DU vets...a favor-my latest letter

[w8liftinglady]

My paper has become increasingly hostile..and there are many trolls here.Can you make a comment of some sort,sharing your view as a veteran?
http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2009/04/16/opinion/doc49e7b8ddade36529925744.txt
To the Editor,

As the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan persist, it’s time to review what the new administration is doing for our active duty military and veterans. There have been letters here recently regarding the Obama Administration’s proposal to use private insurance to cover duty-related injuries. This was shot down by just about every Congressperson on both sides of the aisle, and I agree. While the ranks of veterans seeking health care is expanding yearly, it is our nation’s duty to provide for them. I will continue to support any opposition of this proposal. There are, however, many pieces of legislation that deserve our attention.

• The New GI Bill will begin in August. The new bill goes well beyond helping to pay for tuition; many veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001, will get full tuition and fees, a new monthly housing stipend, and a $1,000 a year stipend for books and supplies. The new bill also gives Reserve and Guard members who have been activated for more than 90 days since 9/11 access to the same GI Bill benefits.

• H.R. 952, the Combat PTSD Act, clarifies “combat” exposure to include that of “being in a war zone.” Due to the unpredictable nature of insurgents, any place could be a war zone. Prior to this,troops had to justify their “combat” exposure when receiving treatment for PTSD.

• S 459; Support for Substance Abuse Disorders Act. According to a recent survey, 24 percent of the members of the Armed Forces surveyed reported symptoms of alcohol dependence and nearly 11 percent of the members surveyed reported use of an illicit drug. This act implements programs to assist these troops in overcoming these illnesses.

• H.R. 32- “The Veterans Outreach Improvement Act” will improve access to veterans’ benefits on a county level, particularly those in rural areas.

• H.R. 620, the Jobs for Veterans Act offers a tax incentive to businesses that hire Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

• H.R. 1036, the Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009 will improve the recruitment and retention of Physical Therapists in the Veterans Health Administration. As so many of the wounded troops have orthopedic and neurologic injuries, this is critical.

• H.R. 819, Extending DIC benefits to widows of former POWs expands Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits to surviving spouses of former prisoners of war (POW) who died prior to 1999.

• S 263: The Servicemember’s Access to Justice Act addresses the needs of Reserve and Guard members who have seen a loss of jobs and benefits due to their active duty commitment. It offers legal help and prosecutes employers who violate the rights of these servicemembers. In addition, the new Stimulus Package has many provisions to assist veterans and their families by restoring VA facilities,encouraging job growth for veterans, provisions for housing and education of homeless veterans and more programs that will benefit our nation in the long run. Commitment to our veterans and military requires an investment from us. While you attend your tea parties on April 15, remember the young soldier in Ramadi with a wife and kids here. “Support our Troops” comes with a price tag. How are we going to pay for it?

Thanks..WLL