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Veterans

Our nation’s veterans and their families have sacrificed much for our country and our freedom.  As a veteran myself, I believe that the men and women of our Armed Forces are entitled to the opportunities our government can offer.  It is the very least we can do for their service.

In Congress, we are committed to take care of our men and women when they return from battle. We recently passed several measures to aid our heroes.  In the House, we passed H.R. 1407, a bill to increase the cost of living adjustment for veterans with service-related disabilities. This bill also extends the Veterans' Administration's ability to provide special housing assistance to veterans.

The House also approved H.R. 1383, which would increase a cap on tuition and fees paid by the government for private education.  The cap, set in 2010, was increased from $17,500 to $27,000 to cover veterans already enrolled in private educational institutions.  The Veterans' Administration estimates 30,000 student veterans in school in Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, as well as Texas, might potentially have to transfer, drop out of school, or find another way to pay for the increase as of August 1, 2011 without this important legislation.

We also passed legislation that calls for tougher penalties against companies that misrepresent themselves as owned or operated by veterans. This is an affront to every veteran and we will do all we can to stop it.

As long as I have the honor of serving in the United States Congress, I will always lend my support and gratitude to the members of the United States Armed Forces, past and present.  I will always vote to ensure that they have the proper resources to complete their mission, and I will always vote to ensure that they receive the proper care when they come home.

Many citizens of District 22 have courageously stepped forward to put our country, our freedom, and others before themselves. We honor those who have selflessly served our country to provide us with the precious gift of freedom.  We give special thanks to those who gave their lives in defense of liberty.  We should always remember “that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.” 

Below is a list of residents of the 22nd Congressional District of Texas who were killed in service to our nation and the ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that our nation was founded upon.  I humbly thank them for their sacrifice and honor their memory.  

Navy Petty Officer Zarian Wood
Hometown: Houston, TX
Operation Enduring Freedom 

Lance Corporal Garrett Gamble
Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
Operation Enduring Freedom

Spec. Jarrett P. Griemel
Hometown: La Porte, TX
Operation Enduring Freedom

Sgt. Joshua A. Ward
Hometown: Needville, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom 

Sgt. Omar L. Mora
Hometown: Texas City, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Cole Jr.
Hometown: Missouri City, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

1st Lt. Kile G. West
Hometown: Pasadena, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom 

Spec. Michael J. Jaurigue
Hometown: Texas City, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Corporal Dan H. Nguyen
Hometown: Sugarland, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Pfc. Joseph G. Harris
Hometown: Sugarland, TX
Operation Enduring Freedom

Sgt. Robert M. McDowell
Hometown: Deer Park, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Spec. Philip C. Ford
Hometown: Freeport, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Miller
Hometown: Pearland, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Sgt. Barry K. Meza
Hometown: League City, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Sgt. Jose Guereca Jr.
Hometown: Missouri City, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Lance Cpl. William L. Miller
Hometown: Pearland, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Lance Cpl. Wesley J. Canning
Hometown: Friendswood, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Pfc. Ray J. Hutchinson
Hometown: League City, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom

 

Veterans Bills Supported by Rep. Olson:

H.R.178: Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act

Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2] (introduced 1/5/2011)      Cosponsors: 171