Phoenix Veterans Urge Stronger Support for Returning Troops Ahead of 30th Parade Anniversary
Updated
Updated · 12news.com KPNX · May 13
Phoenix Veterans Urge Stronger Support for Returning Troops Ahead of 30th Parade Anniversary
3 articles · Updated · 12news.com KPNX · May 13
Veterans from Vietnam, Iraq and other eras gathered in Phoenix for a “Generations of Service” forum focused on what troops need most after coming home from war.
The event came as fighting with Iran continues overseas and ahead of two milestones — the 30th anniversary of Phoenix’s Honoring America’s Veterans Parade and the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Adrian Fontes, Arizona’s secretary of state and a Marine veteran, said civilians often fail to grasp what service members endure, while Army veteran Brian Ishmael described the shock of deploying to Iraq soon after basic training.
Ishmael said returning to civilian work after combat was disorienting and that rebuilding the camaraderie lost after leaving the military required a strong support system.
Rick Romley, a Vietnam veteran who lost both legs in the war, said the lasting lesson is to never again mistreat returning veterans as many from Vietnam were treated; the parade returns in November.
After 250 years, has America learned how to truly bring its warriors home?
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With vast support systems, why is the military-to-civilian transition still a crisis point for so many?