Rep. Bob Finer, Chair of the House Veterans Committee, told the American Legion convention America must do better for Iraq veterans than was done for Vietnam vets. He urged re-opening many closed camps and transforming them in “Heroes Welcoming Camps” where returning Iraq/Afghanistan veterans could remain for a few months with their families getting readjusted to life at home. The “decompression” time would be part of their active service, but would provide a breather from stress. Counseling could be available to veterans and family members.
He also apologized to those who served in Vietnam saying, “we let you down” as a society and it was important not to repeat that mistake with current veterans of the Iraq war.
