Cutting benefits a disservice to veterans

After reading several of my military subscriptions and listening to the POTUS on Super Bowl Sunday, I have a problem with our government.

The POTUS stated that after World War II, the government invested in our soldiers with the GI Bill and VA home loans. He made it sound as if it was a handout to help veterans returning from the war, which is a lie. These soldiers and those who have served and still are serving earned these benefits by serving their country.

Now the government is asking the Department of Defense to cut benefits from veterans, i.e. COLA, 20-year retirement benefit and TRICARE, to help balance their budget. Why should a veteran have to give up benefits they have earned so others can receive food stamps, low-income housing, welfare benefits and Obamacare?

There are 51,300,000 Americans on food stamps and unemployment insurance (Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Commerce, CATO Institute, as of Jan. 1) and the government thinks that taking veterans benefits is going to make a dent in the budget deficit?

Our veterans deserve better. Veterans, family members and friends of veterans should vote out those who feel we don't deserve our benefits. Republicans or Democrats, doesn't matter. Veterans deserve better.

Maj. Jim Sorensen

Ret/INF

Marion