Each month, our newsletter features a guest article from an organization in the community.  This month our guest writer is Dan Ortiz. Dan Ortiz writes:
   “The Nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten' – Calvin Coolidge
As our Nation is still at war, we see many troops returning from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many are coming home wounded, either physically or emotionally, and don’t know where to go for help. We need to support our troops with more than just lip service and pats on the back. Sure, the Government provides benefits but how do our veterans get them? What are the
qualifications? Where do we go to apply?
   These are questions that we keep hearing. As our State falls into a budget crisis, veteran benefits are being cut. How can we do this? Our troops have gone into battle, right or wrong, and they’ve done their part. We need to do our part and ensure these veterans get what they earned. Many generations were given promises of free healthcare, offers of a paid education, and great job prospects when they returned. But then, our Government reneged on the promises to those heroes.
   Now, our government is trying, once again, to balance the budget on the backs our men and women who have already given so much to our Nation.  But we also need to thank those elected officials who support our issues, like Senator Cedillo, who has stood up for those who can’t, and called for increased funding into veteran programs.
   Many who will read this know of a veteran, either in their community or in their family. Take a minute and say “Thank you” and “welcome home.” These simple gestures mean a lot to those who have served. Not all our veterans have received a welcome home, and that’s a shame, but you can help fix this problem. The Veteran Service Organizations are here to help. We are more than just fraternal organizations. Many of us were formed for the purpose of taking care of our Nations wounded heroes, and we fight hard whenever someone tries to cut our benefits. If you are a veteran, you’re eligible to join us, if you’re a family member – we have auxiliaries that need your support.
   Listed below are just a few of the many Veteran Service Organizations that are dedicated to helping veterans.

• www.vfwca.org
• www.vfw.org
• www.legion.org
• www.dav.org
• www.amvets.org

   Please visit these sites and see how you can help.
   To view Senator Cedillo’s veteran’s legislation visit:  http://dist22.casen.govoffice.com/

 NOTE:  Comrade Ortiz frequently provides our Post with items of interest to veterans and their families.

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