Ginny is widely known as a leading advocate on veterans’ issues in Washington. A longtime member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, she has been instrumental in the monumental progress the Congress has made on veterans’ issues. Although she is no longer an official member of the committee, Ginny will remain focused on fighting for the needs of American veterans.
Immediately after coming to Washington, Ginny contacted the VA and the White House about the unacceptable wait times at VA clinics in the 5th Congressional District. Before even coming to Congress she began working on solving the problem. She has secured new healthcare facilities in Sumter and Marion Counties, and successfully lobbied for major expansions and improvements at VA facilities in Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Polk Counties.
Additionally, President Bush signed into law Ginny's legislation to drastically increase the home loan benefit available to veterans. The bill garnered wide bi-partisan support and earned Ginny national accolades.
With more veterans living in the 5th Congressional District than any other District in the United States save one, Ginny has worked hard to ensure that veterans' military service gets the attention that it deserves. One way to recognize this service is to take part in the Veterans History Project. This Project seeks to record the stories and histories of our nation's veterans, before they are lost forever. Click here if you would like more information about the Veterans History Project, or contact Ginny's Brooksville office at (352) 799-8354.
New Korean War Commemorative Coin Now Available
Ginny has recently announced that a brand new commemorative coin honoring Korean War veterans is available through her office in Brooksville. Thousands of brave men and women served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the three years of the Korean War and today Ginny is working hand in hand with local veteran groups to identify the thousands of 5th District constituents who served in Korea and deserve recognition.
This year’s 55th anniversary of the end of the Korean War is an opportunity for all Americans and all Floridians to reflect on the sacrifices of the thousands of brave soldiers who died defending freedom and opportunity in a faraway land. The Korean War saw more than 33,000 Americans give their lives for our country and for the sake of world peace. In addition to the brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice battling communism and oppression, more than 100,000 soldiers were wounded, and over 8,000 went missing in action.
As too many Florida families sadly know, nearly 600 soldiers from our great State died during the Korean War. They made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of life, liberty and freedom. While these brave men gave their lives in defense of freedom, thousands of others returned home to the United States. These are the men and women who Ginny has met throughout the 5th District and who will be eligible for the new Korean War Commemorative Coin.
To be eligible for the new coin you must have served in country in Korea from June 25, 1950 to December 31, 1953, received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Services, and provide a copy of your DD-214 to ensure eligibility. Please contact Ginny’s Brooksville office for an application at (352) 799-8354 or toll free at (866) 492-4835. Also, an electronic copy of the application may be found at the bottom of this web page.
Purple Heart Hall of Honor Now Open – Send Your Stories Today
As you may have heard, a new facility has opened to permanently house the stories and mementos of thousands of Purple Heart recipients from around the nation. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, a 7,500 
square foot facility that opened November 10, 2006 in New York State, will share the stories of America’s combat wounded veterans and those who never came back, all recipients of the Purple Heart.
Since 1932, over one million members of the military from all walks of life earned this medal in service to the nation. Their stories will be preserved and shared through exhibits, live and videotaped interviews with the veterans themselves, and the Roll of Honor, an interactive computer program preserving the stories of each individual. Guests will also have the opportunity to leave messages of thanks for veterans to read. A video recording studio will allow veterans or surviving family members to add their stories to the historic record, while a contemplative courtyard will provide a quiet space to reflect on the lives touched by these women and men.
If you are a Purple Heart Recipient, or know someone who is, you can make sure their story will be preserved by contacting Ginny's office at (352) 799-8354 or toll-free at (866) 492-4835. One of Ginny's staff members will be happy to send you a form where you can fill out your name and personal story, proof of receipt (a DD-214 discharge certificate or equivalent), as well as any photographs and personal mementos that will help tell each recipient’s story. Ginny will then make sure that the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor receives your unique story and learns of your bravery and service to our nation.
