A number of modernizations are occurring in the way we treat the people in our armed forces, and the war in Iraq has spotlighted many of the shortcomings from the past. Everything cannot be corrected at once, but as more problems come to light and as more good people focus on them, the prospects for improvement are outstanding.

One example is the recent Kansas move to pay $250,000 to families of service people who die in action. That, it seems, is the least we can do.

Another change at the federal level that has drawn attention is the fact that people who are injured and disabled in service not only receive medical and rehabilitation care but now are allowed to remain in the service if they choose. This option clearly will not work well for everyone, but those who want to continue in military service would bring important experience and talents to their new jobs.

The current system is not foolproof and there are many refinements necessary to make it fully effective. But there is no reason the plan cannot pay long-term benefits to the nation, the services, the people involved and their families. How much better this is than the old-time policy of “getting them well and then cutting them loose.” Such an approach has created many a shameful story.

What a contrast there is between an individual with a service-related disability working in some productive assignment after recovery, and some forlorn, disenchanted veteran wasting away in a wheelchair in some veterans’ hospital day room.

There long have been many service people with much to offer after their rehabilitation processes. It is notable and admirable that our services are increasingly allowing them to perform in productive ways. Those who have been involved in such programs say that veterans with disabilities often become some of their most dependable and capable workers.

Having already served well, and at a high sacrifice, they get the chance to perform again, and the impact on morale for those people and those with whom they work can be outstanding.