The VFW Magazine comes of age.

I think I can say with some certainty that the VFW Magazine has finally come of age. September’s issue is chock full of the type of reporting/articles that reflect accurately just what it is the U.S. Military is involved in (and has been for the past ten years).

The first notable section, “Washingtonwire”, contains an article citing Private sources of grant money to research PTSD & TBI. This is a monumental step in caring for our Veterans by getting the Private sector involved. On the second page of “Washingtonwire” is a disturbing, outrageous story that comes out of Texas. It seems that, once again Texas feels it is above the Constitution of the United States of America, and the VA Cemetery Director has banned the free use of religious prayer at all funerals. Only after review and approval can you quote from your chosen Religion when laying a loved one to rest. I will be interested in seeing how long it is before they change their tune on that one.

The second notable section, having to do with honoring the fallen from 9/11, aptly draws the line between Heroes and Victims. This has been a somewhat controversial subject in recent months. As a Nation, we need to recognize who are “Heroes”; who are “victims”, and who are innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.

The third notable section all too briefly mentions our Women in Uniform and the vast varieties of roles they play in today’s Military. Old traditions die hard, but this is an area that begs for more exposure.

The fourth notable section is reasonably self-explanatory. The lineage of conflict listed here points directly to the fact that nobody wins in this God forsaken part of the World, ever!  As a Viet Nam Veteran, I know the consequences of engaging in Military actions such as this. Any definition of “Nation Building” must include the word “Colonialism” in it. I realize that we don’t necessarily see it that way, but the rest of the World does. Wouldn’t our Country be better off if our young were not constantly put in harm’s way to the point of being placed in an early grave? Wouldn’t we be better off if our young Soldiers could assimilate back into Society with all their body parts still attached, without the horror of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and TBI (traumatic brain injury)? This list goes on and on, unfortunately.

There certainly are wars and armed conflicts that need to be fought. With our National History being relatively gregarious, our Government should  by now know exactly when and where to take up arms in defense of Liberty and Justice.

Source credits:
VFW Magazine, September, 2011, vol. 99, no.1
http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?i=77175 
pages 10-11   « Washingtonwire » section
pages 12-14   Honoring Heroes & Victims, there is a difference
page   41        Female Engagement Teams, it’s about time
pages 44-45   Short History of Fighting in Afghanistan