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Franz De Leon
Veteran Julie Weckerlein and her family are shown last weekend in the Washington, D.C. area. She served in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2007 with the Air Force. While in Iraq, she was a few yards away from another female service member who was killed by incoming mortar round.
Julie Weckerlein vividly recalls the horrid sounds that filled her base - and her head - after the incoming shell exploded: the radio call summoning the chaplain, the whirling blades of the chopper evacuating the burned remains of the Army sergeant killed in Iraq
Five years later, she still remembers the name of that dead soldier: Trista Morietti.
“Females died over there, too,” said Weckerlein, who served in Afghanistan as well. She works today as a full-time federal employee in Washington, D.C. “But there is a cultural disconnect in our society. People don’t know: What is a female veteran? What does she look like? What does she bring to the table? What did we do over there?”
Women compose 15 percent of homecoming U.S. troops and 15 percent of the U.S. armed forces, yet many Americans are unsure how to accept or view them, female veterans say. That applies to the job market, fueling a 19.9 percent unemployment rate among post-9/11 female veterans, while some VA hospitals seem unprepared to handle the heavy influx of women returning from war, contends a leading veterans group.
"I’m the first female veteran that a lot of people know personally, and I’m becoming more aware of this lack of understanding of who we are," said Weckerlein, who spent nine years in the Air Force. Now, 31, she is married with three children and, as an Air Force reservist, she also works part-time at the Pentagon. "There is no real example in society of a female veteran. In Hollywood, there's just the 'GI Jane' version – you know, like Demi Moore shaving her head. But that’s about it.
Jim Varhegyi
Julie Weckerlein waits for the all-clear in a shelter during a 2007 mortar attack at a U.S. post south of Baghdad. A moment after this photo was snapped, Weckerlein and others heard the radio call go out for a chaplain. A female sergeant was killed in the explosion.
"We are a normal family. My husband is addicted to (the TV series) 'Pawn Stars.' My 9-year-old and I, we struggle with homework. I struggle with DC life and the commute. This is a female veteran."
Last week, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a nonpartisan and nonprofit group with more than 200,000 members, called on President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney to cast at least some of their attention on the mounting and - as IAVA sees it - unaddressed needs afflicting female veterans. That heightened focus, IAVA said, should begin with how the Department of Veterans Affairs provides health care to female ex-service members.
"There aren’t enough female health professionals in the VA system. There aren’t enough folks specialized in female health, especially around reproductive health. We’ve got to push the system to work harder for them," said Paul Rieckhoff, chief executive officer and founder of IAVA
"The bottom line is you need someone who recognizes that female veterans are a critical part of this population and that they have unique needs," added Rieckhoff, who served as a first lieutenant and infantry rifle platoon leader in Iraq during 2003 and 2004. "We’ve got women on our staff who say that a lot of times, when they walk into the VA, they get treated like a candy striper instead of like a returning warrior. As a country, we've got to go through a huge cultural shift."
VA officials maintain, however, that their agency has launched multiple initiatives to cater to the rising number of female veterans using its hospitals. Last Friday, NBC News asked a VA spokesman to lay out some of those programs. On Wednesday, that spokesman emailed NBC News a series of Internet links describing the strategies, adding: "Nearly all of these programs are new in the past few years (2-4 years), and some have simply been enhanced. Of course, women vets are eligible for VA programs just as males would be too."
For example, the VA's Women Health Services "addresses the health care needs of women Veterans and works to ensure that timely, equitable, high-quality, comprehensive health care services are provided in a sensitive and safe environment at VA health facilities nationwide," says the VA website. "We strive to be a national leader in the provision of health care for women, thereby raising the standard of care for all women."
In 2007, the VA broadened the scope of Women Health Services to include the use of mammography machines, ultrasound and biopsy equipment, the VA reports.
'Didn't know what to do with me'
But Air Force veteran Terri Kaas, 29, said that after being seen at two VA hospitals near her home in Pasco, Wash., for knee problems she said were sustained during overseas service, she felt the staff at those VA facilities "didn't know what do with me." Kaas, who received a 20 percent disability rating after leaving the Air Force, said the VA also recently admitted to her that it had lost her medical records, leaving her pension and disability package pending, and allowing her to use VA facilities to receive only "some care that's service related."
courtesy of Terri Kaas
Terri Kass, an Air Force Veteran who lives in Washington State, has been job hunting for a year since leaving the military. She has more than 100 rejection letters to show for her effort.
When she did go in for treatment, Kaas described the VA visits this way: "Here you have a young woman – who is not old – who mostly likely will have another child or two. But I think they’re always amazed to see me. They’re like, 'Oh, is your husband here?' I’m like, 'No, it’s me. You're seeing me.' I’m used to being the only female in the lobby."
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Kaas, who served for 10 years, spending time in Bahrain and Germany, also has been snared by the second critical pitfall facing one in five post-9/11-female veterans: unemployment. She said she has more than 100 rejection letters to show for her job hunt during the past year. More troubling, she said, numerous hiring managers have asked if she is "service disabled."
"Every job I've applied for that required both my resume and their corporate application asked that question. Are we discriminating against our wounded warriors? Starbucks, Walmart, Macy's, Amazon, Target, and Lockheed Martin are just a few who asked," Kaas posted on Facebook. Amid looking for work, she is attending college with hopes of becoming a math or science teacher.
"That question astounds me - and it's always the follow-up question to: Are you a veteran?" Kaas said in a phone interview. "If Walmart won’t hire me at Christmas, when they're advertising, I kind of wonder what the reason is. I’m not trying to dime out Walmart. I’ve applied for work at many major department stores. But when I can’t get work at Walmart, I wonder: Why not? There’s other people getting hired there during the holidays."
The disability question, Kaas suspects, is asked because some hiring managers "assume that most veterans have PTSD."
"I don't know if it's legal to ask that but it certainly doesn't seem appropriate," said John E. Pickens III, executive director of VeteransPlus, a nonprofit that has offered financial counseling to more than 150,000 current and former service members. He agrees that such a query by hiring managers "is being driven by mental health concerns."
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Said Walmart spokeswoman Tara Raddohl: "That question is not standard practice or a part of our company interview process. We’re looking into this specifically" (at the Walmart store where Kaas applied for a job).
A number of Pickens' female-veteran clients have told him that although they served in war zones, they don't seem to earn the same level of prestige - or employability - as do U.S. male combat veterans, "and they don't carry home that same mantel as a warrior."
'Hey, I'm a female veteran'
Yet many carry home combat tales equally as harrowing as those being told by male veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Just ask Julie Weckerlein.
Courtesy of Julie Weckerlein
Veteran Julie Weckerlein and her husband, Martin. After nine years of active duty in the Air Force, she now works at the Pentagon.
After the insurgent shell detonated at the coalition base in Nasir Lafitah, Iraq, Weckerlein didn't know the name of the casualty - Trista Morietti, 27 - until she returned to her own post in Baghdad and read the incident report. Several U.S. service members were wounded as well when that mortar round landed on a sleeping quarters just a few yards from Weckerlein's position.
"I also spent a lot of time reading up all the hometown articles and blogs her friends wrote about her. Hers was the first death I experienced on my deployment, and that she was also a 20-something female NCO really affected me," Weckerlein said. "I felt so sick for the family members back in the states who had no idea what was going on at that moment. Later, actually seeing those family members and their pain ... it tore out my heart.
"I think of all the awesome women who served alongside me, who are struggling to find work, and it just baffles me because they are so qualified," she added. "It just motivates me to want to go out there and say, 'Hey, I’m a female veteran.' "
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Leave a Comment:
What a ridiculous question. Wth wouldn't we welcome them home? Just because they don't have a penis, doesn't make them any less honorable.
Read the article.... you would not have asked your question if you did...
I'm a female veteran and haven't run into any problems. The VA treats me the same as everyone else as far as I can tell, but then I don't have any serious health issues.
Perhaps it depends which center you go to and what's wrong with you.
This is the most assinine thing I've ever read, besides the positive jobs reports. Of course they are welcome home and as heros. This article pisses me off!
I suppose I should've specified that it was a rhetorical question. I read the article and am pretty disgusted by it. I think Vets deserve the best of the best treatment and care. The fact that our nation isn't ready to deliver to the people who laid their lives on the line is downright heinous.
Newsflash! Pre-Gen Y generations still have very sexist members in private sector middle management. I agree these returning veterans need to be treated better. If anyone deserves public entitlements, it is them.
View female vets the same way you treat male vets....With respect...!!!!
I too am a female veteran and have had no problems with how I have been treated upon my return to the states.
This is just another media BS article to make it seem like the female soldiers get less or no VA treatment or assistance..
unfortunately the VA is lacking in helping ALL service members..The Obama administration needs to be making sure ALL our troops get the help and assistance they deserve...
it's been years since the VA was put in the spotlight to better serve our troops and sounds like they (VA) needs another wake up call, so they know the American public is watching and demands progress !!!
My wife is one of them, yea a female Vet.
Lost 9 of her comrades in the first 2 weeks, don't tell anybody, but she's been over twice. she's back now, she took a few weeks off and went back to work.
I'm not sure but she, she seems pretty normal to me. well except for when I want some ah thing, then I think she needs a good spanking. Other than that the VA has treated her with care, her employer has been a blessing.
Everyone treats her like a Hero, until I tell them she's not, but has potential. she's my hero, but that's just between us.
Really? Then obviously you don't pay attention. Female veterans (and I am one) have never had the same respect as male veterans. If I go someplace with my husband, it's always HIM that is perceived to be the veteran (he's not). The reactions when they find out it's me range from the insulting to the ridiculous. For years, the American Legion didn't even accept women, then grudgingly. Finally, the women vets started their own posts -- I believe there are several now, one old one is in Cincinnati.
I'm a nearly a generation older than many of these women. I had hoped that things would have changed for them. These women, as well as their male counterparts, deserve the best.
This is a non story designed to focus attention on women soldiers. It has nothing to do with ill feelings about women soldiers. Its all about getting face time for a movement that has reached its pinnacle and now is in decline. Women are not good warriors. The whole reason for trying to get women into the ditches was to find someone who would follow orders no matter how evil they were. When it hits the fan there will be a door to door campaign to take away legally owned firearms from Citizens. Women are less likely to hold onto morals and principals and this weakness is why they have been used. Men will fight and die for the 2nd amendment. Women are more likely to do what is expedient. In essence they are more gullible. God said women are weak. He wasnt just talking about their physical ability. God made them to be creative, not destructive, men can be trained to be life takers but women will always be life givers.
Getmadstaymad, you are one of the biggest @!$%#ing @!$%#s who posts.
Getmadstaymad, you are a @!$%#ing idiot.
Uh, huh. There we go with the Failed attempt at the BLAME GAME. What Generation attempted to get the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) passed. I don't see Generation Y attempting anything (all mouth and no action). I have been fighting for Equal Rights since the 1980s, including Women in Combat that I have served with to be finally recognized, 2012; with much hatred of this Administration having to admit Women are and have been in direct Combat.
"entitlements" NOT. EARNED BENEFITS. Pathetic Jayborino, ever heard that Four Letter Word EARN.
Placed into Perspective, From the Article:
15% of the current 1% of US Citizens of the US Military. While 92% of US Citizens have NEVER Served (no firsthand experience, just things they read about written by Non Participants as non factual sensationalized opinons trying to get a Pultizer Prize).
This lack of Firsthand Experience is exactly why the US Civilians Refuse to hire US Military Veterans, Zero Empathaty.
This situation will only get WORSE, as President Obama as Commander In Chief has Ordered the current Reduction In Forces of 90,000 US Military Personnel to be thrown on Unemployment, further stretching the current limited Funding of the VA "Veterans Affairs (Administration)". To make the situation of Unemployment even WORSE along with the 90,000 US Military currently being dumped on Unemployment are the Layoffs of 108,000 US Civilians previously employed by the US Military, also thrown on Unemployment. January 2013 will see more as ordered by President Obama
Well Getmadstaymad I guess you did not see some of the females that I saw in my Chinook in Afghan. They were some of the best looking soldiers I have ever had the honor and privilege to serve with, and I am almost positive that any one of them could kick your stupid ass. That is just my opinion.
Fighting in the name of our country...then women have to come home and face the republicons war on women and vets. Cutting their healthcare plans like killing Planned parenthood where millions of women receive their healthcare needs, cutting vets benefits to give tax breaks for the rich, repubs vote against equal pay for women......and Romney and Ryan say the soldiers and vets are part of the 47% who are takers, not paying any taxes......They gave enough already, now republicans give them more war...WHEN DOES THE GREED FROM REPUBLICONS END?
Vote President Obama/Biden and team Democratic party 2012...Soldiers, Vets, and women...they have your backs covered!
They will get better treatment and respect here at home than they get from their male commanding officers in the field. And yes I do know of what I speak.
Let's hope they come home to a country that puts veterans ahead of illegal aliens.
@Starsailing
They have your back covered just like Bill Clinton (your back side)
Isn't that who is the one who cut spending to the VA?
If you want to help veterans, then give some money to the wounded warrior project.
@Starsailing, you do realize that it's Democrats and not Republicans that hurt the military by downsizing, cutting benefits/pay, eliminating bases, security, etc...? As a veteran, I have seen the problems that Bill Clinton created by drastically reducing the military during his eight years just after Reagan spent years building up the military. Just like the intelligence that stated security needed beefed up in Libya, Democrats did nothing prior to the attacks. Had Bill Clinton killed Bin Laden when he had the chance (and he did) 9/11 never would have occurred and we wouldn't be these wars. So vote Republican in 2012, because THEY actually support the military not hurt the military!
There will always be a great divide between people that have risked their lives to serve their country and the privileged that believe they are too good to serve.
getmadstaymad you are bad troll. i have served next to many women in the military. they have all been just as hardworking and as dedicated as the men. let me tell you that in many cases, even more so, since they feel they have alot to prove.
kingbud some of the worse cuts in US history to the va system happened under george w. bushs. some of the best increases to soldiers pay and va assistance happened under clinton. lets see both bush's had a war and cut benefits. then in between clinton increase benefits while cutting obsolete military spending, and giving us a pay raise. then georgie junior not to be out done by daddy went to war and cut benefits. i know in reality who really cares for the vets. it is definantly not the republicans.
More crybaby bullsh... Vets are receiving more than in the history of the US> And i am for it. But, this crying 24/7 about every little thing is getting old. Volunteered, and unless injured, when you quit the job, expect to have to get another one just like any other person. This is getting to be a virtual cradle to the grave whine. And, as a Vet, this hero, crap is crazy. Yes, there are some who perform heroic, over the top, actions while serving. But, was i a hero just because i served? No. I did my job. Instead of waiting for the draft, i enlisted. Just because a person serves they are not a hero. This takes from that individual who in battle performed above and beyound the call of duty.
Getmadstaymad (mad like in crazy?), haven't met too many women, have you? Less likely to hold to morals & principles? Bullsh!t. I've got my guns & I intend to keep them.
I can relate. I haven't been able to find a job since I retired from the military 6 years ago. No one wants to risk hiring a veteran. I found out later that when these employers were asking me if I served in either Iran or Afghanistan, my yes answer was disqualifying me for a job. Good enough to die for you, not good enough to hire for a job. That is how I feel about America and American Employers!
When someone saves your a--, it doesn't matter if their male or female. I'm a Nam Ve (2 tours) and I have never though of myself as a hero. Yes, I'm a survivor. I survived some hellicous firefights because we helped each other and knew that the man to my left, right and back would be there when the chips were down. The soldiers of today are no different than those of my generation, male or female they do their jobs and are there when the chips are down. Hero's - to me the real hero's will always be those that gave their lives helping others to come home.
I agree with the Women Vet's, some of the Hospital's are not prepared to take care of us. Although not a war time veteran. I have several problems with the VA! When I started going there for treatment, they almost never looked up at me when I'd get to the desk. And then they called me sir! What an insult! Some still make that mistake, but now look up and apologise. The quality of care you get from your medical provider varies from VA Medical center to center. I have finally gotten a great PCP who is through with each patient. And she makes changes for each veteran as needed.
My major problem is with the Mental Health section and the Pharmacy! My social-worker/ psycologist hasn't even bothered to call and check up on me when I stopped going to (rape therapy class). There is only so much of that that some of us can stand! I guess she doesn't care as did my former one did. The other problem with the pharmacy, is that they screw up my prescriptions. I will not name the facility in Louisiana, but the prescription reads a specific item with the stock number. But when they are out of it they send me what they think will work, and trust me it has embarassed me more times than I care to admit! They make me so ANGRY! They need to prioritise and keep that item in stock but they don't. I say to them ( if you can't handle my prescription send me a DAMN voucher and I'll get it myself)! Is it any wonder soldier's go Postal sometimes!!!! Welcome home Lady Vet's more than happy you put your lives on the line for me and even for those who haven't got the balls to serve!
Just another reason women should not be ALOWED to serve in the military other than clerical work !!! They have twice the disability rate as men !!!
From what you posted you most definitely did NOT Serve the US Military while President Clinton was Commander In Chief.
Or you would have known about his Volunteering the Cut to the Bone US Military, and Gutted US Intelligence Agencies (US Blind and Deaf Worldwide) to United Nations Mission Somalia, aka Battle of Mo(gadishu), with us having to rely on the other United Nation's Military Forces to barely save our arses.
Or you would have known about President Clinton's demanding War with Iraq with his 1998 State of the Union Address, with US Congress passing into US Law, President Clinton's US Law, H.R. 4655, "Iraqis Liberation Act of 1998", Justification Section 2 Weapons of Mass Destruction, Section 3 US Policy Overthrow of President Hussein. With President Clinton's US Law becoming 2002 US Military Operation Iraqis Freedom after us (NOT YOU) conducting 2002 Operation Hotel California and 2001-2002 Operation Viking Hammer as well as previouly going into Afghanistan September October 2001.
And, 1998, us (with no intelligence assets on the ground at Iraq to link up with) having to go into Iraq, hire, train, organize, arm about a hundred thousand Shia Iraqis (mostly from Iran) as Insurgents and Assassins to Overthrow Sunnis President Hussein. Being that we had zero local intelligence assets on the ground, and having to continiously evade President Hussein's Counter Intelligence and Military, it was very easy for them to capture, try, and execute as traitors the hundred thousand Shia that we hired. With President Clinton then spinning this to "Dictator Massacred His Own People".
1998, while still at Iraq evading the President Hussein's Counter Intelligence and Military, we are directed to conduct Operation Desert Fox. President Clinton as Commander In Chief Ordered the US Military to attack the Urban Poor Areas of Baghdad, as he believed that you cannot destroy the Iraqis Government as there would be no one to negotiate Peace. We protested in writing as we knew from experience that you do not mess with the Poor of Islam, so we received Letters of Reprimand, and were not allowed to do any Targeting and only Target Damage Assessments. After Operation Desert Fox, the Airstrikes and Cruise Missile Attacks of the crowded Urban Poor Areas of Baghdad the "Islamic World" condemned the US as the "Great Satan". Then previously Pro US or Neutral Islamic Believers joined the Holy Warriors of Islam against the US as the Great Satan. With us barely escaping with our lives, hunted by the entire population of Iraq and surrounding Islamic Nations, and not just the Iraqis Counter Intelligence and Iraqis Military.
Do you want to talk about the Results of President Clinton's Closure of 14 US Military Installations at the US, and the Effects on the Economies of the surrounding US Towns and US Cities. You want to see a look of horror on your US Congressional Representatives (Both Houses, All Political Parties) Faces, fine, start to demand that the US Military Installations be Closed in YOUR State.
If you want to even start to talk about the Events leading up to the 9/11 2001 Attacks, then go read the US Congressional 9/11 Committee Investigations, Findings and Recommendations; with former US President Clinton saying, "I'm so sorry".
IF, you actually Served in the US Military, you would KNOW how long it takes to reconstitute the US Military after a Cut to the Bone Reduction In Forces of the US Military as to what President Bush had to do to accomplish President Clinton's US Law, H.R. 4655 as Operation Iraqis Freedom. If you believe that anyone would Volunteer after being thrown on Unemployment by President Clinton's Cut to the Bone Reduction In Forces of the US Military, and getting a good US Civilian Job, then you are Naive.
Too bad all you are looking at is the Inflated US Dollar numbers, not what is actually bought or what those inflated (devalued) US Dollars can buy.
AG99 God Bless you and Thank You for your service!
The thing is, women ought to be smarter. Imagine volunteering to go to another country and murder people for no reason! What in the world is wrong with you??? And then you are photographed with your own babies. It makes my skin crawl. To see a creature capable of such monstrous depravity anywhere near a helpless little child!
And who is that boy next to you that the caption calls your "husband?" He looks young enough to be your son.
Wy are you a "critical" part of ANY population, and what--other than Kotex--are your "unique" needs?
Of course companies don't want to hire you. People talk PC BS because they don't have the nerve to tell the truth. But when it comes down to working next to a person who committed murder for hire--and for NO other reason--sane people will say no thank you.
Disgusting.
Getmad,
You got dumped, didn't you?
jdp in pdx...totally agree with you...I read the title and thought wtf...stupid is as stupid does, msnbc...
Trying reading the article...
A Veteran is a Veteran and it entails male and female with zero tolerance for any discrimination.
Welcome Home Veterans!
Retired Military Veteran
1969-1993
Thank you for your service, Jack from Jax.
I am a female veteran. When I first started using the VA for care when I was homeless, I was asked many times if I was the veteran or if I was a champva patient. NO! I was retired following a major injury sustained during an anti-terrorism exercise. And my cancer was a direct result from exposure to radation working around nuclear weapons while I was in service. I still receive off looks when in the VA and I am now 40, not the 29 I was when I started receiving care. I cannot complain about care received in the women's clinics, they have been amazing.
One thing that still bothers me though is when I go to a military base, I am asked who my sponsor is. Or at least until they see my ID. Another thing that bothers me relates back to the sponsor issue. When I take my son to the hospital, when I call Tricare or express-scripts, almost everyone asks for my sponsor's name and SSN. When I give them my information, I have been corrected and told they need the sponsor's information. WTH? Do they correct men when they give them the info, or do they not even ask because they assume the man is the sponsor? There is a disparity in how women vets are treated. We are looked at as freaks sometimes and treated as less sometimes. I was AF and was in a combat position and handled heavey weapons. I spent months with the Army receiving ground combat training, yet most people, including other veterans, are shocked when they found out my AFSC.
A big welcome home to these fabulous ladies!!!!!!!!! We're here for you to help you out with the best opportunities available - Americans reaching out to help in everyway we can. Make opportunities to help vets - female and male vets - by offering your thanks and your support - and much, much more. Can you offer a job, some cash, a place to live, a vehicle to drive, clothing, childcare, referrals, a church home, some career mentoring? All these things are within our individual or collective power to give. Find how you can best help and offer what you can, when you can, in the best way you can. Together, our vets can feel the love of their country. Do it today. Do it everyday. Let them know how much we appreciate them. Take a moment to go to the USO website and see how you can help. Meet with people in your neighborhood, at your job, in other organizations you belong to, and make a plan to help our vets. Your family, your friends, your neighborhood, your community, your group or your church should make it known they are offering help to our vets in some way. Show the country it is Americans helping Americans that makes all the difference, not waiting on the government to do the work WE are supposed to do!
@jac from Jax
You're a real patriot! Thank you for your service to this wonderful country!
The parts about the VA are disturbing, but not surprising. Frankly, the VA can't even handle it's male patients corrrectly.
As for the headline, I should think our country is ready to welcome them back with open arms and deep thanks for their service.
Thanks you ladies.
Indeed,
I have no doubt about the VA losing her medical records. I have waited over a year for my claim. The sad part about it is it just puts me in a long line of folks doing the same thing.
I can tell you now, the women I deployed with deserve every ounce of respect we have. I had a female gunner over in Iraq, man she could shoot. Best 240B gunner I ever had. She has all the qualities that make other military job seekers desirable. Leadership, dedication, and discipline. If it takes more people to talk about it to make people see it....Im all for it.
Ain't that the truth. I avoid going to the VA if at all possible. I even went back to work so I wouldn't have to go to the VA for anything.
Just a note on VA hospitals: I believe it was Ron Paul who spoke out that our veterans should be admitted to our community hospitals. He felt they would get better care all the way around. It's an idea. I like it.
Vets often have specialized needs. They may have traumatic brain injuries, multiple amputations and need extensive rehabilitation. This doesn't even speak to the issues that surround PTSD, which community hospitals just can't handle. I understand Ron Paul's thinking, but I think VA hospitals are better equipped to handle war caused injuries, both physical and emotional.
Guess I don't get this story either. Are we ready to welcome them? I think this is a preposterous notion that women vets are any different or not welcomed. Who dreams this stuff up?
LG - This is REALITY! It is not dreamt up. Get your head out of the sand. I despise people like you who live in denial and make ignorant comments. You are an example of the mentality that prevents the acknowledgement and immediate action to resolve these issues.
Deborah he is not being mean in any way you need to get your head out of your a$$ and maybe you need to get help. Your a mean person.
WoW Deborah,
Over react much? My take is that LG feels that female vets are just as important as male vets. And that the author is trying to make people think that we do not respect them. When in reality we do. Now do we need more folks that can handle female issues at the VA, hell, we need more folks that can handle anything at the VA. Calm down.
To DoobyDoo-
I suppose you are the same personality who supports Biden's disrespectful and bombastic demeanor at the VP debate last night. Liberals support "mean" behavior when it's in favor of their agenda. They think Biden was just being strong and on the attack in order to fire up the base. I think he was a total arrogant a$$hole.
If you think I'm mean, you're right. I'm fed up with the lies and deceit of these sleazy democrats. I'm also fed up with the idiots who fall for their rhetoric and make moronic statements because they don't educate themselves.
The subject of this article is not dreamt up. Only a person who lives in denial would make a comment like that. I guess this explains why there are so many followers of the Cult of Obama. Deny reality and side with the "annointed one" who promises to give you everything for free, while he bankrupts the country. Wake up!
As a woman veteran, I have been and still continue to be treated different. This happens to me not just in civilian society, but at the VA and when on a military base. We are not thought of as veterans and even have our status as the veteran questioned. I am always questioned whether I am the veteran. I have even been corrected many times and told that "No, we need the sponsor's name and SSN." My response has always been, "Yes, I gave you that information. I am the sponsor."
I agree with Deborah. The male veterans are treated as heroes while the women get little or no recognition for their service. The mindset is that they must be donut dollies.
I've been trying to obtain support for a facility that would provide temporary shelter, counselling and educational support for these courageous young women. I've received many letters supporting my plan but no one has come forward with any funding suggestions as yet. Please read my DKos post and pass along to anyone who may be in a position to help get this program started. It's needed now and the need will only increase with the more of our young women who are experiencing combat or sexual abuse while in the military.
Thank you
Deborah,
Touch a nerve did I? Damned... who stole your cornflakes? Lighten up!!
While I think Deborah went off a bit on the political point (didn't have anything to do with the comment), her response to LG was not invalid.
I would have agree that LG simply didn't understand the problem, and thought that women veterans were treated well, until I got to the "who dreams up this stuff" portion of the post.
At that point, I realized that LG has no intention of taking the article seriously and realizing that there actually IS a problem.
I'll never lighten up. And yes, you did touch a nerve. I should be in these debates. I would clobber Obama.
Deborah--Calm down! I, too, am a female (unemployed) veteran with a disability rating, and I, too, have wrestled my way through the VA system. I've come out on the other side of it not terribly impressed. It's a huge, bureaucratic organization that does some things well, and other things poorly--kind of typical of big, bureacratic organizations. I could be wrong, but the way I read LG's comment, he/she was responding in the affirmative: Of COURSE women vets should be welcomed back the same as male veterans--why wouldn't they?? The "who dreams this stuff up?" could simply be a reflection of his/her astonishment that these problems are actually (still) taking place, given that it IS 2012 and women have played a significant role in our military for quite awhile now. That sort of reaction isn't surprising--if you've never experienced the issues, if you've never had to deal with the problems, if it's outside the realm of your normal, day-to-day experience, it's NOT going to be on your radar, and so naturally, when you are faced with the information, it may elicit surprise that these issues are real. But try as I may, I can't understand the mental leap you made between LG's reaction and the VP debate. I happen to be a liberal, and I was pleased that VP Biden didn't let Cong. Ryan get away with ambiguity and falsehoods in his responses. I'm educated, I'm intelligent, and I have served my country--but just because I lean to the left doesn't mean I feel the need to be bombastic and rude when trying to make my point. It doesn't serve the discussion, and it certainly doesn't enhance the argument & the point of this article, which is that women vets are struggling and need help.
Deborah,
I'm surprised that this article bothers you if you're republican and going to vote republican in this election. If you think women aren't given the same opportunities or treated the same way as men are now, what do you think life under Romney is gonna be like? LUCKILY for you, Obama will be president...and you won't have to lie under Romney...which his wife tells me is just awful! Lol.
And as for the VP debate, I find it WAY more "disrespectful and bombastic" for a VP candidate to lie constantly to the American people he claims to serve. You're just pissed because Ryan suffered with respect to content during the debate. I would still take an animated, forceful VP who speaks the truth over a boring, bland lying VP ANYDAY.
Sincerely,
a female vet who fully supports Obama
P.S. How about the Veteran's Job Bill that the Republicans shut down???? Still think you're on the right side??
A short secret from a Nam combat vet, everyone wrestles their way thru the VA system. If you are thin skinned and accept no for an answer, you will be pushed around. They do not have time to be messing with someone that is not serious about needing and getting help. Do Not Back off and demand that they help you, who cares that they think you were a donut dolly! Correct them, give them what they need and move on up the chain!
Deborah,
I'm surprised that this article bothers you if you're republican and going to vote republican in this election. If you think women aren't given the same opportunities or treated the same way as men are now, what do you think life under Romney is gonna be like? LUCKILY for you, Obama will be president...and you won't have to lie under Romney...which his wife tells me is just awful! Lol.
And as for the VP debate, I find it WAY more "disrespectful and bombastic" for a VP candidate to lie constantly to the American people he claims to serve. You're just pissed because Ryan suffered with respect to content during the debate. I would still take an animated, forceful VP who speaks the truth over a boring, bland lying VP ANYDAY.
Sincerely,
a female vet who fully supports Obama
P.S. How about the Veteran's Job Bill that the Republicans shut down???? Still think you're on the right side??
LG - I agree with you. Anything to keep the drama going. In my opinion that's how too many 'journalists' make their living nowadays. They drive division, and constantly designate protagonists and antagonists until magically, you've got another new dilemma to fill the television news and the internet which keeps heaping cynicism onto Americans. Problems have always existed in life but to constantly, incessantly probe for the newest potential downside of every situation encourages Americans to be overwhelmed and stalled out instead of living a managable, balanced and content life, which creates empowerment. The dumbing down of America is, to great degree, tied inextricably with the negativity of attitudes, outlooks and obsessions and furthers the erroneous impression that everything is wrong with America - instead of that so very much is right. The federal government pushing manipulation, control and blame is also a flagrant and transparent destablizer that needs to get reined in 'yesterday'.
Deb,
This has nothing to do with politics. Female veterans and service members have been struggling for equality since they were first allowed to join. Through BOTH GOP and Dem administrations.
I am also a female veteran and agree whole heartly. The VA is not equiped to handle female veterans. I am also unemployed. This should serve as a wake up call.
Queenn T - in case no one else has said it -Thank you so much for serving, I hope that conditions improve enough that you won't be out of work for long. God bless.
Thank you for your service, Queen. The fact that our nation is so unprepared to deal with the returning troops is reprehensible. Wishing you luck!
I am not a veteran and I cannot find work either, join the millions of people that can not find work Vet or no Vet
Queenn,
I am a male and the VA cant handle what I need. I have a job, but nothing in my degree field. The VA just need a complete remake. Regroup, reorganize, and attack. Its bad for everyone. I have tried all the military friendly companies. No luck. Been trying since July 2011. I wish the best for you sister. I do not think it is a lack of respect for women, but if it requires more talk to spread the word, Im in.
I've seen plenty of female vets in this thread alone who say they don't feel treated any differently. There are some who do. I'm sorry if you feel insulted when getting asked "if you are the veteran", but truth be told you ARE the minority right now. That is not discrimination; that is a fact. Now yea, the VA is probably a little behind the curve, but they're behind the curve on everything. Just give people a little time to get used to seeing female vets. This is not some "agenda"; it's just going to take a little time until everyone's gotten used to it. And Deborah, I totally respect what you've been through, but please stop trying to use this discussion as a political platform.
Sounds like the news media has found another war story,, Hop they don't treat them like the did the returning Vietnam Veterans!!!
To ALL vets both female and male I thank you for your service, there are no words to describe the debt we owe you. I am not a vet, I was registered for the selective service but was never called up(I'm dating myself), the only war we were involved in at that time was the cold war. I have more than a few friends that served in peacetime, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Operation Desert Shield, and more than a few in the current war, I know one female Marine that served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, thankfully she is fine, and I know one in black ops(who tells NOTHING). I had a teacher who escaped Auschwitz as a young girl, she and her friend that escaped made it out, she could never tell the whole story, she always broke down.
I am a naturalized citizen and as a child saw atrocities no child should see, I have seen gruesome pictures of the "highway of death", I have smelled the stench of a corpse that has been rotting for two weeks. Again, I did not serve but do have some understanding of what it is like, I realize this is nowhere near the same as being in combat, but I have witnessed the changes in people before and after service.
My brother worked in a VA hospital while he was in school and told me horror stories of the conditions and treatment, that was years ago and it appears not much has changed. These MEN and WOMEN deserve everything they were promised and more. Some are fine, thousands are physically broken and thousands are mentally broken, regardless we owe them everything they need to heal and to be treated as the hero's they are. They need to be welcomed back and given the opportunities, dignity and respect they deserve. Anything less is an abomination and this crosses all political parties, we OWE them a debt that can never be fully repaid.
The government needs to get off their a$$es and provide the necessary services and FAST, this is part of what we elected them for.
To all who served and currently serve, you have my unending gratitude and thanks, I SALUTE YOU.
The US has failed it's veterans since Vietnam (possibly even before that). I'm sure veteran care for women won't be diminished from that of men; the problem is, NONE of them recieve the care or the appreciation they deserve from our society.
I'm sure that female Veterans will be treated better than male Veterans, in part because women receive the bulk of medical treatment dollars and in part because female Veterans are not killing the enemy.
Yep, and you can thank the anti-war democrats for their hate and lack of respect for our nation's military. Those bleeding heart liberals who have sympathy and compassion for everything and everyone EXCEPT our honorable veterans. This is the demographic who deserves sympathy and compassion the most. Liberals are such hypocritical jerks.
The US has failed its veterans? Geez already, you get parades, federal paid holidays, discounts everywhere, free merchandise, health care, "hero" worship, job entitlements, etc.....what exactly are we missing? Free thrones? Crowns? Gold offerings? This entitlement atmosphere is getting out of hand between military personnel, firemen, and police. Let's start having parades for the nurses, ambulance drivers, teachers, emergency room doctors, and so on.
Once again, here's another person that obviously has no military ties. No parades unless you count my son doing up his tricycle on the 4th of July, no paid federal holidays (my 20yr retired USAF husband got his 1st Christmas off after retiring), wow that free ball cap was amazing, have you ever been to a VA hospital?, job entitlements - hah! All these female Vets are looking for is some healthcare and help re-entering civilian life. Oh and those nurses, EMTs, etc - many were/are military reservists.
Vincent - VA health-care dollars do not go disproportionately towards women's care, the majority of the budget goes to health-care of men. At most VA medical centers, there is one provider for women's primary care and no gender specific specialists. Yet at each VA there are dozens of primary care providers for men and numerous specialists that deal with prostate and other male only issues. And you might want to rethink your comment about women veterans not killing the enemy. Many women have engaged and killed the enemy during the wars.
Did you read the article? This woman is explaining how she can't find work because of insidious discrimination to our vets. What job entitlements are you talking about? Military, police and fire personnel deserve hero worship and entitlements because they risk their lives and in many cases live out the remainder of their lives with severe injuries. As much as I respect our nurses, ambulance drivers, teachers, ER doctors, and so on, they do not typically face a threat to their lives on the job.
Obviously another clueless person. Women kill and are killed.
JMB66, what you fail to realize is this. Veterans Get shot at, maimed and killed. They are away from their families 9 to 12 months at a time. A lot come back missing a part of their body. And some only get a month with their family & are deployed again. The rest that you mentioned do not go through that. So "NO" they should not get the same. They put their life on the line so your can sleep safely in your bed at night. That is not free. It comes at a price. Threw life there will always be someone who wants to take your freedoms from you. If it was not for our military, you would be speaking German, dear sir!
My Husband is in the Navy And I am a VERY PROUD NAVY WIFE!!!!!
Ignore Vincent Denali. He's a well known misogynist troll.
No, Deborah, they do NOT deserve hero worship and entitlements for doing the job that they volunteered and signed up to do. And as far as needing "help" re-entering civilian life, are you kidding me??? Have they been brainwashed? Have they been kept in a dark room for most of their lives? No? Then let me explain civilian life: wake up, get ready for work, go do it, come home. Simple enough.
Chrystye - the only people taking away our freedoms right now are the politically correct, mindless drones that repeat everything they hear. As a LIFETIME, 4th generation military, the only people who are complaining are the weak-minded, me-me-me individuals.
JmB66,
You are EXACTLY the reason that I want President Obama to Full Fill his Verbal Contract as stated as Candidate Obama during the Presidential Debates with Candidate McPain.
As Presidential Candidate Obama stated that to end the constant Deployments of the 1% of US Citizens of the US Military and Force the 92% of US Citizens that have Never Served in the US Military to do their "Civic Duty"; as President, Candidate Obama would institute his Selective Service and or Manditory Compulsory US Military Service with No Deferrments, and No Exceptions as "US Military Service is a Civic Duty" and "US Citizenship is not an Entitlement".
And do NOT expect to get a cush USN or USAF Job, as President Obama's previous US Military Defense Budget Cuts of the USAF and USN, indicate you will be part of the US Army or USMC Ground Combat Forces.
Don't not even say that you are a US Military Veteran, as your posts indicate that you don't even know the difference between EARNED Benefits and your not earned "entitlements".
And a hint, the US Military is under the US Civilian Control, the US Military does not determine what US Politicians Polices to obey; unless they are Unconstitutional or Illegal (in writing, no US Laws with US Congressional Appropriations). That's right the very same US Politicians YOU hired created these problems, so take some RESPONSIBILITY for YOUR Actions.
Now you people know how us Vietnam Vets felt when we came home. Spent 21 years US Army came home from Nam 3 times all 3 times got @!$%#ty welcome.Seen a lot of men die and wounded.Welcome to the world of Military Politics.
Advice for you young Vets go to the VA and fight hard for what you wont. Dont look like Obama at the debate are you will get nothing.
SFC Nester 5TH SF
Deborah, I am not being nasty or mean, but it is very very very clear that you are extremely angry, get yourself some help before you hurt yourself or someone else, even someone you love, before you do something you regret.
I see rage in you whether it is properly placed or not get help. It does not have to be from the VA even if you are owed it. Go to women in distress, the JCC somewhere that has qualified professionals that will help pro bono. These places do exist, As a former business owner, if you interviewed with me and detected your rage I would not hire you, simply for safety reasons, specially as a combat vet. Please get help.
While the VA system is overburdened in the extreme and it seems that our female vets are behind in service from them, these women deserve kudos for standing strong in intolerable conditions and doing their jobs as well as they have. They work long hours and many face the same dangers as our male service members because of IEDs, etc. Welcome them home? Absolutely & with open arms and hearts - thank all of you for your service & sacrifice! I hope that the VA can be modernized enought to deal with ALL our returning vets regardless of sex and in a much more timely manner than is currently happening.
In the old days, if they really needed money, many Americans (primarily male) would view female veterans if they chose to dance on a burlesque stage.
If you served your country in the military then you are a veteran. Male or female have nothing to do with defining a veteran. I am a Viet Nam vet and I say WELCOME HOME VET!!! Thank you for also serving.
all vets should be worried about coming back, This government destroying our homes, making this country a foreign country to many. Now in this country if you are disabled at all, you are tossed into the streets with nothing. This country has been invaded by criminal governing system, the domestic enemy inside the What house, all Americans asking,, What the hell is going on when we see our Military forefathers have lost everything and anything they fought for..God save us from this monarchy or we may get lucky and our military will save us from them first.. so sad to see these military people coming home to, doubled gas prices, cars cost as much as a home did. Drug infested cities and a job market that has been taken over by Obama and his 5 Million Illegals. If you have been poisoned like my military father was, screw you, Just die at 60 was his reward for Retiring Military..
I am a woman vet and I am sorry to say this is true! The V.A. hospitals are not set up to see women, i had to wait months for appts. and then the only "female" dr. that the V.A. hospital in my area ( which i drive 2 hrs too) quit and i had to start the process all over again and then get sent to a charity hospital that sees uninsured people where i sat for hours and hours at a time, then had many appt before i finally had surgery and did not get proper follow up and got infection etc. The bottom line is most people do think this is happening and are not aware that the gov. continually fails our vets rater male or female. Maybe those who dont believe this should go spend some time in V.A. hospitals!!
We've been fighting over there longer than we were in WWII.... Bush's war is going to cost us trillions in future medical benefits and pensions.... and for what?
uhmmmm 9/11 is a possibility.
Of course, we HAVE been there way too long. But I hate to tell you this.. it became Obamas war 3 years ago... and we're still there aren't we?
Bush Jr.---Started two wars that we didn't belong in.
President Obama-Didn't get us in a war
Romney--Only talks about showing our strength and getting us in other wars.
...and Obama hasn't done anything to get us out any sooner. Nor has Obama closed GITMO. Nor has Obama kept any of his other promises.
deb-3232690
I'll agree with Iraq to a point...
But the Taliban in Afghanistan were harboring the people that perpetrated 9/11 and refused to turn them over.
Would you suggest we play the Jimmy Carter play book? Our people were held hostage for over a year..... they were released when they realized a man was getting the office that would bring the hammer down on them.
No objection to the 9/11 solution, but we didn't finish it (Tora Bora)... Bush and Cheney had to rush off and get into another war (which turned out not to be weapon of mass)... I'm 66.... and since I was born in 1946 we've had Korea (still there 66 year later), Vietnam (no I'm not a veteran... but guys in my office really get mad about having to buy shirts which say "made in Vietnam"), two going on in Middle East, GOP wanting to do something in Middle East... the only thing we seem to have won (as per Clint Eastwood and Stoney in the movie)... is Granada.... but gees... we sure do have $1 billion dollar subs (Mitt wants to build 3 of them?)... I'm just getting tired of our kids getting killed defending the rest of the world and we have to pay for it. Guess I'm just getting old....
Sorry but it is Obamas' war now and has been for almost 4 years. Get over it and move on.
President Obama, "Iraq was the wrong War, Afghanistan is the Right War".
Get over yourself, Kevin Bitz, take some Responsibility for who YOU hired (voted for).
By the way, yes, President Obama promised to get the US Military Conventional Warfare Forces out of Afghanistan, only to Order as Commander In Chief to Reduction In Force them, throw them on Unemployment, by 2014.
President Obama has already negotiated with President Karzai that the US Military Asymmetric Warfare Forces will remain at Afghanistan for Decades after the US Military Conventional Warfare Forces abandon US Ally Afghanistan again. Translation: The US Military Asymmetric Warfare Forces will be left without any support from the US Military Conventional Warfare Forces.
Nice FAILED Attempt, as your being a NON Participant without any Firsthand Experience (Knowledge).
Iraq: aka US Military Operation Iraqis Freedom, in accordance with President Clinton's US Law, H.R. 4655, "Iraqis Liberation Act of 1998" Justification Section 2 Weapons of Mass Destruction, Section 3 US Policy the Overthrow of President Hussein.
Most of us with knowledge of Iraq from Firsthand experience knew that President Hussein was the Counterbalance to the Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran. And protested in writing about the Overthrow of President Hussein, and were threatened with charges of "Insubordination" and given Letters of Reprimand.
Basic High School US Civics and US Government, the Job of the US President is to Enforce the US Laws as created by the Legislative Branch of US Government, not to pick and choose which US Laws to Enforce. This is why US Congress threatened to withold US Congressional Appropriations from anything the President proposed (other than Iraq or Afghanistan) unless President Clinton's US Law H.R.4655 with US Congressional Appropriations was accomplished.
So in 2002 after doing Operation Viking Hammer to eliminate the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban, Fundamentalist Islamic Al Quada, Islamic Jihadists that escaped us at Afghanistan along the Old Silk Road to Northern Iraq, we (NOT YOU) started Operation Hotel California, regardless of our written protests.
Go ask blabber mouth Senator Lieberman about President Obama's Secret Wars as paid for with NOT previously Budgeted President Obama's Discretionary Spending (as to why Senator Lieberman was so pissed).
Let's talk about President Obama's Lies about Libya. First who the "Libyan Rebels" are as the Fundamentalist Islamic Al Quada Saudi Arabia (AQ), Al Quada Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Al Quada Syria (AQS), Al Quada Yemen (AQY), Hezbollah, Al Quada Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) aka the current Government of Libya.
Second, the other President Obama lie, No US Military Boots on the Ground, what do you think LTC Woods and his Specialized Support Team was doing at Libya since February. By the way there were other Operational Teams supported by Specialized Support Teams at Libya since January.
Third, President Obama Lie, "Dictator killing his own people", former US Ally President Gaddaffi stated that there was increased Fundamentalist Islamic Al Quada activities at his Nation; President Obama ignored this just like President Obama ignored US Allies Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia, etc.. President Gaddaffi as a previous US Ally cooperated with the US, ordering his Military to eliminate the Fundamentalist Islamic Jihadists in his Nation; especially the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group that was killing US Military at Iraq. Egypt (Strategic Location) was the Key to get Libya, Libya is the Key (Strategic Location) to get to the rest of Africa.
Blah, blah, blah, blame the people responsible, the United Nations; as after all our (NOT YOUR) gains, they insisted on placing Gentleman British General McColl in charge 2001, and all the previous US gains were lost, as General McColl had NO idea nor Experience about Asymmetric War Afghanistan and only training and experience in British Conventional Warfare.
The Mission to Locate and Capture Osama Bin Laden was tasked to General McChrystal (US Army Special Forces, Commander Special Operations Command), Admiral McRaven (USN SEAL, Commander Joint Special Operation Command), Director of the CIA as delegated to the CIA's SAD/SOG; long before President Obama. The Authorization to Terminate Osama Bin Laden, if Failing to Locate and Capture OBL was added after President Bush Amended the US No Assassination Policy in 2006. Harvard International Review, Article, 2006, "US No Assassination Policy On The Offensive".
After President Obama's Policies, the US and US Allies losses of:
The Iraqis Oil that would have paid for the US and US Allies Liberation of Iraq with Decades to Centuries of Iraqis Oil. Lost to the Allies of the Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran, the Chinese and Russian Federation. US Kicked out of Iraq, Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran can concentrate on Afghanistan. Libyan Oil becomes of Strategic Importance to the US European Allies.
US Ally Saudi Arabia pleads with President Obama to do something against the Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran. President Obama ignores them, until it is too late. The US Ally Saudi Arabia are so pissed they say, "President Obama gave Iraq to Iran as a Gift on a Golden Platter".
Egypt as as Strategic Location, Key to getting Libya. There is also the Strategic Suez Canal, with the Fundamentalist Islamic Muslim Brotherhood Negotiations with the Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran's for Access to the Suez Canal before the "Egyptian Revolution". Logistics locations, closer to support the Fundamentalist Islamic Jihadists of the Hamas Warlords, and the Army of Islam Gaza. Closer locations to attack US Ally Israel.
Loss of the High Tech Mineral Wealth of Afghanistan to the Ally of the Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran, the Chinese. These High Tech Minerals necessary for the current US High Tech Standard of Living and the Future US Alternative Energy. The Chinese place Restrictions on the shipments of High Tech Minerals to the US and US Allies.
Loss of the US Military Bases at US Ally Pakistan. Restriction on the Logistics support using Pakistan to support UN Mission Afghanistan (land locked).
Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran increases their Special Forces, Quds, funding, arming, training of the hundreds of thousands of Holy Warriors of Islam at the Fundamentalist Islamic Autonomous Kurdistanis Region of Northern Iraq, Southern Turkey, Syria, Northwestern Iran. President Obama ignores his own Executive Intelligence Agency, the CIA, warnings. These Holy Warriors of Islam are trained to start Civil Wars to Overthrow the US Allies Governments as Asymmetric Warfare, result the misnomered "Arab Spring".
President Obama as Commander In Chief, in violation of US Law, 1973 War Powers Resolution (Act) Orders the US Military to Attack former US Ally Libya. Since he violated US Law, there are no US Laws with US Congressional Appropriations, so President Obama uses previously not budgeted for Discretionary Spending, including to pay for NATO Attacks. Loss of Libya to the Islamic Jihadists.
MOST WILL
they are awesome!
Asia for Asians, Africa for Africans, White countries for EVERYBODY??????
Everybody says there is this RACE problem. Everybody says this RACE problem will be solved when the third world pours into EVERY white country and ONLY into white countries."
The Netherlands and Belgium are more crowded than Japan or Taiwan, but nobody says Japan or Taiwan will solve this RACE problem by bringing in millions of third worlders and quote assimilating unquote with them.
Everybody says the final solution to this RACE problem is for EVERY white country and ONLY white countries to "assimilate," i.e., intermarry, with all those non-whites.
What if I said there was this RACE problem and this RACE problem would be solved only if hundreds of millions of non-blacks were brought into EVERY black country and ONLY into black countries?
How long would it take anyone to realize I'm not talking about a RACE problem. I am talking about the final solution to the BLACK problem?
And how long would it take any sane black man to notice this and what kind of psycho black man wouldn't object to this?
But if I tell that obvious truth about the ongoing program of genocide against my race, the white race, Liberals and respectable conservatives agree that I am a naziwhowantstokillsixmillionjews.
They say they are anti-racist. What they are is anti-white.
Anti-racist is a code word for anti-white.
All I can say in response is WHAT THE #UCK??????
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
I accept that message from XDm9mm.
EuroDude,
Since it is difficult for you to stay on topic, you should not be posting.
EuroDude, I'm an EuroDudette and I am suggesting you take whatever prescribed medication ASAP. Yes, dear, you are a racist.
More to the point, WTF does this diatribe have to do with returning female vets?
I'm guessing meth. Or will PCP cause this kind of paranoia & ranting? Does anybody else have any ideas about what substances EuroDude has recently being partaking of?
Dude, you're making white people look bad. Kindly shut up.
Welcome home to ALL VETERANS... Male, female, straight, gay, or any other descriptor is irrelevant and immaterial... the only descriptor necessary is VETERAN.
if any vets read my post and live in orange county california that need a job send me a message & i MIGHT be able to help, i dont care if you are male or female. i would also like to say Thank you ALL for your service and welcome home to all.
A veteran is just that, gender does not play a part of who is and who is not a vet. I am a vet and we had many female veterans when I was in in the 70s. This is the first that I have heard that they are not being given their due. The female Vets I knew were every bit as competent as the men. I have known duce and a half drivers, nurses, dcc operators, intelegence personel, finance personel, MP's and others. When I am at the VA for treatment I find that there are several female Vets. Again I have not heard of unequal treatment of my sisters, I thought we were all equally treated like fodder for the cannons by the VA. As far as the civilian work world. Shame on walmart and any other company that descriminates against any Veteran including my sisters.
The war was brought to us by Weak Liberal President's (Clinton). The Terrorists's detected weakness!
Bush "inherited" that war from a liberal President Clinton
The wars have cost us dearly because of "Liberalism"! Our soldiers have to have all sorts of restrictions and that also cost us greatly in casualties, and national treasure! President Obama wants to pardon the Terrorists!
World War II was a war we had to win at all costs! Liberals got the hell out of the way! We also "executed" our enemies.
I say Welcome Home!!!!
I remember checking in for a procedure in the Salt Lake VA. The nurse looked up and said "Oh...you're female..." Well spotted....what gave it away...the D-rack? Anyways, my room got changed to the isolation room where they put patients who got radiation pills/dyes etc. I guess the wing with the guys was out ;)
As far as the VA goes, it pretty much sucks. I have a 100% service connected rating, and I am so thankful to be employed with my own private insurance. Which is a good thing I guess since at a different VA recently (Not Salt Lake...which was actually the best VA I ever used), the specialist I saw said the only thing he could do for me was wait for my transplanted kidney to fail and he could give me dialysis. He did recommend a nice civilian transplant facility though.
One last thought, if I get another "Were you sexually harassed/assaulted" survey or a pep talk about using the VA's new Women's Health services, it won't be too soon. I am not sure about other female vets, but I get these every single time I go in.
Advice to women vets...get your education. It's totally worth it (unless you're doing theater arts or something equally non-employable).
OMG, you are SOOO right about the dang surveys and pep talks. I can't stand it. Document that I took it, document my answers and move on. Oh wait, every year we have to do it again. ARGH. The only good thing about the VA clinic where I am... they have no women's health services! SOO, fee base it is. I get to keep my civilian "woman doctor" who I love, and the VA covers the cost because they are unable to provide the services. I wasn't aware of this little "benefit" until I was digging into a completely unrelated issue for an unrelated injury. Would have been nice if they had someone who had a clue regarding benefits to help guide us when we get out. It's frustrating and you have to be your own best advocate. As a country we can/should be doing much better.
I'm sure they will be welcomed much better than the VN vets, after all we were baby killers.
One of the problems whit the VA is the people that does the paper work will not put down their grape drink and pork reins to get paper work done.
i don't travel much, but when i do, when i see a soldier ( amy, navy marine or air force) i go up and say "thanks, welcome home". when i got back from Vietnam in 1970, i got welcomed by paper bags full of dog poop thrown at the individuals leaving the airplane by the "flower children" lining the fence at Travis, AFB. quite a welcome from the "make love, not war" generation. after "Hanoi" Jane it put an end to any feelings about what we did and service to our country. after seeing the way the WW2 vets and Korean vets were treated it wasn"t quite what i expected. so female vets it may take a little while for most of America to appreciate what you did and are doing, please accept my thanks for your sacrifice and a heart felt welcome home soldier, well done.
You said it good dude. They should be welcomed home and treated with all the respect they're due.
I'm a combat veteran and now I'm in IT in New York City. I've written an honest fiction novel, inspired by my difficult transition, of how hard it is to reintegrate for soldiers, specifically women. (I'm in the process of searching for a literary agency.) There are key fundamental differences between civilian and military life. We need education for EMPLOYERS and SOLDIERS on these differences. There are even more difficulties for women, as most employers aren't aware that women coming back have the same injuries as the men, or potentially view a woman with combat scars as an oddity, rather than leftover evidence of sacrifice for our country. I would like to make the civilian world more aware of what having a military background and specifically PTSD mean to soldiers working in the corporate world. If we give them more perspective, perhaps the transition will be smoother for future vets. Please" friend" me if you're female vet or a male interested in these issues. We need to build a community to make our voice heard. Susanne Rossignol.
Teri Kaas needs to find her paper trail. they lost her papers and nothing will happen unless she does it herself l. my son did it and tool him 2yrs to resolve it and is now is 100% disabled.