Several years  ago I founded  ASVEI to address the issue of veterans and locals being laid  off of work while  foreign nationals were being retained. I feel that American veterans have  earned the right to work  unhindered in their own country.  Since that time I have had  to adjust my thinking in some ways.  I  still believe that veterans have earned the right to work..but I have  had to add AGE DISCRIMINATION to my agenda of issues to address since I am now 59 myself.  Four months ago I was severely injured in a crane accident while I was working for  Canadian-based PCL Construction at the Motiva CEP project in Port Arthur, Texas.  Although I was cleared as the cause  of the accident..I was laid off by PCL  after  II reported an intoxicated PCL supervisor present on the project.  This LAY OFF was nothing more than retaliation for refusing  to  let  the matter go without an investigation..but what I have learned  is this: Companies are more  interested in PROFITS than doing the right thing. You are labeled as a  TROUBLE-MAKER and NOT BEING A  TEAM PLAYER..AND IF YOU ALSO HAPPEN TO HAVE  A FEW  YEARS ON YOU..it is  time to  go. It seems there is a generation gap between those who believe in doing it right and those "me first" individuals who will look the other  way for a paycheck. But  I can tell you this:  THERE IS NO  AGE LIMIT TO BEING A VETERAN .  I am very proud of younger veterans who  have done such a fine job in Iraq and Afghanistan..but  I am  also  proud  of  the older veterans who stood  up when it was their time to  defend their  fellow Americans.  What I can't stand is foreign owned companies who want to enjoy the priviledge  of doing  business in OUR  country..but don't want to  shoulder their share of the burden of providing jobs for our  veterans after they return home from war. .and I  especially don't like  companies who hire  in unqualified people just to MAN UP a job and then turn their back when someone  is injured.  PCL was offered a meeting  to  discuss safety concerns  on the project and refused  to attend it..instead all matters concerning the incident are being referrred to their  attorney.  Their  promise of a complete investigation has not come to  pass..and it appears their goal is to simply take  the  money from  the project and move  on to another  one.  Where is the justice in that?  I ask  all Americans who care about the treatment our veterans receive to speak up.  Call PCL at 303-365-6500 and demand a fair and complete investigation..and if they will not  comply..demand they withdraw from our country and do  their  business elsewhere.  Be an American..stand up  for Americans. Thank  you and may God Bless.    Chase Ford.