Veterans Deserve More Than Just Thanks—A Call for Action

On Veterans Day, millions of individuals across the United States express gratitude to veterans with the phrase, “Thank you for your service.” While this acknowledgment holds significance, many veterans believe that it falls short of what they truly deserve. Joe H. Pickering Jr., a veteran who served during the Berlin Crisis from 1961 to 1962, emphasizes this sentiment, urging Americans to honor veterans in more meaningful ways.

Pickering, who also dedicated 30 years as the director of Community Health and Counseling Services, reflects on the sacrifices made by veterans, including his close friend who received the Bronze Star for his service in multiple conflicts. During the Berlin Crisis, this friend faced East German troops in West Berlin, prepared for an imminent attack that thankfully never materialized.

Veterans like Pickering call for a deeper commitment from society. He highlights the importance of civic engagement, encouraging citizens to actively monitor and challenge the actions of Congress and the presidency. In his view, the words of former President Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower resonate profoundly. Eisenhower, in his farewell address, warned against the influence of the military-industrial complex, a caution that Pickering believes is more relevant today than ever.

The U.S. Defense Department operates with an annual budget nearing $1 trillion, yet it has failed to pass an audit for seven consecutive years. This raises serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and accountability within the government. “Congress is failing their duty to America,” Pickering states, arguing that the focus on military spending detracts from essential services for veterans and citizens alike.

Many veterans return home grappling with issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet they often find inadequate treatment options. The recent tragedy in Lewiston, Maine, where lives were lost due to violence, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health services. Pickering asserts that the media fails to connect the dots between the lack of treatment and the resulting tragedies faced by veterans and their communities.

He calls for a reevaluation of priorities in Congress, suggesting that lawmakers should prioritize the well-being of Americans over their own benefits. Pickering proposes that Congress members should face consequences, such as withholding pay if they fail to pass a budget. He argues that the current budget crisis cannot be addressed by imposing permanent tax increases on billionaires, a move he describes as part of a “Greed Creed” that threatens the nation’s soul.

One particularly troubling issue is the Federal Institutions for Mental Diseases Exclusion Law, which has persisted for 60 years. This law prevents federal funds from being allocated to psychiatric facilities with more than 16 beds, placing a significant financial burden on states and leading to inadequate care for those in need. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Pickering remarks, quoting civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He urges Maine’s congressional delegation to co-sponsor a bill that would repeal this law and improve mental health services for all Americans.

As the conversation surrounding veterans’ rights and mental health continues, a Bangor citizen’s wish resonates: “I long for the day when the word ‘mental’ is no longer used to describe conditions of the brain.” This encapsulates the desire for a more compassionate and integrated approach to mental health care, one that acknowledges the complexities of human experience.

In summary, while expressing gratitude to veterans is commendable, it is vital to take action that truly supports them. Rethinking military spending, advocating for comprehensive mental health care, and holding Congress accountable are necessary steps toward honoring those who have served. Only through these means can society ensure that veterans receive the respect, care, and support they deserve.