| James Raymond is a local veteran here in Western New York. While fighting in Afghanistan, James lost most of his hearing and suffered a knee injury.
He wants to continue his education at the University at Buffalo. The military, however, wants him back.
From the Buffalo News.
In urging the Department of Defense on Friday to grant special consideration in Raymond's case, Reps. Brian Higgins, Thomas M. Reynolds and Louise M. Slaughter point out that he was honorably discharged four years ago and rated 10 percent disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Many of our returning veterans have sustained serious and permanent injuries as a result of their selfless service to this great nation," Higgins, D-Buffalo, said.
The letter, in part, asks that the order activating Raymond, 2 6 , from the Individual Readiness Reserve - an eight-year obligation following active duty - be postponed until at least June 1, when he completes the current semester, or until the end of the upcoming fall semester when he is scheduled to graduate in December.
Raymond attends the university through VA educational benefits he earned during his three years of active duty, which took him to Afghanistan for 10 months in 2003-04. In addition, he receives a $120-a-month VA disability pension for life.
The lawmakers also asked defense officials to consider Raymond's plans to appeal the mobilization order and be exempt from future activations.
Not only has Raymond suffered a loss of hearing and the knee injury, but he also told the Buffalo News that he has had a documented case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Raymond has been ordered to report on May 18 to Fort Benning, Ga..
"I'm thrilled for the congressional support. It speaks volumes about the Western New York comm unity," said Raymond, reacting to the support, which also includes efforts by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-NY.
Raymond added that he would "go back in a heartbeat" if he thought "that it wasn't going to risk the lives of the soldiers around me or my own personal life."
I don't see how a man who is partially deaf would be a good fit in battle. That is not good for him and it is not good for the troops around him.
Hopefully James can stay and complete college, at the very least, and then head back for another tour. I don't think he should be headed back at all in his condition but we will see how this plays out over time. |
