Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge How can I (hopefully we) help injured veterans?

I’v been reading and listening to the multitude of stories of the poor almost inhuman treatment of injured veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. I would like to help, but don’t know where to whom to call. I’ve already written letters to my Congressman John Larson and Senator Dodd, (won’t write Lieberman he is an JackA@@). What ever your view of the Iraq war these young men and women deserve much better treatment. And from the accounts I’ve read there is equal blame for Democrats and Republicans. Just asking for assistance how I can Help. I think going through the VA is not the way to go.

Good question, Jonathan. I read where the Director of the VA was fired the other day after this issue made headlines, though I doubt that anything other than the usual "reorganization" will take place with little really being accomplished towards the betterment of those who have served and have the battle scars to prove it.

It appears once these brave soldiers are back on U.S. soil, their care takes a downward path after a while.

I too wonder what we can all do to make this a higher national priority. Anybody here care to venture a guess?

Here's a few:

Veterans Help Network

VA Volutary Service

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

Fisher House Foundation

VFW Foundation

America Supports You

Soldiers' Angels

You can always contact your local VA hospitals. There are always plenty of veterans who are in patients at VA facilities across the country who have no families and often never get a visitor.

VA services are something that all veterans are eligible for but most of us seldom bother. VA hospitals run the gamut in terms of care. Its hard to attract doctors to work in VA facilities as most want to go where the money is.

Walter Reed although identified as having some problems with red tape and after care is still a premier facility.

You might go ahead and communicate your concern to Lieberman. He is one of the good guys in the legislative branch of government who has NOT turned his back on the US military at this point.

For every story you can read about a vet being shuffled around in a red tape run around there are thousands more who are perfectly happy with their treatment.

Nonetheless our system of government and the fact that we live in a free society does in and of itself help to identify deficiencies and rectify them. The overburdened system will get the help it needs.

PGR Patriot Guard Riders has a sub forum in their website called "Help on the Homefront"

Feel free to visit the PGR website and you can find out how you can help our wounded veterans directly.