What Are You Doing For Veteran's Day?.

[Justice]

Today a secretary sent an email to all employees (about 400) at my company that said something like:

I am just sitting here thinking about how lucky I am and want to just thank the veterans for their service, particularly the ones in Iraq.


Another secretary responded: AMEN

Another secretary responded: Isn't it great we all think alike?

Another secretary responded: On behave of my son (active army soldier) and myself (vietnam vet), thank you.

I am a manager, and although I wanted to send a reply to all employees, I felt I couldn't slam these staff people. My reaction was mixed. The sentiment - if genuine - is great. I was concerned that this was one of those - support the troops by not criticizing anything the adminstration did, is doing or will in the future do.

So, I decided to take a one on one approach. I sent an email to the vietnam vet thanking her for her service and saying that I hope support included decent pay, living arrangements, healthcare, commissory benefits and education. She thanked me for these thoughts. Then I took a chance and sent her a link to Wesley Clark's op-ed piece in the Globe. She like that and focused on Rumsfield's announcment of more troops saying that we had to send a message via the voting box that the adminstration is not doing a good job. I was very encouraged. I am going to tackle the other people tomorrow.

Anyway, I encourage you to be proactive for Veteran's Day - let's focus on the true needs of our vets. They don't need any more flag waving - they need money, benefits and healthcare -- and respect.

[HawkerHurricane]

1. Help a vet on veterans day

visit your local USO, and help out.
Visit your local VA hospital, and visit the vets.

Actually DO something, unlike the Bushies who will give a swarmy speech and do nothing for the Vets.

[MercutioATC]

2. Working and getting paid double time...

...we never close.

[greatauntoftriplets]

8. Working.

Normal business day in corporate America.

[jiacinto]

3. I would not mix politics with work

That's something I strongly recommend you not do.

[9215]

6. I second that

I've seen people get in alot of unneccessary trouble for mixing politics and work. Even after I warned them.

[Justice]

10. Its okay

We actually have fundraisers for candidates at work.

I wouldn't send out a blanket message, but felt the one on one was okay. My point is more that we should not let the day be taken over by the folks who "bless our troops" but don't want to reach into their wallet to take care of our troops. I am all for the prayers, but think God would want us to financially support our troops as well.

[incapsulated]

4. I'm having a party!

It's my birthday!

:party:

I have friends and family that are vets and always give them a hug on veterans day.

I think I'll send a care package, as well.

[elperromagico]

5. Helping my mother celebrate her birthday

My dad's a Vietnam vet, so I'll be with both of them on a very special day for both of them.

[JohnKleeb]

7. I may go to Arlington cemetery

and visit the Kennedy graves and that of Sgt Strank my ancestor who fell on Iwo Jima. Ive been meaning to. I will take pictures, I will show.

[SCDem]

9. * is coming to Greenville, SC to campaign for reelection

I think I am going to join the SC protesters and ask him what he has done for veterans lately (uh besides cutting benefits and needlessly leading young men to their early death).