Editor:
The response written by Commander David Johnson of Montezuma County VFW Post 5231 to criticism of the Montezuma veterans organizations was very well-written. I, too, was troubled by the comments made by Don Cossack on June 28.
I would add to David’s comments, however, that the veterans’ organizations Mr. Cossack criticized, are not funded by any government agency or your tax dollars. They are made up of veteran volunteers. All assistance to their fellow veterans-in-need is entirely due to their own donations or solicitations of donations from the public through their event efforts, or donations given during Buddy Poppy drives — veterans helping fellow veterans with no other compensation than the camaraderie and sense of purpose in taking care of each other.
It was my sense that Mr. Cossack believes these veterans are obligated to carry this mission under some extended contract with their service. They have already served their country; they continue to serve their fellow veterans because they understand each other in a unique way, and sometimes their own government is reluctant to help them wander through the convoluted maze to receive the benefits promised. I, for one, am very grateful for the service of these unsung heroes — all of them.
Monica Noland
Cortez
