Nothing new about mistreating veterans

Reading your article "57,000 await va visits," I couldn't help but reflect on how we view our veterans.

Most of us hold veterans in high regard for their service and sacrifice. But there is a history that says otherwise, a history that says we don't care about vets.

After the Revolutionary War, Congress created pensions for vets. The pensions were meager. Many had to fight for them. Many were denied.

In the 20th century, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, against the wishes of Pres. Hoover, sent tanks against the Bonus Army (and their families) in our nation's capital.

Agent Orange? Gulf War Syndrome? Depleted Uranium? Burn Pit Syndrome? PTSD? All things veterans have to fight their own military and government to acknowledge even exist let alone get covered by the VA, when you manage to get in.

On holidays and special occasions, it's common to ask those who have served our country to stand and be acknowledged. I feel it to be a selfish gesture on our part. It's using vets to make ourselves feel better about forgetting veterans the other 360 days a year.

How to solve the problem? It starts by caring. Call your representatives. Why not give vets some sort of access to health care outside of the VA system? There is a bill coming out of the Senate (McCain/Sanders) that does just that. VA Sec. Gen. Shinseki retiring (fired) is just a feel-good measure so all the politicians can say, "We are outraged and look at what a good job we are doing".

Shameful. But the real shame lies with us, the American people, and our history of resoundingly thanking our vets - and turning our backs. Scott Frillman

Antioch