COMMANDERS COMMENTARY ON FIVE YEARS IN IRAQ
Five years ago U.S.-led coalition forces crossed the berm into Iraq. In a quick, decisive push, the world’s most professional and highly-trained fighting force wrestled control of Baghdad from its brutal dictator.
In the years since that initial push, Saddam Hussein has been brought to justice for the atrocities he committed during his years as the “Butcher of Baghdad.”
Today our military is embroiled in a heated struggle with Islamist extremists fighting for influence in the fledgling democracy in the heart of the Middle East. Our brave military men and women continue to serve in harm’s way, working tirelessly to bring peace and prosperity to an oppressed people.
On this fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq, I ask that all Americans take a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make each and every day. The young men and women who serve in this and every generation have earned the respect of a grateful nation for fighting to protect the ideals that we so cherish.
As our brave volunteer force drives on, we on the home front must fight to preserve the dignity and honor of all of our veterans, past and present.
In the last few months we have made great strides in caring for our veterans. On Capitol Hill, we have successfully lobbied for a more-robust VA budget for fiscal year 2009. The VA has committed to opening new veterans centers across the country and earlier this week announced that mobile pharmacy units will be strategically placed across the country to aid in emergencies and natural disasters.
In the last year AMVETS has partnered with numerous academic institutions to ensure that our veterans and their families have access to affordable higher education. AMVETS Posts across this country continue to pack care packages for our troops serving on the front lines and AMVETS National Service Officers stand ready to assist these troops with their VA benefits once they return from combat.
Although this progress is a step in the right direction, we must do better. As you are reading this, nearly 200,000 homeless veterans roam the streets, looking for an opportunity to get their lives back on track. An additional 600,000 veterans are waiting to hear back from the VA on their service-connected disability claims.
AMVETS will continue to push on Capitol Hill for the legislative changes necessary to ensure that all of our veterans receive the care and support they have earned, and we will continue to look for new and innovative ways to support those who currently wear the uniform.
Unfortunately, a number of Americans are starting to turn their backs on their military men and women. Earlier this week I visited with the two Marines charged with manning the Marine Officer Selection Office in Berkeley, Calif. I thought it was important to acknowledge these brave men for standing their post and maintaining their professional dignity in light of recent protests by radical anti-war groups.
AMVETS will continue to support all of our veterans through this conflict and for years to come. I want to take this time to thank the brave men and women serving in 177 countries around the world and to the millions of American veterans who answered their call to duty.
Veterans serving Veterans,
John P. “JP” Brown III
AMVETS National Commander
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