“Veteran.”

This word applies to me and about 25,000,000 more. My legs are weak, my back sore, my age has caught me. There are others better off than me and others a lot worse, and there lies the problem.

When I was drafted in 1966, the deal was: Give 20 years and get medical care for life! And a pension!
A lot of guys bought this — me, too! I believed my country and did my thing, and so did a lot of other guys. Now we’re left twisting in the wind while the government is on a crusade to save the world. There’s no money left to bolster vet care. What happened to the deal?

I guess we all should have gone to Canada. Those guys who did are laughing while we twist in the wind.

My son goes to Iraq next month. My advice to him: Shoot first and don’t believe any promises made by anyone. The government has earned this reputation, and it’s pretty shabby!

— Gregory A. Hammer, Camarillo