U.S. Armed Forces need YOUR help
By: George L. Tibbetts Jr.
I have utilized The Department of Veterans Affairs and the United States Veterans Administration medical and healthcare services for many years. However, it was a long battle before my case was resolved in my favor. The year that happened was 2003 which was 35 years after my combat service and 20 years after my initial claim for benefits. Now entering their 60’s, some of my comrades of The Vietnam War era are still awaiting their settlement benefits. Many of them may never live long enough to see their cases resolved favorably. These disturbing and historic trends must not set the tone for how we treat current and future generations of American soldiers.
You can help in many ways. There are some positive changes that, in my opinion, could be implemented in the short term that would make a huge difference in the lives of these soldiers. First, if a soldier or veteran doesn’t have access to proper health care we need to grant him or her immediate access to the VA Healthcare System. Secondly, we need to make sure that their care includes access to the dental and eye care clinics which are currently not covered health issues for any veteran with less than a 100% disability rating. I have never understood why teeth and eyes aren’t considered healthcare issues in the first place.
Secondly, you can help by supporting service groups that assist veterans with completing and submitting claims to the Veterans Administration. Disabled American Veterans (DAV), The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and others supply a dedicated staff of people who work tirelessly on behalf of veterans. Their workload in this day and age stretches their ability to perform their mission without continued support from family, friends, other veterans and the general public. We all need to remember that these people have sacrificed much and are worthy of all the help they need.
Lastly, and on behalf of all veterans, I ask that you contact President Obama, members of the Maine’s Congressional Delegation, members of the National Armed Forces Committee and show your support for veterans and active duty soldiers. I also ask that you consider contributing what you can to groups that assist veterans and their families. All these groups and individuals are easily located either online or in your local phone directory.
Thanks and Happy New Year
