On Thanksgiving, an article in The Economist demonstrated its disdain for American veterans by labeling our benefits as “absurdly generous.” The timing of this bizarre statement was in poor taste, but the claim was not isolated.
Instead, the article was another major salvo in an ongoing attack to portray veterans as pariahs who gouge the American taxpayer. We’ve heard similar stupid criticism in recent years from The Washington Post, former VA secretaries and so-called veteran leaders who seem content to abandon their sick and injured comrades as soon as the uniform comes off.
When my generation returned from Vietnam to an ungrateful nation, we promised that America would never forget those who were willing to give up everything in defense of our freedoms.
After Vietnam, we abandoned the design and relied on brave Americans who willingly sacrificed the comforts of civilian life to join our military and protect us. Since September 11, America has relied on an all-volunteer military force to fight our wars and deter our enemies – a dangerous mission that continues to this day.
After more than two decades of repeatedly putting the same volunteers into the same toxic meat grinder, can any American really be surprised that those serving in our all-volunteer armed forces require more benefits and care?
While the benefits we provide to our all-volunteer force may seem generous to those who have never raised their right hand, these benefits are simply the guarantee of the all-volunteer contract that each of us signed before putting on the uniform. In addition to the service member’s obligations, each contract expressly entitles the service member to certain benefits as a result of honorable service. This is why the VFW calls on our nation to honor the contract.
This is what the basic employment contract, DD form 4, looks like today:
“My (re)employment agreement is more than an employment contract. It brings about a change in status from civilian to military member of the armed forces. As a member of the United States Armed Forces I will:
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“Required to obey all lawful orders and perform all duties assigned.
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“Subject to separation during or at the end of my employment. If my conduct does not meet acceptable military standards, I may be discharged and certified for less than honorable service, which could harm my future employment opportunities and my eligibility for veterans’ benefits.
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“Subject to the military justice system, which means, among other things, that I may be tried by military court-martial
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“Required by order to serve in combat or other dangerous situations.
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“Is entitled to wages, allowances and other benefits as determined by law and regulations.”
This is not charity. This is a contract. Everyone who has served honorably, like every member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, has respected our end of the contract. We call on our leaders to do the same.
While Congress can always change laws and reduce benefits under the contract, some are naive to think this can’t happen. But it’s happened before. In 1932, major business interests and prominent ex-military figures formed the National Economy League to identify wasteful government spending, with their eyes squarely on veterans’ benefits. The National Economy League then conspired with Congress and the White House to cut earned veterans benefits by 60% through the Economy Act. The Economy Act broke the contract and the consequences were predictable. Veterans plunged deeper into economic crisis, hopelessness and even suicide.
In the 1930s, the VFW distinguished itself as an organization of veterans, for veterans who would resist this dereliction of duty and ultimately repeal some of the Economy Act’s most appalling cuts. The VFW also pushed for early payment of the World War I bonus, which stimulated the economy and empowered veterans.
But the damage had been done. Veterans died. How could a politician of that time feel good about the human cost of his short-sightedness? God help us if we make the same mistakes today.
The VFW understands the fiscal needs of our nation. Our bureaucracies can always use some “tightening up.” But as we learned in the 1930s, a nation can never achieve prosperity if it harms the people who protect it.
Details about this dark chapter in our history are not easily found online. Fortunately, the VFW has it in our archives, which we will share in the coming weeks so that Americans can truly understand the stakes of abandoning its protectors.
Unlike my generation, today more veterans survive battlefield injuries and are better informed about the benefits they earn by fulfilling their service contracts. Americans should celebrate this. Instead, it seems that some people are jealous that we care for those who serve. I would just like to say to you that America is currently facing a workforce shortage. Feel free to enlist, serve your country and fulfill your own contract. Then you are also eligible for the same benefits. Otherwise, we need to have the real conversation about bringing back the draft, which would be a sad day for our nation.
Whether it’s proposals to cut disability benefits, limit access to education or home loans, scale back access to health care, or require veterans to be tested as a condition of eligibility, join the VFW in the fight against this plague and ensure that American leaders fulfill the contract.
Alfred “Al” Lipphardt has been the commander-in-chief of the US Veterans of Foreign Wars since his election on August 1. He is a veteran of the United States Army with two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. In recognition of his service, he received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, and the Purple Heart Medal, among other awards. Al and his wife, Carol, live in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
