Our duty: We need to make sure that nation is caring for its heroes

A jury will determine what happens to the man who is accused of gunning down two veterans who were trying to help him overcome PTSD -- one of whom was famed sniper Chris Kyle.

Justice will be served in that case. Those charged with finding what "justice" is will need to look deeply into the suspect's claims of mental illness as well as other details.

But the story of Kyle's service and his life as depicted in the movie "American Sniper" -- as well as life stories of service members who are back and dealing with the traumas caused by their service -- are critically important for all of us to hear and to understand.

We must be there for the men and women who have risked their lives in service to their country and who have come home with injuries because of that service. We must be there as a nation for their families as well.

Organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and other charities that focus on taking care of service members are in great need of continued support. A gift, no matter how small, can make a signficant difference in the life of a recovering veteran and his or her family.

But the work of private organizations is not enough.

This nation needs to make sure that the safeguards that are set up to help veterans -- all veterans -- are functioning efficiently and getting the job done.

We must insist that care is taken to make these men and women a priority -- and that federal officials understand that we are watching to make sure it happens.

Living in a military community, we hear stories every day of what our service members have done for us and their country.

It is up to all of us to make sure that we do our part to care for them.

And letting Washington know that veterans should be able to count on health care and benefits is Job 1.

Published in Editorials on February 12, 2015 11:17 AM