One of the major differences between the Vietnam War and the current war in Iraq and Afghanistan is the way this country treats the men and women who are serving, or who have finished their service.

During the Vietnam era, there was considerable hostility toward servicemen and women, particularly among the most ardent anti-war factions. Troops would return from Vietnam, let their hair grow out and quietly slip back into society with little mention of their time in uniform.

This time around, the country has made a clear distinction between the war itself, which many oppose, and the people who are obliged to prosecute it: the armed forces. Their volunteer service is widely applauded, even by war opponents.

The situation has also improved for those who come home from service. While many shameful gaps in the support system remain, the medical, emotional and logistical support offered to veterans exceeds what was available to previous generations.

But more could, and should, be done.

One example is the job training and job placement system for returning veterans. Hawai'i Sen. Daniel Akaka, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, has been holding hearings on the range of job services available to returning servicemen and women. Despite the range of programs out there, Akaka says, many veterans are not getting the advice or information they need and deserve.

This has to change. It is bad enough that the medical and psychological services available to returning soldiers have in some cases fallen short of the mark. If a veteran comes back healthy and ready to work in the civilian sector, it is only fair that his or her government do everything possible to make sure that happens.