Showing posts with label homeless vets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeless vets. Show all posts

Friday, May 23, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend

Today marks the beginning of Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer.

My staff had hit their wall by the time I arrived today at 9 am. I have been pushing them hard recently, freeing them early was a no brainer. They (I) will scatter to the loving arms of their friends and family.

What is sad is we are a nation at war with faceless enemies who live thousands of miles away. The citizens who signed up for reasons known only to them are being exploited on many levels. How they are being held hostage via the backdoor draft is just awful. Throwing salt in the wounds is the lack care they received upon their return state side. 

A core component of our teams' business is managing workers compensation claims. We have a statutory obligation to make a determination on average 21 days, depending on the jurisdiction. A wage replacement check must be issued within that same timeline. Medical bills are to be processed within 30 days of receipt. Keep in mind these are occupational injuries and illnesses.

It begs to question, why on earth does it takes months even years to provide services to our wounded soldiers? Why do our soldiers have to go to press in order to embarrass the military into action?

McCain's failure to even show up to vote on the veteran's bill is reprehensible. To screw these citizens, because they will not stay and fight is criminal. Throughout our nation's history it was the volunteers who were the backbone of our military. We also have a sad history of treating our veterans poorly. This has to change.

What to do?

When you see a vet or citizen soldier, give them a friendly hello and a thank you. Their sacrifices give us the freedom to enjoy our freedoms.

Our elected officials will return home this weekend. They will be in or near parades. When they come up to shake your hand, tell them to remember why we have a long weekend. Start to bring the soldiers home and take care of them quickly upon their return.


Monday, May 28, 2007

A prayer for the Unknown Soldiers

When a war veteran finally returns to what used to be a normal life the re-entry is challenging for the soldiers and their families.
Daily living is a challenge. Returning from a war adds another layer to the complexities. Physical scars are obvious. The mental ones are not so evident.

Our society has conditioned us to be less tolerant of those who suffer from mental disorders. If you break a leg, going to a doctor to fix it would be expected. Getting treatment for a broken psyche somehow is viewed as odd or weak. It is not discussed openly. A hushed tone is more the norm.

Our illustrious Commander-in Chief calls on us to support our troops. It would be wonderful, if he would have prepared our brave soldiers for a safer return home. The outpatient care for our wounded is as broken as Shrubs policies.

What about the soldiers who joined the military because they had no place to go? For whatever reason, these soldiers do not have any friends or family. Who is waiting for them when they are discharged?

Some do not even have a home to return to. These warriors joined the military for a place to sleep and three squares. What happens to them? Who provides them a soft landing?

You rarely hear about these soldiers. Who mourns for them when they are killed in action? Who receives their silver stars? Who writes their tragic stories?

As Memorial Day weekend comes to a close, let's pray for the weary soldier who has no loving arms to greet them or fix them a burger.