What We Owe Our Veterans

Old Glory on Chimney Rock

As is too often the case, my cursory scan of the front page of the morning paper today caused me to groan with frustration. The story that caught my eye, at this time of year we honor our veterans, was one that reported Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s need to “cut and reshape the military to fit a smaller budget.”

I understand and endorse the need to adjust our spending to the realities of our ever-straining national budget. The report indicates that Panetta is looking at cutting back our nuclear arsenal and some of our troop strength in Europe. I’m okay with those ideas. I’m not surprised to hear that cutting may include some base closings, nor am I unaware that such closings will face political challenges from the districts in which those bases provide economic boost to the local economy.

My frustration occurred when I read that an area of potential cutting and adjustment would be in the military’s health program and retirement pay. Here we are, just days before Veterans Day, talking about taking care and sustenance from those who have served their country, and those yet serving.

I can only hope that Panetta and those who are analyzing the cuts will remain loyal to promises made to our serving forces when they accepted their duties, many laying their lives on the line faithfully, even when they might disagree with the politics that got us into battle. I might call into question decisions that have been made to enter into foreign entanglements, but I stand with those who have served honorably wherever they were sent.

As we approach Veterans Day, I remember with pride those in our family who have served. They took the risks, did their duty to the best of their abilities and went where they were sent, often into enemy fire. Some survived their service, others did not. Nonetheless, they put on the uniform and took their posts. They will be in my thoughts on November 11, as they are always: my father-in-law, my brother, my nephew, among others.  They can no longer speak for themselves and their comrades in uniform, but I will speak for them and thank them for serving our country.

As we draw down our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, more and more veterans will return home into a down economy, facing high unemployment and, for some, the struggle to overcome the wounds of war, both physical and psychological. I worry that we are already ill-prepared to give them the assistance they will need and hard-put to help their families, as well, with the support they have earned and deserve. I’m all for good management of all our tax dollars with real efficiency. However, cutting the budgets that are needed to give those who serve in our armed forces their due hardly seems the approach to take.

So, Mr. Panetta, I urge you to find your cuts somewhere other than the budget lines that provide for the repatriation, health care and retirement of our serving military. While we have remained safe at home, they have been on the front lines at our bidding. Let’s be sure they can count on us as we have counted on them.