If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
What kind of nation asks men and women to put their lives on hold and in jeopardy, promising them medical care and benefits, and then fails to deliver that care when it's most needed?
It is likely that we have already heard firsthand from our World War II veterans most of the stories from that dreadful war and that we may not hear many more new ones as these heroes are leaving us at an alarming rate of 800 to 1,000 each and every day.
My Christmas while deployed years ago is the type of Christmas so many of our service members will experience this year. Currently deployed and at war, these troops will miss the most critical, most special part of the holiday season: family.
They're still there: the homeless. In doorways, in the parks, on the streets, under bridges, on vacant land. Every day of the year.
Our society continues to struggle to understand the factors that lead service members and veterans to choose to end their lives, as we search for successful programs and effective interventions.
For thousands of veterans across America, life during the holidays is going to be tough this year. After fighting for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, they're coming home to high unemployment rates and a broken VA system.
Nothing I do is altruistic the way I look at things; it just feels right. A nerd's gotta do what a nerd's gotta do.
Shockingly, in the years since 9/11, about 3,000 military members have lost their lives to suicide. It's shocking but true: Almost as many military members have taken their life as have lost theirs to IEDs.
The government response to this crisis has not only been too late; it's also been too little. For today, we must redouble our efforts to care for those who have worn the uniform, and do everything we can to prevent them from joining the growing list of the drug war's casualties.
Justice is rare for women raped by fellow service members. The last decade of war has taught Americans many lessons. One is that veterans' unseen wounds are too often life-destroying.
Actions, of course, speak much louder than mere sentiments of gratitude. And on that score, we have yet to face the true test. As the Iraq and Afghanistan wars come to a close, we will welcome back whole divisions of military men and women.
Forget wearing a flag pin. Or slapping a "We Support the Troops" bumper sticker on your Prius. This Veterans Day push yourself to do something that's actually meaningful. Here are six ways to honor our soldiers.
As on many Veterans Days in years past, this year we find our nation at war. The war in Afghanistan -- the longest conflict in our history -- sharply reminds us at the Department of Veteran's Affairs of our urgent and ongoing commitment to Servicemembers and Veterans.
For people of faith, the significant challenge is whether or not we will recognize, remember and care for those who have served us in uniform during the other 364 days of the year.
This year, Veteran's Day marks a new beginning for many homeless veterans in the District who are benefiting from an innovative housing program and critical community partnerships.
Veterans need our help. While we talk about giving veterans a holiday from work, we need to think about getting them back to work.
