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Recognition and Thanks to our Nation’s Veterans this November 11
Each year on November 11, our nation stops to express its gratitude to the men and women who have fought to secure our liberty, while also reflecting upon the lives of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in our defense. At this time, we are keenly aware of the fathers, sons, mothers, and daughters, from New Hampshire and around the country who are currently in harm’s way, fighting to preserve and protect the freedoms we hold dear. Our debt to those who have fought can never fully be repaid. In return for their unyielding commitment and sacrifice, however, we offer the continued support of a grateful nation. Ensuring that our veterans receive the first-rate benefits they have earned and deserve remains one of my top priorities. A common and valid complaint from veterans across the state regards the large amount of red tape they must cut through to secure essential health benefits. They increasingly find themselves experiencing unacceptable waiting periods and traveling longer distances in order to access assistance. I have worked with the region’s Congressional delegation to ensure that veterans throughout New England receive the care they need. In particular, Senator Gregg and I helped secure a new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) “Vet Center” in Berlin to provide counseling and outreach services for combat veterans. As a result, veterans in the North Country who would otherwise have to travel to Manchester for counseling and other services can now access care closer to home. Additionally, I have worked to increase availability of care for veterans returning from service with traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Designating highly regarded facilities, such as the Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Greenfield, New Hampshire, as satellite care centers for war-related injuries would translate to treatment closer to home. Nationally, the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act (S. 1233), which I have co-sponsored, would also provide veterans with the opportunity to seek rehabilitative treatment through non-VA providers if a veteran lives an extended distance from a VA hospital or if the VA is unable to provide the necessary level of care. Congress must remain focused on the significant issues presented by the large numbers of younger veterans returning from sustained combat operations to join the ranks of the nation’s 25 million veterans. We are thankful when they return home safe, but understand that not all wounds are visible, and there exists a significant need for improvement in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and related mental health issues. With a comprehensive outreach and counseling program, New Hampshire’s National Guard has taken the lead in this area by instituting a reunion and reentry program to assist returning soldiers and their families. This common sense approach by the Guard underscores a commitment to our men and women in uniform that merits commendation. Moving forward, I remain committed to working with New Hampshire’s
veterans to craft solutions to the problems they face. On this Veterans
Day, however, we should place policy aside to take the time to honor
and thank those who have given so much for us. As we celebrate their
contributions, we do so comforted by the freedoms they have provided,
in awe of their legacy, and with prayers for the safe return of
those currently deployed. ###
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