November 11, 2011
Today, we celebrate and honor all veterans, of all stripes, from all branches of the service. It is an honor that is well earned and richly deserved, because of their service to our country. The sad part of today's celebration is that our nation should be doing more to honor our service people. Yesterday, National Public Radio reported that every 80 minutes a veteran takes his own life. What a tragedy and a waste! What a loss to their families and for our country! America's longest running war is creating more veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) than ever before, and suicides within the military is hitting record numbers. Our country,and the State of Oklahoma must do more to help those suffering the terrible effects of war, by improving the funding to veteran's hospitals and the various veteran's centers across our land. We need to increase the staffing levels, and increase the pay for the caretakers of our heros, as payment for the service and dedication to the United State of America.
One bright note, yesterday, Congress passed a part of President Obama's "Jobs Plan" that will help veterans find jobs as they return to civilian life. Veterans should soon find employment easier to obtain through tax incentives to companies who hire veterans, especially veterans with some kind of disability. They can then provide for themselves and their families, with a good job, and feel some dignity in a stable environment.
I am proud to take part in the Oklahoma Democratic Party's ceremony to pay tribute to all veterans everywhere, and I am grateful for this opportunity. Thank you to all men and women in uniform!
Wallace Collins
Chair Oklahoma Democratic Party
Posted on
Fri, November 11, 2011
by Wallace Collins
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