Ahead of tonight's GOP debate, IAVA released a playbook on veterans issues. Would you add to it or prioritize differently?

Capt Brandon Charters — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 14:52:16 -0400

The 4 primary policy areas:

- Continuing to Combat Suicide Among Troops and Veterans
- Fully Recognizing and Improving Services for Women Veterans
- Reforming the VA for Today’s Veterans
- Defending Veteran and Military Education Benefits

How would you add to this political playbook and prioritize the issues we face as veterans?

Read more about the policy here:
http://iava.org/press-release/iraq-and-afghanistan-veterans-of-america-releases-policy-agenda/

IAVA Releases Policy Agenda » Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

P   ost-9/11 vets announce 11-point policy plan for supporting our     veterans WASHINGTON (October 27, 2015) – In advance of Veterans Day and during the continued political stalemate in Washington and the 2016 presidential campaign, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today released its Policy Agenda -- an 11-point comprehensive blueprint for how Congress and candidates can support our veterans. Beginning Wednesday...

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2015 2:53 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 14:53:59 -0400

Put the suicide issue first and foremost. This needs to occupy the majority of the discussion.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Oct 28 at 2015 3:08 PM

LTC John Shaw — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 15:08:05 -0400

Capt Brandon Charters I think Veteran jobs and homelessness are a second and third point that is not directly addressed in this list. These are big misses to me, perhaps they are in the Reform the VA for today's veterans.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2015 3:21 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 15:21:22 -0400

They do mention reforming the VA; I would highlight health care for veterans and retirees of all stripes, Capt Brandon Charters. TRICARE is mainly what I'm talking about. As a post-9/11 retiree myself, I'm pleased with the TRICARE and VA care I receive, but I see a trend towards erosion of the benefit, increasing costs, etc. While lifetime healthcare likely was not in my contract when I signed up in 1975, it was advertised and understood that if I went 20 (I went 30), I could count on health care for the rest of my life. Now "they" are waffling. I know this is "just" one more expense to the government, but in my opinion, it should rank above welfare, etc. This is a benefit for folks who put their lives on the line for the country, not a handout.

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Oct 28 at 2015 3:41 PM

COL Roxanne Arndt — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 15:41:04 -0400

I feel homelessness of veterans should be a priority

Response by SGT Bryan O'Reilly made Oct 28 at 2015 3:51 PM

SGT Bryan O'Reilly — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 15:51:35 -0400

One thing that has bothered me since the last Govt. shutdown was learning that as a 100% svc connected disabled Vet, my benefits are not part of defense budget and are not protected from grandstanding politicians of either party. I never asked for spec treatment but it seems to me, that I am being unfairly lumped in with those on SSI and foodstamps. No disrespect to the poor but I resent the Hell out of it . And I do not believe we should be subject to the political football games these guys play and definitely not treated like moochers.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Oct 28 at 2015 5:08 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:08:13 -0400

Getting a president who served??? And maybe more in CONgress who did???

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 2:16 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 14:16:03 -0400

Unfortunately, I didn't even hear the word "veteran" mentioned during the debate at a all.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 30 at 2015 3:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:52:43 -0400

I would add firing toxic leaders, cheaters, thieves, liars.