Last November, I attended a Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. My friends and I stuck around after the game to try and get as close as we can to the ice as the remainder of the celebrating fans flooded out of the stadium. We realized how late we were to our train so we began to sprint towards the station. As we were running past all of the already closed hotdog and T-shirt stands, I took a double-take at a person that resembled my grandfather. Upon getting closer, I realized it was a homeless man. His resemblance made me feel more inclined to give him some cash. As I was handing him some money, I glanced at his sign and realized he was a veteran. I was baffled that veterans were vulnerable to becoming homeless after fighting and defending everyone’s lives. It troubled me that all the people at MSG were able to celebrate while this man was concerned about when his next meal would be. We missed the train because of me, but that moment is when I realized that more could be done for these brave soldiers.
I began volunteering my time at the local fire department for various fundraising events for Wounded Warriors, a charitable organization that helps veterans and active duty service members. Currently, veterans return home to a country that’s largely unprepared to meet their needs. I find that the resources already provided for veterans are extremely scarce. Some soldiers face unemployment, homelessness, poor mental health, and even a lack of education. The government should undoubtedly fulfill its obligations to these veterans who risk their lives for us. Unfortunately, a large amount of homeless people seem to be veterans. Veterans should feel financially stable upon their arrival and shouldn’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep for the night. Resources must be provided and distributed no matter what situation the veterans face. Most of the soldiers in transition return home with little to nothing in their immediate possession.
This is an issue that can be addressed with the help of others, which is why I started a fundraiser in association with Wounded Warriors and a local fire department. My plan was to collect toiletries and essential items for soldiers/veterans taking refuge in Walter Reed in Maryland and Ft. Belvoir in Virginia. I am hoping that the resources gifted by myself and my peers can truly make a difference for these soldiers. I wanted to address an injustice in the world that is prevalent in our nation that I knew I could help with. A proposal I have come up with regarding government level change includes offering free medical care for returning soldiers which involves no copays and no restricted hospitals. To further the benefits offered, colleges should provide free education to anyone who defended our nation at any point of their lives. Although these are small steps, we all have a shared obligation to these men and women.
