I’m not speaking as a member of any political party. I’m just another Veteran telling his story.

I want to talk about the situation with cuts being made to the budget of the Veterans Administration and the firing of individuals employed within the VA.

I want to say just a few words to the “individuals” responsible, and to those politicians who blindly follow or idly stand by and watch, and to those who support all of the above.

I’ll start by telling a story. I’ll call it “While you were sleeping!”

The two individuals responsible for 83,000 employees potentially losing their jobs in the VA System have absolutely no clue what it means to be Veterans.
They certainly have no idea of what it’s like to need help.

I’ve posted some pictures of “some” their “residences” … just for comparison sake.
I will simply say to them “While you were sleeping…” the men that you are putting in jeopardy were away in foreign countries serving this country.

They were eating and sleeping in the open, on the ground and in the cold.
They were willing to put their lives on the line.

Where were you? Have you even thought about the consequences of what you’re doing?

No, I’m not some “internet-searching, click-seeking “ person just trying to be relevant.
I can speak to the subject with first hand experience.

“While you were sleeping”, I stood on hill overlooking a small town in, what was then East Germany, thinking about the people who lived on the other side of the Border.

“While you were sleeping”, I and my brothers were patrolling that Border and doing our part to ensure that what happened with Ukraine did not happen on our watch.

I believe that I am more than qualified to speak on this issue, but my experiences don’t come close to many others who wore the uniform.
The men who served and endured in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas of conflict deserve better, because “While you were sleeping”, they were out there making sure that your sleep was never disturbed.

I have nothing but praise for the men and women, the doctors, nurses, technicians, service staff, telephone operators and administrators who “serve” those of us who served.

I have benefited from their care and the respect they provide to us. As I go through one of the more difficult periods in my life, I feel secure in their care and I am glad that they are there.

You, who have never served, and in some cases, took actions to avoid having to do so, are now not only depriving us of their services, but taking their livelihood and potentially destroying their lives, with no real justification.
You haven’t even examined the performance records of the people you are dismissing. You haven’t considered the consequences or possible domino-effect of your actions.

There are no non-abrasive words that fit this narrative.
I’ll just call what’s being done in this country in the name of “MAGA” is synonymous with criminal negligence!