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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/