Archive for the ‘Veterans’ Category
A Tribute Well Deserved
October 25th, 2009
I’ve had this article stored for some time and it escapes me why I did not post it earlier.
While the article may be a bit out of date, the content is anything but.
Bob Dole, a venerable 86 years old now, was back in the Washington limelight over the weekend, appearing on ABC TV to dispense counsel on a bipartisan approach to health care, popping up in newspapers explaining how to cut a deal, even suggesting Gen. David Petraeus as a presidential possibility.
But his most heartfelt weekend activity took place elsewhere, out of sight of Washington politicos and devoid of any potential for gain or notoriety. It came under a brilliant Saturday-morning sun, when the former Republican presidential candidate, now a bit more frail than most Americans recall him, stepped out of a car and strode to the National World War II Memorial to greet, one by one, 108 fellow World War II veterans who had been flown to Washington from South Carolina to see the monument built in their honor.
Put aside the long political career of the former Senator/Majority Leader.
Bob Dole’s efforts to insure the men and women who participated in World War II would be remembered for generations to come is an accomplishment which will live forever in this beautiful memorial erected in their honor.
Pictures of several events at the Memorial here.
Tuesday Tid-Bits
July 7th, 2009
You can’t define a government run health care system in any simpler terms than this:
Banana peels to heal warts? Who knew?
Bananas to banish veruccas, ginger to ease muscle pain and tea for mouth ulcers – before you visit the chemist, check out the many proven remedies in your own larder.
Contemplating a move? Do you live in Virginia? Give these guys a call:
One of those feel good stories worthy of sharing:
Posted in Bits and Pieces, Charity, Children, Health, Health Care, Heart Warming, Veterans | 
1 Comment »
Please Help Some Fine Folks Help Our Veterans
May 18th, 2009
Whether you are a veteran, a member of a family which includes veterans or a civilian who wishes to support our troops, please consider joining The Warrior Legacy Foundation.
On Memorial Day, six years ago, my friend gave his life to save a convoy of soldiers and two journalists. It is fitting that, this week before Memorial Day, we are talking about protecting his legacy.
A few months ago, I was talking with David Bellavia about this very issue. We talked about how the administration tried to make veterans pay for their own health care, how the DHS memos painted all veterans as right wing extremists and potential terrorists, and how there was no one, aside from the American Legion, really working to defend veterans.
So, a few of us decided to start our own foundation – non-partisan – to work with both sides of the aisle to solve veterans issues. We decided that we need to include every generation, every branch of service, in order to stand firm, back to back, and defend our family.
The Warrior Legacy Foundation is born.
Follow the links provided at Blackfive.
It only takes a minute to register and it’s the least we can do to show our troops that we stand behind them on Veteran’s issues. 
Obama Targets Wounded Warriors (Updated)
March 17th, 2009
It’s ourtrageous that a Commander in Chief, moreover one in the time of war, would add additional stress to those both serving in hostile surroundings and those who are recovering from wounds received while defending this country:
WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization says he is “deeply disappointed and concerned” after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.
“It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan,” said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. “He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it.”
The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, “This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ‘ to care for him who shall have borne the battle’ given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm’s way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America’s veterans!”
Commander Rehbein goes on to make a very strong point when it comes to the welfare of not only the wounded warrior but also that of their immediate family:
The proposed requirement for these companies to reimburse the VA would not only be unfair, says the Legion, but would have an adverse impact on service-connected disabled veterans and their families. The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran’s condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered.
[emphasis-mine-admin]
Congress would be well advised to kill any such consideration before it sees the floor. There is a vast segment of this country who understands that while enlistment in the military is voluntary, it is a commitment to country.
Sure, you can argue that these folks get the benefit of a commissary or post exchange. So. We have Wal-Mart.
One might argue that many civilians have to “pay” for their health insurance. I ask, what are your chances of losing both legs, arms or worse at the hands of a terrorist laid IED?
Does this administration understand the stress those serving in a war zone incur? Do they understand what it is like to be the family left behind, hanging on to the hope that they will see their loved one arrive home intact both mentally and physically?
Call your Representative and your Senators. Let them know that you stand behind those who defend our freedoms.
Ask them why individuals who are willing to lay down their very lives for this country don’t deserve the best care we have available when necessary at minimal or no cost to them personally.
Should Congress find this proposal,(if it advances that far)
DOA then they should be applauded, but it should never be forgotten that the current administration has shown its hand.
By signing the latest Omnibus Spending Bill laden with countless earmarks it is quite evident that this President and his administration have made a conscious decision that government waste is acceptable so long as it keeps voting blocks content. Bring home the bacon and you shall win, win, win.
Well, these men and women do win, (and many times without the full support of elected officials or a select segment of their own fellow citizens):
The least we can do is support them by making certain no cuts to their health benefits see the light of day.
Update: Well, well, how quickly the administration has caved on this issue.
The White House on Wednesday backed off a controversial plan that would have dramatically altered the way the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) handles insurance claims, after veterans groups staged an all-out fight against such a proposal.
President Obama will not pursue a proposal that would have allowed the VA to charge private insurance companies for the treatment of veterans with service- and war-related injuries. The proposal raised the ire of prominent Democrats on the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs panels. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was the first to announce Wednesday afternoon that the president won’t pursue such a proposal…
Probably didn’t poll well or perhaps they were shocked by how many individuals were incensed by this ridiculous idea. end update
President Bush Addresses Our Veterans
November 11th, 2008
It’s a little late in the day but as this is President Bush’s final Veteran’s Day address (excerpts) I felt it was fitting to post it:
Defending Old Glory
October 4th, 2007
It must be nice to earn a living in America while having no respect not only for our laws but for the flag we hold so dear.
This Veteran was having none of it.
HT: Blackfive
