Vets Deserve Better
To The Editor:

At a recent public meeting held by Congressman Gregory Meeks to discuss federal services provided to our veterans, I was once again reminded about the failings of some of our elected officials to assist these patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

It is most painful to hear of our veterans' pleas for better housing and health care when we hear officials report surpluses in our state budget. There were harrowing accounts from many of the daily hardships caused by hefty healthcare costs and inadequate housing. It is hard to accept that the brave who have served our country by putting their lives on the line are now forced to live in shelters. Their pleas are for our elected officials to pay attention to these problems.

An appeal is hereby also made to Mayor [Michael Bloomberg] to fulfill his promise and remove the undignified circumstances which our veterans face every day in their lives.

I urge our elected officials to listen to our veterans' pleas and provide more funding, rather than merely spewing rhetoric. The welfare of all seniors, including our veterans, is paramount. Photo ops with these brave stalwarts will not suffice. Albert Baldeo Ozone Park