Honoring Those Who Served

    

 

This November, Americans across our nation join together to celebrate Veterans Day and mark National Military Family Month to thank our veterans and their families for their courage and sacrifice.

 

From America’s greatest generation who fought in World War II and Korea to our Vietnam Veterans, those who served in Desert Storm and today’s troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, these are ordinary men and women called upon to do extraordinary things.

 

We have a sacred trust with those who have risked their lives so that we may live in freedom. An essential part of that trust is making sure that we provide them and their families with the services and support they have earned and deserve.

 

Finding and understanding these services is not always an easy task, especially when a loved one is deployed or transitioning back to civilian life. That’s why I created a special web page that’s a one-stop shop for our troops, veterans and their families to find jobs, health care, benefits and other resources.

 

Please visit http://mikulski.senate.gov for more information.

 

Promises made to our veterans and military families must be promises kept.

 

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have fought to put money in the federal checkbook to improve the veteran’s health care system so that wounded and disabled warriors get the care and benefits they need. I have worked to ensure veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) receive better diagnosis and treatment through the Defense Department and the VA. I have also championed the establishment of Centers of Excellence to better address PTSD and TBI to meet the needs of returning veterans.

 

This week I stood up to support the bipartisan VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, legislation that will put veterans back on the job, which passed the Senate Thursday. Our veterans have stood sentry around the world to protect each of us and everything we hold dear – they should not have to fight for a job when they come home, too. These men and women deserve the opportunity to earn a paycheck and support their families.

 

Each and every member of our military is part of the American family. We value you on Veterans Day and every day.

 

Your service comes at great risk to yourselves and great sacrifice from your family.

 

As a member of the Senate Military Family Caucus, I will never stop fighting for the men and women in uniform who have fought for our freedom.

 

Thank you for your bold and courageous service.