Dying For Nothing

The safety and security of our country is of high importance. It takes many brave men and women to accomplish this task. Many of our soldiers will spend time on the battlefield. They are trained for this. Much of what they witness will be beyond what was covered in that training. They will suffer wounds as a result. Some wounds are visible and some are kept within. We hardly provide what is necessary to treat any injury a soldier is left with.

Young people are recruited with talk of money, glory and fame. The media offers a truer picture of battle than our military does. In reality our sons and daughters are ill prepared for what lay ahead. All the exercise, weapons and discipline cannot adequately prepare one for the unexpected. Basic training is just that. It is the most basic information a soldier needs before being placed on the front lines.

Once they are there these modern-day warriors are not provided with reasonable support and protection. The water they use is often found to be tainted. The clothing is not appropriate for the environment. The vehicles become easy targets due to their lack of armor. If the proper equipment is given there is surely not enough to be given to each who needs it.

As these brave heroes return from battle they soon discover that their country just does not care. The government denies that their ailments exist. They also deny any part our own chemicals might have played. The few VA hospitals cannot possible handle the growing number of those seeking care and treatment. Psychological counseling, which would be of help to all, is rarely mentioned as an option.

We expect our soldiers to work, fight and die for their country. If they somehow manage to survive whatever "military conflict" they are deployed to, they can forget about getting the help they deserve. We use members of the military like they are tissues. They serve their purpose and are just tossed aside. Our men and women of the armed forces deserve better. It is about damned time that we as a nation expend enough money and effort to fix those poor souls whom we have broken. Our humanity demands it!