When the uniform comes off, the mission doesn’t end.

In this episode of Evergreen Perspective, host Ben Christly, Navy veteran, flight nurse, and former nurse care manager at the VA dives into the real-life challenges veterans face after service. From navigating a broken VA system to battling trauma, addiction, and housing instability, this episode pulls back the curtain on what "supporting our troops" really means.

We trace the history of how America has treated its veterans, from Revolutionary War pension promises to modern-day staffing cuts under the Trump administration. You’ll hear the story of “Tony,” a veteran struggling to access mental health care, and learn how local heroes in Washington’s 3rd District are stepping up to help.

We also tackle tough truths: why privatizing veteran care doesn’t save money, why some veterans feel judged by their peers, and why slogans aren’t enough without policy to back them up.

Key Topics:

• VA staffing cuts in 2024–2025 and the push toward privatization
• The Bonus Army March and its violent fallout
• Veteran homelessness and the role of HUD-VASH
• The emotional toll of transitioning to civilian life
• What real accountability for elected officials looks like

Resources for Veterans:

• VA Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
• National Coalition for Homeless Veterans: nchv.org
• Washington State VA: dva.wa.gov
• WorkSource & Hire Heroes USA job programs

17 th LD Democrats’ General Meeting - https://www.17thdems.org
49th LD Republican Caucus Meeting - https://clarkrepublicans.org/ld-49-
meetings/ld-49th-caucus-meeting-04-26
Repair & Sustainability Fair -
https://lewiscountywa.gov/media/documents/Repair_Fair_flyer_Spring25_CC_Ce
ntralia_4-26-25.pdf

Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen -
https://www.cityofvancouver.us/events/adopt-a-park-event-at-leroy-haagen-20/