While no one would argue that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are stretching the Department of Veterans Affairs' resources close to the breaking point, Sen. McCain's suggestion yesterday that we ration veterans' health care to "concentrate" on people with wounds that "are a direct result of combat" is dangerously wrongheaded.
The stress of repeated 15-month deployments is taking an unprecedented toll on our soldiers' mental health and thousands of soldiers are coming home with PTSD as a result of living for extended periods in a combat zone under constant threat of enemy fire. Is Senator McCain suggesting that we can't afford to give them benefits?
These wars are the first to be waged in large numbers by a new generation of brave women - but 15 percent of our women soldiers that served on the front lines who walk into a VA facility screen positive for military sexual trauma. Is Senator McCain suggesting that we can't afford to give them benefits?
Senator McCain's campaign did not return calls for comment about his statement, but these are questions he must answer. All veterans respect John McCain's service -- if he too respects ours, he should not be suggesting that we shortchange our soldiers with non-combat injuries who have served with such honor and dignity.
Lt. General Robert G. Gard Jr. (USA, Ret.) is the steering committee chairman of Vets for Obama. Visit their official site or join them on Facebook.
