Akaka wants all U.S. vets cared for(Dems radio Address)

[cal04]

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, said Memorial Day should be a time to remember not only those killed but also how we treat all U.S. military personnel. Akaka, delivering the Democratic Party's Saturday radio address, said Memorial Day is special to him as a World War II veteran, and as the ranking Democrat on the Veterans' Affairs Committee taking care of troops and veterans is his top priority.

"In good times and bad, our nation's commitment to those who wear the uniform must never waver," Akaka said. "From the day recruits join the military, through their years of service, to the day they leave this Earth, America has promises to keep." Akaka took the Bush administration to task for "recklessness" that allowed a Veteran's Administration data analyst to take home a computer disc containing personal information from some 26.5 million veterans -- only to have it stolen.

"The administration needs to get a handle on this situation immediately, assist victims in obtaining free credit reports and monitoring and make sure they are protected from financial or other harm," Akaka said.

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060526-052824-8338r


As the highest ranking Democrat on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, taking care of America's troops and veterans is my top priority. That is why I was shocked to learn the Department of Veterans Affairs not only allowed the names, Social Security numbers, and addresses of 26 million Veterans to fall into criminal hands - but then waited weeks to report the theft. Such recklessness must not be tolerated. The Administration needs to get a handle on this situation immediately... assist victims in obtaining free credit reports and monitoring... and make sure they are protected from financial or other harm. America's veterans gave us their best in service; we must always give them ours.

http://akaka.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Speeches.Home&month=5&year=2006&release_id=450

[oneold1-4u]

1. The individual states-

Need to begin the programs for the returning veterans, many who are home guard, National Guard and Reservists.
At the end of WWII most states began setting up numerous benefits for returning vets and soon the Federal Govt. chimed in with a few. Many Fed. ones have been removed completely in past 6 years.
OR has started with giving all disabled vets free camping in all state parks! Lets hear of much more for those who are giving so much for Americans to be able to just use their vehicles (SUV,RV,Plane,Bus,Motorcycle,Helicopter,Other) to see the city, country, beach, mountain, Redwoods or Washington Monument!
"WE CAN AFFORD MORE FOR ALL WHO GIVE SO MUCH"

[Kajsa]

2. Good for Akaka!

The servicemen and women risk life and limb to serve our country.

They deserve so much more than they ever get from their so called
"grateful government". ( ha! )

I may be opposed to this insane war in Iraq, but the troops who are
there need adequate body armor and other supplies they aren't getting.

Sound familiar? The troops fighting in Vietnam ( another war I opposed )
had the same problem. My brother, a Vietnam Vet, said it was like fighting
with one arm tied behind your back!

And when they come home they need assistance with housing, employment,
medical and mental health care.

Thank you for posting this.
It is very fitting for our Memorial Day Weekend, when we should be remembering
all our servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

[CountAllVotes]

3. that's nice

too bad they can't seem to help an old vet around here ... forgotten. :eyes: