Dear Friend,

When I am home in South Florida, it is my privilege to meet with local families, tour small businesses, and work with members of our community to get things done. But my top priority is always listening to our nation’s veterans. These men and women have worn the uniform of our country, and they deserve every single benefit they have earned, from a college education to world-class health care.

So last month, I convened another meeting of our Veterans’ Advisory Group in Broward and Palm Beach County. These are service veterans who volunteer their time to take a leadership role in advising me on veterans’ issues. I take their ideas very seriously. More than once, we have taken a comment from a Veterans’ Advisory Group meeting in South Florida and turned it in to the law of the land. I truly believe that the way to serve is to listen, and that is the purpose of these meetings.

 

In this photo: While in Afghanistan, Congressman Klein talks with service members about the G.I. Bill for the 21st Century

 

This week is a very special one for all of our military veterans, their families, and our community. Each year, on the on the 11^th day of the 11^th month, we pause tohonor the military service members and veterans who have chosen to wear the uniform of our country.

Veterans’ Day is this Thursday, and I believe we owe our veterans more than just gratitude and respect. To me, Veterans’ Day is about action, and delivering on the promises we have made to our service members.

I will never forget when I was traveling in Afghanistan, and met with a solider from South Florida. He told me it was his wedding anniversary, and he had just gotten off Skype with his wife, telling her how much he loved and missed her. This is exactly the kind of sacrifice our service members and their families make every single day, and it moved me to tears.

It is up to all of us to serve those who have served our country. I will continue to live by that philosophy, and put it into action every day.

To our veterans and active duty service members: this Veterans’ Day, and every day, thank you for your service.

 

Best Regards,

Ron Klein