Skocik and Davis: Veterans affairs post should be priority
Dave Skocik is the president of the Delaware Veterans Coalition and the Friends of Delaware Veterans. Paul Davis is the vice president of the coalition and the president of the Delaware council of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
“All Gave Some … Some Gave All” — painted in red, white and blue on the overpass connecting Dover Air Force Base and base housing — says it well, but Delaware owes its veterans more. We need a secretary of veterans affairs appointed as one of the first initiatives of incoming Gov. Matt Meyer’s administration.
On Veterans Day, it was encouraging to note the tributes to those who selflessly serve our state and nation. We love veterans, especially on Memorial Day, July 4 and Veterans Day. Reduced-cost meals, discounts, ceremonies, tributes and even parades affirm their service and sacrifices. But, beyond tributes, veterans are essentially ignored the other 362 days.
Local celebrities included a 102-year-old World War II veteran in Dover, who displayed his Congressional Gold Medal as one of only five survivors of his unit. A B-17 pilot from Wilmington, who survived 35 missions over Germany, is still mentally sharp at 103. Very few Korean War veteran posts are still active, but some members still proudly attend events with walkers and wheelchairs.
Kent County Vietnam veterans honored an 89-year-old surgeon, who sometimes operated under fire in Vietnam. Many of his fellow veterans are slipping away in their 70s, from long-term medical and psychological injuries.
The 20- to 25 year-olds who served in the Middle East deserve no less praise. Now in their mid-40s, raising families and making livings, they have carried the burden and embody the selfless service that has run in families since 1776.
Regardless of branch of service or generation, veterans who have faithfully served our nation in all conflicts share common traits of discipline, initiative, courage and loyalty to country. They are highly trained and continue their community leadership after discharge. Some start businesses and new careers in information technology, teaching, research, security, sheet metal fabrication, port operations, logistics, mechanics, engineering and medical and dental specialties. But many leave because the state makes no real effort to recruit them for the expertise needed by the companies Delaware wants to attract.
It’s estimated that about 40% of those exposed to gunfire, improvised explosive devices, chemicals, rockets, shells and missile bombardments return home as different people, with posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Many are affected for life, sometimes ending their lives in suicide while waiting for help because of a shortage of accredited veteran service officers and medical staff in acute- and chronic-care facilities. Veterans Affairs continues to reach out, but it, too, is limited by underfunding and understaffing.
Delaware’s veterans bring an estimated $4 billion to the state’s economy each year but are only represented by a legislative committee that appropriates less than $1 million to assist veterans’ organizations reaching out on their own. It’s doubtful a company with the same revenue would be taken for granted by the state.
Not all injuries are related to combat or exposure to poisonous substances. Some are permanently injured or die by accident. The Delaware Veterans Coalition, established as a registered lobbying organization in 2011, has worked pro bono with four generations of veterans, from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East. All share common traits: love of country, initiative, respect for one another and courage. Their values span generations, but if we don’t look out for those who need help, their children won’t continue their tradition of service. Enlistments are down by as much as 25% in some branches.
Ask the veteran who has endured multiple tours in hostile environments where people want to kill him or her. Ask the man or woman who has lived in mud or sand, or been wounded, held in captivity, seen friends die or is separated from his or her loved ones in multiple tours and in harm’s way. Meet families of the fallen who have only a folded flag presented “on behalf of a grateful nation.”
In summation, Delaware, like at least 10 other states, needs a veteran at the governor’s table who understands and voices the shared concern of Delaware’s 70,000 veterans and their families, and proactively reaches out to state and federal legislators to bring attention to those who serve.
This dedicated position will bring additional federal money into the state far exceeding the cost of the office. Taking care of our protectors is not only a moral issue but a practical one.
A veteran’s last battle must never be begging the government for relief from his or her pain.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
