Livable wage and veterans

Things to consider when discussing increasing the minimum wage to a livable wage:
1: The cost of living is not the same across the United States. The cost of living is higher on the west coast than it is on the east coast. Large metropolitan areas have a higher cost of living than rural areas.
2: Not everyone working for minimum wage is a fast food worker, if that were so it would be called the McD's minimum.
3: comparing servicemen to burger flippers to justify not increasing the minimum wage is not logical and is a disservice to veterans. Remember many veterans who get out of the service are trained in skills that transfer over to higher paying jobs. A lot of veterans will work to supplement their education benefits while they go to college or learn another vocation. Trust me, VA educational benefits are not enough to cover all costs, especially if they have a family.
4: How many of us have or had family members who worked for minimum wage? Is it wrong to want a livable wage for those not so fortunate?
5: Tell congress to pay our servicemen better and to quit making our veterans pay for the benefits they already paid for with their service. Ex: my dad served from 1953 to 1973 in the Air Force and part of enlistment said he would have free healthcare for life. Well during the 90's  Congress decided to shift retirees over to TRICARE and have the veterans pay for it. The argument back then by congress was: "What other industry gives away free health care?" Here is my reply to congress: "Who keeps your butts free so you can have a cushy job with benefits? Who puts their butts' on the line? Veterans "