I am staying at a temporary place for veterans until my new apartment is finished. Under the same roof, many recovering addicts and alcoholics are receiving a second chance at life. We share this facility.

I overheard a conversation where a girl was saying that veterans were rude and cause trouble and therefore she didn't like them. As a veteran, I'd have to disagree with her...some of the nicest people I know are veterans. I also heard some resentment about how "veterans didn't have to do anything while staying here". I've offered to help with the chores many a tiime and haven't had anyone take me up on the offer. Have also heard that there was some resentment about veterans being able to drink coffee and smoke cigarettes (outside of course) and the people in recovery cannot. I didn't make the rules, but I do live by them while I am here. I've been nice, helpful, quiet, a good listener at times. Perhaps they resent their own rules or something? I'm perplexed by this.

I realize that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and sometimes an opinion is a generalization and not a reflection of any one person. But you know, I just got this feeling of shock when I experienced these things. I like myself and my fellow veterans, not everyone does, I understand that. I also understand that this is not about me...but to hear about it really hurts.

I just wanted to share how I felt today.

Thank you for reading this.