When the uniform comes off, the mission doesn’t end.
In this episode of Evergreen Perspective, host Ben Christly, Navy veteran, flight nurse, and former nurse care manager at the VA dives into the real-life challenges veterans face after service. From navigating a broken VA system to battling trauma, addiction, and housing instability, this episode pulls back the curtain on what "supporting our troops" really means.
We trace the history of how America has treated its veterans, from Revolutionary War pension promises to modern-day staffing cuts under the Trump administration. You’ll hear the story of “Tony,” a veteran struggling to access mental health care, and learn how local heroes in Washington’s 3rd District are stepping up to help.
We also tackle tough truths: why privatizing veteran care doesn’t save money, why some veterans feel judged by their peers, and why slogans aren’t enough without policy to back them up.
Key Topics:
Resources for Veterans:
17 th LD Democrats’ General Meeting - https://www.17thdems.org
49th LD Republican Caucus Meeting - https://clarkrepublicans.org/ld-49-
meetings/ld-49th-caucus-meeting-04-26
Repair & Sustainability Fair -
https://lewiscountywa.gov/media/documents/Repair_Fair_flyer_Spring25_CC_Ce
ntralia_4-26-25.pdf
Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen -
https://www.cityofvancouver.us/events/adopt-a-park-event-at-leroy-haagen-20/
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