Vets worry about losing debt debate

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Local veterans are anxiously monitoring the federal debt debate in Washington. If no agreement is reached, veteran benefits are in jeopardy.

At the Missouri Career Center in Kansas City, seven strangers met Friday night. All are military vets. All share the same nightmare.

“I have not had a steady job since 2000,” said Bruce Nevils, a U.S. Navy veteran.

All expect, Gwendolyn Williams, have been underemployed for years.

“I probably sent out 100 resumes and had three interviews since May,” said U.S. Marines veteran Zach Munkins.

Still, all have something steady.

“I draw my VA disability,” said Brand Jenison, a U.S. Marines and Army veteran whose wife also receives social security payments from the government. “That’s been able to pay the bills. But, we are kind of concerned about the way things are going right now.”

Debt talk on Capitol Hill worries veterans. If President Obama and lawmakers do not reach a deal increasing America’s borrowing limit by August 2, billions in social security and veteran benefit payments may be lost.

“Well, that directly impact us,” Jenison said. “That’s 100% of our (his family’s) income.”

“I’m afraid that if something doesn’t happen I’d lose my disability money and I’d lose my house,” said Doug Wood, a U.S. Army veteran.

“They need to keep helping us because I’ve been homeless and it’s no fun,” Williams said.

“I listen to all the banter back and forth and I understand the politics of it,” said Air Force veteran Jason Jones. “But, I really can’t agree with what’s going on in Washington right now because, you know, you’re playing political games with my life.”

“I think NASA should take a vacation,” Nevils said. “I think other programs that are costing millions of dollars to run should take a vacation because if a person is willing to put their life on the line, sacrifice, and bleed, then the one thing this country should do is not turn its back or cut funds that someone has rightfully earned.”

Veterans just hope lawmakers listen and act in time.