In the past decade it has been challenging to see all of the issues surrounding veterans, much less address them. Today, with the conclusion of the Iraq war and Afghanistan winding down, it is imperative that Idaho begin to address veteran issues for the long-term. More service members and veterans will be discharged from active service, more will seek counseling and health services, more will choose to continue their education, and more will continue to pass away.
Addressing Education and Employment
With years of continuous service many young veterans have fallen far behind their civilian peers in terms of education and employment opportunity. Providing tuition assistance programs to veterans will ensure that they are afforded the opportunity to expand their formal education. Veterans who have incentive to stay in the state of Idaho and continue their education will be long-term leaders and economic boosters. Steps should be taken to educate employers to ensure that military service is not simply seen as other employment, but a training ground for a dedicated and skilled workforce.
In the current legislative session there are several bills intended to make an effort to address education and employment opportunity. S1299 would create uniform policies that translate military education, service, and training into academic credit. It would also allow professional licensing boards to consider these factors in issuing their license. H630 changes the designation of “veteran service” to include any honorable military service. Past designation required service in armed combat or on a specific military campaign. This becomes an important distinction in Idaho pubic sector hiring. H568 addresses veteran preference; it allows a veteran to apply for a preference in any public service appointment, not just the initial appointment as in the past.
Improvement Needed in Mental Health and Addiction Services
Veteran courts have a proven track record of success. The courts are designed to help those veterans who suffer from mental health issues and drug and alcohol addiction. These courts consider the military history of an individual, things like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as their accomplishments and commendations. They then assign an alternative sentence, which, upon completion, could reduce or dismiss the charges. The first veteran court, in Buffalo, New York, has been in operation since 2008 and reports a recidivism rate of zero. In the Ada County jail, approximately nine percent of the population are veterans. To address this, both Ada and Canyon Counties have participating veteran courts but are currently the only Counties in Idaho to do so. Expansion of the veteran court program should be accelerated to the rest of the state. Drug addictions are on the rise in the military. Addictions to prescription drugs are much more common problems than illicit drugs and are much harder to detect and treat. The state needs to be proactive in creating and providing services.
Addressing Long-term Needs
The veteran issue is not a new one. There are generations of veterans passing away everyday. Idaho should expand its Veteran Cemetery to the north, central and eastern parts of the state. Doing so would ensure veterans have the opportunity to be buried near their homes and families.
Other issues being addressed in this session of the legislature include H479, which, if passed, would allow a veteran home administrator to collect funds due to residents of the veteran home. These collected funds could be used to pay expenses incurred by a veteran’s stay or any other reasonable expense. H371 would allow any parent of a child who dies in military service to be admitted as a veteran home resident. And finally, H461 and H496, allowing disabled veterans to be awarded free big game permits or tags and for service members to be exempted from hunter education requirements.
The Idaho Legislature has Work to Do
Idaho leaders are making token efforts to assist veterans but serious long-term efforts are needed. Addressing mental health and addiction issues should lead discussions concerning veteran legislation. With an estimated 137,099 veterans, not including former service members, statewide, there is ample reason to be proactive with a population that has a history of distinguished service to community.
Christopher Lavelle currently serves with the Idaho Army National Guard
Voters in District 14 have an important vote in Tuesday’s May 15th primary, to write-in “Glida Bothwell” for House Seat 14B and fill in the oval by her name on the democratic primary ballot. Voters from any party affiliation and unaffiliated voters can ask for the democratic primary ballot and write-in “Glida Bothwell” for District 14 House Seat B. Glida Bothwell is the official democratic write-in candidate for the May 15th primary election.
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