Interesting comments thus far, but lets consider another perspective. Its difficult to recruit much less retain good people when our Commander-ln-Chief recommends cutting benefits, combat pay, fails to pay honor to the fallen by appearance and shortchanges Veterans benefits. Patriotism is a noble sentiment, but knowing your family will suffer if you fall in combat or your wounds will not be adequately cared for on active duty or by the DVA is not exactly an added incentive to serve.
Leading means a consistent message to the American people about those who serve and fall; not empty words which translate into more funds being cut; a lack of ammunition, water and essential logistics; and failure to keep promises to the wounded.
It saddens me to see this and more so to note the closing of DVA Hospital wards due to funding shortfalls. Serving this country should be an honor, but leaderhip has made it a decision whether to remain healthy on the outside or experience neglect while serving or wounded. A GIs has a legitimate concern for their well being, but more so for their family in their absence, casualty status or demise. This administration and congress has not reinforced basic concerns all who serve have while on active duty or as Veterans.
If this President wants to see enlistments increase, then bring honor back nationally to those who serve, are wounded and being a Veteran. Honor our Servicemembers and Veterans by not shortchanging their needs in war by blind ideology to what should be instead of reality. 63% of our Congress has never served in addition to a President and Vice-President who are non-Veterans yet their combined black and white approach to our armed services is appalling. Our military men and women should have the best of everything, but, unfortunately, do not for the sake of saving dollars, i.e. not enough armor, unsafe flak jackets, etc.
Our troops and nation deserve better regardless of individual political persuasion.
