by Colonel Dan

I went into my Congressman's office to see if he would hear.
He cleared his throat and mumbled that: "We don't help veterans here."
His staff they seemed embarrassed, some seemed fit to die.
So I left still seeking help, and as I went, said I:
Oh, it's veteran this and veteran that, and veteran go away.
But it's "Thank you, my brave soldier", when the band begins to play.
The band begins to play, my friends, the band begins to play.
But we only hear it once a year, just on Memorial Day.

So I went to see my Senator with hopes that he could see.
But he was far too busy, to see the veteran likes of me.
Instead he sent me packing, as if I were a bore.
But when it is time to fight again, he'll send me off to war!
For it's veteran this and veteran that, and veteran step aside;
But it's special thanks for veterans, when we're trying to save their hide.
When they have to send you over, and away from your new bride,
Then we're something really special, when we have to save their hide.

Sure, it's easy to mock the soldier, who guards you when you sleep,
You don't have to pay them much, and there's no promises you must keep;
So send them off and wish them well, or maybe hope that they die,
For it's easier to pay the benefits then, than if they linger -by and by.
Then it's veteran this and veteran that, and veteran how are you?
But then it's "the budget just won't stand it", and I can't remember you."
It's "I'm busy, and the country can't afford to keep it's promise true."
Yes, it's "Sorry but I'm busy and broke, and can't keep my word to you."

We aren't all war time heros, nor are we lesser citizens too.
We're just simple folks, who did our duty, as fully expected by you:
And if we aren't men of influence, who wear the fancy pants.
Maybe it was a cost of service that we never got the chance.
Now it's veteran this and veteran that, and veteran step aside,
But it was "Do you duty, serve and suffer" when we have to save your hide.
There's trouble in the wind, my friends, there's trouble in the wind,
We're all tired of broken promises: yes there's trouble in the wind.

You talked of better care for us, and jobs and doctors, and all:
We've waited for what you promised and we've been rational.
Don't play politics and make excuses, or throw it in our face.
Your many broken promises are your country's greatest disgrace.
It's still veteran this and veteran that, and Forget about the Brute!
But it's still "Savior of our country" when the guns begin to shoot;
And it's veteran this and veteran that, and anything you please;
But the veteran's not a total fool - Please know the veteran sees
and Colonel Dan has a thousand eyes and a thousand hands,
They will respond when you are blind.

Colonel Dan
(The Voice of the Retired Enlisted Association)

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