Ahead of tonight's GOP debate, IAVA released a playbook on veterans issues. Would you add to it or prioritize differently?

Put the suicide issue first and foremost. This needs to occupy the majority of the discussion.

They do mention reforming the VA; I would highlight health care for veterans and retirees of all stripes, Capt Brandon Charters. TRICARE is mainly what I'm talking about. As a post-9/11 retiree myself, I'm pleased with the TRICARE and VA care I receive, but I see a trend towards erosion of the benefit, increasing costs, etc. While lifetime healthcare likely was not in my contract when I signed up in 1975, it was advertised and understood that if I went 20 (I went 30), I could count on health care for the rest of my life. Now "they" are waffling. I know this is "just" one more expense to the government, but in my opinion, it should rank above welfare, etc. This is a benefit for folks who put their lives on the line for the country, not a handout.

Capt Brandon Charters I think Veteran jobs and homelessness are a second and third point that is not directly addressed in this list. These are big misses to me, perhaps they are in the Reform the VA for today's veterans.

Unfortunately, I didn't even hear the word "veteran" mentioned during the debate at a all.

I feel homelessness of veterans should be a priority

Getting a president who served??? And maybe more in CONgress who did???

One thing that has bothered me since the last Govt. shutdown was learning that as a 100% svc connected disabled Vet, my benefits are not part of defense budget and are not protected from grandstanding politicians of either party. I never asked for spec treatment but it seems to me, that I am being unfairly lumped in with those on SSI and foodstamps. No disrespect to the poor but I resent the Hell out of it . And I do not believe we should be subject to the political football games these guys play and definitely not treated like moochers.