I had received an email regarding more new benefits regarding the Caregivers Act and it
actually upset me somewhat because the link took me to the Veterans Administration website whereas I was reminded again that this only pertains to post 9-11 veterans.
Enough I thought. I logged into my Obama- Biden campaign website and found the number for the Obama campaign .I called and I encountered a pleasant young lady who was very interested in my suggestion to get the Obama Administration and the campaign to revisit this act in support of making this not a devisive issue but inclusive one.
You all know the nightmare I went through over July 4th and had Kossacks not been here I would have lost my mind. I explained to this young lady that anything that gives respite (especially to we older vetwives) and to include those benefits to include Vietnam Veterans, Persian Gulf Veterans and the remaining Korean and WWII veterans could only help.
I explained how not only me, but other vet advocates such as Mike Bailey, for example had wives who carried the burden of caregiving entirely on their shoulders and even the insurance was not offered to the pre 9-11 vets. I explained most of these older vets feel like the VA is just waiting for them to die off. Many are not voting after they find out they have been excluded from this act. I explained how elequent and thoughtful the president was to honor the 50 year anniversary of Vietnam vets but the words fell short when action was needed. I said, " This needs to be corrected".
I mentioned that I blog for Daily Kos and was a veterans advocate and not only did I get feedback from my vet but many veterans who feel very disenfranchised.
This lady was listening VERY closely. She was writing she said and taking notes and asking me questions in which I replied I would be happy to speak to the campaign headquarters or anyone who wanted personal stories such as mine over the 4th or several others who I knew wanted to share their hurt, such as Dorrie Bailey.
She took my number and my name and we talked for about fifteen minutes. She told me she had just put the issue into one of the main decision makers. I hope this gets traction as I explained I was in a swing state. I explained that after the president
dedicated more honor on a national stage to the VN vets who were not treated well upon arriving home from their tour of duty felt dissed still by this caregiver act. I explained that we wished the best for the Iraq and Afghanistan vets but the last thing
needed in this country at this time was more division and something that appeared
to be classwarfare of sorts between the theatres of service. I asked her to please
thank the First Lady and Dr. Biden for their continued efforts for all veterans but we need to make benefits for the older veterans equal. We need no veteran to feel left behind especially in policy. I advised as an older American, this caregiver act is crucial to those who served pre 9-11.
I did it and I didn't think twice about calling the campaign on this issue. I suggest more do it. Many pre 9-11 vet caregivers are not even aware they are not entitled until the need arises and it isn't there for them.
It is a wedge issue and when corrected or acknowledged can only bring more veterans into the Obama camp.
I said that I understood this may have to be legislatively voted in but blazing the campaign trail in favor of inclusion and making it a huge priority could only help him.
No one forgets Lilly Ledbetter and no one will forget being included in the Caregiver act. It serves as help to older Americans and closes the gap among the pre 9-11 and post 9-11 veterans. The last thing I wanted to see on a VA homepage for we older caregivers is a toolbox for pre 9-11 caregivers with machines to speak with to tell me where to order my meals on wheels while the younger caregivers were given respite and actual compensation for the same efforts.
God Bless those Iraqi and Afghan vets and also we need equality from every aspect of policies made under this democratic administraion. War is Hell. the aftermath is Hell.
There needs to be equality among benefits of those wounded warriors.
She asked for phone numbers. I provided both my numbers to her. I hope this takes
root. It is very important to the veteran community.
I told her I sent letters to the White house but thought I would take it to the Campaign. So that is what I have done this morning. Thanks for listening, because you guys inspired me to do this. I hope someone calls.
Caregivers Act
http://www.caregiver.va.gov/