One purpose of the U.S. military, for those who have forgotten or rejected military service, is to provide many benefits which a lot of people take for granted.

Military ships protect cargo ships to safely reach their destinations. The military allows American citizens to peacefully carry on their work without foreign intervention. It allows U.S. citizens to speak their minds without retaliation, unlike other countries that suppress their citizens from speaking their minds and protesting their leaders’ decisions.

We are a free people in this country, thanks to the 1% of the U.S. population on active duty defending our rights.

Military people who come home are granted veterans’ benefits to take care of them. Sure, it’s taxpayers’ money, but that is the price of your continued freedom and to ensure that democracy continues.

Be thankful that the Veterans Administration is taking care of your brothers and sisters. Otherwise, veterans returning to their hometowns might need to bleed their families and businesses of their hard-earned money to pay for the enormous bills for the medical care veterans so desperately need. 

Mike Brink

Gresham