Created: 3/12/2008 12:29:29 PM 
Columbia (WLTX) - A group of older military veterans are rallying for support across the state for better health care to veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Calling themselves Veterans For Justice, more than 100 bikers are riding through the Carolinas. They're stopping to talk with folks on the street as well as legislators.
The group does not support a particular presidential candidate. Nor do they align with the Republican or Democratic parties. Their issue is simply this: in this election season, make sure veterans' health issues are not forgotten.
A.C. Acosta is one biker raising awareness. The York County resident is frequently at the Dorn V.A. Hospital in Columbia receiving medical treatment for a physical disability.
On his trips through the capital city, he stops to educate others on veterans and health care.
"It's a big fight, and it's a good fight. We're being proactive," Acosta said.
Sgt. Acosta served in the Army during the 1980's. He was assigned with a tank brigade stationed in Germany. Today, the 58-year-old is trying to help the men and women still serving overseas.
"They're standing at the gates defending the very essence of our national existence. If it wasn't for them, only God knows what would happen," he said.
This election season, he wants more people to hold government officials accountable when they say they'll support vets' health care. Namely, quicker medical treatment when vets return home, and more financial aid, like vouchers.
"We're doing what we can. We're just vets looking out for each other," Acosta said.
Today, 413,000 veterans live in South Carolina.
The Associated Press reports that Pentagon studies show about 44 percent of a state's National Guard soldiers may require mental health treatment some three to six months after they return. Currently, South Carolina military officials are preparing for the springtime return of its 1,800 soldiers in Afghanistan.
Last summer's deployment of the Newberry-based unit ranks as the state's largest such troop movement since World War II.
