October 7, 2020

Q&A: Foreign policy analyst Tyler Koteskey on what the U.S. accomplished in Afghanistan and why it’s time to withdraw troops

United States just began its 20th year of war in Afghanistan. What started as a response to the attacks of September 11 has turned into nearly two decades of combat and shifting objectives that are not in line with our original goals. After so many tireless years of fighting, more than $6 trillion spent, and… Read more »

September 9, 2020

The result of years of endless war: many veterans survived the war, but not the homecoming

When we count the cost of war, we often talk in terms of defense dollars spent or combat injuries and deaths. The Global War on Terror, specifically efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, has racked up high numbers in each of those categories: $6.4 trillion spent, more than 7,000 servicemembers killed, and tens of thousands more… Read more »

August 11, 2020

John Byrnes: The war in Afghanistan has gone on so long, it’s outlasted my 22-year military career

By John Byrnes, CVA Director of Education On September 11, 2001, I was called to duty. I still remember clearly, hearing the news that the first plane had hit one of the twin towers, as I sat in a Manhattan classroom. I was only one year into my enlistment, having done a previous four-year stint… Read more »

July 17, 2020

Why do some in Congress want to keep sending troops to Afghanistan?

The United States has been locked into the conflict in Afghanistan since 2001, imposing a tremendous toll on our nation – in both lives and resources. The president and the Department of Defense have evaluated our national interest and put forward a strategy to withdraw U.S. forces by early 2021. Why are some in Congress… Read more »

July 13, 2020

VA Appointment wait times dramatically increase as vets stand by for answers on community care

Three months ago, the Department of Veterans Affairs issued guidance that limited veterans’ access to medical appointments through the Community Care Program. Today, that guidance has yet to be rescinded or even clarified as wait times for appointments continue to skyrocket. The latest data from the VA shows a dramatic increase in appointments taking longer… Read more »

June 29, 2020

NDAA provides opportunity to spend smarter while protecting American interests

Both the Senate and House of Representatives will begin consideration and markup of the National Defense Authorization Act this week. As the process moves forward, there is an opportunity to refocus America’s defense spending and efforts in the annual NDAA. Concerned Veterans for America Executive Director Nate Anderson recently wrote about the need to focus… Read more »

June 15, 2020

The VA MISSION Act made life better for this North Carolina veteran. But restrictions to access mean not all vets will be so fortunate.

Bob Phipps comes from a military family. His father was a gunner’s mate in the Navy during World War II. His siblings answered the call to serve, too, with his sister choosing the Army and his brother serving as a Navy SEAL in Vietnam. Bob added a different branch of service to the family legacy,… Read more »