thedrifter
11-07-05, 10:08 AM
Time to strengthen the bond between veteran and state
Brig. Gen. David L. Grange
By Brig. Gen. David L. Grange (USA, ret.)
Special to World Defense Review
The older I get, the more I realize what an emotional and powerful experience it is to have served my country. And how incredibly strong the bond becomes between other men and women who have served.
Soldiers care.
They care deeply about upholding the legacy of those who have served before, particularly those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. They care deeply about each other – enough to lay down their own lives for their fellow troopers. Soldiers also care deeply about the attitudes of those who control the policies that affect them and their families.
Our society, Administration and Congress need to care back.
Those who raise, resource, and employ our servicemen and women need to support them and the veterans who served before them – not just in their promises, but in their actions. For their service to our nation, unconditional loyalty and performance of duty; it is only right that veterans receive short-term – and long-term – care and resources for themselves and their families. A simple promise that provides benefits and respect for the sacrifices they have made, so that others can live free.
The expectations, the promises inherent to the veteran-state bond are twofold: Some elements are tangible. Others are not. Veterans expect both tangible and intangible support from their citizenry and state.
Veterans anticipate promised compensations that will enhance the quality of life for themselves and their families. These tangible forms include paid allowances, education, and medical care. Veterans also expect more intangible aspects such as a caring attitude and understanding toward military service and those who have served.
The state must encourage society to value veterans and the sacrifices they have made. Although establishing holidays such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day is an important step in facilitating this appreciation, the state should emphasize why these holidays exist – the real meaning of these two days.
The responsibilities of soldiers and the state’s expectations involve standards of service. The state expects soldiers to uphold performance and ethical standards, continue the legacies of previous soldiers, and maintain a steadfast sense of loyalty to the nation and to the Constitution.
It is critical to find ways to develop stronger bonds between the state and our veterans. We need this bond to inspire and sustain a service attitude throughout our country and increase the likelihood that others will want to volunteer and serve their nation to protect the freedoms all of us cherish as U.S. citizens. Likely recruits are aware of state and society support to veterans and are influenced by their attitudes and actions. We need this bond in order to sustain and protect our country.
Calvin Coolidge once said, “the nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.” Veterans Day is a day to remember. It is also a day to ask, are we doing all that we can to show appreciation for the sacrifice our veterans have made?
Congress, Administration, society ... are we?
— Brig. Gen. David L. Grange (USA, ret.) – an Army Aviator, Ranger, Special Forces (Green Beret), and Delta Force officer – commanded the 1st Infantry Division, the famous "Big Red One" in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Macedonia. Retired after 30 years of military service, he is currently president and CEO of the McCormick Tribune Foundation in Chicago.
Gen. Grange is a CNN military analyst.
Ellie
Brig. Gen. David L. Grange
By Brig. Gen. David L. Grange (USA, ret.)
Special to World Defense Review
The older I get, the more I realize what an emotional and powerful experience it is to have served my country. And how incredibly strong the bond becomes between other men and women who have served.
Soldiers care.
They care deeply about upholding the legacy of those who have served before, particularly those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. They care deeply about each other – enough to lay down their own lives for their fellow troopers. Soldiers also care deeply about the attitudes of those who control the policies that affect them and their families.
Our society, Administration and Congress need to care back.
Those who raise, resource, and employ our servicemen and women need to support them and the veterans who served before them – not just in their promises, but in their actions. For their service to our nation, unconditional loyalty and performance of duty; it is only right that veterans receive short-term – and long-term – care and resources for themselves and their families. A simple promise that provides benefits and respect for the sacrifices they have made, so that others can live free.
The expectations, the promises inherent to the veteran-state bond are twofold: Some elements are tangible. Others are not. Veterans expect both tangible and intangible support from their citizenry and state.
Veterans anticipate promised compensations that will enhance the quality of life for themselves and their families. These tangible forms include paid allowances, education, and medical care. Veterans also expect more intangible aspects such as a caring attitude and understanding toward military service and those who have served.
The state must encourage society to value veterans and the sacrifices they have made. Although establishing holidays such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day is an important step in facilitating this appreciation, the state should emphasize why these holidays exist – the real meaning of these two days.
The responsibilities of soldiers and the state’s expectations involve standards of service. The state expects soldiers to uphold performance and ethical standards, continue the legacies of previous soldiers, and maintain a steadfast sense of loyalty to the nation and to the Constitution.
It is critical to find ways to develop stronger bonds between the state and our veterans. We need this bond to inspire and sustain a service attitude throughout our country and increase the likelihood that others will want to volunteer and serve their nation to protect the freedoms all of us cherish as U.S. citizens. Likely recruits are aware of state and society support to veterans and are influenced by their attitudes and actions. We need this bond in order to sustain and protect our country.
Calvin Coolidge once said, “the nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.” Veterans Day is a day to remember. It is also a day to ask, are we doing all that we can to show appreciation for the sacrifice our veterans have made?
Congress, Administration, society ... are we?
— Brig. Gen. David L. Grange (USA, ret.) – an Army Aviator, Ranger, Special Forces (Green Beret), and Delta Force officer – commanded the 1st Infantry Division, the famous "Big Red One" in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Macedonia. Retired after 30 years of military service, he is currently president and CEO of the McCormick Tribune Foundation in Chicago.
Gen. Grange is a CNN military analyst.
Ellie