Freedom Isn’t Free. Thank You.
November 11th is special for one reason and one reason only, our Veterans. This day is a very special day. It is a day we take the time to reflect on and honor all the men and women who have been so brave to offer their lives a living sacrifice for all Americans and the rest of the free world. They do it not because they are forced or obligated. They do it for the love of country and the compelling nudge in their heart that is to serve.
Some of you know I am very much a strong supporter of our military and the Veterans. Even though I am married to a veteran, and my mom works for the Military Order of the Purple Heart and have a father-in-law who also served, I still have a special place in my heart for each and every one of them. There is something unique and special about each of them. Those of us who have never served will never truly know what it is that unites them all in this amazing capacity.
What saddens me about our Veteran’s is the number of obstacles they face. This year, like many years lots of our veterans and their families will suffer in a number of ways. There are thousands who are homeless and many more who are struggling to just get by. This is in addition to the many who suffer wounds, some we will never see that have dramatically changed their lives. Many others struggle without being able to get jobs or hold down jobs, while others can’t find ways to cope with the transition back to being a regular citizen.
The sad truth is that they often have no place to turn and don’t know what resources are available to them. What is worse is that because there is so much beaurocracy in the VA system some vets are waiting up to 2 and 3 years before they can be granted the benefits they so humbly have earned through their sacrifice. On top of that, they have to struggle and navigate the red-tape and frustration of the VA Hospital system. It is one where it can take months and even several years to get things diagnosed and appointments for certain procedures. Let alone just even to set an appointment for a routine exam… It is a muckery sandwich to say the least.
If you ask me there is no excuse. Our Veterans are a quiet group of people who willingly put their lives on the line every single day. They do this in order for the rest of us to live in the peace and enjoy the many freedoms we take for granted. Because of those who died we can vote. Because those who serve we can still speak freely. Because lives are on the line we can sleep well at night. Yet for no excuse I can imagine these brave souls are constantly misunderstood and mistreated. If you ask me our Veterans should never have to wait in line and should never have to deal with bureaucratic red-tape – NEVER FOR ANY REASON. They need to be revered and held with esteem and given any help they may need. This year, I am encouraging each of you to do something to help a veteran.
Blessings, Love & Music~
Ava xo 🙂
www.avaaston.com
Recording Artist Ava Aston's Blog 
Very well stated Ava! Our veterans should be our 1st priority in this country but all too often they get the short end of the stick. They do not ask for preferential treatment. They just want the medical care and benefits they were promised and they want to find a job. Hiring a vet should be priority one! They come with the most skills and because of the unique training they are very adaptable to fill an employers needs. They are dependable and trustworthy! An employer gets the most for his money when he employs veterans!