Nimitz News

The below is just more of the Frustration felt by Veterans across the country! "What do you thing?", are things that you need to bring up with your Congressmen! It is a frustrating job with little returns! But remember every letter, every news story, every FAX, every E-mail, and every Phone call means something! Eventually they will get the message!
Irish

Noel Pritzl
1st VP
Field Operations
USDR

White House Shuns Military Retirees

By Robert F. Sawallesh
08 July 2003

Question: Just how often does President Bush mention "military retirees" in his speeches?
Answer: Not on the July 4th, 2003 weekend celebration.
Compare the below speeches by President Bush.

(1). President George W. Bush addresses military personnel inside a hangar at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Wednesday, March 26, 2003.

"I want to thank members of the Florida Army National Guard who are here. (Applause.) And I suspect we might have a few veterans -- (applause) -- as well as retired members of our military. I want to thank you all for your service, for setting such a clear example for future generations of those who wear our uniform. I think you'll agree that our military is not letting you down when it comes to upholding the great tradition of peace through strength. (Applause.)"

(2). President Bush Discusses Operation Iraqi Freedom at Camp Lejeune. Remarks by the President to the Military Personnel and Their Families at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Thursday, April 3, 2003.

"I met the Mayor and I want to thank Madam Mayor and members of the County Commission for being so supportive of the families and the personnel here at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I want to thank very much those veterans who are here, and retired military members. (Applause.) I want to thank Lone Star. (Applause.) We kind of like that name. (Laughter.) "

(3). President Bush Honors Military in Fourth of July Speech, United States Air Force Museum, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio. Friday, July 4, 2003.

"For more than two centuries, Americans have been called to serve and sacrifice for the ideals of our founding. And the men and women of our military have never failed us. They have left many monuments along the way -- an undivided union, a liberated Europe, the rise of democracy in Asia, and the fall of an evil empire. Millions across the world are free today because of the unselfish courage of American veterans. And today we honor our veterans. (Applause.)"

(4). President Bush Radio Address, White House, The Cabinet Room. Saturday, July 5, 2003.

"For more than two centuries, Americans have been called to serve and sacrifice for the ideals of our founding. And the men and women of our military have never failed us. They have left many monuments along the way, an undivided union, a liberated Europe, the rise of democracy in Asia, and the fall of an evil empire. Millions across the world are free today because of the unselfish courage of America's veterans."

Bottom Line: When you hear the President and Members of the US Congress in their speeches honor "veterans," applaud. When you hear "military retirees," applaud. When you do not hear "military retirees," ask "why?"

Last week I received an email from a highly decorated Army Infantry Officer. He is a proud "veteran" and he is equally and most proud to be a "military retiree."

Question: Why is the White House shunning "military retirees?

" Military retirees have been very vocal in the pursuit of free military health care that was taken away from them. Did the Class Action Law Suit embarrass the White House, US Congress and the Pentagon? What about the Democratic Discharge Petition to force a House vote on HR 303?

Perhaps the White House, US Congress and the Pentagon all wish that the military retiree community would just "go away" and forget that they ever promised us free health care and earned retired pay . NOT! any time soon.