I have heard many people bark about the military retirement system as being "generous: for many years. I take the same stand my father did, all had the same opportunity to do as we did. If you chose not to then don't bitch. Sadly its is always the first place people look when "cuts: are discussed. The military has been all volunteer since the draft ended in 1974 so if one chooses not to do so, does "their own thing" then don' bark about one of the "bennies" of military service. One of the shockers on "retirement" was that Drew Petersons service as a Bollingbrook Illinois Policeman allegedly got him a 6500 dollar per month pension, which is more than my military retirement and social security combined.
There is no job in this world more, demanding on any Human, working endless weeks with no break. Surviving in God Forsaken conditions, in temps exceeding 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Dodging bullets and IED's, all in a Hostile environment, and the most underpaid, with the work force being the Most Brave Loyal Dedicated Individuals on the face of earth..... and then after their service, we get the VA bullshit, and like mentioned, cuts cuts and more cuts, on the most underpaid of all peeps. What I'd give to see Term Limits in Congress, as well as forcing all members to pick a Un-Affordable Act Health Care plan......While 50% of all Congress Persons are Millionaires........WTF, doesn't add up does it?
Saw a video the other day on modern Army Enlisted Barracks life. Damn the barracks today are like palaces compared to the old WWII Barracks we lived in when I went through basic at Fort Ord back in '63. Conditions and compensation has come a long way since the days when I was a 78 Dollar per month Private but one thing has not. The continuous thread of men and women who take arms for this Country when called to do so and always get the job done.
...still pissed about the way the government and the VA reneged on the promises they made to my Dad...32 years of his life he gave to the military and when he became gravely ill they pretty much said "fuck you very much".
No $$$ for life! Put term limits in place Increase funds for soldiers.... These changes NEED to happen!
I know your pain(s), too often once a Vet retires, he's tossed to the wind, shit on, forgotten about, with little to no help in returning to Society, albeit a new job, health care, et al. One thing in Aerospace which was a great move on Contractor's parts, were providing jobs, first to Veterans.... Saw a good Documentary on PTSD, of Veteran's, which stated, imagine being in a hostile environment over seas, yet armed to the hilt. Then returning to a different but equally fkd up society in most inner cities, seeing gangs, drug deals, shitty shady characters, and now they have no weapon to protect themselves. That would be enough to make me Crazier than I already am..... At least often with the Middle East Wars, we Welcome our Soldiers back. In hindsight, the Vets returning home from Vietnam, were treated like Killers, as if each G.I. was only stationed around My Lai.....
I never had a beef with the VA, what for, I retired with no disability, did not choose to use the education bennies. Did buy a house with a VA loan OK. Never had to purchase health insurance because I had Tricare till age 65. Never got sick, never used it, At age 65 I went to medicare and Tricare back up. Still not sick. I purchased my exit plan so all I look forward to from the VA is the 255 dollar contribution and Bay Pines. My father was a WW II and Korea Vet Pearl Harbor Survivor. Pulled 21 of 24 years on Sea Duty as a Boiler Technician (Snipe) serving the coal fired Destroyers in China in the Forties. When he retired no disabilities, got a good job at Kennedy Space Center, never got sick, had little use for VA bennies, VA home loan excepted. By the time he was diagnosed with Cancer he made a real quick exit. No 255 for the burial, I took his ashes to Jacksonville and was buried at sea as he requested. Now if one goes out with disabilities it changes the tune and the VA should be right on that one. PTSD, they called it battle fatigue during Viet Nam, very real. I remember returning to the States in '67 after a 3 + year tour. At MCChord AFB those of us returning from Viet Nam and Korea DMZ service were given a steak dinner. Out in the public I thought we were the bad guys, but I was then as I am now proud of my 23 years Army Service.
Good Point Michael, clarifying the differences b/t Disabled Vets, and Retired Vets, without Disabilities..... I have never been in the Armed Forces, tho' I've spent 35 years of my life building the Weapons, Systems, et al, in Aerospace for ensuring Peace during War.... My Uncles were all Vets*** on both sides of my Paternal and Maternal Families, serving in Vietnam, Korean, and/or WWII, Pacific and European fronts. In fact a distant relative of mine, believe it or not, a distant cousin; René Gagnon, was one of Marines who raised the Stars and Stripes on Iwo Jima. His Dad married a Woman from our Family. I have one Uncle buried here, and his plot alone was $2,500. Here in Caly where everyone plus the State fk over any and all peeps. However in Western KS., my other uncle and brother of the other mentioned, was buried with a plot that cost his family but $25. bucks, with another $40 for the mortician....Amazing difference b/t CA and KS. *** Father's side: 3 Uncles all Vets Mother's "---" 8 Uncles all Vets.....
