They are not the government's veterans, they are our veterans. Some gave all, but all gave some and they have known hardship, service, fear, and brotherhood in ways that most of us can't even imagine. They have seen their brothers killed and maimed, and sometimes become disfigured along the way. They have taken lives for their country, and returned to their lives as your neighbors, fathers, and native sons. Their courage is undeniable, yet it remains a trait they retain in silent humility, sharing only with a fellow veteran, if at all.

Too many Americans assume that the needs of these men and women are fully addressed by the Veteran's Administration; they'd be wrong - just ask a veteran. It isn't incompetence or negligience on the part of the VA, for many VA service members and staffers are veterans themselves, though certainly there is room for the government to do more. Promoting veteran issues in the government and assisting the veteran in navigating these murky waters are a number of wonderful organizations. The VFW, DAV, American Legion, AMVETS, and others do their part and now it is time for you to do yours. They don't all need assistance, but they have all earned it.

It is an issue of size and scope. The VA is no more capable of addressing the needs of veterans than the department of Housing and Urban Development can house the poor, or the Justice Department can end crime. A young man loses his leg in Iraq and even at 100% disability his pay typically drops to under $1,000 a month. A wife, two kids, no job, no leg, and a need for assistance that the government just can't give, but you can. You can assist this vet, one who walked the rice paddies of Viet Nam, stormed the beach at Normandy, froze at the Chosin reservoir, or simply served honorably for a few years.

Veteran Survival is not a club, an organization, or a network. It is a web site that provides the opportunity for veterans who need assistance to be matched up directly with a citizen with the means to assist them. This service is provided at no cost by Prefer America Inc. though we will use sponsor dollars to upgrade and promote this effort. There is no cost to the veteran and no fee for the citizen. One veteran - one citizen, that's it. It's time to Prefer American Veterans.