To many Americans being in the military is seen as honorable and courageous. Many served honorably and would do it again. It is celebrated with parades, discounts, holidays and standing ovations at sporting events. But only 1% of the U.S. population has enlisted into the military. Many like me served honorably and would do it again. I served the in the Navy for five years, I’ve traveled all over the country and across the world. It’s nice, but I’ve also had health issues due to the military. Dislocated shoulder, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and the list keeps going. I decided not to reenlist to be with my family and to focus on school. Yet, I have to work full time to have insurance and keep working full time to keep my health care benefits. Many veterans need help and no insurance to help them. Serving in the military should grant members free health care after they serve.

The government spends billions of dollars to fight wars and to have the latest technology to fight them. The military demands more than 40 hours a week and in many cases, for service members to work in dangerous settings. Once a member decides to leave they get a thank you for enlisting handshake and good-bye. Countless veterans leave with heavy health issues and get a limited amount of help and income for it. According to an NPR article, the VA is over funded just not administrated right. My best friend a former Marine, receives a check every month at the expense of a brain tumor. Many veterans take their life away by suicide. Does the life of a veteran not matter after they serve? Free health care should be mandatory to better care for the country's heroes.