Jason Pepper

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Jason Pepper is a serviceman on whose behalf the Disabled American Veterans is soliciting for donations. Jason could serve as the universal injured soldier for Iraq.

Jason ''had his eyes destroyed, his right forearm shattered, and his left hand mangled in an explosion in Iraq.'' Ranger is publishing this Disabled American Veterans' letter to publicize the cause, and to share the realities facing Jason and his fellows.

I salute his service and sacrifice, and America should be proud of soldiers like him. But were these soldiers to rely exclusively upon the largesse of the Department of Veterans Affairs, many, like Jason, ''would be completely lost.''

It's a shame and a pox on America that our distinguished soldiers must depend upon charity after they are severely injured.

Money for elective wars, but not enough to meet the needs of the injured warriors.