By Mona Austin
Executive Order 9981 may have desegregated the military, but it did not eliminate racism among military members. From the battlefield to the veterans hospital the findings of a 10-year study indicate a hole of disparity related to the equitable distribution of compensation and funds designated for military veterans. As various events commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pres. Harry S.Truman ordering the desegregation of the armed forces the release of the GAO (Government Affair Office) study makes the history of Blacks serving in the military bittersweet. The report was initiated by a request from the U.S. Congress.
NBC News released an expose on Blacks who served in various branches of the military getting denied benefits at the highest rate, highlighting the GAO data. Black vets have admitted that when they apply for benefits, they are either denied or undercut in the amounts they receive in comparison to others. It has been harder for Blacks to prove they qaulify for various benefits from PTSD allowances to housing and GI Bill educational allowances -- especially for Black women. In fact, the report showed only 60% of Black applicants were approved while over 10% more Whites were approved. At the heart of these numbers is systemic racism.
With over 2.3 million veterans in he United States -- not including dependants family members, an enormous amount of people may be being neglected by the government. Furthermore, Blacks make up 16.8 percent of the military but only 12 percent of the U.S. population. Blacks have served in every American war since colonial times, in some.instances meritoriously. One example is when a company of Black women, the "Six Triple Eight" saved the U.S. mail system, being to sole unit to recover undelivered mail to American France during World War II. Tyler Perry is currently directing a film about their accomplishment. In combat missions, Black soldiers are most likely to be sent to battle. Outside of basic human dignity, theses and numerous other examples that are not mentioned here show why current and future vets deserve better treatment.
Pres. Joe Biden recognized African Americams in the military in his first visit to the Pentagon with the first Black head of the Department of Defense, Lloyd Austin standing beside him.
However, representation without respect remains an issue through ut the armed services with instances of racial conflict among troops going under-reported. The way to close the gap says Barbara Ward is to have a proactive mission. "There needs to be a plan. You have to have goals that are measurable."
(NOTE: This write up is for our veterans who listen to and read The Slice Report. We are dedicated to your interests being served. If you have been impacted by discrimination related to your military service in any way, we encourage you to bring your challenges to the attention of your elected officials. You deserve the full range of benefits and services available from the United States government.) ___________________________________