Our buddy, Coby Dillard, sent us the text of his latest editorial and he said that he’s interested in what veterans have to say about it, so he sent it here for your opinions;<\/p>\n
TOO OFTEN, when we start talking about the nation\u2019s fiscal health, the discussion begins with cuts to the military and veterans. Under the Obama Administration, the Department of Defense has made more cuts than other cabinet agencies combined \u2014 and that\u2019s before sequestration began. Military retirees face changes and increased out of pocket expenses for the TRICARE program.<\/p>\n
One would think that it disrespectful to ask those who risk everything, every day, to bear the brunt of our politicians\u2019 irresponsibility. However, there is a group of veterans who, if asked, might be willing to make another sacrifice on behalf of their country.<\/p>\n
The VA\u2019s disability compensation system pays veterans based on the disability percentage assigned by the VA; the higher the percentage, the more the veteran receives.<\/p>\n
A veteran who is 100 percent disabled and unmarried receives a monthly payment of $2,816; when spouses and children and dependent parents are included, the payment exceeds $3,000 a month. In some rural areas, this is enough to live in a degree of comfort.<\/p>\n
A veteran who is 10 percent or 20 percent disabled receives a payment of $129 or $255. This may cover a few expenses, but is not nearly enough to allow the veteran to live on without finding work. While veterans rated at 30 percent disability or above can receive additional monies for spouses and children, those below that threshold cannot.<\/p>\n
To be certain, a disability percentage does not equate to a higher or lower degree of sacrifice; all who serve bear the weight of the nation. Also, a truly grateful nation should work to take care of those who have borne the battle, as President Lincoln said.<\/p>\n
Suppose, however, that the government asked its veterans rated at 10 percent and 20 percent to give up their compensation as an act of sacrifice; as their final act of service.<\/p>\n
Temporarily, of course; the compensation could be reinstated when the nation is in better fiscal health. But what if the government requested that these veterans \u2014 especially those in lucrative jobs \u2014 voluntarily give up their compensation until the nation was better situated to fully show appreciation for their service?<\/p>\n
How many 10 percent and 20 percent disabled veterans would take them up on their request? As one, I know I would.<\/p>\n
We as a nation have lost the true meaning of sacrifice. For many, it means forgoing the iPhone 5 for the iPhone 4. Veterans don\u2019t have that problem; we know, better than most, what it means to forgo something \u2014 birthdays, holidays, anniversaries \u2014 in service and support of a greater good.<\/p>\n
And if asked to do so again, I believe many of us would. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"