The Pentagon Loves Its Soldiers Until They Return From the Battlefield

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart

Fact: the citizens of every nation in the world have never declared war against any other country. Governments are responsible for every war in history, and governments force their nation’s people to fight their battles.

Our military leaders in the Pentagon and our government love our soldiers until they come home. When they have been seriously wounded, physically or mentally, they and their families become a nuisance.

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

I’m sure you have seen the commercials for an organization called the Wounded oWarrior Project. It is admirable to care for the men and women who fought for our country and arrive home with serious physical and/or mental disabilities. My question is, “why does it exist?”

It seems logical to me that the men and women who choose to engage in wars have a responsibility to care for anyone they sent into harm’s way.

PENTAGON’S FINANCIAL FAILURES

The Pentagon budget for 2027 is expected to surpass one trillion dollars. This is moronic and unnecessary. According to Pentagon watchdogs, your military leaders will waste about $500 billion. A matter of great interest is that for the eighth year in a row, the Pentagon has failed its annual audit. What are they hiding?

Our military leaders have become entirely politicized, as have six members of the Supreme Court. Whatever right-wing politicians call themselves today, the Trump Party, or the American Fascist Party, their loyalty is not to the American people. Profit before People is our national motto. Therefore, social programs, including the Veterans Administration, are underfunded.

RETURNING VETERANS NEED MORE THAN MEDICAL CARE

I have become a disabled American, not from injury but from the effects of aging. I have most of what I need, a wheelchair, two walers with wheels, grab bars in my shower, and other incidentals. Depending on the disability, soldiers returning from a war zone need many items not covered by the VA. Why not?

Our government owes these courageous men and women. Why should they have to rely on charity for anything they or their families need?

A PERSONAL NOTE

I enlisted in the USAF in September of 1964. I was discharged in March of 1965 for a pre-existing medical condition. I told my recruiter about the situation. However, because he received “commissions” for each person he signed up, he purposely left this information off of my paperwork.

The USAF punished me for my physical disability. I learned later that I was denied VA benefits. I had failed to serve six consecutive months in service. I was intentionally discharged after 5 months and 29 days.

You might understand my opinion of America’s military leaders.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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theatlantic.com: Pete Hegseth Treats Fallen American Soldiers as a PR Problem

militarytimes.com: Pentagon fails financial audit for 8th year in a row

npr.org: Failures in Medical Care for Returning Troops