Support our Troops?

Specialist Robert Loria lost an arm in Iraq in February when an IED exploded under his humvee. He was discharged from Fort Hood this week with the thanks of his nation and a bill for $1,768.81 leaving him with no gas money to return to his home in New York.

His wife attempted to go “through channels” and get assistance to get her husband home without success. Finally, she went to the local media to plead her case. The local story was picked up nationally…and the emails went out to senators and congressmen in New York from outraged Americans. The elected officials pointed out to the military that this situation gave them a “black eye” and the Army relented. Specialist Loria will not have to repay the accidental overpayment made by our government for "separation pay" or for the “lost equipment” assigned to him in Iraq. ( I am certain the equipment was not on the medics radar when they evacuated him, in shock - bleeding and missing an arm.) Someone in the Army will assist him in filing for “travel reimbursements” and hey…they will pay him for another 68 days. Specialist Loria will be home for Christmas.

Sadly, this happens all too often in the all volunteer Military. Young people facing lives forever altered come home to Memorial Day Parades once a year and little yellow ribbon bumper stickers which say "Support the Troops." What they receive is little assistance to get on with the business of living. Specialist Loria was granted 68 days of pay. The average wait time for VA benefits is 150 days leaving the burden of his disability to be carried by his family.

Is this any way to treat our heros?