Read on Twitter
A reminder today that veterans and service members are not a monolith. They are individuals reflective of our nation and face individual challenges.
Some examples:
Some examples:
Women face much higher rates of sexual violence, harassment and are the fastest-growing population of homeless vets.
https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/women-veterans-fastest-growing-group-homeless-vets-fear-losing-children-if-they-seek-help
and https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/sexual-harassment-pervasive-at-veterans-affairs-women-say
https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/women-veterans-fastest-growing-group-homeless-vets-fear-losing-children-if-they-seek-help
and https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/sexual-harassment-pervasive-at-veterans-affairs-women-say
Veterans of color face discrimination and harassment, including in healthcare settings.
https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/civil-rights-leaders-call-out-racism-at-veterans-affairs
and https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/most-veterans-affairs-employees-say-racism-a-problem-at-va
https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/civil-rights-leaders-call-out-racism-at-veterans-affairs
and https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/most-veterans-affairs-employees-say-racism-a-problem-at-va
Black and Hispanic veterans specifically are disproportionately affected by the #COVID19 pandemic, according to VA data.
https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/black-hispanic-veterans-nearly-half-of-va-covid-19-cases
and https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/black-hispanic-veterans-twice-as-likely-to-get-covid-19
https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/black-hispanic-veterans-nearly-half-of-va-covid-19-cases
and https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/black-hispanic-veterans-twice-as-likely-to-get-covid-19
Native Americans and Native Alaskans are more likely to serve than any other group but remain among the poorest and least insured veterans, with the least access to VA services and that has worsened during the pandemic.
https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/alaska-native-veterans-struggle-amid-pandemic-chief-says
and https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/native-veterans-among-the-poorest-least-insured-advocates
https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/alaska-native-veterans-struggle-amid-pandemic-chief-says
and https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/native-veterans-among-the-poorest-least-insured-advocates
As VA increasingly depends on telehealth during the pandemic, many vets, including veterans of color, those who are homeless, lower-income or live in rural or remote areas, struggle with accessing care because of limited Internet access. https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/rural-minority-veterans-lack-internet-for-va-telehealth
Veterans face higher rates of suicide than average Americans and need unique pathways for healing and healthcare providers who understand that. https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/retreats-help-marines-protect-each-other-from-suicide
Veterans are also leaders, inspiring their communities and making a difference for each other while continuing to serve their country. They are not props or a monolith to campaign every few years.
Vets haven't just earned thanks; they should have our earnest support when they need it. Today I'm thinking of Pat Duva & his family -- how help for toxic exposures like burn pits will come far too late for them. But other lives still hang in the balance. https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/29-year-old-marine-dying-of-brain-cancer-from-toxic-exposure
Vets are your neighbors and your coworkers and we owe them more than a passing thought on days like today, and I'm not talking hero-worship pedestal placing.
We need to do a better job of recognizing injustices and doing something about it, even when we're not directly affected.
We need to do a better job of recognizing injustices and doing something about it, even when we're not directly affected.
