by Jaclyn Scudiero—Missouri
A man that I was talking to used to be in the Army. He was very supportive of what we were doing. He told me that after he got out of the Army he ended up bankrupt because he was injured during his service and couldn’t find a job that payed enough.
by Tamara Stanley—Ohio
It was the first day of sweat-breaking heat in Dayton, Ohio. The weather was hot in Dayton’s working class west side, but my efforts were not futile. I met a diverse group of people. Prior to my interaction, my night as a trainee was not going as planned, but the influence of my contacts, and their expressed need for change, strengthened my need to push on.
Along my journey I met a nurse who works with veterans. She refuses to leave veterans behind for a higher paying job in England. Her passion reminded me of why I was doing the job I was doing, and how important it is to press on for better health care. The next woman I met had watched me all down the street. She seemed tired as she shared her disgruntled feelings about health care, as she was a diabetic with no health insurance. My heart broke when she mentioned it. I am so proud to be a part of Working America. The TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW! The need for change is ever present! We are the change!
Tags: health care, taking action, veterans
by Kara Kukovich—Pennsylvania
I encountered a middle-aged man working in his yard while canvassing. After talking about jobs being lost in Pennsylvania, he asked me if I voted in the primary. Of course, my answer was an astounded, “Yes!” He said that he was a Vietnam veteran and that his son was sent to Iraq. He also said that the state of the country was the worst he had seen and that, especially for young people, things really needed to change. He said this primary was the first time in his life he had voted and he was 55 years old.
Tags: civic participation, jobs, veterans
by Adam Gazdalski—Pennsylvania
A veteran from the war in Vietnam brought to my attention the correlation between the treatment of soldiers back then and today. I became aware of the large volume of soldiers that come home from Iraq to face inadequate health care, debt, and life without a job. What an injustice to the people who serve our country! The man was eager to sign up as a member and also asked about volunteer opportunities.
Tags: health care, jobs, membership, taking action, veterans
by D’Anthony Gildon—Missouri
I went to get support from a resident and he told me he served the country for 30 years in the Navy. He said, “Since you’re out here supporting our country I can support Working America.”
Tags: membership, veterans
by Matthew Gilmore—Missouri
I met a man in Gladstone, Missouri who told me about how he served in the U.S. Marine Corps but is now a teacher. He told me that he, his wife and daughter are all covered under his employer’s health insurance, but that if he lost the insurance only he would continue to be covered by the government. He was worried that if something happened his wife and daughter would go without.
Tags: health care, insurance, veterans
by Brian Bucher—Pennsylvania
I canvassed a Viet Nam veteran who was placed on disability. He had to choose between two health care plans, but he hadn’t been given explanations about the plans. He chose one that covered hospital care, but later found out that the plan he didn’t choose also covers emergency services and doctor’s visits. He cannot switch as the other plan costs too much.
He only receives $1,200.00 a month on disability, but just lost his Medicaid coverage because “he makes too much on disability.”
Tags: health care, veterans
by Kim Andrews—Pennsylvania
I was canvassing in an area where I used to work nearby. In the past I worked in a large retail store where I socialized with our frequent customers. Tonight I knocked on a house where one of my old customers actually lived. We used to talk about her two kids who were very sick and who she cares for. Strangely enough, the woman herself is 87 years old and her children are in their sixties. Neither of her children have health care although she herself is covered by Medicare. Her son is a Vietnam vet and he still cannot get proper medical care.
She was excited to see that I was now at her door fighting on these issues and providing her a chance to also join with us. We had gone from having weekly conversations about our health care frustrations to working together through Working America to reach a solution.
Tags: health care, Medicare, seniors, veterans
by Tom Lewandowski—Indiana
Tonight I knocked on the door a man in his late 60’s who had trouble walking. I had ignored the “no soliciting” sign on his door explaining I wasn’t selling anything. He walked out the door and sat down on a stool in the driveway as I gave him the rap. He listened, took the clipboard and signed. I asked him if he worked anywhere. He explained he was a retired US Marine Officer. I asked him what his proudest moment was. He said it was on his first tour of duty commanding those fine young American men Viet Nam fighting for what they thought was democracy. By his second tour he realized they were not fighting for democracy or the common good but the rich, the corrupt, and Lyndon Johnson’s ego. He put his hand on my shoulder and wished us the best of luck.
Tags: membership, veterans
