Washington D.C. is riddled with partisanship and inaction. However, the
Circle of Friends for American Veterans (COFAV) believes veterans’ issues
transcend the left-right paradigm. Founded in 1993, the Circle of Friends for
American Veterans continues to serve Americans in uniform.
The Circle of Friends for American Veterans
Initially a veterans' homeless shelter, COFAV transformed into a 501(c)3 educational organization affecting debates in Congress and educating the public about veterans’ issues.
COFAV, provides GIs with timely answers, pushes veterans’ issues to the forefront of Congress’s agenda, reforms the VA, and serves as a voice for our men and women in uniform.
COFAV, provides GIs with timely answers, pushes veterans’ issues to the forefront of Congress’s agenda, reforms the VA, and serves as a voice for our men and women in uniform.
Recent revelations of VA waste, spiking suicide rates among veterans
returning home from war, and homelessness burdening military communities
illustrate the need for Congress to act.
Despite public outcry, a moral obligation, and repeated “congressional inquires” Washington has done little to resolve issues facing veterans. Fortunately, America’s system of federalism empowers state and local governments to combat such problems.
Despite public outcry, a moral obligation, and repeated “congressional inquires” Washington has done little to resolve issues facing veterans. Fortunately, America’s system of federalism empowers state and local governments to combat such problems.
Purple Legislators, Blue Mayors, and Red States
Over the past few years, purple
legislators have drafted reform bills, which were signed into law by blue
mayors in deeply red states. Salt Lake City, New Orleans, and Phoenix hold the
proud distinction of zero percent homelessness among their city’s veterans
community.
Such cooperation demonstrates the power of bipartisanship and the effectiveness of solving problems when party identification is thrust aside. These local governments sent a strong message to Washington i.e., reform will only follow a determined and bipartisan legislature.
Such cooperation demonstrates the power of bipartisanship and the effectiveness of solving problems when party identification is thrust aside. These local governments sent a strong message to Washington i.e., reform will only follow a determined and bipartisan legislature.
A Challenge to Washington
The Circle of Friends for American Veterans challenges the 114th
Congress to look towards the laboratories of democracy as an instruction manual
to combat homelessness. Combating ISIS,
military intervention in the Middle East, and the Global War on Terror are
hot-buttoned issues in today’s Capitol. However, it is unethical and immoral to
discuss further military action when current veterans are mistreated by an
unaccountable government and an inactive congress.
The legislature must draft bills to aid our nation’s returning soldiers. A vote for war is not merely a vote for the duration of combat; rather, it is a lifelong commitment to those who are sent into harm’s way to defend our freedoms.
The legislature must draft bills to aid our nation’s returning soldiers. A vote for war is not merely a vote for the duration of combat; rather, it is a lifelong commitment to those who are sent into harm’s way to defend our freedoms.
While Congress is easily blamed, we
must also shift some burden onto ourselves as the American people. Members of
the armed forces are not distant troops in foreign lands. They are our parents, siblings, and significant others. Our Representatives work for us, and
action will only come when constituents demand it.
To the American people, call your Congressperson and demand change. If change fails to come, hire a new Representative in November. Our constitution creates a government that works for the people, not a citizenry that works for the government!
To the American people, call your Congressperson and demand change. If change fails to come, hire a new Representative in November. Our constitution creates a government that works for the people, not a citizenry that works for the government!
Drew Becker
Program Coordinator
Circle of Friends for American Veterans
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