Introduction

Today, 11/16/2023, I was honored to join The Jack Heath Morning Show Three-hour Veteran Townhall radio broadcast with Ambassador Scott Brown to discuss the problems veterans and their families experience due to an ineffective veteran’s medical care system. No amount of money or a 501(c)(3) organization will solve the problem. The problem will be solved when veterans stand up to be counted in New Hampshire and across the country. In the Granite State, we are approximately 115,000 veterans strong, yet only a tiny portion come forward to fight for veterans and their families, and less than 40% vote in elections. We have allowed the politicians to silence and divide us; this must stop.

Secondly, until we replace the politicians on both sides of the aisle who use veterans as political pawns during the election cycle and then don’t keep their promises, nothing will change. Most of our representatives are not even veterans and have no clue what veterans think and how they feel. This is a huge problem. In 1973, 73% of Congress were veterans. Today, 17% are Veteran’s.

Thirdly, until those who do not serve and have not served fully understand veterans, what they go through, and why it is so essential for our country to keep its promise to our veterans, nothing will change.

Fourthly, yes, there are substantial bureaucratic issues that impede proper medical care for veterans, but this is not the root cause. Nothing will change in the system until veterans stand up to be counted, we replace the ineffective representatives and senators in Washington, DC, and citizens decide that enough is enough. Are 40 suicides a day too much? Are 40,000 homeless veterans too much? Are 10 million unemployed veterans that drive homelessness, drug issues, incarceration issues, suicides, and broken homes too much? We must embrace Americanism, where the actual costs of freedom are acknowledged and respected, and Americans prioritize the well-being of those who have served.

As a veteran, I find myself disheartened by the lack of understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military. It is disconcerting to witness the hesitancy of veterans to openly discuss their experiences due to the fear of losing their jobs or frightening politicians and citizens who prefer not to confront the actual human costs of maintaining their freedom. This essay aims to shed light on the frustrations felt by veterans tired of sugarcoating the realities of military service during times of war. Furthermore, it addresses the labeling of veterans as warmongers and extremists while also calling for a renewed commitment to American values and principles.

The Burden of Silence

Many veterans hesitate to share their experiences openly, fearing that the stark realities of military service will unsettle politicians and citizens who prefer to remain oblivious to the true nature of war. This hesitancy arises from a desire to shield society from the brutalities of armed conflict. However, this self-imposed silence inadvertently perpetuates a cycle of ignorance that hinders understanding and empathy for the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. By failing to engage in open and honest conversations, we deny ourselves the opportunity to bridge the gap between the military and civilian worlds.