The words of support the troops seem to be a thing of the past. Although we are still fighting in a war, the days of the yellow ribbons and the rallies have seemed to wane. One reason might be that we as Americans loath war. We are a peace-loving people.
That said, our troops have been coming home and like the men and women warriors of my war, Vietnam, they have been hitting the same wall of indifference. We say we salute them and I guess we do ? Why then the backlog for benefits from the government? Why is the issue still PTSD and other problems?
You might say it is part of war. Why are they moving into the realms of homelessness, drug addictions, alcoholism and probably, most alarming, suicide. Suicide rates that are alarming. Some state and the Department of Veterans Affairs claim that as many as 22 veterans a day are taking there own lives. This is volunteer armed forces?
I am sure you might agree that the returning warrior needs help. In fact they needs all the help they can get. It now the time to support the veteran. This is not a political statement; it is an American statement. We in Delaware are fortunate to be able to do just this.
The power to be have, and as a veteran I am grateful to the ones who introduced legislation that will allow you and me, rich and poor, worker and business owners to contribute to the cause and plight of the veterans. We are fortunate to have a box on our state income tax to be able to contribute to the veterans.
Simply put, do you think you could give a buck or two to the Delaware Veterans Home (nursing home) or to the Home of the Brave (transitional housing center for homeless veterans). I know that the veterans will appreciate your support ! So please once again if you can give a buck or two. Thank you. Semper Fidelis
Robert P. Corsa
commissioner
Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs
representing the Vietnam veterans