Monday, November 10, 2008

Happy Veteran's Day...

Yeah, I've written a bit on Obama, but I have to say that I really hope he will fix this mess we are in and start providing Veterans with the medical, psychological and family benefits they deserve. A lot of people aren't aware that even though I tend to lean on the liberal side, my brother is currently serving in the U.S. Army. This is a photo taken at Fort Bliss in Texas where he is right now. He volunteered over 4 years ago, and was recently caught in the stop-loss system and is now putting his life on hold. He will likely have to go to the Middle East (again) and serve there for over a year before he is released and can go to graduate school. My problem with all of this is if we have a volunteer Army, how can the Army force someone to stay beyond their contractual limit? The unfortunate fact is that they can, and they did the exact same thing to my grandfather. He was sent to Korea.

The fact is, the military is far more complicated and infuriating than the media reports. It's full of problems and issues that are continually brushed under the carpet. I'm hoping that with this next administration, there will be more transparency to show the issues these soldiers face and how the federal government is responding to those needs. Military families are going through difficult times right now, and I hope those programs get the funding they rightfully deserve. On that note, Happy Veteran's Day.... and I hope you all enjoy this beautiful photo of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC from my friend Brent Tomerlin



2 comments:

  1. I just commented on your other blog! I hope for all our sake there is change coming.

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  2. From one family member of a military person to another, please tell your brother thank you for his service.

    I don't pretend to understand all the ins and outs of the military system and I know there are inequities and infuriating situations. The Calm One has come across them too. Yet there are many good things that they've done - and thank goodness for that.

    Found you through SITs and visited Sadie's blog too. Hello! She's adorable. So is her blog. BG

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