Next Tuesday, there will be no class (for real this time!) in
observance of Veteran’s Day. I’ve
devoted many posts to veterans during the 5 years I’ve been blogging. I’ve
blogged before about the mental health issues many veterans face: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2011/08/do-we-really-support-our-troops.html
I’ve blogged about how many veterans in
this country wind up homeless, which to me, happens far too often: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2014/09/home-is-where-your-heart-is.html
I’ve even blogged about the true
meaning of Memorial Day, which is often lost on younger generations: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2014/05/celebrating-three-day-weekend-thank.html If you’re interested in reading my thoughts
or your fellow students’ comments on any of these issues, you can click the
links above.
I make no secret about the fact that I despise war and
violence. I might even go as far as to
consider myself an anti-war activist – especially in my younger days. That being said, I will always have nothing
but respect for the men and women who sacrifice so much for the freedoms we
often take for granted. It used to be
that everyone felt that way. Serving in
the military was an honor. Veteran’s
returned home to big parades and celebrations and there was no doubt in anyone’s
mind that they were true American heroes.
The Vietnam War changed all of that.
Suddenly, because people disagreed with reasoning of the war, they
disagreed with those who fought in the war.
Soldiers went from “heroes” to “baby killers,” and although our attitudes
have softened slightly since Vietnam, many soldiers returning today still face
a lack of appreciation from their country for their service.
No one has served in the military in my family since both of
my grandfathers served in World War II.
I’ll be honest, if someone in my family decided to serve I would be scared
for them. I’d be really curious about
what was prompting their decision. However,
ultimately I would also be really, really proud of them. I would support their decision and respect
their sacrifice.
So, my question to you this week is, “1) For the veterans: what
made you decide to serve? For everyone
else: Would you support a family member who decided to serve? 2) For everyone: What do you think America
could do to better support our troops?”
You must answer both questions for full credit. Answers are due no later than Monday,
November 10th. To all of our
veterans: Thank you for your service!
Want to know a great way to honor a veteran? VOTE! If you have questions about where to
vote today, please click on the following link: https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicLookupMain.aspx?Link=Polling
yes I would support a family member that decided to serve because they are risking their life to protect us. There is really not much that needs to support our troops because there is a lot that is being done, although it may not seem like it, there is.
ReplyDeleteYes I would and currently do support a family member If they decide to serve our country. I feel our troops are being supported well as far as while in the service. Once exited the service more could be done though. For example assuring employment for those that are mentally capable or providing more financial aid for those that have become mentally unstable.
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely support a friend or family member who decided to serve our country. Making that kind of decision is extremely brave, admirable, and respectable in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing that we could do to further help our troops/veterans is to boost recognition of the different companies and groups out there that are dedicated TO helping these people. There are lot of groups out there who's mission it is to help/aid these people financially, physically, emotionally, etc. that deserve a lot more recognition, and by receiving more attention they could better help those who have served our country.
I would defiantly support family members that would wish to serve our country as I do for the members that already does. I believe that America does a good job at recognizing and respecting our troops.
ReplyDelete1) Yes I would support someone in my family that was going to serve. I have tons of friends that are currently in the marines and the army. I support them every day and I love to hear from them when I can.
ReplyDelete2) I am honestly not too for sure what we could do to help support our troops more. I mean I guess we need to understand that they are going to fighting for our freedom. Not everyone is made out to serve our country and we need to support them 200%. They're doing their job and I thank everyone who has served or are serving our country as we speak!
1. While I would have my own fears that I would openly express to any family member that decided to join, it is not my choice and I would have to support them. Deciding to serve in the war takes such guts that I don't have that I couldn't really have a place to even speak. While I'd be afraid for them and would probably feel better if they didn't serve, I think deep down I'd feel a lot of pride and be honored to be related to someone with such guts.
ReplyDelete2. I think it's completely wrong that a veteran should be homeless or even struggling to survive. The fact that they were willing to give up everything for the country and now are home and have nothing, after taking part in a huge thing that affects the entire nation, just doesn't make any sense to me. It's like now that they aren't on the field fighting anymore they've been thrown aside to the bottom of the food chain. I think a pension should be given to them and their families. They need a lot of money coming in or at least good insurance, especially for medical reasons. Even if they're physically okay, PTSD is really common and they deserve and need to live a life of financial stability and comfort, after everything they've seen and experienced.
1) I've had family members serve for our country. Yes its sometimes scary because there's always questions about what if, but I've supported them 100%. I will also continue to support any other loved ones if they were considering the military.
ReplyDelete2) From what I've seen from relatives the US are doing an okay job of supporting our troops. I do feel they can do a little more such as helping out if a vet or anyone who has served in the military are struggling in life whether it be helping them get a regular 9-5 job or helping financially. After all they have given and risked their lives to protect American citizens.
1) Coming from a military family, yes I would support a family member enlisting and/or being called to serve, but at the same time I would be apprehensive because of not being able to know what was going on, and not being able to have an allowed way to communicate.
ReplyDelete2)The way that I think America could be more supportive to our troops is to not let the politicians send our people over to play"Police" to other countries infighting, which gets them the almighty dollar for lining their pockets with the company contracts that supply the war effort. For example many american soldiers died during the bombing of Pearl Harbor because of politicians not saying a word of warning even though they knew what was going to happen, then there was the Vietnam war issue that hits me close to home since my uncle served in it and the horrors that he had to live through during his tour, they went through the hell of having to be on guard constantly for trip wire, traps, the so called "just a villager" during the day that some allowed to walk into the camp, could easily be scouting to lead an attack at night while you were sleeping, among also the cases of agent orange that many soldiers ended up getting, Learning more from someone who has been there than the history books, many of the wars over the years, our people did not need to be over there, let them fight their own battles, if they actually ask us for help, then let us go over and take care of the problem without our hands being tied. I know I'm ranting but I think the military should be run by the military, and not by politicians. I also think that their needs to be a better overall hospital/clinical and medical care system for the vets of then and now.
1.I have not served in a military before so I do not know anything about being a military person or being a Veteran and the troops don't need protection because they find a way to fend for themselves.
ReplyDelete2. America doesn't need to do anything else to protect the troops they already have all the protection they need the least they can do is get more men to serve the country or improve the military defenses for better security.
1. I most certainly would support a family member. My father served in the Vietnam War. I love him with all my heart and support him. I don't know what he went through over there but it's the past.
ReplyDelete2. Well, for one veterans should NOT be homeless. They deserve it all. They sacrificed their selves for America at some point and now they're homeless? America needs to support the veterans with respect. America or whoever needs to help support the troops in any way they can whether its getting a vet off the streets or helping the troops in another country.
-Christina Padro
Just like you I would definitely have a lot of questions, but with that said i would support them if they really feel strongly about the decision. It will definitely be a scary moment and an awful experience to always wonder if they are okay or not. Always waiting to hear some bad news. (this is why i respect those who sacrifice their lives for the nation, it is not easy to make a decision like that).
ReplyDelete2. America can do so much more for these vets because if you look at the money being raised to spend on the war I don't see why the same amounts can be raised to care for them after they come back home. If you fight for the country then the country should have somewhere for you to be able to support your family to show appreciation and gratitude.Because to me what would be the point of fighting for your country where you end up homeless, jobless and haunted by nightmares. Things could be a lot better..way better
I joined the military at the age of seventeen to get myself straightened out. I was abused by my step-father after my father passed away. What hurt the most though is that my mother let it happen. I drank a teenager and was a breath away from shooting my step-father with his own gun. It was time I did something before I went to prison or ended up dead. Any member of my family that is a veteran or would join the military would have my utmost support and admiration. Military life is not for everybody. It is extremely difficult, especially when the soldier is deployed. I respect any veteran that served honorably. I got their six! Thank you for your show of appreciation. It is greatly humbling.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely support a family member who decided to serve. It's tough, but I would never stop someone for making that decision. To better support troops, I think America could help more with PTSD treatment. Almost all troops suffer from this disorder after they serve, and it can be very severe. This issue is not covered in the GI Bill, unlike education and financial stability.
ReplyDelete1: I would absolutely support a family member of mine if they decided to serve. I consider that a selfless act of service and I respect every Veteran so much for their service.
ReplyDelete2: I am not sure what all veteran go through after their service. But I do think they need more help and support with depression and traumatic stress after dealing with the war and their services.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE VETERANS!
1.Yes, I completely support my family going, I have a brother in law in the military and a future brother in law in the military. With that being said it scares me so much to think of them being gone a lot and I know it terrifies my sisters. But i agree with their decision because it is something they are so passionate about and they feel is the right decision for them to help our country.
ReplyDelete2. I think America could support the troops better when they come back. I hope that they can help the people in the military who come back with mental or physical issues, they've put their life on the line for us so we should do anything to make their lives as normal as possible.
1. I enlisted in the Army two months shy of receiving my high school diploma on a whim. I was determined to see what was outside of Indianapolis, Indiana and wasn't really ready to go to college. After serving for three years I see it was the best decision of my life. It is what ultimately led me to wanting to be a graphic designer and veterans benefits are what allowing me to pursue that dream. I still have several friends military friends and would and have supported friends and family members' decisions to join the military.
ReplyDelete2. After working in military law I feel we should focus more on the corruption that can happen in many military commands and the affects it can have on soldier's veterans benefits who are ultimately mistreated both in and out of the military. I also feel many veterans are uninformed about their benefits and how to put them to good use. I have come across many veterans at the Art Institute who are not using all of their benefits to their full potential. I feel educating our veterans more about the programs out their is the best help we can provide.
Thank You for your service to all current military and veterans.
1: I would support a family member 100% but i would be scared for them 24/7, if they were at a place where there was war. I have friends in Denmark who are serving in the Danish military and had i not moved to the US i would have enlisted in the Danish military, so i understand why someone would want to do it, but i would still be worried all the time!
ReplyDelete2: I do not know a lot about what the US actually do for veterans but in my opinion, no veteran should ever be without a home, without food etc. I think the US should have jobs ready for them once they got back, and if they were unable to work, they should get financial support. I have heard of some veterans being in trouble financially and being without a home, but would not look for help from any of the organizations because of various reasons such as, they don't feel like they deserve the help, their pride would never let them ask for help, they feel like other veterans are more deserving of the help, etc. I think because of it, the US or these organizations should kind of keep a record, and keep people in check, so that no one is ever left behind.
I would really like to learn more about it, i always wonder for example, a lot of people say that the US does plenty and veterans receive a lot of financial help and benefits, yet, i always see homeless veterans in wheelchairs downtown. What happened to him then?
If someone in my family decided to go into the military, I would definitely be worried about their safety. If they were someone close to me, I would try to keep in contact with them as much as possible to make sure they were safe. On that note, I would absolutely support them. They would have made an extremely courageous decision to fight for our country and the people in it. I have such a high respect for anyone that has fought for me, especially because I know I wouldn't have the courage to go fight for myself.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I don't know what our country could do better to support our troops, because I don't have much knowledge about how they are treated. It seems to me like we do a pretty damn good job of training our troops and preparing them for what they need to be ready for. Maybe it would be nice if we could somehow make our troops feel more at home when they are overseas. As much as possible at least.
I would 100% support anyone in my family, but I would also be very scared like you mentioned. A while ago my older brother wasn't sure if he wanted to follow my dads footsteps in farming and was considering entering into some type of service (I don't remember what one, I was too busy avoiding the whole situation) but the fact that he was even thinking about joining terrified me! As for America better supporting our troops, I feel more care packages should be sent out, and upon their arrival they deserve some sort of coming home present, maybe a day or two to spend with their families however they choose.
ReplyDeleteI would support their decision for the sake that it's their choice but I'd be real skeptical about thing honestly. and I have no idea of how this country do a better job of supporting the troops considering I'm not big on military related things...but I suppose donating money ,when needed, can help.
ReplyDeleteI would completely support a family member who is going into service. It is a big choice that requires courage. If that is what they are passionate about then Im behind them. I dont know how America can better support troops but I do know they can help them after they leave. I have recently learned about the many homeless veterans on the city streets. That doesnt seem right to me. So maybe America can help veterans more by making sure they are taken care of after they leave service.
ReplyDeleteI would support a friend or family member who wanted to serve I respect out troops and always say thank you to men and woman in uniform I think it is important to remind service members why they got into this line of work. With that being said if I had a family member who wanted to serve I would be scared for them and also make sure they knew all of the other ways to serve in the military other than being in the line of fire.
ReplyDeleteBoth of my parents are veterans and I fully support and encourage anyone that would join any military service. I know that I, personally, couldn't do it. I definitely wouldn't be able to handle it. And I think we could better support our troops by helping them get back to civilian life by offering jobs, discounts, and tax breaks.
ReplyDelete