The Broken Soldier

My discussions with COL Soldano have gone very well so far. He’s given me great latitude in expressing my opinions and criticisms, and he has acknowledged that there is a problem.  How I wish I would have met COL Soldano a year ago.  I can only imagine the pain his assistance could have saved my wife and I had he been involved earlier on.  He truly seems committed to helping me. I’m cautiously optimistic a just outcome is possible with his advocacy. There is, of course, residual distrust.  He is, after all, an officer in the Army National Guard.  While his position requires him to investigate problems like those I’ve experienced, his first concern is with the mission.  But again, I am hopeful I will at least get the medical care I need, and a powerful advocate, besides Raymond J. Toney (my attorney) as I begin medical boards.  However, the fight doesn’t end when I finally get the benefits to which I’m entitled. The system is still in need of serious overhaul and improvement. There are still soldiers suffering because of this system and its execution. There will, undoubtedly, be more in the future.  Many of them cannot or will not speak for themselves.  They need a voice.  Maybe I can be that voice.