BACK and FOuRTH NSA, IRS, VA, POW, the list goes on. The country is running out of letters to describe the latest controversies in Washington. Recently, it’s the controversial military issues that have been commanding headlines and media attention. First, a Veterans Administration healthcare scandal left thousands of veterans — even those with wounds fresh from the battlefield — waiting several months or more to receive medical attention. Ultimately, this led to the resignation of Eric Shinseki, the former Army general acting as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Then there was the POW exchange, wherein the U.S. swapped five terrorists from Guantanamo Bay for one Army soldier, Bowe Bergdahl, whom the Taliban had held captive in Afghanistan. It is still a debate whether Sergeant Bergdahl was a deserter, but you do not have to be great at math to question the five-to-one tradeoff. On my radio show, I think I might be quoted as having compared this negotiation with terrorists to trading five bazookas for one water pistol. It was a questionable decision, and in the very least, should not have been celebrated in the Rose Garden. That’s my two cents. As our Commander in Chief deliberates these controversies and future decisions with our military, one thing seems to get lost in all of the media hype: our troops. We send them to fight for our freedom, and then essentially neglect them when they come home. Given the unimaginable sacrifices they make, this is a bipartisan issue, and unacceptable under any circumstance. Furthermore, their stories should not be used as political footballs in our news cycle and amongst politicians. Here in San Diego, America’s Finest City, we get to proudly call ourselves a military town. There aren’t too many things more chilling than the standing ovation our heroes get during the seventh inning of a Padres game. July 4th provides the perfect opportunity to reflect not only
on our freedom, but also on those who dedicate their lives to preserving it. San Diego is full of festivities, and I hope you take the opportunity to enjoy the holiday. Despite the recent controversies, there is one thing our country and the VA get right for our veterans: the benefits of homeownership. Despite the challenges they face, those who have served in the military have some of the best opportunities to buy into the American Dream. They are the only citizens who can accomplish 100-percent financing with low mortgage rates and save even more money by not having to pay mortgage insurance. That is a fancy way of saying that they can get a great deal. If you’re a veteran looking for housing options, please allow my network of professionals to help you better comprehend these benefits. They can develop a free rent-versus-own analysis for you, as well as provide plenty of other resources. These San Diegobased professionals will not try to sell you anything or push you in one direction or the other. To the contrary, they want to offer their expertise in an unbiased manner. I trust them, and so can you. In the following pages, five of my elite partners discuss niche micro-markets of San Diego in which they’ve helped members of the military and others buy or sell homes. You can also see them providing this type of advice on “The American Dream,” on Channel 4 San Diego, Saturdays at 10 a.m., or weekdays on our radio show on 1170 KCBQ-AM at 6 p.m., and of course at craigsewing.com. Freedom is not free. It comes from the service, commitment, honor and willingness of our brave military. Despite the recent controversies, we want to say THANK YOU U.S. military members for your service. Happy Fourth of July! —By Craig Sewing
Watch Craig and his real estate and financial elite on The American Dream every Saturday at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4. You can also catch Craig and partners on The Craig Sewing Show, weekdays at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM.