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H.R. 1818, The Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act
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Visitor Comments
Jerry
April 4, 2009, 3:00pm (report abuse)We can not afford to have this Bill once again die after is it placed into the Subcommittee for Military Pers. Each time it goes there it's forgotten. I urge all Disabled Vets to write your Congressman, Senators, leaders of the FRA, VFW, and American Legion etc. Many voices will be heard. Google House of representatives if unsure where to get the information.
See H.R 108, 2495, 1477, 4121, There are 60 members on the House Committee on Armed Services. Make it a point to contact one of them and urge the importance of this Bill. GovTrack.us is another good site for locating current status & info.
This bill costs the public $0.00 and increases MWR funds due to increased participation.
During these hard times it would be beneficial to our many Disabled Veterans, especially those who are unemployed.
Harus
April 4, 2009, 3:15pm (report abuse)Why would anyone with any intelligence Vote against this bill? Current standing is 59% against. Pardon me for being dumb about this, but are you people nuts?
milrob
April 7, 2009, 2:50pm (report abuse)It is the old retired veterans who vote against this because they believe that it is a privilege only they deserve.
Harus
April 8, 2009, 4:34am (report abuse)Perhaps the Old retired Vets should talk a walk thru many of the VA Rehab centers and have a look around. Quite a few there that didn't get to retire, many without limbs to say the least. Don't hold them responsible because they didn't get to do their 20!!
William, J. USN (RET)
April 8, 2009, 2:35pm (report abuse)I for one think is is great! We've got VETS on food stamps, yet we have all these facilities that they too could use to their advantage. I agree with Harus, the old way of thinking needs to go away, and slide over for way of change. For those of you who vote against, make a comment as to why, if that's not above and beyond your capability.
Warren J Thompson
April 9, 2009, 4:48pm (report abuse)Can anyone tell me the difference between this one and H.R. 108?
I support both.
Kevin E, USCG
April 15, 2009, 4:02pm (report abuse)I can't believe we have not gotten a wote on this. There's a war going on and these people refuse to help the vets. Guess it's because they never gave up anything in their lives.
LUIS PEREZ COLON
April 16, 2009, 12:11pm (report abuse)I support this bill and think all disabled vets should have this right.I recieve a sevice connected pension 70% disabled.This bill would help me and my family fight back economically.
LUIS PEREZ COLON
April 21, 2009, 11:47am (report abuse)combat veterans with less than 100%
disable should have same rights as
retired vets.because their disability
is service connected.px privliges go
a long way to help these people in these economicly especially now.
TDB
April 22, 2009, 4:21pm (report abuse)I fully support this bill because it would support our veterans in more ways than one. It would be advantageous for the vets to shop at the commissary and the px and in return the funds can support MWR. There should not be a debate about this issue because it supports those who have served our country. For those that do not have a military ID, they can be given one that states commissary and post exchange privileges only. Please do not make a mountain out of a mole hill and support the veterans!
Juan E. Tirado
April 26, 2009, 7:47pm (report abuse)As a Marine veteran who was "released from active Duty" at the 17 year mark, I would greatly apreciate this bill passing.
Leon S Meaux
April 27, 2009, 3:09pm (report abuse)I too fully support the passage of this bill. This is a no brainer. Any disable vet should be allowed to shop at the commissary or the px. If not retired our VA ID cards could be annotated commissary and base privileges only.
Howell Blankenship, USN
April 28, 2009, 11:08am (report abuse)I think that the congress should stop messing around and pass this bill, It breaks my heart that I did not get to finish my career and I am disabled. This would greatly help all of us vets in these hard times. Please pass it soon.
Richie
April 28, 2009, 2:32pm (report abuse)I am a 60% disabled vet (ARMY), and I am a DoD civil service employee with a total of seventeen years combined service and still can not use the exchange services at any (ARMY) post. I recently went to Lackland Air Force for a basic graduation (BASE) went in to the BX bought a new camera ckecked out with my military I.D card (DoD) with know problems also went to the class 6 store bought beer and even got gas at the shoppette. I was told it was up to the post commander who could use the exchange systems. If the Air Force can do it for us why not the army. So the army strong is amry weak. I agree with other statments in this forum like the soldiers who have limbs missing disfigured and above all the families of soldiers who got killed who don't have exchange rights. So you old retired @#$%'s look back and see who died for you so you could get to where your at and also look back at the most current wars since you have retired that enables you to have the freedom you have today.
NEXUS
April 29, 2009, 3:26pm (report abuse)This bill should be passed with limitations. Anyone can walk out of the military with 10%. I was in 17 years and left for family reasons and I am 30%. I feel people that left the military because they chose to, got a disibility rating should not have the priviledge. If you were forced out because of Med boards or disibility hindered you from continuing service than yes, you should be permitted to use the px/commissary. If you got out and got disibility although you were able to continue service, than no, you should not be permitted. The PX/Commissary should be for those serving, retired or the disabled vets who couldnt continue to serve because it their benefit for serving.
MacandHenry
April 30, 2009, 10:24pm (report abuse)I heard of this bill yesterday and immediately wrote my Congressman. As a disabled veteran, I cannot understand why anyone would oppose it. For those that do,go spend a day at a veteran's hospital and see the young and old, men and women, son's and daughter's that are being seen.
Al Moff, USAR
May 5, 2009, 12:30pm (report abuse)This should be a low to no cost ... no brainer for our congress. A test to see if they are really interested in making disabled Vest's life easier.
In fact I have seen several commercials on TV advertising the Commissary usage.
J Cripps
May 5, 2009, 12:59pm (report abuse)There is still no compelling reason to approve this benefit.
JZip
(logged in user) May 6, 2009, 8:20am (report abuse)The compelling reasons are clear: By allowing disabled veterans access to Comm/Bx, it would allow them to better re-integrate into civilian society and reduce the poverty/emotional issues which affect so many of our returning brothers and sisters. The cost would be negligible and the federal system would recognize a benefit. Furthermore, veterans who were injured serving their country deserve to be recognized as someone who put in their full twenty - some of these soldiers who were discharged took the bullet, shrapnel, etc, so that others could continue their service to retirement! Why shouldn't they recieve the same benefit? Please contact your house rep (writerep.house.gov) and urge them to support/cosponsor this bill and HR 108!
macdog1
(logged in user) May 6, 2009, 11:19pm (report abuse)I don't see why it is such a big deal to some for a disabled veteran to get these benefits. From one of my co workers who is a history buff, President Washington gave all veterans leaving the military an acre of land.
CaptBuck
May 7, 2009, 3:33pm (report abuse)The Coast Guard lets civilian Homeland Security Personnel, many who have never served in the military, use their exchanges. How is this allowed yet service connected vets are locked out?
re: J Cripps
May 8, 2009, 4:45pm (report abuse)So give "us" we the disabled, many with prosthetics & denied our right to retire for obvious reasons a compelling reason not to approve this bill? Personally anyone who opposes this bill (and it doesn't cost the taxpayer a penny) isn't the sharpest tool in the shed! It will increase MWR funding, and during these hard times, I believe that to be an improvement.
black
May 11, 2009, 8:37pm (report abuse)all of us disable vets fought and died for this country and this country owes this too us. we have earned it.
green
May 11, 2009, 8:52pm (report abuse)This is very troubling .i cant believe that these disabled vets has served in our armed forces and gotten wounded and caught disease,and died and they do not have the right to use our commensaries and Bx and other exchange stores. sounds like the old south to me.
. THE 2ND
May 12, 2009, 12:23am (report abuse)Lets not forget about the civilians who work at the PX, Comm, & Exchange, they too can shop and their families (all of whom never served a day in the military) and lets not forget their friends. You old farts wanna stop something, now there's something worth growling about!
GAY
May 13, 2009, 6:34pm (report abuse)PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRYS ALL OVER THIS WORLD. MARRY A G.I. AND MOVE TO THIS COUNTRY AND HAVE NEVER SERVED IN OUR ARMED FORCES,AND HAVE NEVER PAID ANY TAXES IN THIS COUNTRY.BUT YET . THEY CAN GET AN I.D. CARD AND USE ALL OF THE EXCHANGE STORES ON ALL OF THE BASES. BUT WE DISABLED VETS. HAVE PAID TAXES ALL OF OUR LIVES,AND HAVE FOUGHT TO KEEP THIS COUNTRY FREE. WE ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO USE THESE FACILITIES.NOW I KNOW HOW THE BLACKS FELT WHEN THEY FOUGHT IN ALL OF OUR WARS, BUT YET THEY WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO COME INSIDE AND SIT DOWN IN A RESTURANT IN THE SOUTH, AND EAT A MEAL AT THE TABLE. THEY HAD TO GO AROUND BACK AND BUY THE FOOD OUT OF A WINDOW AND EAT IT ANY WHERE THEY COULD.THAT WAS A YESTERDAY AND THIS IS TODAY 04/13/2009
G.I.
May 13, 2009, 10:14pm (report abuse)I FOUGHT IN VIETNAM DURING 1969-1970.I WAS IN A TRANSPORTATION UNIT THE 54TH TRANS NEAR QUINHON.WE TRAVELED UP AND DOWN HIGHWAY#19 BOTH DAY AND NITE.WE HAULED FROM SHARANG VALLEY TO PLEIKU AND BACK 7 DAYS A WEEK RAIN OR SHINE. OUR LIVES WAS ON THE LINE EVERY DAY .WE HAULED FOOD,CLOTHING,GUNS ,PULLETS MEATS,.YOU NAME IT. WE HAULED IT THERE WAS A SECTION OF HIGHWAY #19 THAT WAS CALLED AMBUSH ALLEY,AND IT WAS NAMED THAT FOR A REASON. IF YOU WENT UP HIGHWAY #19 DAY OR NITE OR ANY TIME IN A CONVOY,YOU WOULD BE AMBUSHED 8O% OF THE TIME. SOME OF THESE PRODUCTS THAT WE HAULED ENDED UP IN SOME EXCHANGE STORES.AND NOW THAT WE ARE WOUNDED AND SICK AND BACK IN THE STATES WE CANNOT GO INTO THESE EXCHANGE STORES.WHAT KIND OF COUNTRY ARE WE FIGHTING FOR.1000S OF REAL SOLDIERS DIED TRYING TO GET THESE GOODS TO THEIR LOCATION SO THAT OTHERS SOLDIERS COULD LIVE.AND NOW YOU PEOPLE WANTS TO KEEP THOSE OF US THAT ARE STILL ALIVE AND WOUNDED OUT OF OUR OWN EXCHANGE STORES.YOU ARE SOME COLD HEARTED PEOPLE.
macandhenry2
May 19, 2009, 1:51am (report abuse)I had read the article about this bill in the Air Force Times. It is a shame that we have to be left hanging because merchants off post could lose business if, and hopefully when, this bill is passed.
David Thompson
May 27, 2009, 4:23pm (report abuse)I am shocked that there is any oposition to this legislation! Being a Disabled Viet Nam Vetern, you would think I was used to miss treatment for my service. Again we take one for the Team!!
Ronnie Ramirez
May 30, 2009, 12:29am (report abuse)Is needed, in this harsh times of the economy veterans need all the help they can, after all they earn it.
Dominic
June 3, 2009, 6:41pm (report abuse)I think that it is incomprehensible that Congress would not consider passing this bill. I was drafted, wounded in Vietnam, and was treated with disrespect upon my return. It seems that we are being treated with the same lack of consideration today. Many 20 year service retirees have never witnessed combat or anything similar, and although we all appreciate their service and sacrifices, disabled veterans should be granted such a small token of appreciation like using a PX or Commissary.
Dougw
(logged in user) June 9, 2009, 2:59pm (report abuse)What is the big deal of disallowing disabled veterans the use of the BX/PX and Commissary? In my case, I work on a base near both facilities and I cannot use them at all. The town is several miles away. I cannot even go in quickly for a few items on my time to help MWR. Come on folks give us a break. Lets pull together and we all win as a TEAM.
Warren
June 12, 2009, 3:55pm (report abuse)For everyone on facebook, please help support this bill:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/194825?recruiter_id=18468741
Vet2Fed
June 17, 2009, 10:34am (report abuse)Please contact your house rep(s), encourage your friends and family to do the same. This is a no cost benefit to those who were injured fighting for our freedom - many who were not given the option to retire. This will help to encourage veterans to go into DOD careers and other Federal service at a time when many feds are nearing retirement...
Jerome
June 19, 2009, 3:06pm (report abuse)There should be no reason whatsoever why this bill is not passed. As a retired veteran in England I know what is like to continue to get the short end of the stick with limited priviledges and constantly denied rights which so many of us fought to uphold.
NovusLivy
(logged in user) June 25, 2009, 11:08am (report abuse)All you whining "veterans" will never be happy, regardless of what you are given. Just shut up and get on with your pitiful lives.
Mark
June 25, 2009, 5:18pm (report abuse)NovusLivy
I suspect you are so full of yourself, you can't see that we sacrificed our disabilities so you can enjoy the freedoms you do everyday, probably can't even look in the mirror.. backstabber
Check your six!
...
June 25, 2009, 5:55pm (report abuse)And the whine continues. Oh poor me, I'm a disabled vet. Please give me a hand-out because I'm too damned lazy to work.
Mark
June 25, 2009, 6:42pm (report abuse)Too coward to even put your name out there.. FYI , I am a small business owner and work approx 60 hrs a week , every week... dont need a handout
...
June 26, 2009, 12:10am (report abuse)Big whoop. You have to work so many hours because you aren't smart enough to make it any other way.
Bread Winner
June 26, 2009, 2:59pm (report abuse)I watched my husband's career Army dreams disappear with disabilty. He now is getting his VA benefits, but anything to make what money *I* have to make go further would help. Its not just the 'whiny' veterans- its their families as well. And sign your name!! Show a little spine.
...
June 27, 2009, 12:10am (report abuse)And I suppose your name is "Bread Winner"? Yeah right. Maybe Bread Whiner is closer.
Vet2Fed
June 29, 2009, 12:04pm (report abuse)This bill shows great merit and support of it does not make one a whiner or lazy. Truth is, Disabled Veterans are statistically more productive when in the workforce than are non veterans and non-disabled veterans. I know this because I work closely with a wounded warriors station and have hard data to support this. Federal Employers would benefit greatly from a program which gives incentive to DVs to live nearby to military installations. Furthermore, the MWR would benefit with increased revenues which would thus benefit our active duty personnel and families. The cost to the nation: $0. I question the motivation of the few bitter people out there who openly oppose this legislation.
Let's continue to contact Congress and get this bill pushed out of committee!
NEXUS
June 29, 2009, 12:28pm (report abuse)I STILL QUESTION WHETHER EVERY DISABLED VET WITH A RATING SHOULD RECEIVE THESE PRIVLIDGES. IF YOU WERE DENIED REENLISTMENT DUE TO MEDICAL REASONS OR MEDICALLY DISCHARGED AND NOT ALLOWED TO RETIRE, THEN YES I AGREE WITH THE BILL. IF YOU GOT OUT HAVE A RATING THEN NO, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF SHOPPING ON POST. IF EVERYONE WANTS TO SHOP ON POST THAN STAY IN AND RETIRE. IF YOU DECIDED TO LEAVE THE MILITARY SERVICE THAN YOU DECIDED TO LEAVE THE PX AND COMMISSARY. THERE IS A REASON WHY THIS IS A BENEFIT TO SERVING. RECRUITERS STILL USE THIS AS A TOOL FOR RECRUITMENT. MY NEPHEW WAS JUST GIVEN A TOUR OF AN AIR FORCE BX. I BELIEVE MOST VETERNS WHO WANT THIS BENEFIT DONT REALLY WANT IT FOR THE COST SAVINGS, WHICH ISNT REALLY THAT MUCH AT THE PX BUT RATHER THE "MILITARY CULTURE OR LIFESTYLE" THEY CRAVE AND MISS.
Bob
June 29, 2009, 7:14pm (report abuse)This would help me alot. I fought for my country and now I'm disabled due to agent orange issues. I have a very limited income. Please pass this bill.
Vet2Fed
June 30, 2009, 9:35am (report abuse)Nexus, Why not? These wounded veterans must live with their disability for the rest of their lives, which is a greater sacrifice than a 20 year desk jockey gave who gets the benefit. Remember, this is a no cost benefit.
WTF?
June 30, 2009, 1:19pm (report abuse)How could this not get put through? It seems like a no-brainer if "supporting the troops" is more than an empty promise.
nexus
June 30, 2009, 5:15pm (report abuse)VET2FED, I think we agree but the bill says exchange store privileges to veterans with a compensable service-connected disability and to their dependents.
Doesn't specify which veterans just compensable service connected disability. Almost everyone I know leaves the military with at least 10% if not more. As I wrote before if you got out other than medical reasons than shop off post. If you want to shop on post, retire. FYI I have just been reevaled at 40% from 30% due to a gov accident in which I was a passenger. After the accident, I was given one of those desk jockey jobs but still chose to separate, not medically discharged or denied reenlistment due to disability. I, like others, made the choice to cross to civilian life. Once I made that choice than I, like others, left behind certain benefits. It is a no cost benefit however it is a benefit that should be given to those serving, retired or not medically able to continue service with a compensatable disablity rating.
I MISS IT
June 30, 2009, 7:50pm (report abuse)I am wife of someone writting on this site. I know I would love to go back shopping on post. Although I also believe cost savings at the px being little you cannot beat the savings at the commissary.I agree with the comment he made about the military lifestyle others miss but he and others need to remember the spouses that put in years with him are apart of that culture and it is difficult to readjust to civilian lifestyle and price shockon the same salary. For all who are against this bill why? All I hear is name calling. This is not a site to slam veterans. As in all of society some people are good and others lazy and finding an excuse for handouts. What will this bill hurt? If you dont like working with veterans than quit. That is the wonderful choice we have in this free country. No one selects our paths but us because of the veterans. It doesnt matter if they are disabled desk worker or combat soldier, they all sacrifice long hours and deployments, family occasions etc...
cachanilla73
July 4, 2009, 5:04pm (report abuse)I am in favor of this bill. What should we do, where can we write, call or email?
My husband is a combat disable veteran. We need to take care of our veterans, they did sacrifice and still do, so much for us.
Billy
(logged in user) July 4, 2009, 6:40pm (report abuse)Hey for all of you that say there's NO benefit because of the prices THAT ISN'T THE POINT HERE. It's all about CHOICE. As a 70% disabled Vet that didn't have a chance to retire I feel I should at least have a CHOICE to go there if I so choose.
I guess it's just old Vets that just think of themselves that don't want this bill to pass.
Billy
Billy
(logged in user) July 4, 2009, 6:41pm (report abuse)70% disabled Veteran
Billy
(logged in user) July 4, 2009, 6:44pm (report abuse)I agree...I miss the military atmosphere. It helps me mentally to be around those with similar interest. Brings back memories too. I have a lot of great memories and who knows I might see someone I served with. That would make my day.
Billy
Billy
(logged in user) July 4, 2009, 6:54pm (report abuse)Novis, When I was in the service I didn't serve for people like you. In other words I only served and fought for those that are true American. You're a loser and no one likes you.
Billy
NovusLivyJune 25, 2009, 11:08am
All you whining "veterans" will never be happy, regardless of what you are given. Just shut up and get on with your pitiful lives.
Novus Livy
July 6, 2009, 12:22am (report abuse)Well Billy, I wasn't aware that you could pick and choose which citizens you "served."
As to being the loser, I'm not the one who is sitting on my backside whining "gimme, gimme, gimme." It appears to me that at some point veterans have to start being responsible for themselves and stop asking for more and more handouts. Whether you want to believe it or not the average citizen is getting tired of the constant whine coming from veterans.
And if you don't like me I count that as a positive point for me.
Vet2Fed
July 6, 2009, 7:58am (report abuse)You can write your house representative by visiting the link below. You will need your zip+4 which, if you do not know it, you cna find it by going to the USPS website. PLEASE Let your reps know you want them to CO SPONSOR this bill...
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
D51
July 6, 2009, 12:42pm (report abuse)I agree that all disabled veterans should be allowed commissary priveleges. We should not forget those that have been harmed by serving our country and defending us. It is really a shame that this bill keeps getting referred to a subcommittee and left to die. I wrote to my rep and got a letter back but I do not see her name as a cosponsor. She won't get our vote again. We need to send letters to those on the committee since our own reps won't do anything.
Warren J Thompson
July 6, 2009, 3:11pm (report abuse)D51, what is your representatives name? Perhaps "outing" them here will encourage others to contact them.
IMISSIT
July 6, 2009, 6:14pm (report abuse)What is the status? Is it just refered to committee and lost or is it put on a calender for debate? Not sure how things should work.
vetinschool
July 6, 2009, 10:27pm (report abuse)Pass the Bill you have vets living on the street the least you could do is give them a place to shop where they can afford to buy food.
No question
July 7, 2009, 10:26am (report abuse)Representatives that have never served and old veterans that think that only they deserve these benefits have nothing to gain by passing this bill. We need to write the reps and convince them that many of us were forced to cut our careers short because of service related disabilities. Archie (from the two previous posts) is a bitter old Vietnam vet. He's the type that thinks that only he deserves to use the PX. He thinks that only combat vets deserve this privilege. I also have combat related injuries, but I think that if you were a supply guy and a box fell on your foot and you can't walk right for the rest of your life, you also deserve it. People like him are writing letters to congressmen, so we have to write twice as many letters.
Nexus
July 7, 2009, 6:51pm (report abuse)Billy,
The choice about where to shop was made if the veteran got out of the military other than a medical discharge or if they were denied reenlistment for medical reasons. If the veteran got their disability rating after separation because they wanted to leave the military (although they could of stayed), then they made the choice to leave behind this benefit instead of retiring and getting the choice to shop on post.
If you are one of those that was put out of military service because of disibility I hope this gets passed. As you said its about choices, if you got out, although you could of continued serving to retirement than no, you made the choice to leave the service and the benefits that go along with it.
Mark
July 8, 2009, 1:59pm (report abuse)Fear and Hate mongering.. can we all see the pattern that the people who are not in favor of this (all 2 of you) have a fear-hate thing going? Pretty obvious..and sad..
Nexus
July 8, 2009, 4:30pm (report abuse)What is so wrong about earning your priviledges? We just dont hand out pay and rank. Again if you want to shop on post stay in the military. Why not let all the veterans who have no rating shop?
There came a point in everyones career (if they were not medically discharged) that they had to weigh the advantages of staying in and retiring or getting out of the military. I had to look at the savings of the commissary and Tricare VS shopping at a local grogery store and my employer insurance and VA medical coverage. I, like others made the choice to leave and just happened to get a disability rating. The VA pays a monthly compensation and care for my injuries, that was what was owed to me for my disabilities. I teach my children to work for what you want. If you want to shop on post than stay in and retire.
Jameson
July 9, 2009, 9:12am (report abuse)My disability stems from an incident wherein there was a berthing fire on my ship. I, a Petty Officer 1st Class with 10 years of service, managed to pull several of my crewmembers out from the burning room wherein over 100 were sleeping just a short time before. As a result, I suffered 3rd degree burns and have limited use of my jaw, and my right arm. I take solace in knowing that at least 3 people survived that night because of my efforts. I was never in combat and I could have stayed in with limited duty and a desk job, but that was not what I signed up for. Are you telling me I didn't earn the benefit to shop at the PX?
Nexus
July 9, 2009, 2:29pm (report abuse)Yeah, you could of stayed in but didnt. You made the choice to leave.
Charles Wright
July 12, 2009, 11:42pm (report abuse)we all should get id cards to go the com/px. we earn this. why they don't vote this in is cowardly. call your congressman/senator for their vote or they want get our vote for reelection.
...
July 13, 2009, 12:01am (report abuse)So just how do you think you "earned" the right to an ID card Charles? If you had earned it you would have one.
A Veteran
July 15, 2009, 1:58pm (report abuse)First and foremost this is an opportunity for all Veterans both Past Present and Future! I can't and won't speak for anyone but times are tough and the commissary alone helped me and my family out when I was in. Since then now divorced my child and I could use those benefits just like many other families could. This is a great idea! This is a good opportunity for DECA and MCCS alike because our money will go back to those bases and those facilities the Veteran's use! A Veteran is a Veteran! So again, I am PRO for this to be approved and as soon as possible! So, if no one listens to what I have to say listen to the stomaches of all the Veteran's and their children starving because they can't afford to buy food due to their circumstances! That's not an excuse that's reality and for more than what their should be. Again, this is my personal opinion but everyone has theres too but I can say this will help me and child out. I would be honored to spend my money on base vice off base!
...
July 16, 2009, 12:11pm (report abuse)That's just a bunch of hyperbole designed to play on emotions. Provide some verifiable information that show veterans and their children are starving. I really doubt you will be able to do that.
Chaplain Taz
July 18, 2009, 10:57am (report abuse)I do not understand why any disabled veteran would have to beg for this bill. They earned it. I suggest that all the congressmen read Luke 16.19-31 before they cast their vote for H.R. 1818.
...
July 21, 2009, 2:33pm (report abuse)And just how did they earn it?
Keep your preaching for your church.
---
July 22, 2009, 8:59am (report abuse)Earned it by signing up and taking oath to pay the ultimate price to keep your sorry A** safe, ...
...
July 23, 2009, 1:00am (report abuse)Nothing there says they earned it. They signed up. No promises made, none should be expected.
Old Nam Vet
July 25, 2009, 6:14pm (report abuse)Chaplain it is sad but true that if you go to almost any blog on this web site you will find those like Nexus and no name running off at the mouth so that any who thought that they were horses asses are left with no doubt. Wish that they had been in Chaplain Angelo Litkey's "church" in 1967. He was awarded the MOH for his "sermon" that day. That's the Medal of Honor to you dumb asses who never did anything but bitch. Don't deserve? You should be on you knees giving thanks to whoever or whatever you believe in that there are men and women like these willing to lay it on the line for your dead sorry ass. A Veteran is one who at some point in his/her life wrote a check to the United States of America payable in any amount up to and including his/her life. Have you ever seen one of those checks cashed and marked "paid in full?" I didn't think so.
Raymond
(logged in user) July 26, 2009, 9:00pm (report abuse)sample letter:
Dear (local representative):
As a disabled Veteran, I would hope to be one of many voices urging you to assist in the passing of H.R.1818, the Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act which is now, I believe, in the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. I see your name neither in the subcommittee or as a sponsor/co-sponsor; this bill has appeared, vanished and morphed way too many times, and we need some help. Please take a minute to view some very compelling reading at . This is a too-good-to-pass-up, zero cost measure that would benefit tens of thousands of disabled Veterans; the only "down" side? Maybe business will pick up enough to create more jobs at the DOD retail facilities... we'll definitely do our part to help keep (local post) open longer!
Thanks in advance.
Sincerely,
Raymond
(logged in user) July 26, 2009, 9:02pm (report abuse)Hope the previous posts help; let's get the pens and keyboards busy instead of letting the rectocraniacs distract us... don't even reply to them anymore, they're only wasting our time and theirs....
Raymond
(logged in user) July 26, 2009, 9:12pm (report abuse)Sorry, earlier post didn't take - to reiterate - it's time to ignore the naysayers and get busy. This bill is presently in the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. This is the most critical time to lobby for more sponsors and support. for a list of members, go to . Let's get our voices heard! Write your Governor. Write the Obamas. Write everyone you can. Get facebooking and myspace-ing. Watch the progress of this bill and keep pushing your reps every week, once a week. THIS is the way to get this done, not by arguing the obvious validity of the measure...
Yes, we can.
Raymond
(logged in user) July 26, 2009, 9:18pm (report abuse)oops - missed the link to the subcommittee members list - here it is.
http://armedservices.house.gov/subcommittee.shtml
Raymond
(logged in user) July 26, 2009, 9:57pm (report abuse)Hmmm, looks like the link in the sample letter didn't show up, either.
Should read, "compelling reading at http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_1818.html#commentform ."