Throughout my life, I have always held the highest honor of American patriotism is exemplified by respect for the men and women who serve in our military.
Military service is the pre-eminent hallmark of honor, duty, and country and deserves America’s dignity, appreciation, and esteem.
Hopefully, the solemn national holidays of Veterans and Memorial Day will be complemented by America’s renewed passion for honoring our veterans, especially those marginalized by poverty, homelessness, and health care deficiencies.
Veteran Scandals: The Unacceptable Norm
In my May 30, 2014, Epoch Times column titled “Veterans Medical Scandal: Reigniting American Altruism,“ I argued, ”As one walks the streets of our cities, America flags are proudly displayed everywhere. Our flag is more than a fabric—it is our sacred symbol of respect for America. It reminds us of the unity, devotion, and sacrifices made to preserve our freedom.”
But a travesty has infected our great land, for as we now walk American cities, the dignity of our flag is contradicted by the tragedy of dishonored homeless veterans, many with mental health needs. These patriots are further victimized by society’s indignation, contempt, and abandonment.
Betraying Our Veterans: The Scandals Continue
Aside from the appalling and well-publicized veteran’s medical scandal that blistered America’s conscience by painting a picture of treatment delays, records falsification, and egregious incompetence—the scandals continue.
Recently, I was appalled by a published report detailing contemptuous, unjust, and self-serving misconduct dismissals of soldiers with mental health and suicidal issues.
In the report, Staff Sgt. Eric James, a United States Army sniper who served two tours in Iraq, recorded proof that soldiers with mental health disorders, suicidal tendencies, and traumatic brain injuries were being kicked out of the service. The reason for their terminations was misconduct, rather than treating medical health issues, and this reprehensible branding was preventing them from receiving the health care treatment they deserved.
James made over 20 hours of secret recordings with therapists and officers at Fort Carson to expose this scandal.
As I listened to some of these recordings, the disturbing reprimanding of James—and even apparent ignoring his talking about wanting to commit suicide—was heart-wrenching.
