Wednesday, March 24, 2004

Country must keep its promise to older vets

A Georgia-based group of older military retirees, united with larger national groups, are championing the restoration of military health care promised as a lifetime of care when they initially enlisted, or reenlisted, in the military service prior to Dec. 7, 1956.

After this date, Congress mandated this only be provided on a space-available basis. Adequate restoration is provided in a bill currently before the House of Representatives, HR 3474, “Keep Our Promise to America’s Military Retirees Act,” and the companion bill in the senate, S2065. Those who are affected by this bill are WWII and Korean War veterans who gave their all to secure our liberty and freedoms.

President Bush, during his campaign for office, made the statement, “Promises made, promises kept,” pertaining to all our military veterans. Since his election however, he has threatened to veto any Congressional action towards the recovery of these benefits.

Congressman Collins seems to support only the Administration, as he will not respond to any of the numerous inquiries pertaining to this very important cause. Congressman Isakson and five other Georgia Congressmen have indicated their support for this bill and have signed on as a cosponsor.

It appears that it would be prudent for all our congressmen to listen to the voice of their retired military constituency and render justice to those who gave so much to insure the freedoms enjoyed in our country.

As an aside, these retirees are currently dying at the rate of approximately 1,500 a day, and prior to their death, many are experiencing numerous medical hardships because of unavailable and unaffordable medical care.

It would appear ludicrous to expect the same total dedication from our current military forces when they see what is happening to the older veterans. It is time for all of us to step forward and insure that these “promises” are sealed in the hearts of all our citizenry.

If our electorate cannot do this, let’s replace them with those who have the vision to insure that we will always have a strong, viable, and dedicated military.

Don Rehwaldt

USAF, retired

Tyrone, Ga.