CAS3
06-25-06, 04:03 AM
June 25, 2006 12:50 am
By JENN ROWELL
Concern for veterans, those currently serving and those left behind brought some of the region's military community together at the VFW building in Fredericksburg yesterday.
Many of those who attended a National Association for Uniformed Services forum were fearful their benefits might be cut and that promises might be broken.
Max Garland of Stafford County wanted to know why prescription drug costs were going up, but benefits were being cut back. Garland served during the Korean War in the 1950s and retired from the Air Force in 1980.
"I'm here to find out exactly what the legislation that concerns the veterans and the retirees is and to get some sense of what the losses could be," he said.
Garland was also concerned about the veterans and retirees under age 65, even though he's 78. Benefits for the younger group could be reduced, he said.
"We're going to be next," he said.
John Cain of Stafford, commander of the local VFW post, said he can't complain about the treatment he's received, but he's worried about what's happening now.
"Kids today that are coming back from Iraq are taking a beating," he said. "When it's hot and heavy, they give them the benefits, but as time goes on, they get forgotten."
Those serving in Iraq now are finding the paperwork that awaits them at home to be trying.
"When I got out of the service, I was appalled at how confusing things were," said Dave Ellis, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the local NAUS chapter.
John Vann of Fairfax, a retired Army colonel, fears that the military is being forgotten.
"Putting a bumper sticker on your car saying 'We support' isn't sacrifice," he said.
His daughter approached him about becoming an Army pilot and he told her not to do it.
"When those of us who serve are advising sons and daughters not to join the Army, that's not good," he said.
The forum included presentation by William Matz, a retired Army general and the president of NAUS, and Steven Combs of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
Both gave overviews of the services their agencies provide and took questions from the group.
Republican U.S. Sen. George Allen was the keynote speaker, and his hosts gave him a friendly reminder as to what they expected of him.
Someone had written in black marker on the back of his name card: "A promise made is a promise kept."
To reach JENN ROWELL: 540/374-5000, ext. 5617
Email: jrowell@freelancestar.com
By JENN ROWELL
Concern for veterans, those currently serving and those left behind brought some of the region's military community together at the VFW building in Fredericksburg yesterday.
Many of those who attended a National Association for Uniformed Services forum were fearful their benefits might be cut and that promises might be broken.
Max Garland of Stafford County wanted to know why prescription drug costs were going up, but benefits were being cut back. Garland served during the Korean War in the 1950s and retired from the Air Force in 1980.
"I'm here to find out exactly what the legislation that concerns the veterans and the retirees is and to get some sense of what the losses could be," he said.
Garland was also concerned about the veterans and retirees under age 65, even though he's 78. Benefits for the younger group could be reduced, he said.
"We're going to be next," he said.
John Cain of Stafford, commander of the local VFW post, said he can't complain about the treatment he's received, but he's worried about what's happening now.
"Kids today that are coming back from Iraq are taking a beating," he said. "When it's hot and heavy, they give them the benefits, but as time goes on, they get forgotten."
Those serving in Iraq now are finding the paperwork that awaits them at home to be trying.
"When I got out of the service, I was appalled at how confusing things were," said Dave Ellis, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the local NAUS chapter.
John Vann of Fairfax, a retired Army colonel, fears that the military is being forgotten.
"Putting a bumper sticker on your car saying 'We support' isn't sacrifice," he said.
His daughter approached him about becoming an Army pilot and he told her not to do it.
"When those of us who serve are advising sons and daughters not to join the Army, that's not good," he said.
The forum included presentation by William Matz, a retired Army general and the president of NAUS, and Steven Combs of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
Both gave overviews of the services their agencies provide and took questions from the group.
Republican U.S. Sen. George Allen was the keynote speaker, and his hosts gave him a friendly reminder as to what they expected of him.
Someone had written in black marker on the back of his name card: "A promise made is a promise kept."
To reach JENN ROWELL: 540/374-5000, ext. 5617
Email: jrowell@freelancestar.com