I call this B/S he thinks regular H C insurance will pick up the rest of the cost ...
how many see those commercials that their asking $ for our wounded worriers that have been hurt from the wars ... does it peeve you off... like it does me ... does it make you think that if you send men and women to war... they should be compensated if they are hurt from a war that some gave some ...where other gave their all ... sure Trump is saying he does not want this.. well it is out of his hand now... but wants u to think that for your military vote... I have always supported out troops in some ways...some can hardly live now... when they come back ... with PSD and other mental illnesses problems ...


https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/16/esper-eyes-22-billion-cut-military-health-care-395578

I think its B/S when someone serves 4 uneventful years in the military and thinks the VA should provide them with free health care the rest of their life. How many employers do you know of that continue to provide your insurance after you have left? This is taking valuable time and money for those who have actually been wounded during their time in the military. As far as mental illness I think many had issues before they went in, while others feel into the structure of being controlled and don't know how to live without. Like anything run by the government they waste tons of money and are very poor at doing what they are actually paid to do. Bottom line is if you signed the dotted line you knew what you were getting into, so unless you actually were blown up or shot quit running around with the hey look at me I'm special attitude.

As a vet I gotta agree with dust on that one.

Dust, you nailed it.

You have the right to express your opinions.
The reason why you have the right is because people did sign the dotted line and did offer their lives in service to their country.
You might think freedom is a natural state but people changed/forfeited their lives to make it so and keep it that way.
I am personally grateful for the VA benefits I get. I don't see them as a 'gift' but as a 'reward' for service and commitment to my fellow citizens and my nation.

How many employers ask you to lay your life on the line in combat? Yes, when you sign the dotted line you do have an idea what you are getting yourself into, yet its signed all the same. No, when you sign the dotted line there are things you have no idea would happen yet you stay committed to the pledge despite your intuition to flee.

How many jobs have you held where you sleep, eat and live along side friends then see them killed in graphic, horrific ways right beside you?

How often do you spend hot days in the desert, hot wet nights in the jungle, bitter cold weeks in the arctic and months at sea? All with a threat of murder hanging over your head.

How many times have you been forced to kill or be killed?
How do you live with taking another person's life?

When you walk or drive down the street do you think about a hidden bomb which could explode anytime, anywhere, killing or maiming you or your friends?

People who have never served their country in battle or pledged their lives for a greater cause and those who never lived with those who have have no frame of reference to judge those who do/have.

Granted, VA healthcare has its issues but its certainly not a waste.

You signed an official contract that pledged your life to our country.
You left your home and changed your life.
You were/are prepared to do battle in the name of your country for our freedom.
Following orders to the brink of death.
You watched friends grow as you became stronger, resourceful and wiser.
Sadly, some of us watched our friends die.
You did your duty for your country and we appreciate your dedication.
You are entitled to the benefits and reverence this nation owes you.

Respect the Commitment
and
Remember the Fallen!

Something like only ten percent of people in the military experience actual combat situations. The rest are in the rear with the gear and never hear a shot fired in anger.

Okay but are they not subject to the front lines if the need arises?
I was a CM (construction mechanic). I was usually in a shop fixing equipment unless I was deployed.
I was in the amphib force for logistics and support.
When we stepped off the landing craft we had a morality expectation of under 10 seconds. The only other units which had a lower mortality expectation were the marine assault force (who we were sent in to support).

The cooks and yeomen were not only trained to fight but were expected to fight if the need arises. Ships, planes, tents or barracks, all targets. Very few are actually safe and out of harms way.

Granted, the higher you are in rank the further you are from the fighting but you get higher rank AFTER you hold the lower ranks. Higher rank also means you are a more important target.

None of this distracts from the fact your military personnel serve to insure your way of life.
What is so wrong with showing respect and gratitude for such a commitment?

Yes the Marine corp has a policy that basically says, "Every Marine a rifleman". But "support" troops haven't been called into combat since the Korean war. Maybe a few were during the Tet offensive in Viet Nam. And we haven't launched an amphibious assault since Inchon.

So if you haven't been wounded in combat, or disabled in some way while performing your job, why should the taxpayer grant you free lifetime medical care?

Don't get me wrong. Wounded or disabled vets deserve care for their service. But there are a ton of guys and gals who spent their enlistment sitting in the supply room drinking coffee or guarding the officers latrine who now run to the V.A. and demand care every time they get a hangnail.

Thanx for reminding me, I have a hangnail.
I need to run to the VA and demand to be seen by a doctor.

Obviously, you've never experienced VA medical.
If you are not "Service Connected" you qualify for minimal services.
Your appointments are scheduled last and are basically 'wellness checks'.
You wait 6 months for a 30 minute appointment. There are no follow up appointments.

Every person "who spent their enlistment sitting in the supply room drinking coffee or guarding the officers latrine" did their duty as directed after being trained how to fight in combat. In the service, you don't decide what you do, you follow orders. Orders which often do not align with your will.
When you signed that dotted line, you gave up your ability to make those decisions. In my book, that alone is a sacrifice made in service to your country.

When I was in the service I met many people. Some were a complete waste of space yet every one of them were subject to catch a bullet under orders. Each one were told where to drink coffee and which latrine to guard.
It doesn't matter if you served to get college credits or because you are a warrior at heart. What matters is the fact you pledged your life (literally) in service TO YOUR COUNTRY.

What's more, those "who spent their enlistment sitting in the supply room drinking coffee or guarding the officers latrine" were subject to courts martial if they did not follow the orders they were given.

Veterans are not welfare recipients. They earned their benefits as soon as they signed that line on their contracts and gave up their personal liberties in service to their country. It doesn't matter what they do or did under orders, what matters is they do it or did it which is significantly more than most citizens do.

http://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/home

http://www.va.gov/

http://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application

There are a lot of people both civilian and veteran who think they are privileged. People who think the world owes them for being alive.
But, there are more people who do not.
Feeling cheated because someone else gets a cookie for being good is childish. You had the same chance for the cookie as they did but you chose not to do what gets you the cookie.

When I signed my line, I was aware I was putting myself into a situation where I could be killed or maimed. I also knew my life would never be the same again. Yet, I signed that line anyway. Not out of desperation, out of commitment to my country and my fellow citizens.
I didn't do it for the cookie, didn't realize I would get a cookie if I survived but I am really grateful I get a cookie.
When I entered the service, Veterans were hated by society. Treated like diseased baby killers. I'm happy that sentiment has passed. Yet, some people hang onto those resentments.

Until there is unity in the world there will be a need for a trained ready combat force. Freedom allows you to make a choice whether to be part of that force or to be the ones which that force protects. The protectors SHOULD get the cookie.

Plus...This will really set you off...
Anyone maimed or permanently disabled while in service to their nation should never again pay taxes of any kind. They should be allowed to hunt and fish without a license. In addition to the benefits and rewards they already have.
But that's just my opinion and no (I would not qualify).