Churches, Schools, and Cities Across the Country Say ‘Thank You’ to Veterans

One by one the names of the men and women who served their country were called forward to stand in front of the pulpit and receive a gift of sparkling cider during the Sunday morning service at Old St. James Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Each stood proudly while members applauded their courage and commitment. Jerry Kentle moved quickly down the aisle and took a place in line for his deceased older brother, Laneal Kentle.

“It’s something to be thankful for because we have protection with these men and women putting their lives on the line,” Kentle said. “The freedom we have…it’s because of the military people.”

Kentle’s younger brother, Nathan, also spent time in the military during the 1970s. He pointed to Veterans Day and ceremonies like the one at church as demonstrations of support that are welcomed.

“It’s wonderful,” he said. “They need to do more for the veterans.”

The younger Kentle’s assessment is mirrored in a study conducted by the Pew Research Center which queried respondents, among other matters, about the role of the Veterans Administration.  According to the survey, the Veterans Administration received “mixed” reviews. Pew reports that most veterans (73%) have received benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, but less than half (46%) of the veterans surveyed say “the VA is doing an excellent or good job in this regard.” Pew adds that 30% of veterans describe the help from the government as “too little.”

Kentle cited a claim he filed years ago related to his service in the Air Force, but the VA denied it. He said the injury occurred while he was enlisted.

“I’ve gotten past it,” he said with a smile and a shake of his head.

Most of the veterans who describe the government’s help as falling short fought in post-9/11 wars. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were also viewed by most veterans as “not worth fighting” because of the costs to the nation.

The VA has come under fire in previous years for delayed appointments and long wait times at its medical facilities as well as a lack of treatment for mental health challenges experienced by veterans returning from post-9/11 wars.

The book, It Shouldn’t Be This Hard to Serve Your Country, written by President Donald Trump’s first Veterans’ Affairs Secretary, Dr. David Shulkin, outlines Shulkin’s effort to lead an organization amidst a culture of “backstabbing” and toxicity. Shulkin also served during the Obama Administration as an under-secretary of veterans’ health. He was succeeded by Robert Wilkie.

The Pew Research survey also underscored Americans’ view of veterans as disciplined and patriotic. Veterans and Americans described those who served in the military as more patriotic than others. That admiration and appreciation were obvious in churches and other ceremonies across the country over the weekend as veterans were reminded of the vaulted position they hold as the nation’s brave warriors.