The Silver Star Families of America Enters the Fight Over Transitional Housing Facility

For many of us older veterans, we have prayed that returning veterans would never again be stigmatized and shunned as those returning from Vietnam where. In fact many of us have said, “Never again,” and that we would never allow it to happen.

Well it appears that in San Diego just that very thing is occurring.

According to the San Diego Reader, the Veterans Administration has plans to build a transitional housing unit for veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from PTS or readjusting to life after mild Traumatic Brain Injuries. According to the Veterans Affairs office, temporary housing, physical, occupational, and other therapy will be provided on site, as will some substance abuse counseling. Sounds great---except that the facility, called the Aspire Center, will be across the street from an elementary school where a number of parents are concerned about security.

And apparently they are not the only ones. Mission Hills Town Council, Five Points/Middletown Business Association, and Old Town Chamber of Commerce reportedly opposed the center at an April community meeting.

Apparently the community is worried that children may be harmed by the homicidal, drugged up, PTS wounded that will invade their neighborhood even though the V.A. in San Diego agreed to provide 24-hour security, darken the windows and create a smoking area away from the school.

In other words this appears to be a “not in my backyard” slap in the face to the returning veterans that have fought and suffered for these very people. Even if the facility is now approved, and that is up to the San Diego City Council that will vote today, the veterans using the facility will know that they are not wanted.

And rejection is the last thing a returning veteran needs, especially if they are suffering from the unseen wounds of war.

The Silver Star Families of America has one mission: To remember, honor and assist the wounded, ill, injured and dying of our Armed Forces.

As the President of the SSFOA we have made a decision to support this facility in any way we can. We will not stand idly by while our wounded veterans are stigmatized once again. It is our suggestion that the community embrace the men and women at the facility and help them---they could do a lot to ease their pain.

It would be the least a community could do for those who have offered to give up their lives for our freedom.

Steve Newton President SSFOA

www.silverstarfamilies.org http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/7321/san-diego%E2%80%99s-war-on-veterans-a-ptsd-controversy/ http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/news-ticker/2012/apr/04/fight-over-old-town-military-housing-facility-cont/

Over the years I have mellowed. I was one of many that were stigmatized as baby killers on my return to the US (VN). Even though I was a sailor and not necessarily a combat soldier I was looked upon as a killer of babies and innocent women just because I wore a uniform.

I fought back by wearing my uniform with pride and never backed down to any of the cowards that assailed me at every turn. And all that cursed me were cowards, never once did I get one of them to confront me one on one. Cowards all.

And like you I say “not on my watch”

I support the troops every chance I get. I thank every person I see in uniform for their service. I salute them (as a former military person I’m allow to do so).

Some may think I’m nuts, so be it ... I appreciate those that are willing to serve.

Rant off.

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