After reading an article about President Obama’s thoughts on how our Vietnam ‘Vets are treated, I began to think about my own grandfather and how he has suffered due to the lack of medical treatment that many of our Vietnam Veterans lack.
During the Vietnam War, my grandfather served in the United States Navy. After the war was over, he returned home to his wife and daughter and began to start his life over in California. At the start of the war, my grandfather gave up the opportunity to study at Howard University in order to serve his country; however, after the war, his country did little to “serve” him, after he suffered a life-altering injury, his injury which was never properly treated left him with painful headaches, almost every day, which still affects him today.
Years after his return to America, he has had countless trips to numerous doctors and even today, makes routine visits to the VA hospital. Unfortunately, he still suffers from his injuries, like many veterans who have served with him. The care that my grandfather and many of the other Vietnam Veterans have received is very pale in comparison to the help Veterans serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc., benefit from today. Don't get me wrong, these veterans deserve to receive top notch care. However, Vietnam Vets should not be excluded.
Veterans who are serving today receive much better follow-up care than those who served in previous wars. Yes, there are programs that are available to the Vietnam Vets, but the information about these programs are mostly spread word of mouth or found on the internet. Because most Vietnam Vets are elderly, information about these programs are not always easily accessible, leaving many out. Because of this, many of our Vets struggle like my grandfather, physically and emotionally and many even are financially burdened. We live in a rich country; therefore, it breaks my heart to see a homeless Veteran. This is a crime, and should never happen to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.
The government also has a duty to the spouses of deceased veterans. We owe this group a great deal. Not only do soldiers sacrifice their lives, but their spouses make sacrifices, as well. When soldiers pass away, often times spouses are not informed about the benefits they are eligible to receive. Today, Casualty Assistance Officers are assigned to walk the spouses of deceased veterans step-by-step through the entire process, as they prepare to bury their loved one. However, this service did not exist even twenty years ago. Military spouses who have served prior to the Iraq War, must be aware of these benefits, to help ease their financial burden. We must find creative ways for this important information to reach them!
Regardless of which war a Veteran has served, the government has a duty to treat and provide all Veterans with the same programs, opportunities and respect. ALL must be treated equally, because they have fought to protect our nation. We often forget that America is land of the FREE because of the brave individuals who have served. Although my Grandfather and many other vets have suffered, they remind us that they served their country proudly, without regret. As President Obama stated, "America owes them a great debt".
The veterans have done an awesome job for their country. Some of them sacrificed their lives for their country. Governments needs to take care of the veterans such as their medical needs and employment. Unfortunately, some veterans are homeless when they come back from overseas. It is the duty of the government to make sure that they are well taken care off psychologically and mentally.
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