From the war front to the back of line

[deadparrot]

WASHINGTON — Allen Curry served a year in Iraq before being medically discharged for a bulging disc, nerve damage and mental problems that left him unable to work. But nearly two years after he applied for disability benefits, he's still waiting for an answer from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A former Chicago postal worker, Curry was a driver and staff sergeant who saw plenty of action in 2003-04: His convoy was ambushed more than once, and he was involved in a number of firefights.

But Curry, 47, hasn't seen a paycheck in 14 months, and he's beginning to wonder about his country's commitment to veterans.

"People say, 'Support the troops,' but I don't think they really care," he said.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/nation/story/76A8F81606D3E7208625728E000E63B8?OpenDocument