I wanted to go to the army Walter Reed nursing program back in the late 1960’s, but my father, who had served in the army, forbade it. He said he knew what the army was like, and back then you listened to your parents. Looking back, I wish my parents were still alive, so I could tell them how smart they were and how ahead of their times with things they knew and saw. But many children think they are smarter than their parents, especially today. Your words are spot on! Those at the top, have no care or concern for those who serve. Most wars are all about money and control and the serving men and women who are maimed or lose their lives are beneath their notice. It makes me sick: the conditions our servicemen and their families live in on base, the low pay, having to fight the VA for services, the lack of mental health care, the suicide rate of our military and living on the street, while our government sends billions to foreign countries. We can go in debt to send money and equipment to foreign lands, but turn a blind eye to those who have served. I think the time has come to defund the VA. Instead let our military use whatever health care they choose, whatever insurance, whatever doctor with zero copayments. The VA should exist only as a records keeper and to point our military in the direction of where they might receive specialized care for their injuries. Convert all VA hospitals to hospitals open to all and hold them accountable to the same standards. We know the entire health care system is messed up and needs a full over haul too.