We must support vets

Dear editor:

The Beds for Vets campaign is important to the care of our veterans in the Idaho State Veterans Home.

The headline you applied to James Roberts' letter unintentionally undermines the goal of acquiring better beds. They definitely need the new beds. The letter from Administrator Roberts did not say otherwise. Another source of confusion is the reference to the VA. The VA is a federal agency. The Veterans Home is a function of state government.

As to the other headline attributing error to this letter writer, suffice it to say that I had two of the other DAV convention attendees from Mountain Home Chapter 17 review the letter for inaccuracies before sending it. If I got it wrong about who said veterans were being turned away, mea culpa. It is my impression Phil Hawkins is doing a fine job as volunteer coordinator, and the Disabled American Veterans convention acknowledged him for doing so. Contributions can be sent to Phil at the Idaho Veterans Home, 320 Collins Rd., Boise, ID 83707, payable to IVAL and beds-for-vets in the comments section on your check.

Regarding the thankfulness Mr. Roberts suggests, I certainly agree we have the governor and the legislature to thank for the fact that these needed beds are not being purchased with funds appropriated by our legislature. I, for one, fail to see how this reflects the alleged "priority" the governor and legislature give to providing outstanding care. We, the taxpaying citizens of the State of Idaho, expect and demand outstanding support of our veterans. It isn't bad, but it could be better.

Once again, let me suggest asking Gov. Otter, Sen. Tim Corder, Rep. Richard Wills, and Rep. Pete Nielsen why they have failed to buy these beds for the Veterans Home.

This is exactly why we have a DAV organization. The DAV insists on bringing subjects such as this to the attention of both the elected and the electorate.

A nation that fails its veterans is, itself, doomed to failure.

Jim Breslin