Legendary Olympian Declares State of Emergency for Veterans

Rafer Johnson, America’s legendary Olympic decathlon champion and civil rights icon who marched with Dr. King, Bobby Kennedy and Cesar Chavez, offered a promising 2015 when he spoke before the Los Angeles Alliance of Neighborhood Councils.
The Councils represent 96 communities.
Los Angeles is in a “state of emergency” for disabled and homeless Veterans, Mr. Johnson said.
At Saturday’s meeting, he sent a powerful message that began the new year with a jolt.
He challenged the City of Los Angeles to unify with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) and immediately begin providing crisis housing for disabled and homeless veterans at the West Los Angeles VA that has nearly 400 acres of land.
Mr. Johnson’s challenge is the most logical, forthright solution to Mayor Garcetti and First Lady Michelle Obama’s mandate to end Veteran homelessness in Los Angeles by the end of this year.
Mr. Johnson questioned how the largest VA property in the nation could simultaneously be situated in our nation’s capital for homeless Veterans.

Stop the inhumane treatment of disabled homeless Veterans in Los Angeles

Jay Handal, Chairman of the West Los Angeles Community Council, presented a motion that reinforced Mr. Johnson’s unwavering challenge. It was heavily approved, with only one abstained vote.
READ MORE:http://www.veteranstoday.com/2015/01/07/legendary-olympian-declares-state-of-emergency-for-veterans/