Veterans Still Facing Trouble At Home

On the even of Veterans Day, Don Kinniburgh, a Vietnam veteran, former Seekonk selectman and former director of veterans services, took the time to speak about his own experiences in the service and some of the difficulties veterans face.

Kinniburgh was not drafted to fight in Vietnam; instead he volunteered because he knew he would eventually be drafted anyway and wanted to be able to choose which branch of the military he went to.

“I figured I’d make my own choice,” said Kinniburgh.

He was 18 years and 3 months old when he got his service notice and was assigned to a Navy aircraft carrier and served as the flight deck troubleshooter from August 1965 to August 1969.

Kinniburgh said that the service was positive experience, teaching him and others responsibility, regimentation, and an all-around good work ethic.

“I think everybody should go into the service,” said Kinniburgh, adding that the service teaches you that “If you have a job to do, you do it.”

This why it puzzles him to know there are more than 100,000 homeless veterans in the United States today, a figure supported by The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a number which includes more than 10,000 returning solider from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Anyone not hiring a veteran right out of the service now is crazy,” said Kinniburgh, adding that veterans are often ideal employees. “For some reason there’s a stigma on veterans by employers. It shouldn’t be that way.”

Veterans often have trouble finding work when they return home. While they were away in service, civilians were gaining experience and seniority, no matter what the field.

“You’re behind everyone else when you get out,” Kinniburgh said.

Kinniburgh said Veterans Day is a time for citizens to say thank you to those who served and celebrate the veterans who are here today, particularly those recently returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

 “We’re not just remembering the people who died, but the people who lived,” said Kinniburgh.