Some of the 'Services' and 'Programs we have available
Some of the 'Services' and 'Programs we have available
Nonsense and Your Health
May 21st, 2023 Veterans Column By Ronald Verini
In this crazy world there are times that you need to lighten up to experience and be in the wonderful mindset of nonsense. If you have had the help of the Vet Center or Boise VA and then hit a road block you are now one of us that understands that the gibberish and babble that comes from the constant rhetoric of our government officials, elected or not, that profess that they are the only party or individuals that can help our needs in and after we have served. Amazing that year after year we have heard the same crap out of their mouths and we still elect the same people or others that say the right words but end up with them in lock step with us still jumping through hoops.
Have you thought about taking time for yourself? You are the most important person that I know that can help, especially with the irrational results of the legislature of today. We got some help, in the form of the PACT ACT. This was a bill that was 50 years too late for some of us but is here now to help others. Nice but certainly not enough to relieve the pain of some of us with PTSD or TBI or even a challenge of getting an appointment with a doctor or counselor.
Nonsense is why I am writing this column today and the action that some of us need to take to keep our sanity and improve our health. I have used this form of babble to help me relax and to prevent my head from exploding off my shoulders. Some might even say that this column today is a form of nonsense, and it is. I also know that each of us who have not received that care promised at the VA has to take the bull by the horns and do whatever it takes to keep our sanity and, for me it is to take time for myself or/and engage in some type of tomfoolery that, will, in the end, keep me focused on the mission of getting help for those of us that are still struggling to get the help needed.
You are reading this today and might take a few moments of deep breaths to calm yourself down, that would be good. Think about the good that you have done, even if it was years ago. Know that the feeling of frustration and the thoughts that the VA or other persons have not done right is not the end but the beginning of a process that might secure the help you need. All the bills that have opened up care that you might have not been able to get. Veterans Choice and the VA MISSION Act are a couple that come to mind like the PACT Act are all new ways of getting the care we need.
I don’t know if I mentioned it before but a son of a veteran called me at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida a while back and was seeking help and I recommended a source that I thought would help. He went to the source and was told that his father did not qualify. That did not deter the son so he researched it himself and, come to find out his father qualified for the care he needed. The son took that information back to the source I gave him and now the father is in the process of applying for the help needed and my source now has the information to help his father and others that will come after. A win-win for everyone because of the perseverance of not taking “NO” for the answer when you feel it is the wrong answer.
Remember keep a clear mind and not get in the face of folks that are in your way. It truly is important to take a moment for yourself and use the gobbledygook you hear to motivate yourself. Chances are there is a solution that might be in place or might be coming up, just around the corner.
About 9.2 million veterans are enrolled in the Veterans Heath Administration that is about half of all living veterans. Only 5.8 million of them actually received care through the VA. Since 1980 eligibility has expanded to cover more of us. With all the outcry and publicity that has occurred we are slowly getting the care we need and if we live long enough, we might all get the help we need before we die.
Keep the smile on.
“I used to be scared of death until I found out it’s called ‘end of life.’ Phew, that was close!” Stewart Stafford (author of Assassins, Innocent and others) .
Will You Fight and Defend or Run?
May 7th, 2023, Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
If compromise and understanding were behind us and we were attacked like Ukraine, would you stay and fight? Many of us would and do it proudly. But I also have talked with folks that say they would leave and run away. I am amazed that some would not defend the most wonderful Nation in the world the very Country that they are living in. Then I look around and see the injustices for some of us and understand their reasoning for leaving. I am sure some would also show a disgraceful fear of having to fight or defend family or community would also be part of the equation. Many reasons for flight or fight and applying logic to what ever side you might be on is interesting to hear. It is good to know that most that I have talked with would stand up for our Country, community and way of life.
My question of defending our Country by an existential threat on our soil is much different than the military actions that we have been involved in most of the time. A threat from a foreign power on our land is always a possibility and needs to be considered as we might be facing this in our future. Sooner than one might think.
I believe there are things worth dying for in this world and think that each one of us can only decide for yourself when the situation develops. There is certainly not a “one size fits all” solution to this answer. But considering what is going on within our Nation with the bickering of our politicians and the conflicts of opinions on many different levels the question is a very important one that might be tested in our lifetime.
I was having coffee the other day at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida and this question came up and I was enlightened by some of the answers of how blessed we are having so many veterans in our community that would not hesitate defending our land. This is after they had to fight for benefits at the VA. This is after some had to fight for the compensation that they deserved and did not get for years. Also watching fellow veterans struggle and, in some cases die waiting for care. Amazing that they still would fight and defend the very Nation that turned its back on them when they needed help. Most understood that the lack of care or compensation was only part of the total picture of what our Nation is and has to offer?
I also think that the question included boots on the ground, in our face and foe on our soil made the difference in their answers.
Defending against enemies, foreign and domestic seems to remind me of the ‘oath of enlistment’ I took many years ago and if you were an officer, you would have taken the ‘oath of office’. I think about it and there was no expiration date on either oath! Remembering the good old days and now thinking about the brave new world we are in today, I wonder if I asked the same question to those serving in Congress (they have taken a similar oath to defend against enemies), if I would get the same response?
I happen to think that it is every person’s duty to defend our country, in some form or other. If you are a conscientious objector, you still have an opportunity to serve and defend by caring for the very old or young or serve in health care, education or some other way to help defend by doing something that would support our Nation.
The answer to this question of defending our Nation goes way beyond whether you are a conservative, liberal, pacifist, Christian, Atheist or any other name you call yourself. It goes toward the very core of the strength and future of whether we will be here as a Nation year’s from today.
I am not able to see any dilemma in answering this question, yet others do and that concerns me.
Will you fight and defend or run is pretty straight forward and if the enemy is on your block will you defend your neighbor and protect your family and yourself? I really believe it is as simple as that.
You have the time to understand and analyze whether your action will be fight or flight if time is on your side but if a quick decision has to be made, do you have the tools to act? Do you have a plan of action?
“In a world of fight or flight, I froze in place and got eaten.” Alessandra Torre (Alessandra is the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan)...
You Served, Now What?
April 23rd, 2023 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
I have sat down with some veterans in our community and also some of our National Guard troops that were deployed and the stories that I have heard from some normal looking troops that have returned have been, in some cases terrifying for them to go through and for me to hear. They are attempting to lead what civilians call normal lives but cannot get the horrors out of their heads.
If you think that War is the answer then you make an effort to look into the eyes of soldier or troop that has been deployed and have spent time with boots on the ground. Hear his or her stories and then tell me war is the answer. Even one that is righteous as a last resort, the results even if we win is costly in the horrors of the war itself.
I remember the innocents affected. I remember the ones that will never experience the sunshine, rain or snow. I remember our troops every day because I work with them and they remind me of the ones that never made it back or the ones that have come back broken. Some cases it is the one I am talking with is the one that this story is about.
Sometimes I look in the mirror and I wonder why I put on a uniform and took the oath. Thinking that the Air Force would be an education and I would travel the World and I would not be in the thick of things. Well, I was wrong and I was correct in the fact I did get an education, I did see a lot of the World but my deployment to a war zone gave me a view of the inhumanities that I would never think I would have surmised. I had the pride of serving our great Nation and at the same time find a reason to distrust many of those that determine the conflicts we have and those in the future. Also, a deep resentment of some folks that promised to care for us after we come back and then have them go back on their word and make us fight for care were promised.
Then think about the job market when a troop comes home? You would think that with education that he/she now have and money saved up and the fact that even with the war wounds and in some cases mental challenges because of the service they would be able to secure a great job and be able to have a good life in the civilian world. Trust me, even with the trauma of war veterans, in most cases are better equipped and better employees than most of the civilians that did not serve. Ever wonder how the military with its billions of dollars of equipment runs as smoothly as it does? Fighting a war and deployed all over the world and still getting the job done? All that equipment and all that electronic equipment is maintained by educated troops and troops that have shown that they have the ability to improvise and make million-dollar decisions and have the skills to operate, maintain and manage others under their command to get the job done. Yes, all under the stress of, in some cases, maintaining a family, fighting a war, working with all types of people, some that speak very little English. They juggle all these responsibilities and then come home and can’t find a job. Add this on top of a VA Health system that is given scraps by our Congress. You don’t have to go far to figure out that our men and women are given a bad rap because there is a disconnect between the military and civilian jobs and the lack of education of our civilian management in understanding the quality of the veteran has in seeking a position.
I am not surprised at the ability of veterans to gain financial stability and tremendous employment opportunities, when an employer sees the quality and looks past the challenges a veteran might have compared to a civilian counterpart that has not served. Work ethic and attitude, makes a military person that has accomplished a job with flying colors under stressful conditions better qualified. That type of training is only acquired from serving our Nation. You cannot get that in the civilian world. Generally: military stakes are higher and civilian stakes are much lower due to the very nature of the mission of each. Both can get the job done, I think military has the advantage given the added demands.,,
“Attitude, not Aptitude, determines Altitude.” Zig Ziglar (Motivator).
Peace is Hard to Find…
April 9th, 2023 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Peace is a subject that very few books are written about but the subject of war fills the shelves of libraries and book stores. I noticed that when I walk into a bookseller I have never actually seen ‘peace’ section? I am sure there is a bookshop that might have one but I have never been in one that ever did. Hope that you have experienced one here locally, and if you did let me know where it is so I might shop there.
I have been asking folks that question for a while and, so far, I get the same answer “no” they have not seen one either. Well, I will keep looking on the shelves of places that I travel about. Ontario, Boise, Caldwell, Nampa and the surrounding area has not shown me any hope of finding “peace” section and even when in New York City the book stores had no peace sections.
Powell Books in Portland doesn’t even have a peace section they group it with activism! Hmmm….!
I guess it will be a long time before the World wakes up and realizes that we should not use war as birth control or as the last measure of disagreements.
So, in the meantime military and veteran support organizations will continue to pick up the pieces, when governments don’t take responsibility of caring for all the wounds of war when the troops come home from the battles.
I got on this subject because I was talking with a group of students form our local High School and the subject came up that one of their own gave his life in the Afghanistan War and every time, they ran the track they see the memorial that was placed there and wanted to know more about SSgt Josh Brennan. We talked about war and the subject of peace came up and why people could not live more peacefully together. I reminded them of the fact that even on the local School Boards and the City Councils we have experienced arguments and disagreements that were disagreeable and ending up in some very heated discussions. They agreed that it might be good if their generation might have to teach the older generations how to get along. I agreed with them but thought that I also remember the same thoughts in my youth. Maybe this new generation will keep that passion and learn from the mistakes of the past and even today.
I did notice as I write this article the rhetoric and saber rattling continuing around the World. I wonder if the youth of today that are filled with hope, end up full of hot air like the many colorful and bombastic politicians of today! Hope not, because it will be these same youngsters that will be running our Nation in the future. They will be making decisions about war and the benefits that our warriors receive after they come home.
Just seems like the World and especially many of our, so called, leaders have continued the practice of empty boasting. Belittling others instead of building relationships has been the norm and I think that I did see a glimmer of hope the other day when I witnessed a two very different folks that came into Veteran Advocates talking about why they were on different sides of the aisle and they really tried to understand each other’s viewpoint. At the end of the conversation, they talked about their common challenges and helped each other with some constructive ideas. Neither one changed their minds on the political side but they had a great talk and benefited from the conversation and made some progress in understanding each other’s view point.
That conversation of Peace should be happening among Nations. Also, at the same time, preparations for war should be taking place. Talking peace and tranquility and making sure we are prepared to defend peace with power. Hopeful that our warriors never battle because of our sheer dominance is overwhelming. A scary thought but one that brings to light why we need to have Nations around the World that will stand with us.
I do not think that peace will come when we are all singing kumbaya together or holding hands and agreeing with all others. I think peace will come when we finally understand that we are all different and we accept that fact, it will be sustained because it will be in the best interest of all.
“Peace, like war, can succeed only where there is a will to enforce it, and where there is available power to enforce it.” Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President of the United States).
Consistency is Needed
March 26th, 2023 Veteran Column by Ronald Verini
What stories are missed by most of us regarding veterans? Locally we noticed that all the hard work of putting a veteran’s court together here in Ontario lost steam and is now to be a relic of the past. I am sure that pieces of it are still in our court system but the original concept lost its luster.
I know that there are many starts of programs that are intended to help veterans that just don’t survive over time. That is one part of the problem when an idea is developed and veterans get the help they need from a program and they feel comfortable, when they go back the program doesn’t exist or changed so much that it is unrecognizable and the veteran walks away, discouraged.
We had that happen with a program that the Boise VA set up years ago for group counseling that took place at our local Elks Hall and after time the VA pulled it for a new system of sending out the Vet Center Van, a 38-foot van that came into our community with two boots on the ground councilors and counseled combat veteran and their families for years. They some times set up in the Elks parking lot and other times at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida. Many combat veterans received help and the program was a big success for many in our community. The VA in its great wisdom decided that the van was more useful as an advertising platform, so pulled it from serving our veterans and then they sent the councilors over in a car and used the offices in Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida for counseling then after a bit of time discontinued the trip over and left our veterans to fend for themselves and seek help on their own.
So here we are a Veterans’ Treatment Court and a Counseling program shot and veterans out in the cold.
There is no one to blame for this and then again there are many to blame for this. The list is too long to list all that are involved and it really doesn’t make sense to name folks because this process takes place on every level and the parts are moving so quickly that they are hard to pin down.
What is the solution to this challenge? Simple: have a place in every community that veterans can go to that welcomes them for coffee every day with no strings attached. Call it a hangout or whatever you want to call it, have some magazines, a TV, newspapers, snacks and a wealth of information that is available for a veteran that needs help. Don’t make it a big deal, just a safe place for us, without all the hoopla.
Maybe if this one place was consistent and was available the number of homeless would be less, veterans committing crimes would go down and families would stay together.
We are spending millions and in some cases billions of our tax dollars trying to help veterans and, it just seams to me that a few billion for these centers around the Nation would give a less sterile environment to gather veterans together, helping each other and having at their fingertips information as to where they can get help, if needed. I just think that less is more helpful than trying to gather up veterans to sign into a system that has been evolving and changing. Just maybe a low-key hangout for veterans would be the way to go and having it a not so fancy place would even be better.
Rank would have no authority, type of service would hold no rank, a veteran is a veteran is a veteran. The job of the host is a smile. The purpose of the place is a safe place that is funded every year and doesn’t need to be voted on every year so that program is permanent and will be the most stable and give a foundation to a veteran that has served. Stability is the name of the game.
With all the moving parts of veteran benefits and care—physical health, mental health, legal and practical matters it makes sense to have a place that is understated and not in our face. The issues and experiences of veterans are so unique that a place that focusses around peer-to-peer interaction without big government looking over our shoulders. Still with help lines at the ready, if needed.
“Consistency is the true foundation of trust. Either keep your promises or do not make them.” Roy T. Bennett (American author and nonpolitician).
Help on the Homefront
March 12th, 2023 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
When was the last time you reached out a hand to a family member of a military member deployed? If you are like most civilians, you probably have never even thought about who is in the military, let alone if one of your neighbors is related to a military member deployed. I think that, just like many of our members of Congress, if it doesn’t affect them personally or if the public is not watching what they do they turn a blind eye to the needs of military family members or even the veteran or military member. I do want to mention to our community at this point in the article, that we have had some real acts of kindness and generosity by some that have stepped up to help our military, and National Guard families. Also help for some of the veterans that have found themselves in need and a few that are on our streets without shelter. Some in our community have been a great support to many of our military and veterans in need. I certainly appreciate the ones that have made the effort to reach out and help.
I write this today because a family came in the other day and needed much more than we were able to help. It would have stretched us to the limit financially and prevented us from helping others in need. So, we had to send them to numerous other agencies to get help. I felt good that we had a list of others that could pick up the slack and they eventually got the help they needed but had to jump through many hoops to get it done. The veteran had PTSD and the wife was frustrated and the children were a little stressed, so it also had an effect on me and I wondered why more in our community did not step up and help so that is why this column got written the way it did. Trust me, we have been blessed with the help that has come to us from our neighbors and friends in the community through the year and especially the Holidays.
A lot of good caring folks that help tremendously and the need is so big that I am asking for you to step up and join in the challenge of helping to support the men and women and their families that have given much to keep us free and safe.
Think about the unique issues that military families face. Mission assignments changing at any time. Families separated from deployed member while he/she might be fighting and the possibility of being killed or killing someone else in battle. Housing issues due to families being uprooted and kids going to different schools. Or how about each branch of service having all its rules to follow and the complexity of trying to follow the rules of each community that they happen to be in. So, with all this going on the need for child care, taking care of the home, transportation and fixing toilets, broken pipes or cutting lawns or anything else that a regular family goes through without the issues of military life up front and center.
Military life can be a real challenge in the best of times and you add what the world has thrown at us over these last few years it could be disastrous for the faint of heart.
When you donate a few dollars or help a neighbor that is military or has served and their lawn is a little high and you help tend it or shovel a walk piled with snow, you might just be helping a person keep his or her sanity and might even put a smile on the face of despair.
Of course, remember most are not having the challenges that I have mentioned but for the few that are it is a devastating situation that needs all of us, as best we are able to reach out and help. That also goes for other civilians that need that hand up from time to time.
I just want you to know that being in the military has some unique challenges that no civilian will ever comprehend, especially when things go bad.
Many organizations are there helping our military, veterans and also family members each and every day so please, if you have not already reached out to help, go ahead and volunteer, stop in or donate food, money, blankets or whatever else you are able to lend a hand with. Each organization can share what they need for you to help. Or call me.
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Charles Dickens (writer and social critic).
Youth’s Distorted View of Military
Feb 26th, 2023 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
As I was walking downtown Ontario the other day, I had a chance to talk with some young adults hanging out in Moore Park in the Gazebo. One was considering going into the military but did not know about the new Space Force and was not aware that the Coast Guard was also a branch. I truly was amazed that talking with all of them, how little they knew about the different military branches and they all mentioned little was taught in school about our military. I am disappointed in the education in our public schools if these youths are any indication of what they are not learning. Lucky, I did not talk about the eight uniformed services that included the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps! I concentrated on the Armed Forces, since that is what they had an interest in as a group.
Today’s youth and the distorted view of our military is one reason our military is not in the future of many of our young men/women. With less families that have personal ties to the military our teachers, spiritual leaders, parents generally have no clue what it means to joining the military. Also, with all the press regarding the inadequate care, that too brings to light the military has had a bad rap. I know that it is a small portion of our military that gets poor health care. It is correct that because of our Congress, the VA and others that fall down on the job of health care, a distorted view of what it means to serve our Nation is front and center.
Most of our military men and women when they leave the military are able to adjust to civilian life and go on to a successful career and family life. Few of us are caught in the spiral of bad care and few of us are not able to cope. Some of the reasons for this is that most in the military see very little combat and the horrors of war. The ones that do are few but the impact is great. We have been fighting for the proper care and needs for those that experience the worst conditions during their service. In all walks of life and in many jobs around the world conditions are bad for those few and they also fight for care. I think about the mineworkers in the coal industry, for one. So, this is not isolated to just the military. We are singled out and the press is flooded with stories about our military because these men/women are the ones that fight to keep us free and defend us every day. They are the most important people that our Nation has and if we do not take care of them the rest would not exist and our Country would fail and fall.
Yes, the headlines of our newspapers and the social media and places like this column emphasize the care and lack of care we get after we serve. Your vote at the ballot box can put into power those that spend our tax dollars on our military and its care and safety.
Amazing that our youth had a survey last spring and 49% of young adults 17-35 could not name all branches of military service. Only 17% got them all. I am sure now that the Space Force is up and running the numbers are way off from these!!!
According to the DoD only 15% of youth had at least one parent who served. Back in 1995 40% had at least one parent that served. Things sure are changing fast.
The wars that we have been through and all the headlines combined with the horrible care some of us received after Vietnam, and more recently the Afghanistan- Iraq wars, it is going to take a tremendous effort on the part of our government to get the word out that serving in our military is a righteous thing to do.
We that have served know something that no civilian can ever understand. I know some that read this will ask what that is? The only folks that have that answer signed on the bottom line and no civilian will ever have the answer to that knowledge, except us.
I have piqued the interest of some of those young adults in that Gazebo and I am sure more than that one will be looking into a military calling.
My last thought: there is a place for righteous violence.
“Some men are morally opposed to violence. They are protected by men who are not.” I saw this on a distressed tee-shirt.
Stop Feeling Sorry for Veterans
Feb 12, 2023 Veteran Column by Ronald Verini
In general, most of us are doing better than most of you civilians. Yes, we have extremely high divorce rate compared to civilians. We even have more of a percentage of homeless on the streets and our suicide rate is through the roof. Yep, we are hitting some challenges but all in all we are doing really good and at times we get tired of folks feeling pity. What we need is you to understand the sorry treatment that some of us receive for the war wounds we have received and, at times, the lack of care for PTSD, TBI or health issues that have left us like vegetables or the hoops we have to jump through to get the aid that we deserve.
Sorry is the term I think some of the legislatures, administrations and bean-counters should have with of all the unnecessary rules and regulators that stand in the way of us getting our fair share.
Most of the concern that I have heard expressed is empty, like the times that I hear folks say they will volunteer of send a little money to help a veteran in need. Then; I am overwhelmed by the generosity of folks coming in to volunteer and also the bigheartedness of people that make a special effort to bring in money and help keep our doors open to continue the support of veterans and their families.
I do not apologize for my lashing out at legislators, administrations or folks that say one thing and do another. What I do apologize for is that I sometimes feel sorry for myself, for something that is so minor compared to the horrors and war wounds that many veterans will carry for the rest of their lives. What I do not understand is the abomination of crap that some veterans go through to get help. Sympathy for a cause that is righteous and turning “I feel sorry” into a meaning and constructive tool in the toolchest is the only sorry we need, not the empty words.
When I hear the words “This flag is presented by a grateful nation…It is an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one…Please accept my sincere condolences…” I know that after taps is played my heart and soul has a full and empty meaning, knowing that our nation is truly grateful, for it would not exist without the men/women that have served. Every move at a veteran’s funeral is made with machinelike exactness. Just like the first day we entered service, each move is deliberate and taught. These are not empty words and, just like during our lifetime we do not want to hear words that don’t have meaning behind them.
Yes, we all say things that end up being hollow words and that, my friend is my point of this column today. Words are just that, meaningless until the passion and the spirit brings them to life. Yes, until they have meaning and substance is why the words and actions are intermingled with honoring our servicemembers with the support earned. Some of our veterans have had the words of honor at their gravesite long before they should have ever been laid to rest. Long before because of the dragging of feet and the inaction of our elected officials for caring for all the ones we send to war.
We owe every one of our militaries for their service and we should certainly not feel sorry for any of us. Today’s service is all voluntary and we know what we are signing up for (if we do our homework before the recruiter gets to talking). Many of us that were drafted were still proud to serve What happens after we sign on the dotted line is in the service of our Nation some of us are sent into toxic environments and situations that we have little control of and end up on the short end of the stick. Disorders that affect our minds and bodies that we should get care for. Sometimes we get the shaft and the care is too late or not given and we suffer needlessly or die. That is the reason I think that feeling sorry is a waste of time unless it is attached to a cause and action that is meaningful for the veteran or family member that needs it.
As I write this, I just thought about the children born of parents that have been exposed to agent orange (Vietnam) and the possible side effects or even deformities that they have experienced. Are we doing enough for them?
“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” José Narosky (writer of aphorisms)...
R & R (Military)
Jan 29th, 2023 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Yep!!! They called it ‘Rest & Relaxation’ and some remember it as the time we were hungover, scored big (some of us), some even a little late getting back and busted for our extra time away and a few of us sought the sanctuary of a church to pray and catch-up on our spiritual needs. Whatever a troop called it, it was a special time away from war and a chance to let off steam, write letters home, fall in love and do things that we would do knowing some of us might not make it back alive this next time in the field or we knew by then our bodies might be broken or our minds changed.
Funny that most of us remembering the times we served in a war zone when we came home when talking to other troops that were there the stories were down and dirty regarding the war and the times we spent on R&R. Then in the family setting or community the stories were cleaned up and always sounded like a different place than where we actually served! No wonder we have problems. Why can’t the general public understand that what we did and how we did it in a war zone and around our comrades was the reality. That reality should not be cleaned up when reporting war or even the voices of war.
I was shocked the other day when a report came across the TV and they bleeped the language and smudged out portions of the battlefield. How will the public or our legislatures make decisions about war, the atrocities of conflict and the realities of battle and what some of us go through, or be able to vote on or make decisions if folks don’t know the real story. Don’t know about you but I am absolutely against war. Even so I know war is necessary in some situations.
Yesterday a documentary of ancient statues that is part of the national treasures of Rome also had some of the figures blurred out!!!! Am I the only one that doesn’t understand this prudish clean-up here in our Nation. I have not noticed much of this before but I would think we are certainly on the wrong track of reality and life if we think the human body is that disgusting. Now I know why 70% of our young adults are not fit for duty and why the military is cleaning up their language so as not to offend. Do we really think that a drill instructor not being able to lay a hand on a troop makes that troop more prepared for battle? I certainly understand that excesses are not the way to go but the pendulum has swung a little too far.
I got on this rant because listening to stories about R&R and then watching things blurred and hearing the bleeps ticked me off. I thought you also might give some thought about the direction of our society. Seems like we are going backwards. I might be wrong and I am offended by what comes out of the mouths of many folks but I believe that each of us need to control ourselves and less control of others. My sensitivities should not preclude others from expressing themselves. I also feel that limits in society need to take place so we all, or most of us can feel we belong and are respected. That my friend is where we need to communicate with each other and come to some decorum and not let the few dictate to the rest of us what is offensive to the point of controlling a society.
All of this discussion boils down to how much freedom do we have? Do we really want to know the truth or do we want to continue to be sheltered from the facts and then make our decisions in a vacuum, like we do now?
I certainly do not want to be shielded from the facts, especially if I was in the legislature. I would want my constituents to also know the truth of what is really going on and not the cleansed version for me to voice my opinion to the legislature so they make intelligent decisions about war.
It all works together and we need to all weigh in on this and not let a few control the rest of us. Just my thoughts on a subject that needs to be voiced before a little committee or courts make laws that we all suffer with less freedom and more war.
“War does not determine who is right—only who is left.” Bertrand Russell (recipient of the Noble Prize in Literature in 1950, British philosopher, logician, essayist and social critic)...
…. Monasteries for veterans …
Jan 15th, 2023 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Homeless veterans and suicide in the veteran community don’t automatically go hand in hand. They certainly overlap like hunger, mental health, inability to hold a job, abuse, anger, love, hate and everything else that makes us humans.
The complexity of each of the issues and many others make veterans and active-duty military that have experienced conflicts and the horror of war even more draining for a troop that is attempting to assimilate back into society.
Astonishing and, to me truly destructive, the solution that comes up most when I talk with veterans is prescription drugs. Prescription drugs given might help some but seem to destroy others. Maybe it just takes a quiet place or a joint that might relax the mind or a cup of coffee or beer with a friend. Some even get into religion or some type of spiritually or go in the opposite direction and decide that the lack of religion or spiritually will be the path of healing. Each one of us has the ability to take a path that brings us to peace and heal the pain of our bodies and mind.
I truly believe we are overthinking these problems and making the solutions as bad as the challenges themselves. We get into a thought pattern that technology and advanced drugs might be the answers to many issues. I don’t think so.
I read an article the other day that brought to the forefront one of the best programs that veterans and active-duty might use to temper anger, help prevent suicide and might even get our homeless veterans off the street. A sheep ranch that brings back working in the dirt and tending to animals and working with others that bring back the comradery of the military life that brought order to our lives. This ranch is called Central Oregon Veterans Ranch. It is sometimes called a monastery for veterans. Another avenue for healing is just the getting together of veterans sharing a cup of coffee, helping others that are less fortunate than we are and celebrating each other by having a place we can go and decompress. Right here in Ontario are places that are similar in being monasteries for veterans with a different twist; bringing peace of mind and relaxing the body so it might heal from the ravages of war and trauma. Places that you can hang out 5 days a week (Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida) with no strings attached or some that open for coffee once a week, also with no strings attached on Wednesday to go in and have fellowship with veterans (Veterans Hall that houses the American Legion, VFW and DAV).
Maybe the VA will get the idea that they need to change the system to one that takes a different approach and explore systems that are working in the communities and might even start developing some of their own. I know that my idea of how to help veterans and their families deal with the trauma and horrors of war would work, because they are already working in real time.
I was very pleased that the Nation has voted and has spoken, loud and clear that they want our legislatures and the administration to work together to solve problems. Not one party has all the say in discission making and that just might bring a better mix to the table forcing the parties to work together. Just might turn into a fiasco if one or both keep up the rhetoric and stand their ground. Up to each and every one of us to set the direction of how our legislatures govern by giving them input of how we want them to act and work across the aisle to get things done or we can be inflexible and encourage them to continue the craziness. Civility in politics is something that is in our grasp and that doesn’t mean we lose our parties message or that we can’t disagree, what it means is we listen and hear the other side and get a chance to speak about what our issues are, then come to a solution.
This also doesn’t mean we can’t demonstrate for what we feel is right and get our message out. We are also able to continue the fight for veterans to get the benefits we deserve being civil.
My column this week has covered two topics, personal and our Nations challenges and how we might move both forward. Bipartisan action to help veterans and American families isn’t new, it just got misplaced. Food for the brain.
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails’” William Arthur Ward (American motivational writer).
… Our Golden Years…
Jan 1st, 2023 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Yep!!! We are all going to get there at one point or another. We will all get old and we will all die. That is in our future and I think how you plan or not plan will determine whether it will be a pleasant situation or not. I know for myself I planned ahead and then found out my plans had to be scraped because life got in the way and I actually am living longer than planned and now my golden years are moving faster then anticipated. What an interesting time in life.
Hearing the stories of many veterans that come into Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida, each one is truly unique and hard to have a basic plan formulated for all of us on one sheet of paper. One thing is, for sure, when we start to age, we should also start to plan for challenges and our eventual death. Not only for the benefit of ourselves but for the benefit of those around us that might be called on to step up to the plate and asked to take on some responsibilities that they may or may not want to do.
So, I am not going to map out a plan for you because you are the only one that can determine what your future looks like. Asking for help in the process might be good and there are many parts of the puzzle that you need to look at before you take on the task. What is inevitable will be the fact that if your plan is no plan then your future is in sync with most folks that I know.
I plan on dying here in Ontario, but I think that if it happens elsewhere, it will be just fine. Does it really matter to you? Then you need to plan. Do you want a support network around you when you age or not?
I think that planning ahead is a good thing, especially if you are in poor health. The thing about planning ahead is that no matter how you plan, it might change and that should never get you disillusioned and your flexibility is important.
Discussions now about what your future might look like as you age is a good thing. You might think about making as sure as you can how comfortable you might be in your home as you age. You might plan on some type of extended care in an assisted living or nursing home if your health is not the best. State veterans’ homes might be your choice, adult family homes or even a residential rehab for traumatic brain injury could be help for you.
The importance of planning ahead is to chart a course that if something happens that is expected or even unexpected you have something solid to build from, making the process a little easier in the long run. Taking charge of what you want for your future and in your hands and not relying on others making decisions for you, at a time when you are not able to communicate your wants.
For you elderly veterans and those getting up there, just might start to check your VA benefits. You might be surprised what your eligible for: disability compensation, pension, health care, burial and other things like Aid and Attendance if you require help in bathing, eating or dressing and if bedridden or housebound. The VA has geriatrics programs that cover a host of issues for caregivers, help in making decisions and advance care planning and many other subjects such as advance directives, talking with loved ones, choosing a person to make decisions when you are not able to make them for yourself.
The VA web site on elderly veterans is probably one of the best sections on their website and you should start early before you need the help. VA health care over the years has expanded and your chance of getting help in planning for your future is greater now than ever before.
Our veteran population over the age of 65 has reached over 18 million today, so that means as time go on the VA facilities are going to be struggling for space and if you prepare now instead of waiting for the last minute you might be able to secure a place, or at least be prepared with the necessary paperwork or information to apply for services. You will know what is available and it might make your life much more pleasant.
So, go to: https://benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-elderly.aspand start your process of understanding what is available.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln.
A Poem of War
Dec 18th, 2022 My Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
I happen to be reading a poem by Yusef Komunyakaa (American poet and teacher) called “You and I Are Disappearing” it brought me back to Vietnam. I might also say it was a very disturbing poem that I believe every one that thinks about sending us off to war should read and experience what the poet has placed on paper. The pain that is expressed in this brought me to the brink of hell and I would say to my readers that it is not a place that I wanted to go.
I stumbled upon this while researching a photo that I was trying to find the history behind and a uniform that was not familiar to me, a very nice lady called me right here in Ontario and asked for my help in identifying the uniform and, of course I was very pleased to do this for her, and still will continue my research to help her out! I got sidetracked and this poem grabbed my attention. I was drawn into a rabbit hole that took me a while to release and come to my senses. I believe I actually had the smells of war that I will never forget and I was not a fighting man in Vietnam and I still smell the burning, the chemicals that we dropped, the aftermath of a firefight.
I recommend to anyone that wants to know what war is and understand in one short poem why I write this column and I have such respect for the warriors that I worked with in ‘Nam and the warriors that we send to every conflict and the reason I think that no veteran should have to beg for food, health services or support.
I am not going to print the poem here because I believe that the veterans that read this column should not stumble upon it like I did but if they want to look it up be prepared. Know that once you understand the poem you might wish that you never heard of it, at all. For all you folks that want to understand what some of us went through then, by all means read this and understand why I rag so much on our legislators, administrations and the VA.
I am pleased that I read this poem because it brought back the passion as to why I write this column, why I do the things I do and I don’t make any excuses for what comes out of my mouth. At times, I offend and I truly believe that the offended needs to get over it. I will apologize for those that are not listening. Yes, not listening to the other points of view. Folks you certainly don’t have to agree with your neighbor but it might be time to listen and start communicating. Maybe less war, less conflicts, less killing in schools, churches and grocery stores in our neighborhoods.
We should concentrate more on the making the bread, enjoying the fellowship of eating it with others and sharing it rather than trying to make a perfect loaf. We should forget about the attitude of; ‘this is the only way it should be done’ and think about how imperfections aren’t the end of the world and enjoying the comradery of and the differences of those around us. Yes, enjoy the imperfect loaf with all the imperfect people that make this world a special and interesting place. Like Uncle Joe that is a real strange dude that came back from Afghanistan a little different. Maybe Uncle Joe has something to offer and we might actually enjoy his company.
I know that I got a little off this time in writing this column but I wanted you to know that a group of veterans, volunteers, family members and a couple of neat, well-behaved kids joined us for lunch at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida the other day and with all the differences we had a common bond of sharing bread. The laughter, stories and exchange of ideas made for a great time and I know that this can be what our Nation might be with a little effort. Just maybe the poem that started this column will never have to be written again and we will never, ever have war or conflict in the World ever again.
In the meantime, I will continue to write and be passionate about helping veterans. Making mistakes, offending folks and just being myself in the only way I know how...
“You can’t say that civilization don’t advance, however, for in every war they kill you in a new way.” Will Rogers (New York Times Dec 23rd, 1929).
Don’t Tell Me That…
Dec. 4th, 2022 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Another lie and I will explode. Don’t tell me that I am not able to get care for an injury that I had because of my service. Don’t tell me that I have to wait. Don’t tell me I missed the date to sign up for help. Don’t tell me I am having flashbacks of my service and I don’t have the proper paperwork. Don’t tell me that I cannot get help getting to the VA Hospital because I smell bad (I smell bad because I am homeless) and the others in the vehicle will not like it. Don’t tell me because I am in a wheelchair, I can’t get transportation to the VA. Don’t tell me another thing that you will not do for me because of some lame excuse of government rules. Don’t tell me I have to fill out forms on a computer, I don’t have a computer. Don’t tell me I can’t get a meal, I am hungry. I was evicted. Then the other day I was talking with a veteran and I heard these words that I have heard too many times before: “I am about ready to kill myself”.
The above comments are some I have gotten over the years since Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida was started in 2008 here in Ontario. I am sure these comments occur in many locations like the VSO, American Legion, VFW, DAV and even the VA. There is help for mostly everyone of these comments with few exceptions. The few that are missed or not caught in time have (I am sure) caused the death and suffering of some of our men/women that have served and are serving today.
Not one of the organizations that help veterans have all the answers. Some have more ways to help than others but the challenges of help for our veteran and active-duty military and their families is a vast system that takes much in the way of money, individuals, equipment, locations, transportation, knowledge, passion and a host of other things to make the help needed get to the right person when needed. It does not happen with a touch of a button or turn of a switch. Help occurs when someone takes the time to listen. Actually, hear what the person is saying and then take the time to find a solution. Time is a valuable commodity and is a very important component of the help process.
Our community here in the Western Treasure Valley is very fortunate to have many agencies that are able to help but are still lacking in ways to understand the unique challenges of our military and veterans.
Some veterans have seen what the ultimate inhumanity to man is really like. They have watched the devil, hate and despicable horrors that governments can create for the sake of power and rule over other people. Religion, revenge, territorial gain, power and control of others wealth, water and many other reasons to kill, torture and maim others. Nationalism is another one that rules its ugly head. I hear much about we are fighting for the security of our Nation. I question that many of the conflicts that we are in are for our security of our Nation because we have fought Wars just recently that have lasted for years and have walked away, only to leave the land and peoples to the enemy and I do not see that our Nation is any more at risk then it was before we came home.
So: back to our community and the warriors that we have sent off to these foreign places to be killed or mutated in some way. Remember that in conflicts, we are also the ones that are inflicting the pain and suffering on others. We have festivities for our warriors and days of thanks for those that have died. We then go back to our lives and let others care for the ones that keep watch every day and do much of the dirty work of war. We continue sending these men/women to fight for us, whether the cause is right or wrong in our eyes we need to support those that maintain our peace and tranquility here at home. Always remember that the people that we/you send to Washington D.C. are the representatives that we have put in power that are making the decisions with your blessing by the power of the vote.
Please support our men/women that serve. You certainly don’t have to support the conflicts plus you have the power to do something with casting your ballot and voice.
“War does not determine who is right – only who is left.” Bertrand Russell (British mathematician and influenced philosophical logic).
“Space Force” is Up and Running
Nov. 20th, 2022 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Yep, our new United States Space Force (USSF) is operational and I am sure they will be continuing to grow in scope, scale and complexity. As the world and technology moves forward our need to protect space from becoming a threat to our Nation is one of the top priorities of its mission. Just think about all the technology that we rely on that is generated from space. Satellites provide weather information, GPS, financial data, global commerce runs on satellites, your cell phones and computers would be less effective. Our military is interwoven in using space and all we have up there to function in war and in peace.
If we are not able to have a dominance in space from the rest of the world, we risk much and possibly everything would be at stake. Our national security is at risk. Space is not something that we can sit back and take a passive role. We need to spend the money now to protect our future tomorrow (we already do all of this).
I am also sure that our legislatures will make sure they penny pinch the new service and we will suffer from the naysayers that will fight spending on this new service. Then we will rush to catch up (and cost us dearly). Just like we drag our feet on providing health services for the veterans that have served. Congress will again, some day get its act together but I think, in general, they are much too partisan right now to think clearly.
Space Force, Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard all need to work together as a team because it is no longer just land, air and sea that wars will be fought on, we now have space as the new domain for war and conflicts. This new territory is so vast and every nation that wants control of their own political power and take over others will use this new frontier to accomplish that mission.
Space Force is not the same as NASA and I am sure will confuse many. The focus is to protect what we have up there now and in the future. Space Force has been talked about for decades but really took off when then President Trump got behind the project and was finally established in 2019.
So, we have this new bureaucracy that was originally part of the Air Force as the Air Force Space Command. I think that I am always amazed that money can always be found for projects like this but our veterans have to continue to beg for issues that have affected their health from the wars and conflicts of the past.
I am sure over time this new branch will develop and possibly with the consolidation of operations that are going on in the Army, Navy and Air Force Space Command, this might even be a good thing in the future. Right now, it is like all bureaucracy’s that we have created in government, it is here to stay and develop into a force that will protect its very existence.
It has its own specifically designed uniforms, its own official song called “Semper Supra”, its own chain of command, so there is no stopping this one! I feel betrayed but also, I support every one of those men and women that are serving in whatever military service they are in and also support them when they are veterans looking to get health benefits, later on.
In any case, they are set up very similar to the Navy and the Marines. The Space Force is managed under the Air Force, yet they are a separate military branch.
I think that, just like when in 1947 the U.S. Air Force was formed when the Army Air Corp existed, it was the future that was being looked at as a value and it turned out that that vision was good. Maybe this also will turn out to be a good plan, I do know that for about 40 years the Air Force Space Command has been doing the mission of what the Space Force is doing now. The only change is, it’s now a separate service. Time will tell if it was needed. Bragging rights of a new branch is sure a costly venture at a time when we are spending billions on projects that our children’s children will be paying taxes on long into the future.
Yep, what we need is another branch doing the same thing that will cost us more in just the additional chain of command, let alone the cost of all the other items for a new service! Great thinking...
“Semper Supra (Always Above)”. The U.S. Space Force motto.
What Would Alexander Think?
Nov. 6th, 2022 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Unrealistic programs and goals are a problem for veterans and their families. A goal of ending homelessness or suicides with a goal of 100% is not credible, especially if the numbers are figured with fuzzy math. Goals must be specific, measurable, attainable and time targeted.
What is valid is homelessness and suicides. With that said, I think that working in various ways to develop different attacks to these two issues is certainly a righteous goal. I also get tired of all these well-detailed objectives that take a tremendous amount of manpower and create levels of bureaucrats with a number of staff that suck up money that could be used for the problem of homelessness and suicides. Ever wonder how many times we have heard statistics and unrealistic goals that spring up through government so a political party can spout off some crazy number to pass a bill.
I was in the Grocery Outlet the other day and I got a chance to talk with one of our wounded troops of Vietnam and he was saying how proud he was in serving our Country. He went on to talk about how Alexander the Great, one of the most respected commanders of all time, led by leading and not by proxy. Alexander would not touch a drink of water unless his troops drank. I was amazed at the knowledge that this Vietnam soldier had talking about Alexander the Great and then realized that he was comparing what he went through and the challenge he had because of the loss of the backing of our country. He looked at the Love and Respect that Alexander the Great had and what the Troops of today have when being sent to fight.
I started to think about what this Vietnam soldier was saying and thought about the rubbish that is happening right now in our Nation. The hyper-polarization in our politics and immense amount of money from sources that have no names or faces and can’t be traced. The lack of civility among our politicians and now throughout our civilian population is affecting our military and security of our Nation. How can all of this not affect the men/women that we send to war? The strength of our military is backed by the cohesiveness of our country and that support that is so vital for a soldier’s will to fight. The backbone of the fighting troop has to be truth, love of country and the belief that our nation is behind the effort. Our nation has to back and support our military when they come home and is why it’s so important that the VA has the tools to help our veterans. If our Nation does not Love itself and respect its core then how can we expect we in the military fight with the passion and drive to win battles and continue securing our freedom? How can we ask our men/women to pay the ultimate sacrifice of death for a Nation that is divided with such vitriol?
My research has revealed some folks have formed such a hate that they cannot see the other viewpoint, even if that viewpoint was the same as theirs! I am amazed that the help for veterans of the Vietnam war even occurred this last year with such differences between the parties. I believe that because this happened, it has restored my faith that our Nation will heal and pull together and our military and all our veterans will be better for it. I still think about the legislatures that voted against us getting the care needed. Cost of war is caring for veterans when they come home. I truly believe that those that voted against this bill shows we have a way to go in bringing our Nation back from the dysfunction and moral bankruptcy that has wrought havoc on our military and veterans. I believe disagreement is the start of a healthy discussion about how we come to a solution. Open eyes and minds will prevail as we move forward through this time and back or forward to a political process of healthy compromise. Then and only then will our military fight with the passion to keep us safe. Then and only then with our veterans cared for will we continue a bright future. Hard to imagine that anyone would send us off to war and see us come back in a body bag or sick that they would say, the cost of care is a reason to not help. Ask: What kind of person would say something like that? I know but can’t print what I am thinking!
“Upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all”. Alexander the Great (Undefeated in Battle).
Making sense of VA Gobbledygook
Oct 23rd, 2022 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Talking with local veterans in the Western Treasure Valley about the new PACT Act- Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics legislation many are just fed up with the times they were turned down in the past. The new Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough has been out and about talking about the new legislation and encouraging veterans to apply for help. I certainly have been one to pound the table and let all veterans know that because they have been turned down before, please try again and seek help. Obviously, no guarantee but worth a shot. We all have a problem with being turned down again and that is not a pleasant feeling but can you imagine if you really got the help, you deserve, how that might improve your disposition and your health? Great feeling, feeling better!
Many cases veterans have been waiting for 50 years trying to get the help they have deserved all that time, begging and waiting for help. I still shutter at the thought that many of the legislatures’ that we sent to represent us here in the Treasure Valley voted against this legislation. Remember they are the same ones that profess to be helping veterans and they actually do from time to time when a veteran calls their line and asks for help. Hard to turn us down when we are pleading for help on the phone. Those legislatures do a good job at having their staff help when you call and I certainly encourage that call. What I am talking about is the big picture of support on Bills that help all of us so the individual calls don’t have to take place.
I have seen a ray of hope that both parties in the legislature have the capability of working together and just maybe those of us that end up with brain caner or some other deadly disorder won’t have to fight for care but get the help they need, when they need it.
I am amazed that time lines are placed on issues that are treated at the VA. As an example, any veteran diagnosed with brain cancer while serving or developing it within a year of discharge was automatically eligible for benefits. All others have to file a claim and just to give you an idea of what happens to claims, just about half of the veterans that have developed brain cancer since 1990 have been denied benefits. I would say our fight for care is still with us, and will be for a long time.
Hopefully the PACT Act is just our foot in the door of getting the help we need for the illnesses that we have because of our service. By the way, brain cancer such as glioblastoma is covered under this Act. Many other cancers are also covered, so please check to see if you might be able to get the care you need for if you have been diagnosed with the presumptive 23 illnesses that are covered under this act, that also includes many other illnesses other than cancer.
I encourage you to contact the VA at 1-(800)- 698-2411 or seek local help with your Veteran Service Officer in your county. Here in Malheur County, it would be Connie Tanaka at 541-889-6649. Each county has a Service Officer assigned to it so please try and get the help you need. Connie, as well as the many other service officers throughout the nation has an understanding of the problems that confront our veteran community and they keep up on what statutes and regulations are in place. With this knowledge these officers might be able to cut through all the gobbledygook and assist you with VA claims for benefits. Over the years the forms that the VA have gotten clearer, but at times, they are so abstract and I find unintelligible to the normal person. Reach out a hand and get the professional help from the professionals that are paid to understand. I think it would be worth the effort. Don’t be discouraged by the past turn downs. Remember that with all these new presumptive conditions that are listed in this Act you don’t have to prove that your service caused your condition. You only have to meet the service requirements for the presumption. This one act opened up the health care needs that we have been fighting for decades to get. Amazing that it happened just before an election!
If there is something one wants badly, one must often be bold.” Liz Carlyle (American Author)...
“Hookers for Jesus”?…
Oct 9th, 2022 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Only 7% of our U.S. adult population has served in the Armed Forces. With all the wars, conflicts and situations that we have been involved in in the last 20 years or so we have produced the largest number of veterans in the U.S. since the Vietnam War. This increase in veterans in our communities and the timing of the mid-term elections has brought some relief with Congress beating their chests bragging about helping our military veterans in need. Help came for the veterans exposed to Agent Orange, Burn Pits and other toxic exposures, especially those that have served in Vietnam, Gulf War and many post-9/11 eras.
In any case, elections, politics and timing and the fact that some, not all, of our Congress cares about our needs. That is a good thing for us because if it wasn’t for all of this coming together at the same time, we would be still groveling on the sidelines begging for help in many of our situations that have been caused by war.
I am amazed that we have fought for over 13 years to expand benefits for burn-pit sufferers while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, the 50 years or so fighting for help of those of us that served in Vietnam and suffered, some died, from exposure to chemicals in that conflict.
I get tired of hearing those in Congress trying to nickel and dime us and wait us out and watch some of us suffer and die because of a few billion dollars. We served to keep our Nation free. We served in wars that keep the fight off our lands. We served and
it is your responsibility as a Nation to care for our wounds if you want others to serve in the future.
If it is necessary to save money, maybe it should not come at our expense but maybe find the billion or so in lost military equipment. Call up Sen Rand Paul and get his report he publishes every year on waste, $54 Billion in 2020 alone. Now that is something to take to the bank. I am amazed that Congress manages to bring home the pork to their home states.
Some of these pork barrel spenders are the same ones that are voting against money for us veterans and for some projects that are questionable. Even our Department of Justice is guilty of misspending, at least, I think it is. They gave over $500,000 to “Hookers for Jesus”. Now, you might think that this group is doing great things for our Nation, I think that the name alone tells me that the money given to them might be better used to help our veterans that have served. We must pick and choose our priorities.
Use some of that money helping to reduce the barriers to employment for military families and help with licensing reform. This would help when our families are moved from state to state that don’t have reciprocity in job qualifications.
Did you know that Social Security benefits are automatically adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation, yet with veteran benefits we have to go through Congress every year passing legislation to provide COLA for veterans and surviving family members receiving benefits. Probably makes them feel good and they can brag about helping veterans and their families. I am always amazed how veterans have to fight for our health
and other benefits and Congress makes a big deal about giving us what we already deserved.
I just read part of the report “Where’s the Pork?” published in June 2022, they showed waste, fraud, corruption and taxpayer abuse. Our federal debt passed $30 Trillion. With that in mind this last year Congress brought back earmarks, these are member pet projects that are attached to bills that usually have nothing to do with the bill except to entice that member to vote for it because of the pork that they get attached to the bill. One example but only the tip of the iceberg.
My update today only reinforces the fact that each administration has done a bad job at managing our money. Seems like our political parties like to grandstand and talk the talk but not one party with few individual exceptions in each party are willing to work across the aisle and do the hard work of representing us. I think we are going to have this stalemate for a while so I hope we get to take advantage of their grandstanding, elections and the headlines they like to have saying they are helping veterans so it translates into votes for them and help for us.
“Life begins when you get out of the grandstand into the game.” P.L. Debevoise.
Respect, Dental Care and the Park Service
Sept 25th, 2022 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
I read a story the other day about two young boys in Batesville, Indiana stopping their bikes, getting off and standing at attention and paying respect for a military funeral. They did this without anyone telling them to do it, and they stayed there in respect until taps and the gun salute was completed. They then jumped back on their bikes and continued on their journey. Now that is a story that our Nation needs to hear. This story was shared by Jacqi Hornbach with Fox News. I thought that it was worth repeating.
Another interesting story is a company that is working with plant medicines like cannabis and psilocybin to treat chronic anxiety, treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. I am amazed that some folks are discarding something that might be extremely valuable, thinking that they are disposing or thinking that these products are totally dangerous or worthless. It’s like throwing the baby out with the bath water.
I think that this is such a positive story that might even stem the flow of Veteran Suicides. Allied Corporation is one of these publicly traded companies that is working on the medical side of these products. Johns Hopkins Medicine will be leading a three-year study with a Federal Grant through the National Institutes of Health and funded by NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse. Even our Federal Government is getting involved in this research of these plants because the data is so promising.
Another positive story is: Gold Star Families and Military veterans now get FREE entrance to any National Park. I think there might be a few exceptions so you might have to check with the National Park Service. In any case the agencies that are participating are the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Go to www.nps.gov and order your pass. Go to that web site and punch in ‘Entrance Passes” and ‘wala’ your there to enjoy a life time of free visits. Amazing all this good news that is happening everyday throughout our Nation and very little press.
Regarding dental care for veterans. If you ever been a prisoner of war or have a service-connected dental disability you are covered for dental care. Then there are about eight different classifications that you would have to check if you are qualified under any other class. Dental health is important and you might go to: www.dentably.com and click the “Dental Care Resources For Veterans” and you should find a host of ideas for you to get dental care. A happy note: there is help if you dig a little and work at it. You have to put in the effort to get the result needed. This will be worth the effort for a happy smile. By the way when you get to that site, they list 9 other web sites that might be of some help! It does not take a tremendous amount of time; you do need to be a little nimble and be patient. Also, for those that are reading this column and are not veterans this ‘dentably’ web site might help and give you tips if you are underserved with dental care. Hope this helps.
There is one resource that is available to every veteran and family member that receives health care at a VA health care facility that is underutilized. That resource is the “Patient Advocate”. If you have a concern about your care and you have discussed it with your treatment team and your concerns are not being addressed you have the “Patient Advocate” who can, if it is appropriate, help you file an appeal for your concern. Good news for many that have utilized this source. The Patient Advocate is there to help you and with most concerns are taken care of quite effectively and don’t have to go much farther. Remember that when you receive care at the VA they are, in most cases very passionate in helping you but also restricted by the rules placed on them by Congress. They are human and make mistakes so please make sure you take charge of your own health and be proactive in getting the care you deserve.
The VA of yesterday is not the VA of today. Technologies, treatments, benefits and rules change over time so give the VA a chance. Might be pleasantly surprised. Then again: I would also be proactive with your own care. Never let your guard down, it is your health and it could mean life, death or good/bad health.
“The destruction of the world didn’t happen overnight, and neither will saving it.” Tahereh Mafi, (an over-caffeinated U.S. Author).
.
Ignorance at the Highest Levels
September 11th, 2022 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Easy to ignore the lone veteran out in the middle of wherever if there is no one fighting to get care out to him/her. The VA has always said that they bring the care to our veterans where they are when they come home.
The disruptions in service to our veterans is huge and is creating a monumental challenge for our veterans, right here in town. I don’t usually get into naming names but in this case, I am going to explain the challenge that faces our VA system and why we are in such disarray. Yep. This latest crisis started under Trump when his administration decides that we need to privatize the care given our veterans. So as usual our government gets the cart before the horse and starts to close clinics, pull services in communities like Ontario and puts on the chopping block long standing hospitals. They do this before the system for privatizing is in place. Then to make matters worse the Biden administration continues down the same path and the spiral down the rabbit-hole continues.
Seems like it is all about the money and little about the veteran. Money, and lots of it is being pumped into the VA on many feel-good projects that get started with big fanfare and Congress just keeps doing the same thing over and over with each election cycle looking like hero’s and passing another great bill that will solve the VA dysfunctions with modernization started under Trump and Wilkie and continuing under Biden and McDonough.
I keep having hope but my nerves are getting frayed and I certainly understand the frustration of many veterans that have been pushed around, like myself and some of our local veterans that had the services of the Vet Center and then they dropped us like a hot potato, never to be seen again here in Ontario. Good people that are in place that served our community from Boise but because of the many changes and the fits and starts of service the system has not provided the care, promised. I don’t blame the folks that are the boots on the ground at the Vet Center, I blame the system of changes that run right up the chain of command from the VA chiefs, Congress and right up to the President of the United States. Money is not the only solution to our problems in helping our military veterans. The system is incredibly broken and with all the mismanagement that has built up all these years, it is going to take the ability of a team of quality folks that has sustainability with no connection to any party agenda that is acting independently and without strings attached to any administration, to figure this one out. In the meantime, we need to do the best with what we have and continue the fight to get our just due.
How about the VA bring more local control and decentralize some of the major decisions?
I wonder if reaching out to organizations like the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) a 501-c-3 that helps government leaders solve their most pressing challenges would be the way to go considering that what we have had in place hasn’t worked? The process sucks and our veterans are dying because of all the mismanagement. Considering our elected officials and the folks they have put in place have not been able to do the job the idea of taking a new direction might be necessary? My ideas are of value, and I did not form a committee or spend millions of dollars to come up with them. Amazing!
Thinking about the consequences of war is one part of the equation. Humanity also has an obligation to peace. Our war veterans that have seen and experienced the horrors of conflict should be in the meetings our government has when planning for war. The fact that they have fought and have had boots on the ground might be able to speak of the importance of peace, or at least talk on the importance of preparing for the human costs during and after the conflict. Maybe sitting down with the widows of some of our fallen soldier’s might also help before the final decision to go to war is in place. The crusade for helping our veterans needs to be in place before we go to battle.
Please: Remember 9/11 and commemorate every one that serve to protect, even that lone veteran in the middle of wherever.
“Ignorance makes most men go into a political party, and shame keeps them from getting out of it.” E.F.L. Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax.
"A LITTLE GIRLS VALUES"
August 28th, 2022 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
I am shocked to think that we have hungry veterans and their families in Ontario, Payette, Fruitland, Nyssa, Vale and all around the Western Treasure Valley. We are in the heart of farming potatoes, onions, wheat, corn and we even raise cows and other sources of food and at the same time we have desperate folks in need.
Hunger for a child hurts our Nation and brings the parents and adults that are attempting to provide for them too tears. We have grandparents taking on the responsibility of caring for kids that the parents are not able to provide the basis needs.
Without folks giving to help in this effort to feed those in need we would be a sad community, indeed. Many giving because it is the right thing to do, not because of recognition and publicity but because they care. Thank You.
Child neglect is some of the buzz words that are thrown about from time to time and can, in some cases, be eliminated by parents having enough food on the table to feed the family. We some times talk about mental health issues brought about from combat or by a catastrophic event and I would say to you that hunger is in that arena of events that would produce mental health issues that are mind boggling with those in the middle of it.
Yep! You might read this and then go on with your life and do absolutely nothing to help and no one else will know. That would be in lock step with many others and in sync with some that we send to Congress. Amazing that many talk a good talk and then think our problems in our community will be taken care of by others or by government. I noticed that we have folks in our community talking about being kind, unselfish, generous and then after they finish the talking, it is back to self-gratification. Values are in the hearts and souls of each and every one of us. I do not think that being lectured about values does much so this is certainly not that. Practicing and applying values seems to make our community a better place. A little harder to do than just talk about high principles, but more rewarding.
I believe that no one should go hungry and I also believe that we each have to make the decision for ourselves to help our fellow man/women or not. I do not condemn anyone for not helping his or her neighbors, family, or person in need. That decision is for the individual to make, as I believe that we all have our own responsibility of controlling our own bodies, minds and abundance.
I also believe that these folks that are hungry are mostly far from poor. Most of them that I meet are rich beyond the means that they have. The other day while we were giving out food boxes at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida’s to a family, one of the children happened to look up at the food we had in the box and noticed that we placed a few extra health bars for the family and she said, “look mommy we might have enough extra to help some homeless person”, that generosity of that little girl brought tears to the eyes of the person giving out the box. Yes, the family that was getting the food was struggling but the compassion that was being taught in that family went far beyond the norm.
Needs in the veteran community, as well as the civilian community go way beyond the physical and emotional. Needs go to the very soul of the spirit and sometimes can only be accomplished with Love that is truly sincere and some food.
Amazing what compassion can do for a community and for individuals making our environment a better place to raise a family and a safer place to live.
I started this column today because of one little girl that thought more about helping others, even so her family was struggling she was thinking about others. I know that this little girl has given me hope that with all the challenges that we have with politics, agendas, dislike, mistrust, war, famine, natural disasters and everything else that might come to mind, there is light at the end of this tunnel.
A little girl with a personal core value that defines who she is, and I think who she is goes to the character and future that our Nation will be in good hands.
“True education is concerned not only with practical goals but also with values. Our aims assure us of material life, our values make possible our spiritual life.” Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (American architect) .
Copyright © 2023 Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder