(In response to the ‘Who is the man on the corner?’ letters from Nov. 9 and 16.) As a 26-year USAF (United States Air Force) veteran, I cringe at the fact that the words homeless and veteran must be used together so often. I understand that about 25 percent of the homeless on the street today are veterans. While the easy response may be just to dismiss them as panhandlers, another response that I prefer is to make them aware of and connect them with the wide variety of services available to veterans here in King County. The King County Veterans Information and Assistance Call Center (1-877-904-VETS (8387)) can connect veterans in need with assistance of all kinds. The problem of veteran homelessness and joblessness is becoming much more widely understood and many organizations are stepping up to meet the needs. At the national level, our first and second ladies have initiated “Joining Forces” (JoiningForces.gov). Dr. Jill Biden states, “It is our sacred duty to honor the service of those who sacrifice for our country – and we can all play a role with a simple act of service.”

Locally, a variety of organizations and individuals are reaching out to address veteran homeless. Among those, as mentioned by letter writer Clare Moe, are Imagine Housing and Congregations for the Homeless, as well as many civic and religious organizations. I for one will continue to do my part to eliminate the need to use the term “homeless veteran.” I encourage us, as citizens blessed to live in the land of the free because of the brave, not to resort to cynicism to excuse us from being part of the solution.

Dave Marcrander, Colonel USAF (Ret.), Sammamish