Veterans Deserve Our Deep Gratitude But They Also Deserve a Job and a Home

I attended two events this week celebrating our veterans.  The Middlesex County Chamber hosted Paul "Buddy" Bucha, medal of honor recipient, at its recent Support the Troops and Honor the Veterans breakfast meeting.  His speech was wonderful and inspiring.  He talked about sacrifice  and honor.  He also questioned why more of us in the room aren't doing everything we can to hire veterans.  They need jobs, especially those who have served most recently.   His message was instead of just thanking veterans - hire one.  That's how we can show genuine appreciation.  I also attended Berlin's Veterans Day program at a local school.  The program was moving and I was so proud of my oldest son who participated in several dramatic readings celebrating the heroes of 9/11.  We all got to sing the national anthem, God Bless America and all the fight songs for each service of the armed forces.  It's a great reminder of the sacrifice of so many.  Of course, we should remember every day and not just on Veterans Day.

Housing is also a trememdous need in addition to jobs for our veterans.  There are tens of thousands of homeless veterans across this great land, including many women with young children.  Next time you hear about an opportunity to create affordable housing for veterans take the time to speak out in favor of it.  Too many of us just react and assume that creating more affordable housing in your town or neighborhood will bring in "bad" elements and are fearful that our property values will go down.  I for one can tell you that I would be proud to have veterans live all around me even if they need additional support to get their lives back on track.  They deserve our extra support.