David Botti
|
Dec 28, 2007 10:42 AM
As the last days of 2007 come upon us, I've compiled a timeline
of veterans news throughout the year. What struck me is the vast number
of veterans stories pouring out from all media outlets. Will this
continue to be the case in 2008? Most likely it will be for the simple
fact that the number of Iraq/Afghanistan vets is getting bigger.
Here are selected stories from throughout 2007:
FEBRUARY 18 -- The Washington Post exposes decrepit living conditions for wounded soldiers recovering in Building 18 at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center:
Behind the door of Army Spec. Jeremy Duncan's room,
part of the wall is torn and hangs in the air, weighted down with black
mold. When the wounded combat engineer stands in his shower and looks
up, he can see the bathtub on the floor above through a rotted hole.
The entire building, constructed between the world wars, often smells
like greasy carry-out. Signs of neglect are everywhere: mouse
droppings, belly-up cockroaches, stained carpets, cheap mattresses.
MARCH 8 -- A New York Times study finds vast inequities in how veterans receive disability checks based on location and type of service.
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