Washington, DC – Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) released the following statement today in honor of Veterans Day. Since January 2009, Braley’s office has secured $980,000 in benefits owed to Iowa’s veterans and military families, along with nearly $50 million paid to soldiers who earned Respite Leave benefits.

“Tomorrow, as we take time to remember those who have served in our armed forces, it is important to remember the men and women currently serving our country overseas,” Braley said.  “They deserve our gratitude for their continued commitment and sacrifice they, and their families, have made to protect our country from those who wish us harm. When my father was just 17, he joined the Marines to serve in World War II and fought in the historic battle of Iwo Jima. He instilled in our family a great sense of appreciation and respect for America's armed forces. As a Congressman, there is no higher priority in my office than ensuring we honor the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and fulfill our responsibility to uphold the promises we made to our veterans and their families.”

In honor of Veterans Day, Braley will interview veteran Wayne Gross at the Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, for the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project. The Veterans History Project preserves personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. 

Braley has been a leader in Congress in working to improve care and benefits for our veterans. For nearly two years, Braley led efforts to ensure that thousands of troops nationwide receive proper compensation known as “Respite Leave.” Because of Braley’s efforts, more than 13,000 troops have received nearly $50 million in benefits they earned. Braley’s Guaranteed Benefits for Our Troops Act (HR 1222) was signed into law in October 2009 as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act and enabled the Pentagon to release the promised benefits.

Earlier this year, Braley voted for a series of bills to expand health care for veterans, including a requirement to provide chiropractic care at all Veterans Affairs medical centers. Other legislation would provide service dog training therapy and increase reimbursements for health care professionals employed by the VA.