I'm writing a HUB because of a comment I read on another site where the poster mentioned he and his friends had "emptied their pockets" to help a "homeless veteran" and seemed to think that worthy of praise.

On behalf of the veteran -- I'll say "thank you," but I'd like to point out that they could have done some other things, too.  Let me tell you a story.

I remember an old Ed Asner (Lou Grant) episode where Lou talks with a Vietnam veteran who asks if Lou is a member of the "Class of '45."  What he's referring to is someone who survived World War II.  Lou was and told him how things went for him as he returned to the United States following the end of that War.  Lou had served in Europe.

It took Lou a couple of weeks (maybe just one) to get home on board a ship and there were endless poker games.  When Lou got home, he was greeted with cheers and couldn't even buy his own drinks if he wore his uniform.

The Vietnam vet then told Lou how things had gone for him.  He was informed by his platoon sergeant that he was going home.  He couldn't even take a shower but was put aboard a jet headed for the States without a change of clothing.  When he got back, people spat on him and called him a "Baby Killer."  He had far different experiences than Lou and was sometimes not even allowed in a bar if he wore a uniform.

I was also a member of the "Class of Vietnam."  I retired as a senior master sergeant in the United States Air Force in 1984.  I served 23 years and spent a year in Thailand, 18 months in the Republic of the Philippines and 24 months on Guam -- all in support of our Vietnam effort.  One of the things which annoys me, however, is classing all veterans as "heroes."  I wasn't a hero.  I did a regular job while wearing a uniform and saluting quite a bit. 

Audie Murphy, Sergeant York and those who have earned, often at the cost of their own lives, the Congressional Medal of Honor are heroes, not "GI's" like me.  (Check out "Willie and Joe" from Bill Maudlin if you really want to get an idea of what military service, especially during time of war, is really like.)

While I didn't get anywhere near the reception Lou enjoyed, I, thankfully, didn't get the treatment received by that Vietnam veteran, either.  I had a bit more time to get ready to come home, got on a plane and was met by my wife and children and just went home.  I reported to a new base after a bit of leave.

If you've read the original STARSHIP TROOPERS (Robert Heinlein), you’ll have an idea of what my ideal world would be like.  If you wanted to vote or hold office you had to have military service or serve in some non-military service capacity (teacher, police officer or something similar).  I believe that if you haven’t “been there,” you shouldn’t be allowed to “do that.”

In MY world, President Obama would never have even been considered for the job – not because of his race but simply because he has no military service.  How can he “do that,” (decide whether or not to send men/women in harm’s way) if he hasn’t “been there?” 

Senator McCain, on the other hand, would have made an excellent, in my opinion, president.  He definitely has “been there.”  I worked for him and voted for him.  I would have eagerly worked and voted for Colin Powell had he run. 

Back to the “homeless veteran.”  I’m certain there are perfectly good reasons for a veteran to be homeless – I can’t think of any, but I’m sure they exist.

There are many programs which can help a veteran do very well.  While he/she (I’m not going to continue to be “politically correct;” when I say ‘he,’ I am including ladies unless the context makes it obvious they are not included) is still in the military, there are many educational programs available for the service person to gain a college education – if not a bachelor’s or higher, then at least gain credits.

Many states guarantee those who enlist a four-year education for free.  I could have gotten such an education from my original home state (Pennsylvania), and my daughter, who enlisted from Texas, could have gotten one there.  Florida, for example, is another such state.

Some of us are “disabled” in some fashion.  We are able to get money for that disability.  If we qualify, we can get that money in addition to retirement pay.  I know a man who is better than 60% disabled for hearing and back injuries who gets that 60% in addition to his master chief petty officer (E-9) retirement pay.  I am a 10% disabled veteran, but mine was not “exactly” the result of military service. 

The MCPO I mentioned received his hearing problems while serving in engine rooms and on aircraft carriers; he receives his 60% in addition to retirement pay.  I got mine by slipping on the ice on my way home from work one day from my Air Force job on Grand Forks AFB, ND. 

Ten percent of my retirement pay is taken away and then I get it from the Veterans Administration but pay no tax on it.  I don’t really think that’s fair – but that’s not really up for discussion here.

There are many organizations which can help veterans; just a few are the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Allied Veterans of the World, Inc., and Affiliates and AMVETS.

I believe, in some cases, the veteran is “homeless” and out of work simply because he chooses to be – that might not be true, but it’s my opinion.  There are too many opportunities.

Yes, you did help that man; he might even have spent the money on a meal – but there’s a part of the Bible which goes something like this “If you give a man a fish, you feed him one meal.  If you TEACH that man to fish, you’ve fed him and his family for life.”

You’re right – I probably wouldn’t have had nerve enough to ask questions or offer suggestions.   He might have been offended – but that’s what someone should have done. 

Help a homeless veteran with some cash if you can, but also ask questions and make some suggestions.  You might do a lot more good.