Decorated Vietnam War veteran killed by hit-and-run driver. (What are your thoughts?)

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 12 May 2015 09:22:09 -0400

During two combat tours as an Army Green Beret, the onetime Hallandale Beach resident was awarded five Purple Hearts, along with Silver Star and Bronze Star medals for valor, according to his brother Walter Flaherty.

--- Found a picture of Richard Flaherty

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/decorated-vietnam-war-veteran-killed-by-hit-and-run-driver-1.345550

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 9:26 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 09:26:02 -0400

Great article but sad that this happened.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 12 at 2015 10:59 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 12 May 2015 10:59:49 -0400

What a shame! RIP sir.

Response by SFC William Farrell made May 12 at 2015 11:21 AM

SFC William Farrell — Tue, 12 May 2015 11:21:07 -0400

America loses one of our heroes, one that all too often is not recognized except in circles such as this board. I read the Stars & stripes article and it's a shame that this man was homeless. It is only my guess but I suspect that he has been dealing with PTSD, left untreated for far too many years. This man had the drive and ability to do anything he wanted, yet he was homeless.

Why are our veterans homeless? In spite of VA and DOD initiatives, we will continue to have homeless veterans if we don't treat them immediately upon returning from combat. I left Vietnam on a Friday and Sunday night I was home drinking and drinking heavily and this went on for years.

After more than a decade of war, we need to do a better job as these kind of stories will continue to occur!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 12 at 2015 11:43 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 12 May 2015 11:43:28 -0400

Terrible loss, sad commentary. Requiescat in pace.