What's wrong with this picture?

Specialist Brandon Erickson, a 22-year-old member of the North Dakota National Guard, had his arm amputated on the battlefield in Iraq in June 2003. In July 2003 he was flown to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. for additional surgery. Just hours after he underwent surgery, he was informed that he would have to pay an $8.10 fee every day to cover his meals during his hospital stay. At that time, the policy, which came straight from the pentagon, applied to all military personnel, regardless of their circumstances.

This policy was only changed when Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) became incensed at the injustice and she and one of her Senate colleagues attached a provision to a war appropriations bill to change it.

Now, lets consider the fact that if a member of the Armed Forces is killed, his widow is charged for her and her family's health insurance because the serviceman is considered to be "retired".

Families of service members killed in the line of duty can expect a one-time death benefit, that is paid to a surviving spouse, of $12,000.00 (tax free). This was increased this year from the previous $6,000.00 (partially taxed) benefit.

My disillusionment with the U.S. Military only increased after reading this article in the September, 2004 edition of Good Housekeeping. These men leave their families to go fight for our Country's freedom and honor, so what in the hell is wrong with our Country having a little respect and honor for the families of the wounded and dead soldiers? At least enough to make sure that their families can continue to eat.

The last I heard, medals weren't made of eatable material.





First Day Back At School Update

The Terrorist only had to be urged twice to get out of bed and as he staggered into the kitchen for his Frosted Flakes informed me, "Nanaw, I'm in the second grade now, you don't have to keep telling me that stuff!"

With a couple of little prompts, he washed, brushed, and dressed and then settled down to watch TV until time to leave for school.

I wonder how long this'll last?