Our freedom is truly the gift that keeps on giving and for many of our Armed Forces it is the gift that keeps on costing. Many made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield, but there are also those that continue
Our freedom is truly the gift that keeps on giving and for many of our Armed Forces it is the gift that keeps on costing.
Many made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield, but there are also those that continue to make the sacrifice in the battlefield of their mind and bodies.
Those that come home with wounds — those seen and unseen — are those that need our continued support.
We made a contract with these young men and women. They agreed to put their lives on the line for us and we agreed that we would take care of them following their service.
They held up their end of the bargain — but have we, as a grateful nation, held up ours? The loved ones of those that serve are the ones who know the cost. They see the pain and anguish of their loved ones as they suffer while waiting for appointments with doctors or professionals that never come. They see the toll this endless battle takes on their minds and bodies.
Citizens, we are better than this, we are duty bound to fulfill the contract made with these warriors.
My challenge this Armed Forces Day, which was Saturday, is to acknowledge our support for our veterans and service members by taking time to learn about the circumstances they face and doing whatever we can — a letter, a phone call, an email — to our elected officials to take whatever measures they can to heighten this issue.
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Sandi Combs is a resident of Kapaa.
