> 400 Disabled Veterans Raise Hell At Congressional Hearings On VA Budget
11 October 2005, 19:33
I am a veteran who was injured in a parachute jump while serving in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. My parachute malfunctioned and only partially deployed causing me to crash into trees at a high rate of speed. I suffered neck cervical spinal injuries which have plagued me throughout my lifetime with pain, headaches and suffering. I have a 40 percent disabilty rating and an enrollment priority rating of 2 due to this injury. I am very thankful for my VA benefits and to my country. As a paratrooper I was ready to go anywhere at anytime to serve my country as required and to fullfill my duty. Because my serious neck injuries were not combat related I find it insulting to all veterans combat service connected or not, that the government wanted to put a 250.00 enrollment fee for VA medical benefits because I was not injured in combat.
Thank God Veterans responded to these hearings and were able to voice their opions and be heard by responsible congressional leaders. I have been a life lone Republican but I cannot any longer support a political party that does not support its disabled veterans 100% who when called served their Nation. What ever I can do to support the veteran organizations of this country I will do willingly. My country has given me much and I wish to return my dedication and service to those who have given their all, or substained injuries in the service of their country. God bless the American Veterans of this great Nation.
I am a veteran who was injured in a parachute jump while serving in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. My parachute malfunctioned and only partially deployed causing me to crash into trees at a high rate of speed. I suffered neck cervical spinal injuries which have plagued me throughout my lifetime with pain, headaches and suffering. I have a 40 percent disabilty rating and an enrollment priority rating of 2 due to this injury. I am very thankful for my VA benefits and to my country. As a paratrooper I was ready to go anywhere at anytime to serve my country as required and to fullfill my duty. Because my serious neck injuries were not combat related I find it insulting to all veterans combat service connected or not, that the government wanted to put a 250.00 enrollment fee for VA medical benefits because I was not injured in combat.
Thank God Veterans responded to these hearings and were able to voice their opions and be heard by responsible congressional leaders. I have been a life lone Republican but I cannot any longer support a political party that does not support its disabled veterans 100% who when called served their Nation. What ever I can do to support the veteran organizations of this country I will do willingly. My country has given me much and I wish to return my dedication and service to those who have given their all, or substained injuries in the service of their country. God bless the American Veterans of this great Nation.