Our vets

[Topaz]

The Tories keep saying they support our Vets, but their actions don't. Many Vets need disability support and this government is not helping them. Perhaps the Vets should start their own "tweeting" to the minister and I'm sure Canadians will join in by tweeting how wrong this minister of Veteran Affairs isn't supporting our soldiers. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-fails-to-provide-sufficient-reasons-for-denying-veterans-disability-coverage/article2343817/

[TheNewTeddy]

I've always been fully supportive of our men and women in uniform. We've not had a government that's truly supportive of them in a very long time. L or C, Red or Blue, we just need someone to back them up as they back us up every day. They are willing to die for us; are we not even willing to speak up for them?

[punked]

I guess I heard this a long time. Conservatives want to take care of the Active Military guys, while the NDP is more about take care of the Veterans and the Liberals look to through both under the bus.

[Guest Derek L]

Without sounding crass, Veterans affairs has always been horrible to deal with and for the longest time, one of the greatest Canadian institutions for the support of Veterans has been the Royal Canadian Legion, which has been gradually declining in terms of relevance to Veterans since they allowed civilian membership…….To be blunt, many of the service problems associated with Veterans affairs, will increasingly disappear in the coming decades as the number of people requiring their services will steadily decline.

Edited February 21, 2012 by Derek L

[Guest Derek L]

Membership in the legion is declining, but I'm not sure services and programs will decline so much as be replaced by more relevant programs. I'm far from knowledgeable in Veterans Affairs, however I have a few co-workers and acquaintances who have served, and it seems from talking with them that there are more programs in place to deal with PTSD and post-service reintegration into civilian society than there ever has been. At any rate, we need to give our vets full support, both during and following their service.

It’s just a natural effect…….As the vast majority of veterans from WWII and Korea pass away, the Legion will only naturally decline…….Less members, less money brought into the Legion with the end result of Legions closing or drastically reducing their hours……This is in part one of the reasons why the Legion started allowing non Veteran membership, which on the surface seems a good counter, but for many of the Vets, having the Legions becoming just another bar that offers meat draws and 50/50s has become an insult.

Also many of the older Vets who fought in the Second World War and Korean war, felt my generation (“Cold Warriors”) once we started to join Legions, were of “less worth”, what with our tales of service including broken legs well skiing in the Italian Alps or getting Alcohol Poisoning in the Philippines or the many stresses associated with “Peacekeeping”. (And they have a point mind you) This had the net effect of my Generation choosing to bypass Legion membership, further eroding their numbers.

As for the current group of Afghanistan war vets, aside my brother's age group (late 30s- early 40s) many maintain bonds via social media groups etc as opposed to direct, personal interaction (I guess this would apply to society in general)

WRT the OP and the disabled sailor, in my opinion, cases such as those probably shouldn’t require a separate Government department for service, and I’d suggest, would likely be better served by changes made to provincial Workers Compensation, EI and local social services.

[capricorn]

one of the greatest Canadian institutions for the support of Veterans has been the Royal Canadian Legion, which has been gradually declining in terms of relevance to Veterans since they allowed civilian membership…….

Derek, as you're no doubt aware the RCL has been struggling with the declining membership question for a long time. It was either open up the membership or more branches would close. When a branch closes, that removes a local conduit for veterans who often approach a RCL Veterans Services Officer with their various concerns, including problems dealing with Veterans Affairs bureaucrats. At our branch, successive Service Officers have developed relationships with their peers in Veterans Affairs and it's amazing how many veterans' problems have been ironed due to those contacts.

Edit: just read your post Derek. We're on the same page.

Edited February 22, 2012 by capricorn

[Guest Derek L]

Derek, as you're no doubt aware the RCL has been struggling with the declining membership question for a long time. It was either open up the membership or more branches would close. When a branch closes, that removes a local conduit for veterans who often approach a RCL Veterans Services Officer with their various concerns, including problems dealing with Veterans Affairs bureaucrats. At our branch, successive Service Officers have developed relationships with their peers in Veterans Affairs and it's amazing how many veterans' problems have been ironed due to those contacts.

Edit: just read your post Derek. We're on the same page.

Indeed, my father (Korean War) and several of his chums ended their membership at their local Legion after going in to have a few drinks and play darts all the well celebrating the Armistice (July 27), but when arriving found most of the hall occupied by a gaggle of noisy BC Transit drivers, likely celebrating a birthday and/or “Transit Day”or something………Clearly a sign that at least some Legions executives have lost touch.

[capricorn]

Indeed, my father (Korean War) and several of his chums ended their membership at their local Legion after going in to have a few drinks and play darts all the well celebrating the Armistice (July 27), but when arriving found most of the hall occupied by a gaggle of noisy BC Transit drivers, likely celebrating a birthday and/or “Transit Day”or something………Clearly a sign that at least some Legions executives have lost touch.

I thank your dad for his service. My own father, rest his soul, served the full length of WWII and had a difficult life afterward. Serving in a theater of war can lead to broken dreams. I'm certain you know what I mean. That's why we must support our vets, whatever their ages, anyway we can.

At our Branch, we have an area strictly for members. Guests can rent our banquet hall which is set apart from the members club. This brings in cash and the members can enjoy their membership unimpeded.