A national obligation to America's heroes - From The National Adjutant - Brief Article - Column

The men and women who today are on the front lines of the war against terrorism are the new heroes of our nation. They who serve in our armed forces are the best, and they are our nation's treasure. They deserve the best we can give them because they are fighting for all of us to restore the peace that was taken from us on September 11.

The Americans who died in the tragic terrorist attacks included too many young men and women in the armed services and veterans who proudly served our nation in previous wars. And there doubtless will be more casualties as we take the war on terrorism to Afghanistan and beyond.

As Americans, we recognize that some of our young men and women in uniform may die or be tragically disabled before our nation returns to peace. And our government must recognize that it is a national duty and a sacred obligation to ensure that when our troops come home that they not only return to a hero's welcome, but that they also receive the finest medical treatment and benefits that our nation can provide.

As the war on terrorism unfolds, we should keep in mind that it is not only the men and women who are fighting who are in grave jeopardy. The pilots and aviators flying combat missions risk being shot at to be sure. But remember that the flight deck of an aircraft carrier is one of the most dangerous places in the world. The missions of the special forces troops may never be publicly known, but the injuries and deaths they sustain will become a lifelong reminder of their service. The Air Force supply technician who was tragically injured supporting the mission in Afghanistan and the five special forces soldiers injured in a raid into Afghanistan deserve the kind of medical treatment that will restore them to productive lives. And as for the families of those who have and will perish in this war, they deserve the best our nation has to offer as well.

That's why the Disabled American Veterans was created. In 1920, we helped the disabled veterans of World War I, and we've been there for disabled veterans and their families for the last 81 years--through every war. The DAV will be there to assist veterans when they come home from this war and their families.

The men and women who bravely go into harm's way in this war are our heroes. We must honor them as heroes when they return and long after. We must never forget them or allow the value of their contributions to fade from public consciousness. They are our causalities. Their families are our families, and we have an obligation as a grateful nation to do all we can to restore their lives as much as possible.

Our government would never cut off or reduce funding to pay for needed munitions or equipment for our men and women while they are engaged in war, protecting our cherished freedoms. Yet, our government continues to under fund veterans' benefits and health care delivery programs. Sick and disabled veterans are forced to wait too long for the benefits and services they have earned. We cannot allow this to continue.

America's fighting men and women should never go to war wondering if they or their families will be taken care of if they are killed or disabled. We have made a promise as a nation. We will take care of them, and let us go even further to promise the best care, the best benefits, and the greatest compassion.

When the job given to our armed services is over, and our children and grandchildren ask us to tell them about the war on terrorism, we can proudly say that our nation fielded an army of heroes, and that they are still honored.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Disabled American Veterans
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group