An article written to THE DESERT SUN op. ed. page, 1/15.06 , by DARYL JAMES: Next time you encounter an unkempt man holding up a sign "will work for food," take another look. Then pathetic creature trying to separate you from one of your hard earned dollars, easily could be a battle-scarred veteran, one of seven thousand homeless vets wandering around Riverside County (Ed.note CA. in this case, but this applies to ALL counties in the US!), separated from family, friends, a hot meal and a warm bed, aimlessly trying to survive the degradation of grabbing the scraps of life as a vagrant. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and the Veterans Administration estimate that nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless nationwide on any given night, and more than half a million experience homelessness over the course of a year. Further, these two organizations project a conservative estimate that one out of every three homeless males who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served our country. Many live with lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or a lack of family and social support networks. According to data on Iraqi veterans, PTSD is on the threshold of becoming epidemic. Yes, this situation is disgraceful, shocking, and in no way reflects how the American people want to comfort and nourish those brave men and women who have put their lives on the line. The good news is there are US Vets sites in Long Beach, CA, Arizona ,Texas, Las Vegas, Hawaii and New York (and more) where vets are being sheltered, fed and rehabilitated. US VETS ARB is funded by HUD, and although modest in scale it is up and running, operating on a shoestring. In addition to housing and supportive services, USVets also provide: Outreach and Assessment; Residential Substance Abuse Treatment; Career Center; Employment Program; Permanent Disabled Housing (funded by the VA). * * * Daryl has met with the Facilities Director and was told that in addition to cash donations, these facilities need washers, dryers, computers, clothes and food. The American Legion, Am Vets, VFW are obvious support, but civic minded groups and charities need to pitch in. It is called pocketbook / patriotism. Daryl L. James, Jr.,   Chairman, Veterans Advisory Committee, Riverside County, Member American Veterans, Past Commander, American Legion US Navy Veteran, WWII, Korea * * * At the GLENBARD Reunion in Laughlin, Nevada in February, Daryl spoke to the entire dinner crowd, and received kudos and even promises of some help. Our Treasurer, JIM LOVE has proposed that we donate any funds we have left after our Newsletter fades, to this cause. Staff agrees, but so far, we aren't quitting this epistle. Please contact DARYL for more information if you want to be generous. Daryl James, 419 Ginger Drive, Palm Springs CA 92284 pynmtnman@aol.com   Next page 2006 Newsletter:   Part 1     Part 2     Part 3     Part 4     Part 5     Part 6     Part 7     Part 8 Newsletter Home Page