After Garrett received the VA's response that included a finding that shrapnel wounds were not related to the IED blast, I did seek out the assistance of our State politicians, Obama included. We did hear from Obama's office several months later and at that time I advised his office that the matter had been resolved. I received and apology for the delay in responding to our request for assistance and was advised that "he is just one man". The needs of our Veterans in Illinois seem overwhelming to Obama, yet he assures our Nation that he is ready and able to meet the needs of our Country and be our next President.
Sam Anderson, wife of Sgt. Garrett Anderson (retired.

Okay, Sam. So it sounds like personal resentment is a factor here, which is the point. But look at the big picture: McCain isn't even supporting the new GI bill. Republicans have let your husband and other vets down repeatedly while exploiting their patriotism. All vets would have a better deal under Obama, who needs to prove his support for the military than under McCain, for whom it's taken for granted.

I was with Sgt Anderson on Capitol Hill April 8th when Senator Obama continued his month-long refusal to meet with our group of Illinois Iraq veterans. Sgt Anderson was joined by other decorated heroes, including a young Army Sergeant from Wauconda, IL who lost his left leg in an IED attack in 2007. Not only did Senator Obama refuse to meet with our group, but his staff mambers who did meet with us fed us the line that Senator Obama would not support a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. The same day, Senator OPBama publicly stated that he felt it was time for a timetable for withdrawal. It appears obvious that neither Senator Obama nor his staff have much respect for the brave young men who went in harms way and gave huge sacrifices fighting for this country. Senator Obama owes us an apology and should take the time to meet with those who have spent multiple tours in Iraq. After all, Senator Obama wants to be Commander in Chief of our military.

By the way teambooberry John McCain supports expanded GI Bill benefits for veterans but his plan would graduate benefits based upon time in service. Senator McCain's plan would lure people out of the military after a short while like Senator Webb's cynical plan. Webb's plan is just another attempt to bleed the military readiness to a lower level. Webb's orevious efforts to gut the ranks failed and this one will too. As a veteran, I feel more comfortable supporting John McCain's candidacy. I know Senator McCain understands what our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines live through daily.

In the last comment I meant to say that Senator McCain's plan would NOT lure people out of the military after a short while like Senator Webb's cynical plan.

I.V.,

Your assertion that Sen. James Webb -- A U.S. Naval Academy grad, Marine Corps infantry officer, a highly decorated Vietnam War combat veteran, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs and Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan -- is trying to "gut the ranks" is self-evidently baseless.

Unless you have some evidence for your claim that he is trying to undermine the troops -- which includes his son, Jimmy, a Marine infantry Lance Corporal who recently returned from Iraq -- you should probably stop typing.

You're making a fool of yourself.

-- SCAM
so-called "Austin Mayor"
http://austinmayor.blogspot.com