Veterans Address Needs With Obama Advisors

By Dan Verbeck

Kansas City, MO – Senator Barack Obama's veteran affairs advisors in Missouri have been listening to former military members at meetings around the state. Ten veterans and soldier's widow told their stories Monday at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City.

The soldiers wanted assurances that veterans' benefits will increase, starting with a GI bill of rights.

The widow of a Vietnam War medic, Kathleen Aylward, said that families must be more involved in veteran care.

"The VA's budget is not appropriating funds to that. We must [have] the families involved. We must have supported programs," Aylward said.

"I believe Obama will do that. I also believe that he will recognize that we have female veterans in this war," Aylward added.

Nearly 15 percent of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are female, Aylward said.

The soldiers acknowledged Obama challenger John McCain as a war hero and said they appreciated his service.