Since 1997, Kirt Love has been the burr under political saddles when it comes to how the government treats its Gulf War veterans.
Now, it appears that Love will be serving on the committee he has lobbied in favor of for more than a decade.
“Well, I guess I am thrilled,” said Love, a Gulf War veteran. “There was some initial excitement, but after 11 years of doing this type of work ... finally when something does happen, it just doesn’t have the same impact. You get kind of numb.”
Love realized he was close to realizing his dream when he convinced U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, to submit a letter to James Peake, secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs, to ask for a committee to address the needs of Gulf War veterans.
“In creating such a committee - a key benefit of which is to empower Gulf War veterans with a voice in their treatment - it would be critical to include veterans of the conflict themselves ...,” Edwards wrote to Peake. “I believe this would help the committee build trust with Gulf War veterans, and therefore improve the committee’s ability to succeed from the outset.”
Thirty days later, Love, who helped write the letter for Edwards’ staff, got his answer.
Love was skeptical that a committee would ever be formed, so he was shocked when he learned that not only had the committee been formed, but that he was selected to serve on it.
“I think shell-shocked is the right word,” he said.
The committee, including Love and the committee chairman, is comprised of 14 members who will be tasked with advising Peake and his successor on the full spectrum of health care and other benefit issues of Gulf War veterans.
According to the committee charter, it will cost more than $250,000 to operate the committee for 18 months. That will include travel expenses and per diem for the committee members.
When the committee permanently adjourns in December 2009, they will be tasked with presenting their findings to the VA.
Love admits he has his own agenda, specifically to bring a new VA clinic to Texas. But then, he anticipates the other committee members will also have agendas of their own.
“They know I am going to be pro-veteran; maybe even a little biased,” Love said.
Meanwhile, in a statement from Edwards’ office, the nine-term congressman praised Love for his devotion to his fellow veterans.
“Kirt’s commitment to his fellow veterans shows that one person truly can make a positive difference in the lives of others,” Edwards said.
bkirk@temple-temple.com
