I try not to do more than one post out of every three or four on this site, but this one's personal. I also know we have at least one other Dog, and at least on Pup, besides me that have cause to care about the quality of Vet's care in Illinois. Our younger Senator has made lots of noise in the past about getting better care for veterans and I've read more than one place that one of the few good things likely to come from having a Democratic majority in Congress is a little less stinginess in that area. As a (non-Service Connected) Disabled Veteran you can bet I'll be watching with interest.

Iraq Vet to Lead Ill. Vets' Affairs

Iraq war veteran and failed congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth has a new mission: directing the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Tuesday.

Leading the agency was a logical next step following a losing bid to replace retiring Republican Rep. Henry Hyde, said Duckworth, a Democrat and former Army helicopter pilot who lost her legs after a rocket-propelled grenade attack north of Baghdad.

"As a soldier I fought for my country, and now I thank Governor Blagojevich for giving me the opportunity to fight for my fellow Illinois veterans," Duckworth said in a news release.

Duckworth's experiences as a soldier and rank as a major in the Illinois Army National Guard will help her run the department that handles benefits, education and nursing care for veterans and their families, Blagojevich said.  ...

Contributed by Bill Faith on November 21, 2006 at 04:50 PM in Bill Faith, Caring about our troops | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: The Gray Dog

Thanks Bill, so will I.

Posted by: The Gray Dog | Nov 21, 2006 9:32:47 PM

Posted by: Jim Bartimus

Well, I wish her the best with that. There's no doubt that the IDVA is lacking on all counts and needs to be a little higher on the list of priorities. I know several Vets’ that have had to deal with our current system and all were greatly disappointed with the outcome.

The politicians in this state throw money around like its candy in a Labor Day parade and all to often it lands in the wrong places. (1 Million, driveway heaters, Gov. Mansion) We’ve got a $700 million deficit to contend with and then they enact laws and tax businesses to the point where they go elsewhere. That’s not just the big trucking companies I’m talking about either folks. I had this discussion with the owner of a business over at Flat Rock recently and he was fed up and considering a move to Indiana.

This thing crosses party lines anymore and is no longer just in the realm of politics. We’re talking about people’s lives and their ability to make a contribution to society. If we can’t take care those that fight for this country but allow illegal aliens all the health care they need what kind of message does that send?

Thanks for bringing this to my attention Bill. At least something in this state still works……...

Posted by: Jim Bartimus | Nov 23, 2006 9:41:18 AM