having trouble right now, yes times are tough. But, is $5 too much to ask for what they have given up for you?? Think about that as you read this request from the IAVA.
Imagine struggling to pay your mortgage, keep your job and feed your family, all while serving a year-long deployment thousands of miles away.
These difficult times are taking a toll on all Americans, but troops and veterans carry an extra burden.
Today, the Senate begins debating the economic stimulus bill, and IAVA is calling on Congress to make Iraq and Afghanistan veterans a part of it.
We will work with both parties to implement our recommendations for the final bill, which include retroactive payments to help cover veterans' student loans, a plan to triple the number of outreach coordinators employed by the VA, and funding to provide job training and childcare for homeless veterans.
Investing in our nation's veterans is a smart and patriotic way to get the economy back on track. Can you help ensure our voice is heard?
Next week, we're sending veterans from across the country to meet face-to-face with members of Congress and present IAVA's legislative priorities for 2009.
If you haven't already, can you chip in $5 for a taxi ride, or $10 for a meal to help send veterans to "Storm the Hill"?
The vets will be meeting with over 125 members of Congress to talk about veterans' issues, including how the economic crisis is impacting their lives. Help make sure Congress listens. We can't do it without your support.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us.
Sincerely,
Paul
Paul Rieckhoff
Iraq Veteran
Executive Director & Founder
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
No comments:
Post a Comment