For 30 years, Vietnam has been a lens through which all American foreign policy is viewed. Our stunning victory in the first Gulf War, many said, exorcised the demons of Vietnam. America an dour collation allies won decisively and ejected Saddam Hussein from Kuwait. But it was only a partial victory - we are still fighting to ensure veterans receive the benefits and treatment they earned.

President Theodore Roosevelt once said that anyone "good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards." It's not enough to send our troops off with yellow ribbons if we do not welcome them home with gratitude and support. In expressing this support, our actions must live up to our words. The men and women who proudly server our country must receive the benefits and health care that they have earned - and rightly deserve.

If we succeed in Afghanistan, a new generation of Americans will take pride in their country's sacrifice, and American credibility in the world will be as enhanced as it was harmed by our defeat in Southeast Asia. Our success in Afghanistan will change the way the Middle East is governed and deter a host of threats that will prey on our weakness if we fail. Friends and adversaries across the Middle East are watching us closely to gage our will to win. Let's be honest: many of them do not want us to succeed.

As Legionnaires we have pledged ourselves to our nation and our fellow veterans. Securing Afghanistan and Iraq will take many more years and many more U.S. service members will deploy in support of both operations. The Department of Nevada stands ready to support those who have served, those who are still serving and those who will serve.

D. Rodger Waters