It's time to step up for our disabled veterans

James H. Lilley

Since President Gerald Ford abolished the Draft, volunteers have filled the ranks of the United States Armed Forces. Young men and women have stepped up to serve our nation, and put their lives on the line to defend our beliefs and freedom. They come from every corner of our nation, and some of those who ask to serve this great country, aren't naturalized citizens yet. Still, they stand to take the oath to defend the United States of America, and the principles on which it was founded. From Grenada, to Desert Storm, and Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom, volunteers have taken the fight to our enemies. Men and women have fought for a cause they believed in, and many of them have made the ultimate sacrifice. Others, too, have made sacrifices. They have sacrificed an arm, a leg, sometimes both limbs, and their eyes, all in the name of freedom. They have been brought home to be treated in, what we're finding are, places unfit for human habitation, and, in far too many instances, they have become the forgotten fighters. Remembered only by family and friends, gallant men and women face a future filled with uncertainty.

In spite of this, many would happily return to their units and fight on, if only they could, and only a handful of citizens would understand this courage. These men and women exemplify bravery on a level that many of our citizens can't comprehend. Far too many who enjoy the freedoms of the United States, and take our liberties for granted, have forgotten or have never known the "Spirit of the Warrior." The men and women of today's United States Armed Forces are the very sum and substance of the words immortalized by President John F. Kennedy. "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." Our Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Coastguardsmen are not asking what the country can do for them. They courageously step forth to do for their country, and expect nothing in return. They give of themselves, body, mind and spirit, to a just cause, and serve us with pride and honor. As a country, we should stand together, and not forget, or turn our backs on these men and woman. Not one of them asked to die in war, nor did they ask, or expect to be disabled because they fought with courage and honor on the field of battle. Their lives were forever changed because of a roadside bomb, or rocket propelled grenade, and still they have no regrets for answering the call to serve.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Doctor Sheldon Greenberg of Johns Hopkins University and discuss this very topic. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has begun actively recruiting from the ranks of wounded and disabled United States Veterans to fill positions in their agency. The FBI has found valuable resources in these men and women-men and women who are capable of working in the intelligence field and other areas within the agency. To date, the FBI is the only federal agency recruiting from the ranks of the wounded and disabled.

After talking with Doctor Greenberg, I sent a letter to Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, and Howard County Police Chief William McMahon, suggesting they open doors of employment to our veterans. I pointed out that these men and women are indeed capable of filling positions as Police/Fire Dispatchers, duty officers, record division clerks and possibly even Forensic Services. Certainly throughout the county, there would be other slots, from mechanics to drivers, that many of these men and women could fill, if only they were offered the opportunity. Most of the wounded and disabled veterans aren't asking for a free ride, or even pity. They simply want the opportunity to continue to serve and work in a meaningful capacity.

This is the time for not only every government agency, from the local, state and federal level, but also every employer across our nation to step up, and offer our veterans job opportunities. It's time for America to stand unified as a nation, and show the other countries of the world that we care for our men and women who have answered the call, and volunteered to be Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Coastguardsmen. Let's not turn our backs on men and women who still possess the Spirit of the Warrior and, hold that spirit dear within their hearts. It's time to allow those with the courage and pride of the warrior, to fight for themselves, and their families. And now, who will be the first to answer this call, step up and offer our wounded and disabled veterans a job here on the home front?

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