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" MY LATE HUSBAND SERVED DURING WW2 IN THE ETO. HE WAS IN THE 5TH ARMORED DIVISION AND AT ONE TIME THEY WERE WITH THE THIRD ARMY UNDER GEN. PATTON. HAD THE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF SALUTING HIM FACE TO FACE IN ENGLAND WHEN PATTON WAS THERE BRIEFING THE OFFICERS. MY HUSBAND WAS HEADED FOR THE PX FOR A CANDY BAR AND RAN INTO PATTON COMING THE OTHER WAY. HE ALWAYS SAID BEING IN THE ARMY WAS THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE OF HIS LIVE. WOULDN'T TAKE A MILLION FOR IT BUT WOULDN'T TAKE A MILLION TO DO IT OVER. MUST BE A COMMON EXPRESION FROM OUR VETERANS. "

" what type of family support leader or organization you have. They are the ones who should be here to support and provide families with information on their soldier and unit. They also should have monthly or atleast quarterly meetings with the families to let them know what they know and to let the familes express what they are feeling and dealing with. They should also help the families deal with deploying and coming home issue such as what to expect when your soldier deploys/comes home. My husband is in the Ntl Guard and they really are not as lucky as the reg army b/c they do not get the counseling that they need unless it is on their own dime. Which is sad. "

" I worked with Jack Murphy for fifteen years, as I taught along side of him. It seems Jack never really left education; he is now teaching a new generation of eager learners about his experiences and his wisdom. Congrats, Jack on the continued hard work that you do. It was an honor to have you as a mentor of sorts of mine. I wish you continued success as you honor our Veterans and offer knowledge to future generations. The War Museum in Pontiac houses an incredible collection that equally pays a thoughtful tribute to all veterans and gives those who share the experience a unique view of community pride and local history. "

" I think they are doing a better job of these things...each time before my husband came home there were meetings and briefings of what to expect and who to go to for help. The problem with that is if you Vet actually wants help and will admit it. Also, we were told the benefits available, our struggle since my husband got out of Active Duty has just been getting them- half the battle is getting through all the hoops you have to jump through to recieve your benefits! "

" I agree with most of your comments, however I strongly disagree with enlistees who were never near combat receiving entitlement into orgs such as the V.F.W. My own Father was a WWII POW; I married a 3 year 82nd airborne enlistee who then served another 17 years in the National Guard.My husband always felt slighted; he actually would've re-upped for our current situation but they wouldn't take him.Part of it is ego; he served with honor but doesn't get to be considered a hero, in his eyes.I think my Dad would've preferred not to have "earned" his membership in the V.F.W. as what he endured cut his life short (when I was 8 years old) and no membership to any hero club was worth the toll it took on his life including his quality of life. So you have two honorable soldiers who had very different experiences and long-term outcomes. My husband has already passed the age my Father was when he died in the VA hospital. The American Legion is pretty much the "catch-all" organization; don't have to have seen combat club and that's how I believe it should stay. "

" I hope that all changes are retroactive, and include all veterans. The military, and certain organizations, often only include those who have been part of declared wars or conflicts. There are many veterans who fall through the cracks having seen combat without any congressional declarations, so they are excluded from claiming certain benefits, and excluded from organizations such as the VFW and American Legions. Even veterans who did not see combat were ready to serve, and just got lucky they were not needed. "