Everyday battle on home front

Dear Homeless Veteran,

Good to have you back. As you can see, certain things changed while you were gone; the long economic downturn really pounded Pennsylvania, putting a lot of people out of work and eventually ejecting many families from their foreclosed homes. Unfortunate for sure, but unemployment compensation can't go on forever, right?

The job market, well, it's been getting better, though not nearly fast enough. Especially not in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region. Have you thought about college? If you're up to hitting the books and being in a classroom again, it's probably a smart choice.

The post office – perennially a proud employer of veterans – isn't doing so well financially, but you might as well put in an application. Who knows? Oh, and Home Depot might need some temporary help this spring. Maybe Lowe's. It's worth a shot.

Do you know how to drive a big truck? Natural gas drilling companies across the Northern Tier might need your help. The availability of apartments and other housing in Bradford and nearby counties, however, could be a bit of a problem. We hear rents are going through the roof; maybe after your shift you could commute to someplace more affordable.

Brian Williams' new show on NBC reported tremendous job growth in North Dakota, a hotspot for oil exploration. For you, that means going far away again. It's work, though.

And with an estimated 1,400 homeless vets like you in the Keystone State, with potentially more on the way, maybe it's best if you go toward greener pastures. Our homeless shelters with the services you need can't keep up, although we're trying. Soon, there will be a new place for veterans in Kingston with 12 apartments. You probably should put your name on the list.

Things are sure to get better soon.

Until then, thank you for your service and your continued sacrifice. God bless you and God bless America.

Signed,

Your lawmaker

PS: Hope to see you at this November's Veterans Day Parade.