Denied benefits

Letters to the Editor
Published: December 3, 2008

Today I went to do something that I never wanted to do — sign up for veteran’s health care. My health care is at risk, and I went to sign up for a benefit I thought I had earned by serving honorably.

I was told by the VA that I make a couple of thousand dollars a year too much, under a law passed by George Bush and the Republicans in 2003.

When I see that man say how much he’s done for the vets, I think he may fool himself. But I look at Walter Reed Hospital and laugh.

I am a Vietnam-era veteran. I read in the paper about a fellow being spit on in his uniform.

I remember the looks and comments I got coming through the airports on my way home from serving. I went into the restroom, took off my Class As, put on civilian clothes and left my duffel bag right there.

Now my honorable service is being spit on by Bush, the Veterans Administration and my country.

I am the fourth generation of my family to serve my country. My son is the fifth.

My grandchildren will break this chain of service to a ungrateful nation.

Ron Bourdlaies
Cowarts