HOMELAND SECURITY REPORT SHOULD SERVE AS A WAKE-UP CALL TO THE VETERANS’ COMMUNITY

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2009— AMVETS, one of the nation’s leading veterans’ service organizations, expressed disappointment this morning in the characterization of veterans in the wake of a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report on right-wing extremist threats.

AMVETS National Commander John C. Hapner noticed a discouraging trend in recent coverage, alluding to veterans’ inclinations to act as “lone wolves,” potentially carrying out attacks on the United States similar to the tragic Oklahoma City Bombing.

"Veterans are not all ‘Timothy McVeighs’ and we should never be viewed that way,” said Hapner. “Homeland Security was simply providing an assessment on potential threats to national security, and it's disappointing to hear the media discuss veterans as the threat.”

On April 7, 2009, DHS issued a report on potential threats from right-wing extremist groups within the United States. The report, which is similar to an earlier DHS report on left-wing extremist groups, pointed out a variety of potential threats across a broad range of fractious groups. However, one section of the report deals specifically with vulnerabilities within the growing population of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The report discussed how right-wing extremist groups specifically sought to recruit veterans as members in an effort to exploit their unique skill set. The report also went on to say that groups had tailored their messaging in a way that would appeal to veterans who felt alienated by their recent combat experiences.

“I think this report should serve as a wake-up call that we need to ensure our veterans are cared for once we come home," said Hapner. “The DHS report should not focus on veterans, but the fringe groups who are trying to exploit our nation's heroes.”

Hapner went on to say that veterans’ organizations must take a proactive approach to ensuring that veterans do not feel disenfranchised when they return from overseas.

“This is why our organizations exist,” he said. “We’re supposed to ensure that our veterans are welcomed home as heroes, that they feel a sense of pride in our nation and in their communities. Most importantly, our veterans must receive the timely care and benefits that they were promised.”
About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.

Media Contact:
National
Communications Director
Jay Agg
(301) 683-4035
jagg@amvets.org

Deputy Communications Director
Ryan Gallucci
(301)683-4073
rgallucci@amvets.org