Florida’s Second Congressional District is home to many American heroes, with 72,000 veterans calling one of our 16 counties home.

During my travels across North and Northwest Florida, there are few moments as rewarding for me as when I have the opportunity to thank a veteran for their selfless service. In an effort to honor and assist those who have selflessly sacrificed for a better America, I am proud to work closely with veterans’ organizations including AmVets, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and, most recently, the Wounded Warrior Program.

I strongly support the construction of a new veterans’ hospital in Tallahassee, as well as a new national cemetery in Florida’s Second District. In an effort to better understand the health care concerns of Florida’s veterans, I have toured the clinic at Naval Support Activity Panama City and met with staff and veterans seeking treatment.

I am pleased to have voted for H.R. 2433, the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act, which was approved by the House in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion. This comprehensive legislation will help our unemployed veterans find quality jobs upon their separation from active duty.

I voted to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a VetStar Award Program, annually recognizing businesses for their contributions to veterans’ employment. Additionally, I have supported House provisions that improve veterans’ training services; provide surviving spouses with the same protections against home foreclosures as were applicable to their deceased military spouse; and honor long-serving National Guard and Reserve service members with the status of honorary veterans, even if they were never called into active duty service.

I will continue to fight for our brave military heroes who have risked their lives and sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms.