Man’s false claims to be a veteran are offensive

Editor, In regard to your article which featured a “51 year-old Vietnam vet, which would have made him 12 when the war ended in 1975, as a disabled combat Vietnam veteran myself I find it very offensive that people like this gentleman sit on corners and begs rather than stepping up to the plate and taking care of himself and his family. Has he no pride in himself, and what kind of example is he setting for his family?

April 25, 2014 6:38 pm

Editor,

In regard to your article which featured a “51 year-old Vietnam vet, which would have made him 12 when the war ended in 1975, as a disabled combat Vietnam veteran myself I find it very offensive that people like this gentleman sit on corners and begs rather than stepping up to the plate and taking care of himself and his family. Has he no pride in himself, and what kind of example is he setting for his family?

I have worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs for 28 years and have seen countless “veterans” who claim to be disabled, but truly are not — some of them not even veterans. It is people like these who seek unwarranted and fraudulent compassion and sympathy from unsuspecting citizens, and who piggyback this on the tragedy and horrendous disabilities that have befallen the true heroes and those who have served.

Sir, man up and get a life.

Bruce Williams-Burden

Freeland