Commentary: Don’t just hang up a flag; help the veterans

I am sure veterans had to sleep on the side of the road during combat. Who would have thought they’d have to do the same back in their hometown?

The country has veterans who are homeless, unemployed and suffering mental illnesses. Veterans can have difficulty transitioning into the peaceful, suburban lifestyle after being exposed to the constant sounds of bombs and gunshots and images of crying children and fallen soldiers.

As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I feel acutely aware of how the country treats its veterans.

How is it that we can verbally express our gratitude for their service but turn away when it comes to opening up our wallets and supporting the services that will provide a better post-war life for our troops?

It is easy to say, “Our soldiers are brave” or “God bless our troops,” but it is harder to extend our appreciation in terms of funding and charity work. While focused on their courage in battle, we may forget that they are also human and in need.

Veterans may known that obtaining job training, housing, financial assistance, mental health assistance and education during the post-war transition is crucial, but they may put on their brave front and try to do it on their own, because asking for help could be seen as a sign of weakness. After all, they were able to protect our country, why not themselves?

Another major concern in the veteran population is the rate of suicide. Many factors can lead to suicide, including mental illness, unemployment and unsuccessful transition into regular life.

Suicide is often related to stress from infantry and combat responsibilities.

Veterans in warfare face sexual harassment, sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and traumatic brain injuries. Without the appropriate services to handle mental illness and improve the well-being of our soldiers, how can we expect them to be able to physically work, go back to school and find proper housing? Emotional stability is among the first orders of business.

We are, in some way, all connected to the veterans who laid their lives on the line to protect us. The lack of care that we give to our soldiers will only cause more social issues, thus increasing the rate of homelessness and putting the veterans back on the side of the road.

Do more than just hang a flag by your front porch this Memorial Day. Call your state Senate representative and make it your duty to protect the troops as they have done for you by supporting California Senate Bill 689, which addresses the need for veterans housing with support services.

KATHY PHAM is a graduate student in the master’s of social work program at the USC campus in Irvine.