At What Cost? Disabled Veterans a Neglected Population

  




Go to war! That is the rallying cry of many young recruits each year that are gung-ho soldiers that want to serve this country without question and without much thought of the consequences. Not to say that the men and women who do sign up to go to war don't think about what could happen I would think any activity that could end in death has at least some consideration before jumping in full throttle. It's an interesting thing that happens when people return home from overseas and they don't come home in a casket. It seems as though those who survive the ebbs and flows of war are not as honored as those who make the ultimate sacrifice. 

It is important to note that no matter what happens to a person in a war that they are still making a sacrifice. I thank everyone who served for their service because without them I would not be sitting here writing this blog or doing anything that I am doing without fear of persecution. So if you have found this blog and you have served thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Another thing to note here is what makes disability interesting and stands out from a sociological and demographical perspective and that is the sheer fact that anyone in the population can join the disability community at any time. That is unlike any other demographic signifier in society. I will always be a disabled caucasian Italian American. My brother will always be a caucasian Italian American but if he wakes up tomorrow and is paralyzed he know has to work through a new chapter of his life. From the interactionist perspective how he interacts with the world and how the world interacts with him now changes forever. 

Now that we have that frame of mind think about this, someone gets injured in service to this country and they come home and the VA is not helping them medically and they now can't find a civilian job because that is tough enough for ex-military reentry into civilian life,  then they have to fight through learning about their new 'normal'. 

A perfect example of overcoming obstacles set forth by military-related injuries is Illinois Senator and former Air Force pilot Tammy Duckworth who lost both legs after being shot down in Iraq during a routine helicopter sweep of the Iraqi town of Taji. Now, Senator Duckworth is a trailblazer on several fronts as she drafted, introduced, and pushed through a new senate rule that allows senators who have kids to bring them on the floor so that they do not have to miss work to take care of their children. She also was a co-sponsor on a bill that will end 14-C certificates and sheltered workshops that legally allow companies to pay people with disabilities below the federal minimum wage. 

So I salute Senator Duckworth and all the men and women who serve and served this great nation. \

Have a great night stay safe and God Bless America!      

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