"Dear Brian ,
Would you cover a $5 cab fare for a veteran trying to change America for the better?"
That's how the e-mail message started out. I don't know about you, but it caught my attention.
Why yes, I am trying to change America for the better.
Why yes, I am a veteran (as are my Full Moon Rising, Inc. partners, Bryan and Jeff).
And yeah, even in these tough economic times, I do have $5 to spare. I'll have to suffer one or two fewer Espressos this week, but hey, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.
I'm using the word 'sacrifice' in that last sentence quite sarcastically, of course, but I got a huge lump in my throat as I read through the rest of the message. The message was from Todd Bowers, a Marine Sergeant and Iraq War Veteran, who is currently serving as the Director of Government Affairs for the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America).
The IAVA is putting out an appeal for support as it tries to address "critical issues facing new veterans and their families, including mental health, Traumatic Brain Injury, a stretched VA system, inadequate health coverage for national guardsmen and reservists, and outdated GI Bill educational benefits. IAVA is dedicated to educating the public about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, advocating on behalf of those who have served, and fostering a community for troops, veterans, and their families."
"IAVA was founded in 2004 by current Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff and his fellow Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. After returning home from their tours, these veterans came together after quickly becoming concerned with the way the war in Iraq was being portrayed in the media and the overall plight of newly returned veterans. There were many policy experts and talking heads on TV, but very few people who had actually served on the ground in Iraq or Afghanistan. There was no one talking about what our wounded friends needed and the issues they faced. The creation of IAVA allowed thousands of veterans to join the national dialogue, and to explain what was really happening on the ground overseas and back home in the US." (quoted directly from the IAVA website)
Sacrifice.
They've really sacrificed. Some have sacrificed all, but all these vets have sacrificed. Many continue to suffer.
Yes, Todd, I want to help.
Fortunately, they've made it easy for anyone to support the IAVA as they support the vets. Go to the IAVA website to donate. $10 can cover a meal for a vet, or $75 could help pay for a night of hotel lodging.
As Todd explains, "these aren't lobbyists or politicians. They're men and women who bravely served our country during war, and they have first-hand knowledge of the issues currently facing veterans. When they speak, Congress listens. And right now, they need your support."
It's time to help. Sacrifice.
Brian Fallon
USAF '84-'88
Brian,
Great post!
Bryan
USMC 81-87
Leathernecks MC Currently
Lester Weber Memorial Northern Illinois Leathernecks Motorcycle Club.
http://www.northernillinoisleathernecks.org/
Posted by: Bryan Thompson | January 30, 2009 at 12:00 AM