Dear Editor,
From the Minutemen who fought in the Revolutionary War – to the soldiers who are today trying to establish peace in the Middle East – the United States has always been blessed with a military force that is without equal. While no single tribute could fully repay the debt we owe them, Veterans Day at least offers a chance for our nation to stand together in honoring the men and women who have served our country.
It is my privilege to represent the veterans of the First Congressional District of Kentucky. Their devotion and love for this country have left an undeniable imprint on America, even though they often consider their own service a humble duty.
Our Armed Forces have always done whatever it takes to keep our freedoms, liberties, and our homeland safe. So today, on Veterans Day, I want to renew my promise to take every action necessary that will ensure quality care for our veterans and their families. Since I took office in 1995, the veterans’ budget has increased by 94 percent, and so a lot of resources are being devoted to this need. But, more must be done. I have always strongly supported our military retirees throughout my years in Congress and I will continue to vote for legislation that protects survivor benefits and eliminates the offset between VA disability payments and military retirement pay. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to establish four veterans’ outpatient clinics in the First Congressional District that will provide better overall access to healthcare.
We especially need to support the physical and emotional needs of those returning from combat. More than 150,000 of our service men and women are deployed in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. They are fighting Al-Qaeda and other terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life, along with the very freedoms we have worked so hard to set in place. We are proud of our soldiers who make sacrifices every day to stop these terrorists and preserve the safety of our nation and other nations around the world. Unfortunately, it is apparent from incidents such as the recent attempt to detonate explosives aboard cargo aircraft that threats against the United States have not ceased. It is imperative that we continue to give our military the funding they need to be able to stop these terrorist acts before they are carried out and Americans’ lives are put in jeopardy.
I know Kentuckians join me today in expressing sincere gratitude to all those who have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces - especially the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and democracy. May God continue to bless them, their families and our nation.
Sincerely,
Congressman Ed Whitfield.
