MARTIN, S.D. – Russell Eagle Bear said his son was in the Marines somewhere in Iraq, but was okay and before he left, the family participated in a ceremony where it was said he and all other marines with him would come home safely.
But after they are home, then what? That is a question many veterans have, because they know from experience how it was coming home, from Vietnam especially. Many veterans met with Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D. on the Rosebud Reservation to discuss post Iraq war veterans’ issues. Health care, especially mental health, and the knowledge that there will be adequate appropriations to properly take care of the new combat troops when they return concerned the gathered veterans.
Daschle said there may not be enough money to take care of all the new combat veterans’ needs.
Many veterans of other wars are still waiting to be served.
“A lot of veterans are homeless, World War II vets and Vietnam vets. We are looking for appropriations to build a veteran’s center and money for transportation to help veterans get help. Veterans have a lot of concerns with the health facilities, we are in dire need of appropriations,” said Ruth Brown, tribal council member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
More than half the veterans who nearly filled the meeting hall had a relative in Iraq. Some parents carried pictures of their loved ones to the emotional meeting. Daschle spoke to the crowd with poignant regard for what the veterans have endured and for what the returning troops will soon face.
“I believe that it is one of the great, great stories of our country, for those within our country who may be the economically most challenged, who are the most vulnerable, who have the least in terms of material wealth, who live on our reservations are so generous with their willingness to commit to their country and show their patriotism,” Daschle said.
“When we celebrate freedom, we recognize freedom’s price. We recognize the extraordinary commitment and sacrifice made by so many of our troops, some whose lives have been given, some whose limbs and livelihoods have been given, some who continue to sacrifice today because of what they gave during war.”
A young Lakota woman honored the gathered heroes and those currently on the battlefield with an American Indian sign language interpretation of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” The performance summed up the commitment American Indians have to serve their country.
“Before, it was only the men that went to war. And now the women stand beside the men and have the courage to fight for a nation that we once fought against,” said Shere Wright, Sicangu Lakota.
“It takes a lot of courage to have good feelings in your heart to go out there and protect what we have here on our reservation. I’m very proud of all of my friends and all the people who are overseas. And I am proud of all the veterans who served in other wars. And I want to pray they all come home safe,” Wright said.
The Vietnam Memorial in the nation’s capital pays tribute to those who died in the war, but does not help many of those who returned and need assistance for medical treatment. The veterans want to avoid that from happening again.
Of the 58,000 names on the Memorial many are from South Dakota and many are American Indian.
Daschle said he visited the Memorial with a few American Indian veterans when it was dedicated and was moved that the wall was constructed as a tribute to those who fought and died.
“This veteran said to me, ‘Sen. Daschle, It isn’t what we carve in rock that matters, it’s what we carve in law. What you do in law once these veterans come home ought to be the real tribute and the real indication or your commitment and your thanks and gratitude to these soldiers’.
“We always find ways in which to show our appreciation at that moment of victory. What troubles me often times is that we seem to forget once those veterans come home that we owe them just as much a year from now, two years for now, 10 years from now as we owe them today.
“When the parades are gone, when all of the news accounts of heroic deeds are history, then the question comes, how dedicated will our country be to its vets,” Daschle said.
When veterans return home they sometimes feel alone, abandoned, in need of understanding and also feel a sense of confusion. Some will need counseling, some will try to re-adapt to being fathers and family members, some will need health care and others will need a good job or want to go to school, Daschle said.
“And as each one comes home we ought to say yes, we as America not only thank you, but we owe you good health care, we owe you good counseling,” Daschle said.
With the latest round to create a budget for 2004, veterans were left short with a reduction in mental health and physical health care. An amendment to the supplemental appropriations for the Iraqi war provided $100 million for post war care of the new combat veterans.
Daschle said the Senate asked for $150 million, but the amount was reduced. It is not enough, all veterans agree.
Eagle Bear said the Lakota culture has a way of doing things that help a returning warrior. When Lakota warriors returned to the village they talked about their war deeds. The community was involved and there was acceptance. He said the media and other people were told to make sure the seven POWs that would come home were given privacy.
Daschle said the strength of a community that weaves the needs of the returning veteran into the community only makes the community and the veteran stronger, like the various strands on a rope that are strong only when intertwined.
“My son is with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and I have gone through all kinds of feelings. I feel guilty, like I didn’t get him ready for this. I worry about the emotional part.
“I have a brother, a Vietnam vet who came back and he was neglected. It wasn’t until 30 years later that he got into a program. I want something done when my son comes home,” said Marcy Eagle Bear.
“My son is still going through a lot. The war has tapered, but it is still dangerous. He’s still young and this is hitting to close to home and it’s scary.”
Veterans remember wars past when celebrations took place and there was a feeling of euphoria. After World War II and the Korean War there were many benefits and opportunities, but as time passed the benefits dwindled and now with the volunteer military the emphasis is put on the active members and high-technology and the veterans said they feel forgotten.
The veterans said the community would be there to help, but it also takes resources to provide additional support for the new veterans of combat.
A question from one of the veteran’s addressed the issue of how the country could afford to pay for the war in Afghanistan and in Iraq and at the same time provide help for the returning veterans – the answer – it can’t, Daschle said.
He said that at this time the resources committed cannot sufficiently meet the demand. The $150 million amendment to the supplemental appropriations bill was merely a down payment on what was needed, but it was trimmed to $100 million.
“We are hopeful that that money will be dedicated to some of the needs, counseling needs in particular, readjustment needs, health care and a number of issues that we didn’t address very well after Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War. Hopefully this money will do it,” Daschle said.
But more is needed and that is why he arranged the meeting with the veterans and families, to get their ideas and to get the word out.
