I see people with this bumper sticker all over the place and it kind of makes me mad to see it. It makes me mad because I doubt the people who put that bumper sticker on have actually done anything to actually support soldiers and veterans in their lives. They strike me as the kind people who think all they have to do is buy the bumper sticker and that means they support the troops. How many of them have actually volunteered at their local VA hospital? How many have volunteered at their local USO? Better yet, how many employers have actually hired veterans for positions that match their qualifications instead of just the lowest minimum wage job they have available? How many politicians talk about how much they support the military and its veterans during their campaign speeches, but then turn around and argue for veteran benefit reductions on The Hill? If this country is serious about thanking its soldiers and veterans, then they need to start actually thanking us, instead of giving us the lip-service we get now.
Anyway, now that I got that little rant out of my system, on to the real purpose of this thread. If Congress all of a sudden appointed you as the Grand Lord Over All Things VA, what would you do to improve the state our veterans are in? Keep in mind that in this imaginary scenario the government will do whatever you say regarding the treatment of veterans and their families.
Here's a few things I would have done:
1) The 5 and 10 point veteran's preference system for government jobs would apply to the private sector as well.
2) If a veteran applies for a job, the organization or company must at least give them an interview. This combined with 1) would maximize the chances of veterans finding a job and reducing veteran unemployment. Basically, I want it so veterans have the first crack at any job that becomes available. I don't think that is too much to ask nor is it unfair.
3) Retention of Tricare for all veterans, not just retirees. This would alleviate the burden of worrying about healthcare for veterans, and would actually save employers money as well because the veteran wouldn't have to get their healthcare through the employer.
4) Guaranteed approval of home and small business loans for veterans. The VA has a home loan program now, but all it does is make it easier to get a home loan, not guaranteeing approval.
5) The GI Bill should be expanded to cover the soldier's/veteran's spouse and children as well. Right now, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can be transferred to dependents after having a certain number of years in service, but I think the GI Bill should cover the college education of the soldier/veteran AND spouses and children. Also, I would like to see the GI Bill cover graduate school as well, not just undergrad.
There are more things I would like to see in the way of veteran's benefits, but I don't want to make this too long.
Anyway, now that I got that little rant out of my system, on to the real purpose of this thread. If Congress all of a sudden appointed you as the Grand Lord Over All Things VA, what would you do to improve the state our veterans are in? Keep in mind that in this imaginary scenario the government will do whatever you say regarding the treatment of veterans and their families.
Here's a few things I would have done:
1) The 5 and 10 point veteran's preference system for government jobs would apply to the private sector as well.
2) If a veteran applies for a job, the organization or company must at least give them an interview. This combined with 1) would maximize the chances of veterans finding a job and reducing veteran unemployment. Basically, I want it so veterans have the first crack at any job that becomes available. I don't think that is too much to ask nor is it unfair.
3) Retention of Tricare for all veterans, not just retirees. This would alleviate the burden of worrying about healthcare for veterans, and would actually save employers money as well because the veteran wouldn't have to get their healthcare through the employer.
4) Guaranteed approval of home and small business loans for veterans. The VA has a home loan program now, but all it does is make it easier to get a home loan, not guaranteeing approval.
5) The GI Bill should be expanded to cover the soldier's/veteran's spouse and children as well. Right now, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can be transferred to dependents after having a certain number of years in service, but I think the GI Bill should cover the college education of the soldier/veteran AND spouses and children. Also, I would like to see the GI Bill cover graduate school as well, not just undergrad.
There are more things I would like to see in the way of veteran's benefits, but I don't want to make this too long.
