A letter Wesley Clark’s web site web site:
21 May 2008
General Clark,
My name is Michael B. I am an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran. I served with the 89th Military Police Brigades in Baghdad, Balad and Ashraf, Iraq in 2004 and 2005. I was only 18 years old when I left my home to go and serve my country. I was a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for six years and was just separated in April. I am now 23 years old and cannot use my GI Bill anymore. According to the VA, the chapter 1607 GI Bill that I was using is only available to drilling reservists. And I’ve been told that I cannot use the Chapter 1606 GI Bill anymore. and 42
I’m telling you these stories so that you can hear from someone on the ‘front lines’ of this battle. I’ve sent letters to both Senator Bob Casey and Senator Arlen Specter (my senators) asking them to support the new GI Bill. I’m spreading the word among my fellow vets and my family and friends, asking them to spread the word about Bush and McCain not supporting the GI Bill. I’ve heard that they won’t support it because they fear that too many soldiers will want to get out of the military to use their new GI Bill. The net effect of that would be that retention rates drop. Should anyone ever doubt that Americans will stop answering their nation’s call?
Mr. Bush and Mr. McCain are misguided and fearful. I helped three young men join the Army National Guard recently. All three are satisfactory recruits with bright futures. Never should anyone doubt that our military will crumble because of college tuition assistance. If anything, the new GI Bill will help make the decision to join the military easier.
I greatly admire you sir and have appreciated the work that you do for veterans across America. Thank you for your time. God bless you!
Your Fellow Vet,
Michael B.
On a semi-unrelated note, Clark may be Obama’s running mate.
