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For the past 14 years, the American public has largely sought to thank our troops and show their support through measures both great and small. From "Support Our Troops" bumper stickers to airlines allowing Military personnel to board flights ahead of all other passengers. With the Wars now winding down, Navy Veteran and Team Rubicon employee Ken Harbaugh explores a much deeper looming dilemma as he sees it: The Risk of Over-Thanking Our Veterans. He goes well beyond the simple courtesies of the 10% discounts and the pats on the back from a grateful nation - he points to the exploding costs of caring for the Veterans who have been at war these past 14 years, the soaring VA budget, a Comp & Pen system that is often gamed by Vets for a payout, and the potential fallout and resentment this may ultimately engender with the broader taxpaying public who may ultimately ask if they are paying too much?
What do you say, RP Nation? Does Mr. Harbaugh raise some valid points? Or is he merely a Veteran who is better off than most who is on a soap box and pointing fingers? What say you?
What do you say, RP Nation? Does Mr. Harbaugh raise some valid points? Or is he merely a Veteran who is better off than most who is on a soap box and pointing fingers? What say you?
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
DAV
The American Legion
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 34
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How could Veterans ever be "over thanked" when combat situations are continuous?...and serving is continuous and on going....
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Seems many say "Thank You;" However, its become such a cliché, that it becomes les-meaningful. I'm a life member of the VFW, and also the DAV -- Yes, I receive VA compensation -- when I applied to Voc Rehab, I was nearly laughed out of the office, and didn't even get to sit down with a "counselor" -- was seeking assistance with full-time faculty -- adult learning employment, large screen computer and back lit keyboard for a plethora of eye and neuro conditions -- response:" you have an education and are employed -- we cant help you -- but referred me to the cystic fibrosis society of San Diego... Its pretty hard to make up a story like that...Yes, was employed as an adjunct professor, which is part time, non-guaranteed work, and when hours put in compared to pay, made less than $7.00 per hour..
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I too have paid for everything out of pocket as I have had the means. Thanks to my career and employers. I worked in Washington DC for a year and a former official from the VA had me apply for Benefits due to service related injuries. 2 years later, denied. I called the screener whom reviewed my file and he told me he was a Marine and that I should call my friend in DC because there was no reason to deny... LOL I gave up after I got up off the floor from laughing.
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Broken veterans and thanking veterans in generals is not the root problem. The root problem is the US has been fighting two long wars.
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This is a very difficult question, and getting it right is going to be almost impossible. Is the system broken? Yes. Is there fraud? Probably. Does that make it incorrect? I don't think so. I will have given over 28 years of my life to the USA in service of the defense of this nation. Would I have otherwise worn the helmet? Battle Rattle? maintained a level of physical fitness that was required? Maybe some, but not all. And all of these will contribute to the earlier breakdown of my physical body. Even if I don't feel the total effects now, I WILL feel them years down the road. There are others that truly need the assist NOW. I understand where he is coming from, however, I do not fully agree with the way his thinking is going.
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He should be happy he is being thanked. A whole bunch of Vets got spit on and screamed at. You do not like it, move on. Dont screw it up for the rest of us.
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The public will decide for themselves if they want to stop thanking us depending on the political and patriotic climate of our nation. For veterans to reject their thanks, in any way, would damage the relationship between the military and civilians which are two worlds far enough apart already.
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Never...there cannot be enough thanks to Veterans, especially those who were deployed.
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Yes. We risk cheapening the sentiment, making it insincere, and eventually weary civilians will feel a backlash and want to quit supporting "whiny, insecure" veterans.
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Well I served 12 years with Army National Guard and haven't used any benefits, during my college time didn't use GI or any other benefits as many feel Guard doesn't qualify for benefits like regular Army. I 've talked to so many veterans that have made out better with less time of service. So if a Veteran is entitled to earn benefits then utilize them as long as they are not abused.
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