Congressman Doc Hastings

Washington, Nov 9 - On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, World War I drew to a close when the armistice agreement was signed. One year later, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th as a day that, “…will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service.”
 
Today, more than 90 years later, November 11th is still a day for Americans to put aside issues that may divide us and honor the selfless service of the men and women who served to protect the freedoms we all too often take for granted.   This year, we will honor America’s estimated 22 million veterans and remember those who have passed on.
 
I firmly believe the federal government has a responsibility to provide our veterans and military personnel with the support and services they need.  By maintaining and improving military benefits, we are delivering on an important commitment to our brave men and women in uniform. That is why I have consistently worked to support efforts to preserve TRICARE and other military and veterans benefits.
 
Unfortunately, I often hear from veterans who are having problems receiving their benefits.  If you or a family member is a veteran and needs assistance, please contact my local office at 509-543-9396 or visit my website at www.hastings.house.gov and a staff member will be happy to assist you.
 
Supporting our veterans also means providing them access to the health care services that they have been promised, without forcing them to travel hundreds of miles to receive care. I have long supported efforts to allow our veterans in rural areas to receive their medical care at their hometown health care facility.
 
At a time when unemployment is high and our economy is struggling, we have a responsibility to help our veterans get the re-training they need to successfully find a job and support their families once they return home from serving their country.  Last October, I was pleased to support the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act, which would create and modify programs that provide employment and training services to veterans and service members separating from active duty. This bill is awaiting consideration in the Senate.
 
As your Member of Congress, I’m honored to stand up for those who served our nation and ensure they receive the benefits they have been promised.  It is my hope that the sacrifices and hardships borne by our nation’s service members are never forgotten and forever honored by all Americans, not only on Veterans Day, but every day. We owe our nation’s veterans a debt that can never truly be repaid.