The old adage “Nobody wants a soldier until they need one” has been rejuvenated in light of the shameful scandal of veterans’ health care at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

Americans who survive United States military service become veterans. Whether having served on the front line or behind the line in support somewhere in the world, all veterans have the same heartbeat and intent: Protect yourself and your buddy as in “the buddy system.” We are trained to be responsible for each other.

The marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen fighting in the war are not concerned with politics. Their primary concern is to keep each other alive and come home in one piece to their sweethearts.

All veterans in Maine, 10 percent of the population, need to “support the troops” with an overt act and gesture of compassion to help a buddy. The Veterans Administration is funded through body count. Veterans who register with the Veterans Administration for health services, whether the services are utilized or not, are counted as a need for funding. Increase our strength in numbers and we can help the homecoming troops get the health care that she or he will most likely need.

Remember how difficult it was for us? We can make it different for them.

Patrick Quinn

Winterport