There are many, many ways we honor our veterans, all of them merited.
We turn our attention specifically to those who have answered the call to military service on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, of course, yet we also honor them in myriad other ways — from merchants who offer military discounts to the random act of kindness when a citizen buys the soldier’s lunch or coffee to even a simple “thank you for your service.”
While there is little doubt all of these gestures are appreciated, perhaps the best way we can recognize and appreciate what our military does for us is to ensure that they have the care and services they need not only while in uniform, but after they have returned to civilian life.
That care is not a “benefit” or an “entitlement.” It is something our veterans have earned. It is our obligation as citizens to do our part in making sure we honor that commitment.
For most of us, the role is small, yet important. When the subject of healthcare and services for veteran reaches the political arena, we must make our voices heard among our legislators. We may compromise on any number of issues, but ours should be united in the conviction that no compromises must be made when it comes to providing our veterans with the care and services they need.
Wednesday, David Walker, director of the G.V.(Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, met with veterans in a town hall in Columbus. He is holding these meetings regularly throughout the state, answering questions about services and providing information.
In recent years, the VA has been subject to criticism, much of it deserved, primarily because of long delays veterans have had to endure before seeing a doctor.
While there has been a concerted effort to address those flaws, it should be noted that perhaps an even bigger obstacle to good care is a lack of information. Walker pointed out Wednesday that while a quarter-of-a-million veterans call Mississippi their home, just 40,000 of them are registered with the VA Center in Jackson.
It is likely many, many veterans in our state are unaware of the services to which they are entitled.
Making sure the veterans we know or encounter are aware of these services is something all of us can do. So, if you know a veteran, thank him or her, then ask them if they are registered with the VA in Jackson and if they are aware of the local resources that can aid them in navigating the intricacies of our veterans care system.
You might jot down the names and phone numbers of our local Veterans Service Officers — Jim Richardson (Lowndes County) 327-2005; Ammiana Kenard (Oktibbeha County), 323-6155; Charles Toliver (Clay County) 494-1554; and Sarah Wells (Noxubee County)726-5423. The phone number for the VA Center in Jackson is 1-800-949-1009.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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