Congresswoman Heather Wilson, First Congressional District of New Mexico
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| Wilson: ‘How Will We Welcome Them Home?’ |
April 25, 2007 |
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Welcomes Task Force report on veterans services; focused on community support network
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today welcomed the report of a Veterans’ Affairs Task Force about treatment of veterans recently returned from service.
“Veterans should not have to fight for the services due them,” Wilson said. “The ideas from the VA Task Force are good ones and we’ll incorporate these ideas into legislation and community efforts in New Mexico.”
Secretary Nicholson led the Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, and announced findings yesterday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Earlier this month, in Albuquerque, Wilson issued a "call to service" to the community and proposed a plan for strengthening the support network for New Mexico`s returning war veterans.
"New Mexicans have always served,” Wilson said. “Now is the time for those of us who enjoy the fruits of freedom to link arms and answer the call to serve and support those 24-hour heroes who defend it for the rest of us."
Wilson said that services exist in the community for veterans and their families, but they are often operating in isolation. At the same time, there is a strong desire in the community to help and support our men and women in the military.
The community blueprint - a concept that started in Rhode Island - gathers community leaders together to identify gaps and ensure that support for veterans and military members are aware of and working hand-in-hand with each other.
In the coming weeks, Wilson will convene a meeting of prominent community leaders from all walks of life to launch the effort. A broad cross-section of leaders has already agreed to participate.
Wilson, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is the only woman veteran serving in the Congress.
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