OPINION: Democrats launch fundraiser for Post Falls Veterans Home

It’s hard to find a topic that 95 percent of people agree on. And yet, 95 percent of Americans believe it’s the duty of the government to support veterans when they return to the homefront (“American Perspectives on Veterans, Rand Corporation Research, 2021).

Idaho is home to more than 127,641 military veterans. Of these people, more than 100,000 served in active duty wartime roles. Idaho’s World War II veterans number about 1,465.

Each of us, Democrat and Republican, have a responsibility to support these veterans. Military service is by its very nature non-partisan. Service members don’t pick and choose the days they will work based on who occupies the White House.

Rather, when brave people of all political affiliations enlist, they, “swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

And yet, some counterparts on the fringes have hijacked American military pride and are using it as a hollow political tool.

Our military serves the ideals of a nation, not a dictator or political party. And so, our military veterans deserve bi-partisan support from both Democrats and Republicans.

This support looks different coming from different parties. Democrats often get a bad rap when it comes to military support because we are not war hawks. Rather than glorify violence, we protest for peace. Military service isn’t about killing bad guys — it is selfless service in defense of our nation, our Constitutional ideals, and humanity around the world.

What does it look like to give back to those who are willing to give all?

On a national level, it looks like fully funding the PACT Act, a 2022 law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This is the largest health care and benefits expansion in history, according to the VA’s online fact sheet. It’s also a bill that was carried by Democrats in the U.S. House 256-174 and signed into law by President Biden in August.

It looks like simple, straightforward medical debt relief through the American Rescue Plan. Veterans across the U.S. were collectively burdened with more than $1 billion in medical debt in 2019. Following the passage of The American Rescue Plan, Veterans in financial hardship who get treatment through VA are entitled to get their medical debt forgiven.

It looks like health care options that are both affordable and accessible.

On a local level, this well-deserved support is facilitated through the Idaho Veterans Home, Post Falls.

This world-class assisted living home welcomed its first residents in late February. The facility has 64 beds subdivided into four household wings. Each of these wings holds 16 private resident rooms with private bathrooms. Here, our veterans will enjoy their own den, sitting lounge and living area. Two suites are specially designated to accommodate married couples.

The main community center includes a chapel, barber/beauty shop, bistro, activities center, multipurpose room, sports club, and therapy room/gym. Multiple common areas will be sponsored by different community groups, including the Kootenai County Democrats.

Throughout the month of June, Kootenai County Democrats will be raising funds for the Idaho Veterans Home, Post Falls. By sponsoring rooms in the facility, local organizations have the opportunity to support the remarkable care this home provides.

Above all, if we want to support both our veterans and the promise of America, we must build a more perfect union with peace as its guiding principle.

President Joe Biden has declared, ”Our veterans are the best of America and supporting the women and men who wear the uniform is a commitment that unites all of us. Throughout history, Democrats and Republicans have been working together to ensure access to world-class health care and benefits for our veterans. And, while our nation’s longest war is over, our commitment to support our veterans continues.”

Please join local Democrats as we try to keep our American commitment to our veterans.

Donate: https://bit.ly/DemsVetsFundraiser

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.