by justin strawser
MOUNT CARMEL - A disabled borough veteran has taken it upon himself to draft state legislation that would protect his rights and those of veterans like him from "illegal" court decisions regarding disability compensation.
Joseph Brodie, 31, of 136 W. Third St., Mount Carmel, has met with state Rep. Kurt Masser (D-107) and said the legislator was "very receptive and understanding of the need for changes to occur."
According to federal law, veteran disability compensation cannot be used for alimony or child support, but many county judges violate this either out of ignorance or disregard, said Brodie.
"Everybody puts the ribbons on the cars and fly their flags. It's not the people who aren't supporting the troops, it's the government," he said. "I'm being spat on by the state."
He said Northumberland County court recently ruled that 55 percent of his income should go to child support. A Schuylkill County judge ruled the other 45 percent go to his second child.
"I was left with nothing," he said.
Suicide rate up
Brodie, who has been outspoken on this and other issues facing veterans, undergoes occupational therapy for physiological tremors from brain injuries he sustained in Iraq. He served two tours in Iraq from 1998 to 2000 in the Marine Crops and 2002 to 2003 in the Army before being honorably discharged.
Financial problems combined with post-war injuries and conditions have caused an increase in suicides by veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released data last year that showed an average of 18 veterans commit suicide each day.
Brodie has already lost three veteran friends to suicide, and said they deserved better treatment.
If the documents created by Brodie move forward, he said it would prevent economic hardships and homelessness, contributing factors to the suicide rate, he said.
Call legislators
As for his meeting with Masser, which took place on Friday just before the Memorial Day weekend, Brodie said, "It was a really good meeting and I left there feeling positive."
He said he's not had the same reception in trying to arrange a meeting with U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10.
Brodie encourages those who support veterans to pick up their phones and call state and federal legislators in order to send a clear message.
"It's like a slap in the face. I'm not going to stop until this stops," he said.
Masser confirmed this meeting took place, but said it was too early in the process for him to comment.
"I'm going to be looking into it," he said.