Issues Facing Military Veterans and Former POWs

See also: Veteran’s Day Images and Pictures

 

 

The United States has fought many wars over the course of the 20th and 21st Centuries, sending millions of men and women into harm’s way to defend American interests, protect our allies and weaker nations from dictators and extremists. Over the course of the past 100 years or so, hundreds of thousands of thoseAmerican military personnel died, while well over a million came home wounded, many with crippling injuries that affected their post-war lives significantly.

Many of those millions of war veterans are still alive and form a significant part of American society. Many of these veterans deal with various issues from their military service. In particular, many World War Two vets deal with health issues connected to exposure to asbestos (Mesothelioma).

 

Vietnam veterans deal with the hostile reception many received from anti-war elements as they returned home, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and suffered from illnesses associated with the use of the herbicide called Agent Orange.

Many Gulf War veterans suffer from Gulf War Syndrome. Veterans of all wars are at risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Returning veterans wounded in the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq suffer from severe brain injuries and loss of limbs from explosions from enemy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

 

American Wars and the Issues Affecting War Veterans

  World War One (1914-1918)–The first “official” world war was originally known as “The Great War,” and also as “The World War.”   World War Two (1939-1945)–The United States joined the war in 1941 and ended the war as the world’s major power.
 
Cold War (1945-1990)--The United States and other Western nations formed the backbone of anti-Communist resistance in the Cold War

 

Korean War (1950-1953)–The United States led the United Nation’s military effort to save South Korea from Communist

 

.Vietnam War (1957-1975)–The United States attempted to save South Vietnam from Communist forces. Vietnam veterans faced a hostile reception from anti-war elements at home, dealt with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and suffered from illnesses associated with the use of the herbicide called Agent Orange.

 

U.S. Intervention in Lebanon (1982-1984)

 

Invasion of Grenada (1983)–American forces invaded Grenada to protect American civilians and to end a bloody Communist regime on that Caribbean island. Cuban forces on Grenada also fought against the liberation by U.S. forces.

 

Gulf War (1991)–American troops led the way along with British, French and other allied forces to resist Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait

 

U.S. and Allied Intervention in Somalia (1992-1993)

 

The Bosnian War (1995–1996) 

The Kosovo War (1999) 

Afghanistan War (2001-Present)–The United States and other allies to oust the Taliban and al-Qaida from power in Afghanistan in the wake of al-Qaida’s September 11 attacks on the United States.

 

Global War on Terror (2001-Present)–The United States and many other nations around the world are engaged in military, political, economic, and diplomatic efforts to combat Islamic Militancy in Afghanistan and elsewhere

Iraq War (2003-Present)–U.S., Britain, Australia, and Poland invaded Iraq to drive out the regime of dictator Saddam Hussein.

More Info:

Ever wonder about where the authentic military regalia and equipment comes from? It might surprise some to find that there are valid merchants who provide the gear and even vehicles found online, and that these sites offer an interesting perspective on the types of machinery and supplies used. The majority of items found were the ground support equipment that is often needed by military groups and in operations, but that might be used by other establishments for diverse functions. These merchants provide services and system support and offer representative assistance for serious buyers or inquiries. It appears that most of the ITW Military GSE, or ground service equipment, is used to augment the duties performed by Navy ships and fighter planes. Some of the interesting options posed regard loading or unloading these vessels when they are grounded or in port. Since these manufacturers produce equipment to be used by the military, that is a ringing endorsement regarding the quality of the products sold, as well as a firm reassurance of the durability and longevity that these investments buy. It would make sense to figure that these integral components of successful operations would be easy to operate and convenient to maintain; since those working in the military have more important matters at hand, it would make sense that these individuals do not have time to spend with inferior products or complicated instructions pertaining to their use and integration with other supplies. For this reason, the manufacturers indicate that in addition to the ease and support offered by their product lines, there are firm services available to instruct, maintain, and assist consumers as needed. This really takes the weight and burden from the shoulders of those who are relying on the equipment to perform seamlessly so that they can dedicate their energy to more pressing matters at hand. For those that are involved in some transportation fields or industry, or for those that are involved in military operations that involve travel and supply inventories, it makes sense to invest in products that make this time-consuming chore less laborious and expedient. It would appear that these reputable companies hear this need, and provide a satisfactory product to fit the bill.

 

Also:

Thousands of American soldiers have been physically injured and endured severe bodily harm in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many veterans have also experienced severe depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of dreadful war flashbacks and grief-stricken memories. The number of veterans with disabilities has increased over the years, and they have become a prominent feature of the American society as their bravery to fight on behalf the country represents the freedom of American people. The increased numbers of injuries and illnesses have led to greater developments in military medicine and advances in protective body coverings for those who are battling armed forces in developing countries. These developments are intended to save more American soldiers from severe injuries and even death.

In addition to increased efforts to help soldiers recover from war, including enhancements in trauma care and rehabilitation, medical personnel are focusing on better ways to help veterans transition from being psychologically affected from their experiences in developing nations to maintaining a normal life. This is a significant growth in rehabilitation efforts since the Vietnam War.

American veterans who have fought for this country since World War I have received favorable benefits, including compensation, health benefits and pension benefits. The bravery fought by American soldiers during the timeline of wars in American history from World War I to the Invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan is priceless. For this reason, many organizations have created methods to support the troops and honor those that have lost their lives fighting for the freedom of American people. With enormous financial contributions, care packages, gifts and emergency services, these organizations have dedicated their lives to helping soldiers. Additionally, individuals who work together to help support soldiers and veterans choose to volunteer their time and show their appreciation for those who have entered into direct battles on behalf of the country.

In addition to contributing their time and financial resources towards helping American soldiers, organizations, such as the Lois Pope Life Foundation, are supporting the efforts that are being made to facilitate the building of a national memorial in Washington D.C. to honor more than 3 million disabled veterans who have liberally sacrificed their lives for America. With private donations and volunteer efforts of many prominent individuals, the memorial will soon be a historical monument of American history. The bill to establish the memorial was recently passed, and the site for the memorial is set to be erected near the Capitol and the U.S. Botanic Gardens in Washington D.C.

Throughout the history of American wars, notable memorials have been built to honor the military personnel. The Washington Monument is a well-known attraction in Washington D.C. This significant structure honors George Washington, who was the first president of the United States. The African American Civil War Memorial honors African American veterans who fought during the Civil War. The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial honors the memory of the U.S. Marines since November 10, 1775. The World War II Memorial honors the millions of World War II veterans.