Honoring America’s veterans with our actions, not just words

Posted on Nov 11, 2010 in Uncategorized

President Obama said today “Our commitment to America’s veterans is equal to the full measure of devotion that our veterans committed to us.” Democrats respect that allegiance and have worked to invest in the Veterans Administration so that all of America’s service members make a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life—including a modernized and efficient delivery of health care and pension benefits.

“We have just come through a season where America’s investment in our people – including veterans and their families – were lumped together and disparaged in slick ads as ‘job-killing, big government spending.’ Words are cheap in the heat of the election, but actions speak louder,” said Jim Hansen, Executive Director of the Idaho Democratic Party. “Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) measure the actions – not the words – that our federal elected officials have taken for America’s veterans. I encourage everyone to check out IAVA’s report here.”

“It is appalling that there are tens of thousands of veterans who are homeless in America. If someone answers the call to serve their country, they should never be forgotten, even if that means the foregoing tax breaks that so many well-heeled lobbyists in Washington fight hard to protect,” Hansen added.

“Fortunately, millions of Americans have not forgotten the sacrifices our veterans made and the real challenges of homelessness, mental illness and joblessness that too many veterans face. Americans have stepped forward to help, even those who themselves are struggling with wage cuts, increased school costs or health issues. We honor them, too!”

Here is where you can learn about how you can volunteer in your community to help veterans, active service members and their families. It is critical for America’s national security and it is a moral obligation for all of us to participate.

Michele Obama and Jill Biden wrote an op ed in September about America’s obligation to our veterans where they said “This has been a summer of homecomings. In marking the end of the American combat mission in Iraq, we have now welcomed home nearly 100,000 of our troops from that war. Across the country, family and friends have honored these returning heroes. Spouses have been reunited, and military moms and dads have held their children once again. But while America’s combat mission in Iraq has ended, America’s commitment to our troops and their families goes on.”

“It is vital that American communities better understand what our troops and their families are facing – and use that knowledge to simply, positively and productively help those families address the challenges that service to our country has imposed upon them.” Read more here.