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I don't think military service in and of itself means someone is worthy of respect. That said, I also don't think veteran benefits can be in any way compared to wider benefits for citizens. Veteran benefits are there to recognise and reward (and act as an incentive) for those who sacrificed their individual freedom temporarily and in some cases their lives, in service to their country.
The notion that he did all that in order for us to be able to have this discussion is a moot point. I'm really not at all certain that fighting most American soldiers (and British for that matter) have engaged in for the past half century had anything to do with American freedom.
Merc, like any other soldier absolutely earned the right to veteran benefits.
What is sad is that raising the next generation of Americans, often at the exoense of personal career fulfilment, or caring for elderly relatives (the nation's elderly) is not counted as service to the nation, regardless of sacrifice, personal or otherwise.
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