We will see ads everywhere touting big savings on Veterans Day. Phrases like "thank you for your service" and "freedom isn't free" will blanket social media. But what about the actual people that served? Why are so many veterans homeless and unwell? Suicides are incredibly high in the veteran community. Have you ever asked yourself why? Why has our country given lip service to vets and not actually cared for them? We owe them much more than words and the once a year free meal at a local restaurant.

Here at the Illinois Green Party we demand that those willing to serve be honored in a real way.

Our brave men and women carry out the policies of the US often with great hardship to themselves, their families, and even the risk of their lives. They deserve our respect and our commitment to adequate compensation and benefits.

Our first priority is creating a future without war. We are committed that future generations not face the war-time separations and sacrifices.

Here are just some highlights of the Green Party's GI and Veteran Right's platform:

1. Increase the current pay levels

2. Provide better care for the wounded, sick and injured soldiers

3. Increase funding for the VA

4. Ensure a smooth transition from active military service to civilian life by providing counseling, housing, emergency management, job protection and other services.

5. Enact a New GI Bill providing tuition grants for 4 years of college, low interest loans for housing or business start-ups and 10 years of free medical care for all military personnel and their families following separation from the armed forces.

6. We insist the VA not ignore the suffering of those exposed to nuclear, chemical and possibly biological warfare agents. Congress should fund and the VA should implement a comprehensive survey to assess the impact to vets and their families. and provide the best possible treatment to minimize their suffering.

7. We demand an end to the shameful practice of veterans being unfairly discharged from the service with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by both physical and mental trauma under trumped-up behavioral charges, as a means of military budget cost-cutting. As Greens we insist that all U.S. Combat Vets are entitled to fully funded medical and psychiatric health care by the V.A.

8. And More!

No matter if it's a red or a blue administration, these issues are barely mentioned and never addressed. Our vets deserve better. Will you join us now and work to elect people who will truly honor our veterans? They fought hard for us and now we must fight for them!

The Future is Green!

Illinois Green Party
www.ilgp.org
Send questions or comments to [email protected]