Advocates see veterans of war on terror joining the ranks of the homeless

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=29471

Advocates for the homeless already are seeing veterans from the war on terror living on the street, and say the government must do more to ease their transition from military to civilian life.

Linda Boone, executive director of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, said about 70 homeless veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan contacted her group’s facilities in 2004, and another 125 homeless veterans from those conflicts last year petitioned the Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance.

“It’s not a big wave, but it’s an indicator that we still haven’t done our job,” she said. “I think that our nation would be very embarrassed if they knew that.”

<snip>

Boone said the reasons behind the veterans’ housing problems are varied: Some have emotional and mental issues from their combat experience, some have trouble finding work after leaving the military, some have health care bills which result in financial distress.

Note this is in Stars and Stripes - the newspaper that goes to military members.

[ngGale]

1. Sad, but same story - different war...

Most get thrown away after returning home, I stay mad about this situation.

[Voltaire99]

2. Yes, you'd think it would have become clear by now...

They use you up in their wars.

Then they spit you out. What's left of you.

How you fare afterwards, why, that's no concern of theirs.

[Kipling]

3. Quiz for Freepers: Which helps the veterans more?

IS IT...
A) Putting a sticker on your car and sending hatemail to liberals?
B) Putting a roof over their head and sending them to hospital?

[saigon68]

4. Freepers are right wing Hateful Scum

They care nothing about people they only careabout power and riches $$$$$$$$$

IE: my polo pony is prettier than yours!!!!!!!

[formercia]

5. More Tim McVeighs in the making

bitternes, dispair, poverty and alienation, some prime ingredients for a dangerous recipe.

[lebkuchen]

6. Advocates see veterans of war on terror joining the ranks of the homeless

Advocates for the homeless already are seeing veterans from the war on terror living on the street, and say the government must do more to ease their transition from military to civilian life.

Linda Boone, executive director of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, said about 70 homeless veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan contacted her group’s facilities in 2004, and another 125 homeless veterans from those conflicts last year petitioned the Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance.

<cut>

Some have emotional and mental issues from their combat experience, some have trouble finding work after leaving the military, some have health care bills which result in financial distress.


http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=29471