I.
A. "We're supporting our servicemen and women in the field of battle..." These are our president's remarks from a November 6, 2003 speech. "With this act of Congress, no enemy or friend can doubt that America has the resources and the will to see this war through to victory..." And while President Bush recognized the need for an $87 billion dollar military supplement to finance a war on foreign soil, he did not request even a fraction of that amount to support those same servicemen and women who continue to fight battles on American soil after they return. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans website, last accessed February 28, 2004 an estimated 500,000 are not supported because their battle is not recognized. It is fought under bridges, behind streets, and tucked away in dark allies.
B. Today, we will examine the problems of homeless veterans; consider the causes behind this regrettable occurrence, and the steps we can take in getting those 500,000 heroes off the streets.
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United StatesC. These people are fighting a war against poor medical care, unpaid benefits, lost jobs, and dysfunctional relationships - all the aftermath of their service to our country. Because of the lack of government follow through with the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001, Inadequate access to health care and job opportunities, and the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance, abuse veterans are not properly taken care of upon returning home after their service. We as a nation must now support those who have supported us, those who have sacrificed their youth, their health and in some cases their lives.
II.
A. The Broadcast Interview Source of February 10, 2004 explains that there are currently "460,000 veterans that are forced to sleep on the nation's streets" every night.