>>Valley Patriot>>
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(02/06/07)
Honoring our Vets
John Lenotte, American Legion
 No
matter how we feel about the current conflict in Iraq, we
must continue to support the troops. And this can happen
in many different ways. We certainly have the numbers in
the daily news of the over 3,000 American troops who have
died in our defense. These troops are worthy of our
utmost respect as they have made the ultimate sacrifice.
But what about their families? And specifically their
children, if any. They seem to be some of the forgotten
in this tragedy. I know that the American Legion has a
Legacy Scholarship Fund for the children of those who
have given their lives in this conflict. I am sure there
are private funds that have also been started for them.
Another figure that gets reported but seems to be buried
in the news is the number of wounded troops. A Time
Magazine report from January 18, 2007 quotes 22,700
wounded in action. Of this number 5% (1,135) are unable
to return to action. A smaller number, 500, of these
troops are amputees. In past wars they would not have
survived. But with the current body armor, quick
transportation and medical ad-vances, they are able to
get excellent care at institutions like Walter Reed Army
Medical Center. This is another group that needs our help
and support. They need help with hous-ing and employment
issues along with their physical rehabilitation. Here
again, organizations such as the American Legion and
Heroes to Hometown are taking up the cause.
Then there are the troops with no physical wounds but
have psychological scars that will last a lifetime. It
took quite some time for the government to recognize what
we now call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Some
of these troops, as with others from previous wars, will
have issues for years to come. Fortunately, the Veterans
Administration and the military have recognized this and
are doing a much better job than in previous wars. But
they need continued support from a family and social
perspective. Particularly as we continue to send troops
back for second and third tours of duty in war zones.
But there is another group that seems to also get
forgotten. That is the families who are left behind. Yes,
it is much better today with current technology that
allows phone calls, phone cards, instant messaging, video
cams and DVDs. Yet it still tears at the hearts of wives,
husbands, children, parents, grandparents, extended
family and friends. The military has set up family
support networks that are extremely helpful. And we have
the American Legion that has set up a Family Support
Network. Some examples of assistance have ranged from a
pregnant wife with a small child at home who needed the
driveway plowed, to a wife who was being harassed by
creditors.
Other organizations like Operation Troop Support, New
England Caring for Our Military, Inc., and Mass. Local
Heroes are also very involved and a have a great presence
and support network. And let us not forget the local
veterans’ agents who are doing a stellar job in
working with veterans and their families.
But what are we as individuals doing to support the
troops? We cannot let our personal politics get in the
way of providing for the troops and their families. I
think for the most part that we have learned our lessons
from the Vietnam War in how are troops should be treated
when they come home. But are we contributing time and/or
money to any of these support groups? And we must let our
politicians at the local, state and federal levels know
that we want our troops supported. Whether it is support
through the veterans’ agents, veterans
organizations, state veterans benefits, or full and
mandatory funding for the Veterans Administration. We
need to let our elected officials at every level know
that they cannot let the veterans down. Let our voices be
heard loud and strong. Election Day is not the only day
or the only way to be heard. Write, call or send emails.
Without the vigilance of all of us, unfortunately, this
support will not happen except for a few dedicated souls.
Please, provide whatever support you are able to give to
our troops. Remember, their obligation from when they
enlisted is to defend our way of living.
John Lenotte, the American Legion District 8/Essex County
Commander, Post 4 Haverhill Adjutant. You can Email
him at JohnLDistrict8@verizon.net
*Send your questions comments to ValleyPatriot@aol.com
The February 2007
Edition of the Valley Patriot
The Valley Patriot is a Monthly
Publication.
All Contents (C) 2007, Valley Patriot, Inc.
We publish 10,000 newspapers and distribute in Andover,
North Andover,
Methuen, Haverhill, Chelmsford, Georgetown, Groveland,
Boxford, Amesbury,
Lawrence, Dracut, Tewksbury, Hampton & Salisbury
Beach, and Lowell.
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