The fight on Capitol Hill to expand GI benefits continues. Senator Webb has proposed legislation to bring veteran’s educational benefits to World War II levels - when the Servicemembers’ Readjustment Act helped hundreds of thousands get degrees and get on with their life. Nowadays, according to the veterans’ group IAVA, Iraq War vets don’t receive enough to cover a degree, even living expenses at the community college level. I spoke with three experts today. Here’s the audio of today’s show. It’s the first interview.

Catherine Morris, Veterans Counselor at Sierra College - a community college in Sacramento. Sierra College is one of the few community colleges with special programs for returning veterans. In my interview with her, she comments that vets say they’re more afraid of the college class than Iraq. Something about the isolation and lack of support makes that so. She’s holding an upcoming Road Home event on September 19th at American River College. This event is an orientation to help veterans be successful. Catherine, a 15-year veteran herself, is doing the hard work of helping veterans find their way back - commendable, difficult work when you consider how many vets struggle with PTSD and repeated deployments. She’s at (916) 789-2879 if you need more information or want to start a similar program at your school.

I also interviewed Tom Tarantino with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Tom is from the North Bay, an Iraq Veteran, and is working hard to pass the legislation to give GI’s their due. Tom spoke of the bi-partisan support the bill is receiving and of the ridiculousness of McCain opposing a measure that’s only giving vets what is promised.

Paul Sullivan, with Veterans for Common Sense brought the sharpest criticism about Bush and McCain. He has been an tireless advocate for vets’ rights and benefits, including the recent legal effort to force the Veterans Administration to provide timely and adequate healthcare for veterans. We covered the lawsuit and the archives are at www.warcomeshome.org.

I will continue to cover these issues. Just today at the gym, the CNN newschannel scrolled a few words about the highest suicide numbers among vets - but I don’t think this fact is registering with most Americans. The desolation and desparation and pain comes home to our communities. We must continue to tell the truth about the reality of vets’ experiences and their treatment at home.