More Veterans Calling The Streets Home

An Estimated 200,000 U.S. War Veterans Are Homless

(CBS)  Hassam Elgoarany knows the price of war.

He fought in Afghanistan and then in Iraq, where a sniper's bullet took his best friend.

"His head got blown off — I get nightmares about that," said Elgoarany.

The Muslim-American sailor drowned that pain in alcohol, reports CBS News correspondent Michelle Miller, but drinking only led to an early discharge.

Back at home, he couldn't find work. His wife took their baby boy and left. Robbery led to prison.

When he got out, Hassam became one of many homeless veterans.

"We have no inkling of the full scope of the problem," said Roy Kearse, vice president of Samaritan Village, a state-funded homeless shelter for veterans with addictions.

At Samaritan Village, Hassam found men who understood his downward spiral.

"They're returning home, they're running into obstacles and problems and all of the mechanisms aren't in place to get to them," said Kearse.

One in three homeless Americans is a veteran.

On any given night in this country, an estimated 200,000 are living on the streets.

Many served in Vietnam, but experts expect the number of Iraq veterans to swell in coming years.

The Veterans Administration can provide beds to only 14,000 veterans, though it told CBS News its shelters aren't filled to capacity and that it offers what it called "very good" services to homeless veterans.

As President Bush orders more troops to Iraq, the Senate Committee on Veteran's Affairs wants more focus on those coming home.

"The president did not mention the word 'veteran' in his State of the Union address," said Senator Daniel Akaka, D-AK, chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

Akaka has asked Congress to more than double the president's request for funding next year — 4.8 billion dollars more to help not just the physically wounded but the emotionally scarred.

"They train you to transfer from a civilian to a killing machine," said Elgoarany. "When you get out they should have trained me to go back into being a civilian."

The Army says one in three Iraq veterans will return home with mental health issues. Sooner or later, caring for them will become another cost of war.

[noaanhc]

This is just absolutely disgraceful!!!!

[walt1944-2009]

Another legacy of the George Bush years: the throw away soldier! Just like Viet Nam when so many soldiers came back to a country that didn't appreciate them, their personal lives were in ruins, and they had no where to turn but the streets. And for this, we call this draft dodger "commander in chief"!

[bildooreilly]

There's no reason any person in this country of ours veteran or not should be forced to live on the streets. Time for the government to start working for us instead of the other way around. And YOU can make a difference, just as well it's all working for a few elitists it could be working fairly for us all... just remember that, we live in the greatest country/corporation and the world and it can be all turned around.

[fascistusa]

I wasn't "allowed" to post onto CBS "News" all weekend. Land of the Free?? Not even close.

Now I have to wonder WHY they blocked me.

ABC "News" blocks me.

Digg.com blocks me.

Wikipedia banned me.

So ask yourself... WHO REALLY RUNS THESE SITES???

The ******* Power Elite. The Rich. The Wealthy.

America is a FASCIST NATION ruled by The Elite.

[macusweil]

Yes, bear witness fellow citizens!! This is the real meaning of Bush/Cheney, neo.con ideal of "Support our Troops". They will send our proud armed services into worst fire fight then bring 'em home in bags and boxes. Letting them rot in mold infested hospitals until they are finally left to die in the streets!!

[iiffv]

If you want to know what will become of this war's veterans, just look at what went down for Viet Nam veterans. We were expendable at the time and still are. The fight, for the current crop of war veterans will be long and painful just as it has been, and still is, for the Viet Nam veteran.

[fascistusa]

I had 3 cousins in Iraq War 2. 2 Family Members in Desert Shield (Iraq War I). 2 Uncles in Vietnam.

AMERICA IS NOT A GOOD COUNTRY. THIS IS OUR REALITY. WE ARE EXPENDABLE BULLET STOPPERS FOR THE ELITE.

TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY!!!

STOP THE FASCIST GOVERNMENT AND THE FASCIST CHURCH.

IIFFV wrote:

"Veterans health care funding has been lacking for many, many years. While by no means has he sufficiently funded the VA, I can't lay the entire blame on Bush. Government itself is largely to blame and until, something like this comes to light and makes the news, veterans are, forgotten by the public also."

I absolutely agree with you on this.

I also think that because they are involved in fighting a war started by GW Bush (at least the Iraq war), he should be at least have the guts to look after them and to provide better facilities.

Sadly, you are right - those who have fought in previous wars have been neglected by numerous Governments - and we should speak up for those who have been "forgotten" by Government.

[iiffv]

Government and big corporations. Pretty much synonymous. General officers are, for the most part, recruited as executives immediatly upon retirement. Granted, they have a great deal of experience in handling large oufits. But the other aspect is that these men have many close political connections. Generals aren't promoted without the approval of congress.

[emhawks]

macusweil(10:20pm post): An excellent post; I completely agree!

This is a national disgrace!

"As long as the money flows so will the blood."
- Unknown

[djermano1]

Ok America let's wake up, and start shaking that piggy bank. We are going to build a City on the Ocean, to create jobs and renewable energy. We can do it and bring the future onboard. Don't feel down on your luck, lets get to work. Let's build the world. Think of it....a floating road to a city on the Ocean. SugarCityCane.

http://ww.sugarcitycane.com

We need engineers and designs. Also computer programmers to create a better and ever moving new view of SugarCityCane on the Ocean. We have alot to do. So Let's go. email me.

[truthword]

These men not only need food, shelter, clothes, and help getting their lives back on track, they need redemption that only comes through Jesus Christ. I'm not talking about the unholy bastions of churchianity who should be out there helping these men and aren't (God bless those that are), I'm talking about forgiveness, atonement, enlightment, and grace that only Jesus Christ can give. This world has hardened most of our hearts at one time or another and none of us are perfect nor ever will be, but you can regain your innocence. The military begins with bootcamp, which is brainwashing, a lot of these guys did and took part in things that they aren't proud of (we all have) that they now feel bad about and they need to find peace within themselves. I know a lot of you reject god because of the false prophets that come in his name (bush, pat robertson, etc) but they did that for a reason to turn you away from the lord, they paid off the churches to hide the truth not tell it. The true word of god is coming back though and we all have our part to play, I plan on helping some of these men even if it's just taking them out for a meal and having a talk with them or telling them Jesus told me to give you $20 and handing them a $20, it's all about planting seeds. We all have our part to play in this world and it's time we did Gods will instead of our will for a change.

[truthword]

The Government isn't going to do anything for these guys, it's up to all of us, remember that, you know it and I know it and the Lord knows it. Who killed Jesus Christ? That's right, the government at the time did, he was a threat to their kingdom. It's up to you and I to help these people and all homeless people. It's our burden to bear, because we all know the government will let them rot in the street. Join the cause, turn off the boob tube, and get out there and make a difference. There's 3 kinds of people in this world, those that don't do anything, those that sit around and complain, and those that make things happen, we need to start being the ones that make things happen instead of all the evil powers in high places.

[ssarge45-2009]

I am 100% service connected and the funds have been cut so much that it takes up to a year to get an appointment to see a Doctor. I need another hip revision, my 5th, now and they are telling me it will take up to 18 months for me to get an appointment. What are we supposed to do in the mean time??? You are the best thing since popcorn when the war is going on, but get out or let the war be over and then you are the forgotten one that is their pain in the butt because you have medical or mental problems. I spent 23 years of my life and my health to defend this country's freedom and this is how they treat us. You civilians just don't know what we go through keeping you free. Enjoy and I still have to say to you, you are welcome and I was proud to serve you.

[nothappyatall]

"I spent 23 years of my life and my health to defend this country's freedom and this is how they treat us. You civilians just don't know what we go through keeping you free.
Posted by SSarge45"

You learned NOTHING from Vietnam and how vets were used, abused and then trashed by a Govt who used you like yesterday's condumb and tossed you? Forgot about the agent orange denial etc? why would you think anything has changed since?

Why anyone would sign up today to go to Iraq is a real mystery! especially given the whole thing was and is a farce and a total waste, 3,400 of our people died over there for ~NOTHING~ but a total lie propagated by the Bush regime, and the proof of that has been slowly coming out as well as the crooked dealings.
Someday people will wake up!

[truthword]

You sound very angry newster, I'll be praying for you also, you can't help anyone else out because you need to help yourself get right first.... You want to fight evil with evil which only begets more evil.

Matthew 24:12
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Mark 10:34
34And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

[bellal-2009]

Military personell are not honored by our country. I've heard many vets complain about not being able to find a job after their service. They tell me that because they don't have a BA or BS degree they're not qualified for any jobs except minimum wage. That's after having years of experience in jobs with a high or critical level of responsibility. The media doesn't honor these people they make them appear as victims to be pitied. It's clearly the media that perpetuates this.

I counceled a Vietnam vet the other day who had obviously been living a very difficult if not homeless life for a long period of time. Even though it was financial counceling I just thought I'd give this guy the dignity he deserved and let him ramble and rant for as long as he wanted. As it turns out this street bum was one of the smartest people I've heard lately. He was an MIT and UC Berkeley grad. And I just thought how did we let this happen. Because we live in denial and the media continues to present the military service as victims to be pitied. They need to be held in high regard and given good jobs with good companies based on their SERVICE and EXPERIENCE not some two bit BA or BS degree which isn't worth the paper it's written on.

[billlies]

The way America throws away its' soldiers, no wonder Bush, Cheney, Defence Secretary Gates, Mel Gibson, Rice, etc., never served. Can you blame them. Cheney made $20 million in 2000. Sure beats being homeless. The recruits are cannon-fodder. In Shakespeares' words "Food for powder". It's a cliche how few of the people who supported the attack on Iraq served. Now they want to attack Iran. They say Iran has Weapons of Mass Destruction. We all know how Bush found Iraqi Wespons of Mass Destruction.

[nynative1340]

"Sadly, you are right - those who have fought in previous wars have been neglected by numerous Governments - and we should speak up for those who have been "forgotten" by Government."
Posted by mcdazz

Sadly, veterans don't stand up for their rights. I am in a class-action suit against the government to regain my military retired pay that Reagan awarded to my ex. Amazing enough, out the thousands of military retirees who were screwwed by Reagan, only about 50 were willing to join the law suit. The law suit is going to the Supreme Court in the near future.

I find it unbelievable that anyone who is willing to die in war for the likes of Reagan or Bush would not have the courage to stand up for his/her own rights regarding hard-earned benefits and retired pay.

Granted, the government doesn't make it easy to get veterans' benefits, however, there is strength in numbers.

The way this country treats its veterans is a disgrace and our congressmen and women are worthless pieces of ***** when it comes to getting help in that regard. Helping veterans does not get the selfish bastardos any votes.

[bellal-2009]

No the troops are not canon fodder nor are they worthless, pathetic, or helpless. They can do just fine if the CORPORATIONS of America would step up to the plate and give the vets the good jobs they need and deserve.

[bellal-2009]

Think about it the military service personnel risk their life basically to secure the assets of major corporations and their employees and then the lousy CORPORATIONS don't even give vets jobs after their service. They owe America that much.

[truthword]

Reject this corrupt system they created for us and start helping each other out, forget about corporations, television, republicans and democrats and politicians, they're never going to help anyone but themselves. It's up to all of us to help our fellow citizens, no matter what their race, religion, looks, and status are, it's up to turn ourselves into doers instead of talkers... It's time to Git er done America. They got most of you so busy chasing that paper which is only the illusion of money that you're willing to let everything else go, yourselves, your friends, your families, your kids, your communities, and even your souls... this nation has lost its soul, but we can get it back, they can't keep it from us forever, and we will overcome, because we're stronger than they are, they might be living high on the hog right now on the suffering of others but they know themselves it isn't going to last forever, it's going to take a massive change of conciousness to take our country back, not anger, hate, and violence, so get out there next chance you get and make a difference and I'll definitely be doing the same, it's up to you.

[down-ndirty]

Funny... I worked with a French expatriot who retired here not too long ago. In addition to the social security and company benefits he earned here, he also drew a small stipend from the French government for his service in the French military. And he only did FOUR years!

Try getting anything here after only four years, or even 14 years. And if you do retire with 20 or more years, they will give a large portion of it to your ex-spouse as community property FOR LIFE, if you are unfortunate enough to have one of those.

Fortunately, the family tradition of serving in the military ended with me. My children didn't, and my grandchildren won't if I have anything to say about it.

[dirtydog55]

Conservatism is a ploy. A ploy to get you (the middle class or non-wealthy) to help the wealthy and super wealthy in this country to protect their positions and possessions. They do that by using the military to fight wars that make them more wealth. Conservatives invest heavily in 'war industries' and war promotes their wealth.

Conservatism is a morally bankrupt belief system centered on self-interest. What conservatives seek is not to protect America (or the sanctity of America as they often claim) but rather the positions and the possessions of the most affluent Americans.

We need only look at the basic positions of conservatives to see that conservative lore is based upon self-preservation and not (for example) self-sacrifice.

Wealthy conservatives and their family members DO NOT serve in the military. However, many ex-military members, mostly generals and admirals, become wealthy conservatives and you can easily find them hanging around Washington as lobbyists, or as talking heads on news shows.

Middle-class conservatives are another story. They are mis-guided individuals who are led to believe the lies that spew from the conservative leadership. But, Ha! Try rubbing shoulders with the wealthy conservatives and you will soon find where you really belong, unless of course, you can afford those $2,500.00/plate dinners.

[truthword]

Dirty Dog, all the "isms" are a ploy, conservatism, liberalism, communism, fascism, they're all the same old garbage with a different name.... enough of the stupid labels and lets just call it all what it is, corruption and tyranny. Fact is these people all sit at the top laughing at all the people dumb enough to buy into all of their stupid labels. We're all Americans, we need to help our fellow citizens and if the government doesn't want to help them then they need to get a real job and start working for their own money while we put ours to better uses..

[jacksteen1]

These poor veterans are the legacy of the Great Communicator, Ronnie Ragoon, who should have been buried in a garbage can instead of with the pomp he was afforded.

Reagan emptied the state hospitals, was the first to cut veterans' benefits and shut down free clinics and began the give-away to the corporations that his Republishit Party has been so famous for ever since.

Thank God the Republicrap Party is DONE in the USA for at least the next dozen years !

JackSteen1
The push to move mentally ill patients out of
in-patient mental hospital settings began in the 1950s,and achieved its full vigor with John F. Kennedy's signing of the Community Mental Health Act in October 1963. The state mental hospitals in California had already begun to move patients back into community treatment facilities years before Reagan became governor of California in 1966, and of course Reagan had nothing to do with the identical moves occurring in other states.

[knyghtwolf]

For how we treat those that did their job in protecting United States AMERICANS against foreign invaders, they should want for NOTHING, they should be treated with respect and dignity. Housing, medical, even food should be given in honor of their sacrifices. I also believe that they should never, ever, have to pay taxes because they have earned every freakin' dime they bled for. The DESTROYER has seen to it that it's legacy will forever be tarnished by cowardice, deceit, and greed. There is NO honor amongst thieves nor is there any salvation of grace.

[mgpm-2009]

Reagan did close many state hospitals and cut funding for mental health programs drastically. I worked in mental health and saw the results directly. Many of those who were in those state hospitals became homeless. That's a lot different than trying to mainstream patients from one therapeutic situation into another.

This president, who has no trouble spending billions of our dollars sending our men to die, seems to have trouble spending a dime to take care of them when they get back. He's pathetic and heartless.

[zootallures2]

Taxes are better spent to pay for illegal labor so busineses can save money.

I can't understand how you are so stupid to shoot foreign 'civilians', when you could easily turn the guns on the tyrants.

Is it because you hate and they sell you the soulution?

[gunnerv1]

Why is that we are supposed to provide for Veterans after they have received care for their injuries they incured during Military service? I have nothing against Military Veterans. I'm one, 21 years service and with "Combat Disabilities" 30%. I have received nothing but the best of care from my local VA (Indianoplis) but I don't expect them to provide for my housing/food. The care that the Veterans are entitled to are for wounds/ conditions/injuries received during Military Service only.

[irishbitch1]

So much for the republican support of our Soldiers, send them off to die so georgie boy and dickie can make millions for themselves and their friends. And to hell with the Soldiers when they get home. Spend billions of dollars in Iraq, with how much unaccounted for, and let our Soldiers live on the streets. Let millions of illegals into the country and let them live off of our social programs and let our Soldiers live in the streets.

[afmca]

This is what our CEO President and Vice President do ... use up the work force and when they are no longer needed, forget about them. In George and ***'s world soldiers are commodities, they are not human. One of the reasons the VA hospital program was allowed to fall into disrepair was that, again to George and ***, wounded soldiers eat into profits. If these soldiers would have been true patriots in the eyes of Bush Inc. they would have died not been injured. Dead soldiers are less costly and can be hidden from view. This is another example that really shows that Bush, Cheney and the other Bushittes don't give a *** about the troops only about the blood profits.

[aznyron-2009]

The American Vet whether he/she served in peace or war time is forgotten by our goverment when they are discharged since they are no longer needed so to our gov. they are expendable our goverment is bought and paid for by big business namely defense cont. & banks oil co. & auto makers put them together and you get a war in Iraq and our children not big business children but the common people children go and fight the wars so they can line there pockets with huge profits from war before is was cold war now the soviet empire has fallen they need a new project to spend tax dollors so now it Iraq next it will be N/Korea or Iran or maybe Somilia but a 2 week war will go 10 years the way Bush will have it just a point Israel defeated Egypt in 7 days not 5 years like it taking us to win in Iraq

[gunnerv1]

anzyron: When you quit a job, what does your former employer owe you besides any accrued pay/vacation time/pay and/or serverance pay. This is the same thing that the Military does for service members. They are not owed anything other that accrued pay and leave pay (vacation, Everybody gets 30 days a year, no matter what pay level/grade) if they are not injured. If they are injured then they are owed care for the extent of the injuries incurred while on active duty only. They know this when they are elisted into the Armed Services.

[citizen3513]

While I do not agree that it is "all the republican's fault", especially the president and vice president, as seems to be a popular opinion, I do believe this is a very serious problem. Talk to Pelosi and see if she has any ideas since she wants our military back so quickly that she is endangering them by not funding them.
Everyone in power in the national capital should be ashamed of themselves if they are not doing more for our veterans. My father was himself a vietnam veteran and died of cancer that probably stemmed from the agent orange used over there. My husband served for ten years, left with an honorable discharge and still found it difficult to find a decent job afterwards. They need training!

[gunnerv1]

citizen3513: They get training that is pertinet to the job they are selected to perform. In my 21 years in the service (US Navy) I received 4 years worth of training and was also an instructor in Naval Weapons Systems (Gunnery), so I know that my Sailors received only the best training available. We don't owe them anything unless they were injured on the job.

[barbaraf4]

I have a difficult time believing the problems encountered by the vets is entirely our government's fault. These people volunteered for the job. Many as Reservists, who thought with minimum effort, they would get military benefits and retirement without going to war. Then they were called up and ended up fighting the war.

I think the military needs a good transitional program, maybe 6 months to a year, that puts these people back into society.

If they refuse to take advantage of such a program, and their first choice is drugs, crime and living on the streets while feeling sorry for themselves, then it their choice. They knew, going in, that people die and/or are wounded during war. Nightmares about your buddy getting his head shot off are self-indulgent. Get over it and visit your buddy's family - see if you can heal together.

My husband spent two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. I know about what I speak.

[iiffv]

Nightmares about your buddy getting his head shot off are self-indulgent.

Posted by Barbaraf4 at 08:43 AM : Mar 26, 2007

This seems to imply that PTSD isn't a real disorder at all, not really a medical problem which may need attention well into the future. Am I correct?

[truthfulone-2009]

Isn't "Conservatism" great!

[gunownerdan]

The Military Industrial Complex will have it no other way. We were warned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ramos937]

When a young man/woman enlisted, he understood that he would be defending America from its enemies. That is the way the system is supposed to work. In the Iraq War case, we simply do not know if the folks killing/wounding our troops are really the enemy. Someone did a study once on this and found that Al Queda comprised about 10% of the insurgents. The other 90% were Iraqs that want us out of their country and then let them sort things out. Why do we keep trying to keep the combatants apart. Neither side wants us there.

[nvcm4christ]

You know I see a lot of mudd being thrown on the President and the Government and there should be. I also was a Vet serving our Country from 1982 - 1991. There is a lot lacking in providing for the individuals that have gone out and fought and some dying for the rights and freedoms we expierence today. However let us take a look into our mirror and ask, "What have I done to help these men and women? How can I do something to provide comfort for these people whom are without? What CAN I DO???" You see there is a lot we can do if we think of our fellow man as we think of ourselves. If you are hungry you fix yourself something to eat. If we are cold we put on more clothes or turn up our heat. We we do as commanded to love one another as we love ourself then WE TAKE UP THE MANTEL and WE PROVIDE for our brothers and sisters in need. Can you image a community in which we actual take care of our own. Yes it is great when government helps but we the people are responsible. If we say I support our troops then let us come together and support our troops, not just with lip service but with total service.

[nyckate]

ramos937 - you are dumber than a load of bricks - first of all - iraq was NOT part of the War on Terror till Bush deceived us and invaded.

Second of all - there's a difference between insurgents and outside terrorists/agitators you dumb cluck.

Third of all - sending our troops into Iraq with no real plan, not enough armor, not enough supplies and no interpretors was a MAJOR screwup and cost our troops plenty.

Our troops do fight in our name and they are an all volunteer force- that's no excuse for using and abusing them as Bush has.

[iiffv]

Nightmares about your buddy getting his head shot off are self-indulgent. Get over it and visit your buddy's family - see if you can heal together.

My husband spent two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. I know about what I speak.
Posted by Barbaraf4 at 08:43 AM : Mar 26, 2007

Would the fact that my wife gave birth twice, and had no problems from post partem depression, qualify me to say that women who suffer from post partem are being self indulgent, should just get over it?

[nyckate]

nvcm4Christ - I agree - and too many people here in this country haven't even acknowledged the sacrifices our soldiers are making - too many are ignorant thugs who say 'well they volunteered' which basically is just saying 'so screw them' ... I don't know why when soldiers return to the US all we as a nation want to do is wish them away instead of thanking them and making sure that they're ok.

[omega39-2009]

Mandatory Military service should be a requirement of citizenship.

[rray52]

Pardon my rant but CBS%u2019s sloppy reporting has pressed my button. I can see why they rely on the AP for most of their material. A few items:
%u201CThe Muslim-American sailor drowned that pain in alcohol%u201D
What does the Sailor%u2019s Religion have to do with the story, would it be different if he was a Buddhist-American or Atheist-American?

%u201COne in three homeless Americans is a veteran.%u201D
This is a dramatic statement, important to the story, so where is the source.

%u201CThe Veterans Administration can provide beds to only 14,000 veterans, though it told CBS News its shelters aren't filled to capacity and that it offers what it called "very good" services to homeless veterans.%u201D
If you can quote a %u201Cit%u201D which I don%u2019t think you can, why is only %u201Cvery good%u201D not the whole quote marked.

The Army says one in three Iraq veterans will return home with mental health issues. Sooner or later, caring for them will become another cost of war.
Another important statement attributed to a %u201Cit%u201D as a source.Is it a report, statment by a member?

[inventagod]

George Bu$h

enough said

[iiffv]

Mandatory Military service should be a requirement of citizenship.
Posted by omega39 at 09:57 AM : Mar 26, 2007

I go along with the idea of service to country, for ALL. No exceptions. Not necessarily military service. Both combat and combat support units, in my opinion, are better off as all volunteer. Service could be accomplished as, say,,,an orderly at a VA hospital, or military service stateside, clerks, cooks, medical corps, etc. Leave the combat to volunteers.