Seven Villages, Janet Joakim

Memorial Day always seems to have more meaning during times of war when we are faced with daily reports of death from the battle field.  While we consider those who are serving our country overseas, we are also reminded of those, who along with their families, have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

But we cannot forget those who served in battlefields — jungle or desert – who are now back among us or who are trying to regain as much of themselves as possible in a VA hospital, or in the want ads, or in a classroom, or at home….

Such a large percentage of our homeless are veterans of past wars;  how do we let this happen to those who risked their lives defending our freedom?

And, what about those who planned to make a career in the military, only to find an injury interrupts that plan?

We owe them more than simply treatment for thier injuries, we owe them training for work, for life, and to become and or remain self sustaining members of society.

It is possible, but for those who do not have the strength of support needed to create or maintain a productive life, the burden lies on our government and the breadth and depth of programs  needed just are not there. Too many people fall through the cracks.

Some find their own way with the help of family, friends, faith or whatever it takes.

We have a family member who was in the special forces and was injured in a dramatic accident that many think he is lucky to have survived.  He is able and willing to work, and has done everything from run a family business to work in the schools to become a pastor and minister to a congregation.  Recently he spent time in Iraq - but not as a soldier of our armed forces, he worked for a private security company.

This option is available to the best of those who had served and completed their service for one reason or another. The option is attractive as it comes with a paycheck the likes of which is hard to find here at home for those who have been trained in areas like special services.

Our relative was away for a while. He left his wife and three beautiful daughters at home and flew off to the other side of the world more than once, to places like Afghanistan and most recently to provide security in the “green zone” in Iraq. The work was dangerous, and he was at risk every moment he was there.   There were lives lost all around him.

Whenever we saw reports of deaths in the green zone this last time he was there, we held our breath.

Recently, we got word through family that he was home, and well.  He brought back tokens from Iraq for many of his closest relatives - hats, clothing, and even jewelry. My husband proudly wears the hat that was among his gifts. 

Thanks John. Your service means as much now, as it did when you were risking it all in uniform. You are a hero in this house.

I have often wondered though, what about those who are working for private contractors over there, who are seriously or even mortally injured? Are they honored as heros? Are they better off or worse for being in the employ of a private company as opposed to the military? And, is this the wave of the future –privatizing armed services?

 Regardless we must focus more on those who have served and are so often forgotten. Shame on all of us for not taking better care of those among us who have served.

Shame on us for not finding jobs or training for those who choose to serve because they need direction, then finish their service and find themselves back in the same spot they were in before they enlisted! 

Shame on us for not making sure our veterans have homes, and proper medical care…….

A new generation of veterans who are fighting and surviving in deserts now, will be living among us in the coming years.

Let’s hope we can get it right this time.