Military Resources Strain a Disservice to Current and Former Vets?

Donna Teresa in today's Monterey Herald:

Joshua Amaya, son of Raul Thomas Amaya, a Navy Vietnam veteran, who served in the reserves in 1967-1968 and active duty in 1969-1970, who recently died, experienced some of the consequences of this war. Josh and his family were having trouble getting confirmation that a color guard and American flag would be available to honor his father at this funeral. He was told that during wartime, this service cannot be promised due to unavailability of personnel due to deployment in war and extremely full schedules covering other military funerals.

Amaya said the reasons were not acceptable. "(A)t first I understood, and then I thought about it," he said. "Why was my dad's service or anyone else's service less deserving of a military memorial service and a flag? This president asks for billions of dollars to continue this war, but... I couldn't get my dad an American flag for his funeral. He enlisted to defend our country just as those serving now are doing.

"My dad was there for his country, was it too much to ask that they be there for him? Will the support of our uniformed men and women stop when the war ends? These are the last acts of thanks to our veterans of all wars. Our country claims to care, but actions sometimes speaks louder than words." The local American Legion came to Josh's rescue and his dad received the military funeral he deserved.

Heartbreaking and maddening.