HOW DO you thank someone for sacrificing themselves for the good of others? For putting their lives on the line to defend their country and its ideals? If you follow the lead of the American government, it's quite clear -- send a soldier into combat, let him get hurt, and then charge him for his meals while he's trying to recoup in the hospital.
Starting in 1957 for all military officers and in 1981 for all enlisted service members, the government mandated that any service member injured in combat would be required to pay for the meals they received while in the hospital. This practice is not only disrespectful to America's troops, but it is altogether detrimental to the health of the U.S. Armed Forces and a symptom of a much greater problem.
The very idea of making our troops pay for their meals is ludicrous and a slap in the face to every man and woman who has ever donned an American uniform. These soldiers are being sent into the depths of hell-- combat zones where their lives are on the line every single moment of every single day, even after the war is declared "over." And why? Because they have made a commitment to defend and protect their homeland, no matter what the personal costs.
How dare the very government that would send these brave souls into harm's way then have the audacity to charge them when they are subsequently injured? The American fighting force is already one of the lowest-paid groups in America, with some service members being forced to take on extra jobs just to make ends meet. The life of a soldier is not easy -- it's a demanding, grueling path characterized not only by low pay but by frequent moves, questionable health care and the constant threat of war and destruction that affects not only the combatant but every member of their family. They deserve accolades and respect, not tabs for hospital food. Talk about kicking someone when they are down.
Luckily, American politicians seem to agree. Last Friday, the House approved 399 to 0 to end the meal costs for troops for the fiscal year of 2004 ("End near for charge on wounded soldiers' meals," FoxNews.com). It is a step in the right direction -- but still more must be done.
To begin with, the bill must be made permanent. The current Iraq supplemental bill is only a quick fix. There is no doubt that in 2005 there will still be soldiers laid up in hospitals, recovering from wounds endured in Iraq or Afghanistan. There is also no doubt that in 2005, 2025 or even 3005, charging our wounded for their meals will still be as fundamentally shameful and wrong as it is today. A bill must be passed to ensure this practice is ended forever.
In addition, the bill needs to be retroactive. Right now there are thousands of American troops in hospitals, with more coming in every day. These wounded should not suffer financially simply because Congress didn't realize there was a problem until after they were hurt. All troops injured within the latest conflicts -- the war in Iraq, the conflict in Afghanistan -- should immediately have all meal charges dropped and be reimbursed for the money they have already paid to keep themselves fed while in recovery. It is the very least the government could do to honor our veterans and active duty soldiers.
Soldier morale is crucial to the life and strength of any fighting force. If troops feel underappreciated and disrespected, the cohesiveness and power is lost -- there's no reason to fight for a country that won't support you when you come home.
This, though, is just one indicator of problems with in the U.S. military. The Army released information about 13 suicides of American combatants in Iraq, and returning troops in Georgia are complaining about substandard living conditions for the wounded.
The armed forces will continue to lose the best and brightest to the corporate world if it can not properly take care of its own. In a world growing more and more dangerous by the day, that is an unacceptable loss.
If America wishes to maintain its position as the strongest superpower in the world, it must begin with the basics -- treat the troops well. And start by picking up the tab for the hospital meals. The meal tab is nothing in exchange for the hard work and selflessness demonstrated by the U.S. Armed Forces. Start picking up the meal bill or who knows what's next -- the government may just start charging grieving families for the American flags that drape their loved ones' coffins.
(Maggie Bowden is a Cavalier Daily associate editor. She can be reached at mbowden@cavalierdaily.com.)
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