So, I really often try to not make statements about my political views, today , on my birthday however I was thinking of all the things I am thankful for. My Troops was the first to come to mind. Odd I know, it wasn't my friends, it wasn't my family (though I do have a bro in Iraq) really it was a clarifying moment I had when I was questioned by a friend what my plans are for the next year.
I simply stated, "year?? how about week?" It dawned on me how lucky I was to be able to make that statement when all over the world men and woman are giving me that freedom, they themselves celebrating countless birthdays with no further plans than making it through that day.
From this I decided today not to post "new pics" of myself rather to update my "troops" album.
Well among my img searching googling and yahooing I stumbled across the Army financial benefits page.
I my friends, to put it simply am FUCKING MORTIFIED.
I could sit here and post the whole thing, I will instead leave it to you FREELY to look it up yourselves. I am most certain that most people live in ignorant bliss thinking they are well compensated for their sacrifices. THINK AGAIN.
Too often we hear people speaking up and down about how freedom isn't free, no it's not in so many ways I cannot count them, but at the same time all I can say to the whole Support your troops saying is YOU BETTER BECAUSE OUR GOVERNMENT DOES NOT. Honestly if they did the families and servicemen would know what to do upon discharge whether it be medical voluntary or involuntary.
Today I sat at a diner drinking coffee with my friends and watched a vet just released from the hospital come in and ask for 1.50 for a bus ride home (he had no wallet)because the VA does not provide transportation. This man walked with a cane, in a neck brace unable to turn his head and had to be guided to a bus stop by pedestrians.
Sad yet?
I had a conversation with a friend of mine yesterday currently in the Army about what he is seeing newly discharged servicemen look for in the work force. 90% of them cannot find work in the area, 2 of his own were even looking at fast food restaurants. All of which had to find ANY KIND OF WORK because their compensation pay is so low they cannot afford rent in a apt in the area near booming job markets. (Seattle area up here, the base where they lived is about 50mi. from there, commutable sure, however even out here the rent is sky high).
We do NOT fight hard enough for our government to provide adaquate workforce, living, financial planning or medical once discharged. It is really that damned simple. Many many servicemen are becoming lifers not because they love it but because they have no other choice.
If you are infantry and live but are disabled, good luck getting more than the welcome home from us, your country men who are thankful for you, because today my ignorant bliss shattered.
Even with all the military friends I have I never once ever questioned the actual dollar amount, I'm not even going to hang the price tag on this, all I can say is
my thank you feels hollow,
it feels underpaid
it feels like even if I wrote a thousand thank you cards every day for a thousand days it would not be enough.
But please know this,
I am 29 years old today
and I know I owe that to you
not a day will go by that I won't remember the price you and your families pay for me to plan the next year of my life,
I hope, no I pray, that you all will come home soon, safely and hopefully taken care of enough to where you will never have to borrow $1.50 for a bus ride home.
God Bless you all, and thank you for my Birthday I spent freely.
