Dear President,

People swear up and down that they appreciate everything that veterans do for us and our country but do they even do anything to show it other then just saying “thanks for your service”. It’s rare. Does anyone actually stop to think about how the veterans feel. According to James on lyricinterpretations.com “Approximately 22 veterans take their own life every day most of them under the age of 30. I am a veteran. I was a 249 gunner this song depicts exactly how I feel. I thank Five Finger Death Punch for putting my very thoughts to music.” the song he is referring to is Wrong side of Heaven by Five Finger Death Punch . Have you stopped to think about that President? I know second hand on how a lot of veterans are really treated, they usually come home to either being homeless and/or jobless. Not only that but they sometimes come back suffering PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). “PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.” those are the exact words from the National Institute of Mental Health.

PTSD is very common in veterans, with all the stuff they have been through then they sometimes come back to nothing? I believe that is wrong. Yes I know that there are plenty of veteran hospitals just for veterans but would you want to be cramped up in a hospital for who knows how long? No, you probably wouldn't. A lot of even end up being homeless in fact there are roughly 49,933 homeless veterans in the US. Though the Department of Defense has done thing to lower the number dramatically, almost by 50%. In my opinion we as Americans should be more worried in hiring veterans instead of hiring immigrants, that way they will be able to buy a house and be able to settle down and start families, don't you agree?

Let’s say you are to be put in my shoes. I had a great uncle that was a Vietnam veteran and he was a great man. He was always there for me and was one of the coolest person i have ever met but, sadly he passed away two summers ago and once he sit down and listen to a veteran’s stories you will find yourself amazed and captivated. So if we can listen to their stories why can't we help get those stories out there so more people will pitch in and do something for these heroes, because they go through so much while serving their country and Trace Adkins even pushed that fact in his song Til the last shot’s fired “Say a prayer for peace

For every fallen son. Set my spirit free. Let me lay down my gun. Sweet mother Mary I'm so tired. But I can't come home 'til the last shot's fired”.

From my heart i beg you to do something to help our country’s heroes. I suggest you set up some kind of program or two that will help veterans find jobs and help them find and purchasing homes so that way our heroes will not have to come home and find themselves sleeping in the streets.

Sincerely, Austin