This week’s CBTV show is entitled, “A Victory for Our Veterans! Good News for Those Who Served Us Well.”
“Home for the holidays” will likely never mean as much to our military men and women, as it will when the remaining 40,000 troops stationed in Iraq, finally return home. President Obama made the announcement on October 21st that the final withdrawal of all troops would take place before the end of the year, putting an official end to “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” which was launched in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country. More than $800 billion dollars has been spent on the Iraq War since 2001, with nearly 4,500 service men and women killed, and more than 30,000 injured. This Veterans Day, lets honor not only these troops, but all who served our country well, and give them the recognition and benefits they rightfully deserve.
The withdrawal of our U.S. troops from Iraq has been a gradual process, and many of them are still transitioning to their lives back home. Fortunately, the federal government has put several benefits in place to help aid in this transition, ranging from free health care, dental coverage and family support, to education and employment services. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers combat veterans who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, five years of cost-free health care after the date of their discharge or release. Veterans can also receive free outreach services, such as counseling, while readjusting to civilian life, at any local vet center. Other benefits include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, that provides troops who have at least 90 days of service on or after September 11, 2001, with financial support for education and housing.
There are not enough ways we can thank our troops for the sacrifice they have made for our country, and they certainly deserve more than just government benefits. They deserve our everlasting support and should be welcomed with open arms when they return home. While government programs are in place to aid our veterans in their transition back to civilian life, they can always use more help to support these initiatives, so consider volunteering your time or donating to their causes. Veterans Day is an annual federal holiday that was put in place to remember those who have served our country. It falls on November 11th, which is the anniversary of the date World War I ended, in 1918. This year, American families who still have loved ones serving in Iraq will be celebrating the end of “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” On this Veterans Day, take the time to appreciate those who have served us, and pay them the respect they’ve earned, for defending our freedom.
I would like to hear from you on this week’s important topic. Do you have a family member serving in our military? What ways do you show your support of our young men and women in uniform? Until next week, Dump Debt, Invest Wisely, Believe in Yourself and Make it Happen!
-Matt
No comments:
Post a Comment