Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) sent the following letter to Veterans Administration Secretary Eric Shinseki calling for the clarification of the benefits available to U.S. soldiers who continue to serve in Iraq despite the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Because many veterans benefits that have been passed by Congress since 2003 are linked to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) service, Murphy, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran himself, wants to ensure that benefits tied to OIF and OEF will continue for the soldiers still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the letter he states, “Whether they are called “combat troops” or “advisors,” those who remain continue to put their lives at risk to serve our country, and they deserve to get the same benefits as their fellow veterans.”

The text of the letter follows:

September 13, 2010

General Eric K. Shinseki
Secretary
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420

Secretary Shinseki:

On August 31, 2010, President Barack Obama announced the end of combat operations in Iraq and the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, over 50,000 non-combat troops remain in theater and in harms way while completing the advisory mission Operation New Dawn. I fear that this change of operational status could negatively affect our remaining troops by disqualifying them for veterans benefits specifically associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) service. The same possibility will also exist once combat operations in Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) conclude.

As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I am acutely aware of the dangers all soldiers face when deployed in theater. Therefore, I respectfully request clarification as to whether these remaining troops and others who deploy to complete operations in Iraq and Afghanistan after conclusion of OIF and OEF will still be eligible for veterans benefits that are attached to OIF or OEF service.

It is my belief that when Congress attached these benefits to service in OIF and OEF, it was done with the intent to apply to all troops who served in theater until the total cessation of hostilities and the end of all U.S. missions.

Whether they are called “combat troops” or “advisors,” those who remain continue to put their lives at risk to serve our country, and they deserve to get the same benefits as their fellow veterans. I hope that you will work with me to ensure those benefits tied to OIF and OEF will continue for the soldiers still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of our nation’s veterans and for your service to our country. I look forward to working with you on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Patrick J. Murphy
MEMBER OF CONGRESS

For Immediate Release, September 13, 2010
Contact, Sara Schaumburg (202) 225-4276