By Jon Tatting
Isanti County News

A trio of local lawmakers fielded questions and concerns from military veterans of all generations during a roundtable event Monday night, Jan. 7 in the basement of the American Legion in Cambridge.

The meeting, organized by local veteran Bob Potts, aimed to give area vets an opportunity to share their concerns with the legislators who may now bring a better understanding of priorities to the legislative session, which convenes next month.

In addition to discussing Gov. Tim Pawlenty's 35 initiatives, a $51 million veterans support package that includes a total exemption from state income tax for military pay and pensions, vet?erans emphasized the need for a better mental health campaign—especially for those returning from tours overseas.

Active military serviceman Greg Matson, of Cambridge, just returned from a tour in Iraq. In light of talk on post traumatic stress help, he urged that today's vets need a continuous push toward embracing assistance as many avoid such aid for one reason or another.

Older veteran Tom Smith, of St. Francis, explained that veterans "don't want the establishment." Rather, they want the entities away from "the establishment" where they may feel more comfortable without the bureaucracies.

Another addressed the empathy factor. For example, some in case management who have never been in combat cannot begin to understand or perhaps gain the trust of a veteran client who has served or fought in that environment.

Elk River resident Ralph Donais, one of several members of the local Vietnam Veterans Association in attendance, explained his generation "went into the closet" in the years following their return from combat. The chapter, in an effort to keep history from repeating itself, stands proud in its ongoing effort to advocate and offer support for the younger generation of veterans and their families.

"We don't want our kids to go through what we did," said Donais.

In fact, when DFL Sen. Rick Olseen, Dist. 17-Harris, voiced his realization over this relationship, VVA members simply applauded the acknowledgement. The senator further mentioned the number of veterans returning from Iraq who are "falling through the cracks" with problems ranging from divorce to DWI offenses.

In addition to Sen. Olseen, the roundtable included District 17A Rep. Rob Eastlund, a Republican who represents the Isanti County area, and DFLer Rep. Jeremy Kalin representing Dist. 17B in Chisago County.

Isanti County Veterans Services Director Jim Rostberg was the fourth who sat at the table. He received an ovation at the meeting as many fellow veterans have received help through him and his office.

Eastlund affirmed that measures supporting U.S. veterans have been long-neglected. Yet the governor's initiatives are a step in the right direction and "we need to keep moving the ship forward," he said. Eastlund challenged the vets to prioritize Pawlenty's proposal—which is actually a wish list, generated by bipartisan support—"to keep people from falling through the cracks."

Meanwhile, Kalin stressed the importance of removing barriers for veterans, such as passing a military and overseas voting bill. He noted that fewer than 20 percent of vets were denied from voting at a past election after they had requested a ballot.

Back to the veterans, Donais urged the legislators to be mindful of all vets—whether they experienced combat in Iraq or on more peaceful terms somewhere in the States. They didn't choose their destination. "A veteran is anyone who serves our country," he said.

Veteran Mike Labelle, of Andover, echoed Donais' early sentiment regarding the VVA's attempt in helping younger vets. He encouraged fellow vets and the roundtable to be aware of military family support groups that meet in Isanti and a new effort that has begun in Braham.

Others suggested better education benefits and improved marketing strategies in promotion of support for veterans.

"What about our hometown?" asked a woman who, as a nurse, assists several older veterans and sees a deficiency in local services. Rostberg noted Isanti County Commissioner Susan Morris is currently pushing for an effort involving a directory or network—consisting of medical, public health, law enforcement and other officials—in assisting veterans and needs such as reintegration.

Yet the dominant theme of the meeting seemed to revolve around emotional help, as post traumatic stress disorder is no stranger to veterans of any generation. One man shared that while 55,000 were killed in Vietnam, about 130,000 of those who survived later committed suicide. And the numbers remain concerning of today's servicemen and women.

Another vet said "we need to reach vets right off the plane." Another believed there should be mandatory testing for PTSD.

"We need to be aware of how many Minnesotans will be coming back in the next year or two in terrible shape. Vets are not second class citizens," said Potts, emphasizing the need to assist vets is not just a current issue but one that warrants future attention.

Follow this link to see Gov. Pawlenty's 35 initiatives under his military and veterans support proposal.