President John F. Kennedy once said: “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” For 86 years, Americans have taken this day, Veterans Day, to remember its soldiers. From the World Wars in Europe, to Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, and now Afghanistan and Iraq, American soldiers have served their country. And while they are celebrated for this sacrifice in ceremony, many have a harder time finding the care and help they need rebuilding lives in America. Whether the wounds are physical or psychological, the endless piles of paper and hospitalizations, and rehabilitation, and benefits requests are all a part of the struggle to try to get back to normal. Asking what it means to “Support the Troops” on and off the battlefield.
Guests:
Wayne Smith, Board Member of the Directors of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, based in Washington DC, and former Vietnam combat-medic
John Fernandez and David Walls, Iraq war veterans