CHICAGO: Only military veterans with "good" discharges receive full health, disability and educational benefits — even the right to vote in some states. That leaves tens of thousands of vets less than honorably discharged — including because of their sexual orientation — locked out of benefits they have earned. At 11 a.m. this Wednesday — Veterans Day — antiwar vets will gather at Chicago's Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Wacker and Wabash to remember those who have died — and to call on the government to treat all veterans fairly, regardless of discharge status.
The vets and supporters will also throw flowers into the Chicago River in honor of those who have died.
Edgar Gonzalez-Baeza, a gay member of IVAW — Iraq Veterans Against the War — will address the military's practice of continuing to deny benefits to LGBT veterans discharged because of their orientation — even though the military has ostensibly moderated its homophobic policies.
Longtime Vietnam Veterans Against the War leader Barry Romo will also speak in favor of restoration of benefits for lesbian, gay and trans soldiers with "bad" discharges.
Veteran and military family counselor Hans Buwalda will speak about 'moral Injury', which has been recognized as a contributing factor in PTSD and veteran suicides. Hannah Frisch of the Civilian Soldier Alliance will speak about IVAW's programs to challenge the military industrial complex and build a better VA. Speaker Crystal Colon of Iraq Veterans Against the War will also be joined by spokespeople from the Fight for $15 movement. Singer and activist Margaret Nelson will provide music.
The event is sponsored by Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace.