Soldiers home from Iraq, Afghanistan swell VA ranks
By M.L. LYKE
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
Frustrated with military red tape, Catch-22s, outdated programs and unmet needs, soldiers back from war told their stories during a hearing yesterday at the Army National Guard Armory in Seattle.
One National Guardsman explained how his Gig Harbor bookstore went bankrupt after he was called to duty in Iraq, unable to get a relief loan because he'd been open only two years. "Can't they remember we are soldiers?" asked Spc. Blaine Hall.
Another, a 20-year military vet, was awaiting paperwork for his military discharge when his commitment was involuntarily extended through 2031. "When soldiers come back, they want to be treated with respect. That's all I'm looking for," said Sgt. Rob Kauder, a Spokane news producer and National Guard infantry squad leader.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/235232_testimony04.html