But you are owed respect.
Most of your brother and sister vets ( at least the vocal ones) apparently joined for the benefits. Which is fine. But then they shouldn’t wrap themselves in the flag.
I agree. Likewise, I am owed nothing for my six years aborad the USS Iwo Jima LPH2 and the USS Farragut DDG47.
I wouldn’t begrudge owing somebody who was permanently disabled through active service though.
I salute you Navy brother! I served on two Heavy Cruisers (USS Salem and New Port News). Like you I was, and still am, proud to have served and would do it again if I weren’t so damn old.
My Father was a combat veteran of WWII. He did not take advantage of a couple of veterans benefits but he did have a VA Loan to buy our house. He probably could have gotten another loan but I don’t know if he saved money.
He did get a large American Flag over his coffin. My older Sister got the flag which I guess is appropriate as he outlived Mother.
I only served 28 years, but I feel that I am unworthy to lick the shoes of all those Democrat make-believe pig farmers who received $50,000 each for pretending to raise pigs. Now, there’s some danger and sacrifice.
I don’t expect anything as a veteran either. But I DO expect, as a military retiree of 22 years honorable service, that my CONTRACT (in writing) be fulfilled. Is that not too much to ask?
And yet, there is talk, and occasional action, to get rid of certain terms that the government now finds too costly. Congressman Paul Ryan and Senator Patty Murray tried late last year. They were rebuffed, but sure as Spring follows Winter, they or others will be back.
I have complied with all that was required of me on said contract. I am still subject to the UCMJ, incidentally.
Wrap my self in a flag, whine over what?
How about living up to what was contractually signed for, and was told do this, and you get this.... then they (lawmakers) decide to change it. in the mean time, you have people that want to excoriate others because they insist that what was contractually agreed to, be honored.
bump
I belong to a Cold War Vets group on Facebook and am ashamed at the number of guys there bitching and moaning about the lack of a Cold War Vets medal. i guess you can bothwr the VA to give you a certificate signed by the asshat Hagel if you really need recognition. Myself, i dont want one. i know what i and my brothers in the Airborne/Air Assault Infantry did, we helped to keep the peace so our family and friends could sleep tight at night. all i want after my service is the VA Home Loan guaramtee (thanks for that already) and when I am dead to give my only son a flag like the one that was handed down to me from my father.
I served just as a reservist for one enlistment. Thanks to that experience, I got in shape, learned how to stay calm and get work done under pressure, and met a lot of great folks.
I got so much benefit from the U.S. Navy. I hope they got a little benefit out of my serving, but it was definitely an unfair trade in my favor. And I say that as someone who got good evaluations and an honorable discharge.
My husband served for 21 years. He earned his pay and benefits. He earned respect.
I heard that the veterans of the first gulf war filed 700,000 disability claims. Interesting as there was almost no ground combat involving us troops.
Anybody have confirmation on these numbers?
I went to school with a guy who served 4 years in the Army, got out in 1991. Had a Sargent tell him how to file for disability for back pain. Swear to god he got 100% disabled, and could run, ski, snowboard, wakeboard, and ride dirt bikes/Harley’s. But he knew how to go to the VA and act hurt. Sad.....
When young men/women signed up for active duty service, they were usually told that there was a guarantee of this or that. If free health care was an agreement stated before signing on the line, then the government has a duty to keep its word. My husband served (was told that he would always be served at a VA hospital) and has never sought VA hospital services. We have private insurance and now, Medicare. I imagine that many who do seek these services cannot afford other care. VA hospitals have been in decline for many years/decades now. I know there are a few really good ones, but on the average, i think most veterans just go to a regular hospital/clinic as a self-pay or insurance paid patient. I do not knock the ones who go for free service. I cannot judge their reasons. Some probably DO feel that things are OWED to them, but that is a mentality that has transformed much of America today.
The good thing in all of this is that the VA being touted as a great example of what ObamaCare will be is just that! What an example! Who could’ve painted a better picture? And it is so bad that it can’t just be undone or turned around quickly! (God does have a wonderful sense of humor!)
you are welcome. thank your parents for raising such an honorable person.
t
Well, I agree with you to a point. It was a great honor an priviledge to serve, it taught me many things I have retained throughout my life and will until I die. There are those of us who have sacrificed our bodies and minds however, and we have earned what is owed to us for being that man who walks the line.
First and foremost this nation owes it’s veterans the honor and dignity we are entitled to.
The “entitled” class can go pound sand.
i served on not one but two aircraft carriers....
what am i owed???
a place to be buried, along with an honor guard and flag..
that is it...
to those who did not serve, go to hell.....