A couple of days ago. The old forum was having some problems so I combine it into the new Disability Forum.

To All The Vets who read this.   

You are appreciated for all you have done for us to continue to live.  In my heart you are all heroes.  You are in my prayers.  They should have a section in here for dreams (just for vets) so you have a place to share what you are going through after your return.     I have good ears, and I will listen to all you have to say as long as I can comment and continue the conversation.  Perhaps you can reply to this note and start the communication process.   

Shai

Yesterday, Wendy and I went to one of the Goodwill stores in Colorado Springs to shop. You never know what you are going to find there, and many times you can even find brand-new items with the store tags still on them.

One of the things we noticed is that there were uniforms from soldiers who had returned from Iraq or Afghanistan on the racks. Instead of the forest pattern fatigues I had seen on the racks before, Desert ones were there as well, and I wondered where these Soldiers were, and how there were adjusting to civilian life after being in these conflicts.

Many of these Soldiers come home from Iraq and Afghanistan to find a couple of places to recieve health care. Mental health issues such as PTSD, and more physical forms of health care, are provide for them in an extremely busy place - The Colorado Springs VA Clinic. Evans Hospital, on-base at Fort Carson, also provides a level of health care services; for those who are eligible.

There are a number of homeless persons in Colorado Springs, and I wondered - as I stared at those Desert fatigues on the rack at Goodwill; how many of these homeless person are Veterans who have served our nation? Our new President; Mr. Obama, has promised to increase services to Veterans. I pray that the services he increases help to get any homeless Veterans off of the street, and into homes.

The Tier System used by the VA in association with health care is something that has been around for a long time, and I wonder if it is appropriate. Places like the DAV may help, but their funding is troubled; especially during extremely rough economic times like America is experiencing. The Colorado Springs VA Clinic desperately needs to grow in order to accomodate those who need it's services.

All of these thoughts ran through my mind as I looked upon the Desert fatigues on a rack at a Goodwill store; a store that helps to keep persons with disabilities employed. As Americans we are all linked together, and the Soldiers and Veterans who have served this nation deserve the best we can give them.

Tom.