This term was conjured by my students to re-brand the TAMCO Foundation, that serves veterans in the Tampa Bay Area.
The statistics are disturbing. Twenty percent of veterans suffer from some form of physical or severe psychological disabilities. These brave men and women lack the scope of necessary services for normalization and rehabilitative care. The fact that a significant number of vets are homeless is shameful. The fact that the suicide rate continues to climb is alarming.
The sacrifices made by these men and women tend to take a back seat and get lost in the information onslaught of the media. I have witnessed these sacrifices first hand — a proud marine deployed to the Middle East leaving behind a young family to fend for themselves. “I hate it,” he said unflinchingly, “unfortunately, it goes with the territory.”
The government, and the rest of us should do more to express our appreciation and ensure that those that make these sacrifices are taken care of over time.
Next time you see a “soldier of strength,” please express your gratitude.
Thank you for your service.
About Hemant Rustogi
Thank you for this post honoring those who serve. It isn’t nearly enough that we recognize their sacrifice. I love all of your reflections this one moves me because my daughter is one of those who serve.
Being an army wife I totally agree and appreciate your observation , Hemant. I endorse your view specially because in India it is even more shameful to see the apathy of the govt. and the people.
I have seen a program on Oprah many years ago where the veterans are homeless and jobless after returning from duty. It is so sad and tragic that the men and women who fight to make us safe are the ones that sometimes have no place to live or a job to earn their livelihood after they return from active service. They are suffering from PSTD which in turn leads to higher divorce rates. They are lonely, depressed and it is embarrassing that a country like ours has their veterans living like this. On the program, there was a vet who lives I. Her car and went to hotels to shower. Sad…..