I would not include this on this page of rants about relationships if it wasn't something I wasn't passionate about!
While this DOES NOT happen to ALL Vets, it happens to a large number.
Think about this the next time you complain about what rights you DON'T feel you have!
I was turned away by the VFW and American Legion when I came home from Berlin in 1986. Women were only "allowed" to join the auxillery at that time. Since I WAS a vet, I decided that I wouldn't want to be a part of a group that discriminates!
I also am disabled, 100% by the VA. My medical records (all three volumes) were "lost". Somehow the VA still approved the disability. The problem I now face is that I cannot receive Social security based on my disability because I make too much money......yea right! I cannot receive it based on my points....I haven't worked in over 10 years BECAUSE of my disability. Catch 22! And on taxes, my ex-hubby could never claim me as being "disabled" because I'm not "disabled" by the Social Security Administration!
Come on now.......either I'm disabled or I'm NOT! If I'm getting paid disability pay from the VA, which is, I believe, a part of the US gov't, doesn't that MEAN I'm DISABLED?
Plus, for food stamps & other assistance, I make too much money. They are the ONLY part of the gov't that makes me claim my disability as income! Not even the IRS sees it as imcome!
I'm having to declare bankruptcy to get from under all of my bills. I had it made...a great job (in the Army), a place to live and medical included....then became disabled and could no longer pay my bills. I honestly tried to keep a job after that...but only being able to BE ON THE JOB 2 or 3 days a week dampers that. I could never have a schedule, because I never knew WHEN I would be sick or in the hospital. Before I knew it, my savings was gone and I was without utilities and a short while later, evicted from my apartment.
While in Tacoma, Washington, I saw at least 50 homeless veterans come into my office everyday, looking for food and clothing. In Topeka, KS, the VA hospital grounds has a domocile for homeless veterans to stay until they are on their feet. These domociles are not just "hotels". The Vet MUST attend support groups, individual counseling and classes daily in order to remain there. Vets are only allowed 60 days at the domocile. Every effort is made to help them to go out and be on their own! But this system has MANY drawbacks....and cutbacks due to the budget!
It is sad that so many of us who served our country are not taken care of by the people WE TOOK CARE OF! I don't want a handout....I only want to be treated as an EQUAL AMERICAN!
