WASHINGTON, D.C. - Growing up the daughter of a World War II veteran, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill was taught at a young age the importance of always honoring those who have fought for our country. This Veterans Day, McCaskill is continuing to honor that tradition and is renewing her pledge to fight for veterans.

"These brave men and women have risked their lives to fight for our rights and liberties, and that's something we can't ever forget," McCaskill said. "This day is so important because it recognizes that their sacrifices are what make our country great."

Over the last four years, McCaskill has made it a priority to hear from veterans and respond to their feedback. This past Memorial Day, in a series of veterans town halls, McCaskill heard from many veterans across the state about the issues that they are most concerned about -- from improving physical and mental health care to increased support services for the families of veterans.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, McCaskill has been a leader in improving mental health and substance abuse treatment for both veterans and active duty military. Recently, she advocated for and won passage of a number of provisions to improve the services available within the military, including a review of the Army Substance Abuse Program. Many of the problems with the program, including chronic understaffing and a lack of confidentiality for those seeking treatment, were brought to McCaskill's attention by a whistleblower at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

McCaskill has also fought for better benefits for veterans and their families. She advocated for successful legislation that increased the mileage reimbursement rate from 25.5 cents to 41.5 for veterans traveling for healthcare services. She was also a major proponent of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and its subsequent improvement bill, which have brought unprecedented educational benefits to thousands of Missouri veterans and their families.

For a full summary of McCaskill's record on veterans' issues, please visit her website.

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