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Some vet claims suspect

I was pleased and surprised to read Merrick Meinhold’s Aug. 24 letter regarding the high percentage of Iraq and Afghan vets claiming and receiving benefits from Uncle Sam. Meinhold is a brave citizen, in my book, for daring to even suggest that too many vets nowadays are being compensated by a very generous government.

As he put it, “apparently if you served in the military at all you’re somehow disabled.” I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who thinks that maybe we’re stretching the definition of disability quite a bit. Talk about your entitlement programs.

And before anyone rears up and accuses me of not supporting our troops, let me say that my father was a decorated World War II combat vet. He was given a 30 percent disability that was revoked and never reinstated when they called him back for the Korean Conflict. He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder for 60 years, mostly in silence.

Like Meinhold, I have utter respect for those who served and sacrificed, but I have a suspicion that my dad would’ve snorted derisively at many of the claims being made nowadays.

Sandy Tarbox

Spokane



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