| Copyright 2007 Colorado Veterans Alliance |
BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVISTS
Traditionally, Reservists and National Guardsmen, or "citizen
soldiers," are part-time troops who train for one weekend per month
plus an additional two weeks per year. The Reserves and the
Guard (together known as the Selected Reserve) are usually called
to active duty in times of domestic crisis – hurricanes, floods, and
other national disasters. But the Selected Reserve makes up a major
part of our force in Iraq – at times, as much as 40% of the force in
theatre.
At the start of the Iraq Conflict, the poor health of many reserve
component troops was soon recognized as a serious national
security issue. Almost one in four Guard and Reserve members were
found to be “medically unready” to serve. Since uninsured Americans
are almost twice as likely to be in fair or poor health as those with
health insurance, a major factor causing substandard health of the
reserve component was the 20% of reserve troops and 40% of junior
enlisted reserve personnel who lacked health insurance.
Traditionally, Reservists and National Guardsmen, or "citizen
soldiers," are part-time troops who train for one weekend per month
plus an additional two weeks per year. The Reserves and the
Guard (together known as the Selected Reserve) are usually called
to active duty in times of domestic crisis – hurricanes, floods, and
other national disasters. But the Selected Reserve makes up a major
part of our force in Iraq – at times, as much as 40% of the force in
theatre.
At the start of the Iraq Conflict, the poor health of many reserve
component troops was soon recognized as a serious national
security issue. Almost one in four Guard and Reserve members were
found to be “medically unready” to serve. Since uninsured Americans
are almost twice as likely to be in fair or poor health as those with
health insurance, a major factor causing substandard health of the
reserve component was the 20% of reserve troops and 40% of junior
enlisted reserve personnel who lacked health insurance.
| Our Mission: To ensure the enactment of policies that properly provide for our Troops and Veterans, keep our military strong, and guarantee our national security for the purpose of a stronger America. CVA uniquely empowers Veterans to use their credibility and experiences to speak truth to power, shape public opinion, and place a priority on these issues. |
| COLORADO VETERANS ALLIANCE |
| "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive how the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." - George Washington |
