Veterans Affairs

As a member of the American Legion I get a monthly magazine from them. Veterans Affairs are frequently mentioned in this monthly magazine and it seems like the general consensus is that the Department of Veterans Affairs is doing its job even though there is always room for improvement. It's job is pretty basic - but not simple since the need's of the veterans and their families are many and varied. Besides healthcare there are various benefits designed around the needs of the veteran and the veteran's family that the VA is responsible for.

My personal experience with the VA healthcare system in the past hasn't been a good one. I pay $365.00 per month in private healthcare insurance just so that I can stay away from the VA hospitals. I won't go into my experience as it's not important, but if the majority of veterans are happy or at least contented with the way the system is working I guess the VA hospitals are doing something right. I just don't want them doing it to me.

If I am elected to the presidency in 2008 I will make sure that the Department of Veterans Affairs works closely with the American Legion and other veteran's organizations to meet the needs of the veterans and their families. These organizations, outside of the government, are more in tune with how the VA system actually works in the real world. Their opinion needs to be monitored closely so that the government knows if they are doing a good job at meeting the needs of the veterans.

Funding for the VA should never be called into question. The Department of Veterans Affairs should receive as much funding as it needs. If we've got so much tax money that we can give it away to foreign nations for this reason and that, we should have enough to take care of our veterans. And if we don't have the proper funding for the VA we should stop wasting so much money trying to save the world. When I become president we're going to stop that anyway. But my point is that all veteran's needs must take priority over any foreign relief.

As the next Commander in Chief I will be more involved with the active military and veterans than any president before me. I will be visiting at least one military base per month. I will also be popping in on American Legion posts in the cities where the "Meet and Vote" meetings are held (this will change monthly). Also on the agenda will be visiting VA nursing homes and VA hospitals.

Members of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the Veteran's of Foreign Wars will be taking part in every "Meet and Vote" meeting since they will be responsible for presenting the colors and leading the pledge of allegiance. They will also be seated in the front rows at the meetings as a sign of respect for their service to their country.

I can guarantee you that I feel much more at home with veterans than I do with a bunch of "suits", so it will be refreshing to get away from Washington and hang out with the real people. If you are a veteran thank you for your service. Obviously you are the reason that we are all living in the freedom that we enjoy. Be confident that I will make sure that veterans are taken care of during my administration. Also be assured that no funding cuts will be allowed to affect the "Department of Veterans Affairs".