I want to take a moment to thank the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces as we honor veterans on Veteran’s Day. My father, Charlie Fegins, served at Pearl Harbor during World War II and was on the USS New Orleans when the attack occurred. He survived and came home. He was awarded a World War II Victory Medal. .

Last year I remember watching 60 minutes as the show reflected on the heroism of our soldiers. It also exposed the many issues of mental, emotional and physical issues our veterans face ;as well as homelessness. My heart was touched as well as broken. Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, Ph. D writes about how many veterans have come home “morally injured” and struggle to overcome homelessness, mental issues and other struggles ,which this nation must more effectively address. I prayed at home alone for our soldiers while watching 60 minutes.

Again I thank the men and women soldiers for their service and their sacrifice. Like Senator Carl Levin stated “it’s absolutely essential that we honor our commitment to provide them with the very best care and support available. They’ve fought for us, and we need to keep fighting for them.” Senator Levin further stated “Around the world our troops are carrying out a broad array of challenging and dangerous missions. Wherever they are stationed, our troops and their families deserve our gratitude for their selfless service and their sacrifices”.

Give thanks to God for our veterans who have served our country and for those on active duty who serve today. To our men and women in harm’s way, our prayers are with you. Take the time to pray for the veterans and their families who suffer physical and mental aliments and those who may be homeless. They face gunfire, explosives and hard conditions we cannot even think about. However, upon returning home they cannot find employment and are homeless. Have mercy. For example, Grace Chapel, 47, a homeless veteran, has been living in Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s first emergency housing center for the past four months. If not for this shelter where would she and others like her, but many more may not get the help they need. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/helping-homeless-veterans-win-battle-article-1.1511476#ixzz2kHPd8eYg . Veteran Nicole Goodwin was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder by the Veterans Administration but was twice denied a disability pension. She applied again but the average wait for an answer is a disgraceful 600 days. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/veterans-day-remember-article-1.1507374. Our country must be more vigilant and compassionate about providing the necessary services for our veterans in a timely and effective manner with all deliberate speed.

Pray for the protection of our soldiers serving around the world and at home in the United States. Pray for our veterans who have come home. Pray as follows:

• Pray for our wounded service members and their families. Pray for mental and emotional healing as well as physical healing. Pray they obtain the necessary medical and other services they need and deserve without procedural obstacles and delays.
Pray for proper housing and shelter for women and men.
• Pray for divine protection and guidance for our armed forces. Ask God to intercede for military chaplains and loved ones at home.
• Pray for discernment and protection from the United States’ enemies that are among us, even as others plot against us from afar.
by Linda Fegins 2013

Tags: Grace Chapel, homeless, Veterans Day, Volunteers of America