Book Review:

Returning from the War on Terrorism

By Bruce C. Brown

Reviewed by Julie Scott

 

The “Buddy System” works well when buddies cooperate.  They watch each other through thick and thin, offer help when the going gets tough and rejoice together in the accomplishments earned by the other buddy.  A buddy system is recommended for risky or dangerous situations: swimming, gymnastics, class work … and WAR.

 

A tour of duty ends and the buddies go to their separate homes … alone.  Each becomes a civilian, a combat veteran discharged from service.  Most come home with special needs and no buddy to help out.  They have benefits, yet no idea where to get them or who to contact.

 

 

Finding the Benefits That Are Right For You

 

Meet your new buddy: Returning from the War on Terrorism: What Every Veteran Needs to Know to Receive Your Maximum Benefits written by Bruce C. Brown.  It is one of those handbooks that should be given to each member of the military as they prepare for separation from active duty.

 

This handbook is organized into chapters arranged in accordance with the evolution of a veteran.  The introduction sets the pace for the entire book, covering information about the main organization available to all veterans, The Veterans Administration Organization, which is divided into several units.  Collectively, the units are referred to as the VA.

 

Upon honorable, medical and/or general discharge from active military service, the veteran has a general eligibility for VA benefits automatically.  The degree of eligibility and the benefits each veteran can claim must be determined … by the VA.

 

The information in this handbook travels from the definition of a veteran, separating from the military into “normal” civilian life, guiding the reader through the veteran’s healthcare system, explaining disability benefits and compensation. Available benefits don’t stop there.  Life insurance, guaranteed home loans, scholarships, grants and other aid, education and training programs, relief for homeless veterans, survivor’s benefits and funeral/burial and memorial benefits are among the additional.

 

This book is very well-written and an easy read.  As a matter-of-fact, it is sure to get a second reading to absorb the gold mine of information between the covers of this book.  The author mentions that the book is the result of his personal crusade to make veteran entitlements known to those who need them most.  His stated mission transforms this book of information into the veteran’s new best buddy.

 

Chapters 7 and 8 are most noteworthy as the bounty of information is geared toward all the veterans and not just the recently separated ones.  Practical, useful, current information is presented clearly and augmented with tables and helpful lists which are immediately useful and easy to follow.  Phone numbers are provided where most needed.

 

This title is available as a paperback copy from your favorite bookstore as well as from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com at a very reasonable cost in proportion to the amount and quality of information it provides.  Family members will find it most helpful as well.  Yes, the author has accomplished his mission.  Here is a veteran’s new best buddy … it could be the chicken soup for those Returning from the War on Terrorism.