I saw many homeless veterans panhandling today.
What's truly tragic is that according to Lisa Ling, who hosts "Our America" - more veterans (Iraq/Afghanistan) have taken their own lives than all the soldiers who died in Afghanistan and Iraq combined. PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is the reason why. In one segment of the show - they were showing a suicide hotline center for veterans - they get up to 400 calls a day. Many of those homeless vets you saw probably became homeless because they couldn't remain functional and psychologically stable enough to work steadily and be an active engaged part of their families.
I'm curious--how did you know that they were veterans?I saw many homeless veterans panhandling today.
I'm curious--how did you know that they were veterans?

Yes, I've noticed that Goodwill stores even sell uniforms with the insignia still attached. It used to be illegal to donate or sell uniform items with rank and organization insignia still on them. It's certainly wrong to wear such insignia if one didn't earn them.I was wondering the same thing. I bought a pair of army pants at a surplus store a few years ago, because they are insulated very well; an excellent addition to my outdoor clothing wardrobe in cold winters. These panhandlers could have done the same, or Goodwill. Grab a shirt while they were there. Maybe they get more donations that way.![]()
Yes, I've noticed that Goodwill stores even sell uniforms with the insignia still attached. It used to be illegal to donate or sell uniform items with rank and organization insignia still on them. It's certainly wrong to wear such insignia if one didn't earn them.
Unmarked uniform items are OK to buy and wear. TCS and I own some old cammies that we use for outdoor activities like camping and shooting.
They're really supposed to remove all ranks, names, badges, organizations, etc., from uniform clothing items.I recall seeing names on them, but not bars. I was looking for pants only, because they make a polar-style pant that works excellently at sub-zero temps.
They're really supposed to remove all ranks, names, badges, organizations, etc., from uniform clothing items.
When I was on active duty, the service member could get into big trouble for improperly disposing of uniform items. There are still some organizational uniform items that are illegal to give away or sell. They're supposed to be turned back in when no longer used because they don't really belong to the service member.
Believe me, the military has rules for everything.![]()
I'm curious--how did you know that they were veterans?