Editor,
As a veteran of the U.S. armed forces, two emotions came to mind as I read James N. Post’s letter on veterans benefits.
The first emotion was that of pride. The Constitution guarantees not only the freedom of the press, but also the freedom of speech. When taking the oath of enlistment, you swear an allegiance to your country and the defending of the Constitution. Since Post used two of his entitlements, he let me know that my brothers and sisters in arms are doing their job.
The second emotion was outrage. As an incentive to defend our Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, I was promised health care for my service. If your employer does not offer health care, that is your problem. Mine did, and I took advantage of it. As an incentive to stay in the military until retirement, I was offered health care for life. Just as an employer pays workers’ compensation, the government is responsible to compensate for injuries incurred on active duty.
What it comes down to is the veterans of the armed forces are given benefits for their service and sacrifice. I proudly served and am now attending UNM using my GI Bill. So, for defending your freedoms, I am able to educate myself for continued service.
Thank you, Mr. Post, and God bless America.
Thom Tolbert
UNM student
