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 deserve every promise their government makes to them.  It is the very least we can do for their service and sacrifice. In Congress, we are committed to take care of our men and women when they return from battle. As long as I am in Congress, I will continue to advocate for our military men and women.  I will vote to ensure they have the proper resources to complete their mission, and vote to ensure that they receive the proper care when they come home.

Recent reports of veterans calls to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suicide hotline being sent to voice mail are inexcisable. That's why I joined several House colleagues in sending a letter to VA Secretary Robert McDonald requesting an internal investigation and immediate action to resolve this crisis. Click here to read the letter. 

Do you know a veteran who deserves special recognition? The Congressional Veteran Commendation, in conjunction with the Veterans History Project sponsored by the Library of Congress, has been created to honor distinguished veterans from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas and preserve their stories for future generations of Americans. I am now accepting nominations for the 2016 22nd Congressional District Veteran Commendation. If you would like to nominate a veteran you know for this honor, please fill out this form and send it via email to Christian Bionat at christian.bionat@mail.house.gov by Monday, October 3, 2016. For more information on this project click here.

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.  

In Memoriam
Navy Petty Officer Zarian Wood                      Lance Corporal Garrett Gamble                    
Hometown: Houston, TX                                           Hometown: Sugar Land, TX                              
Operation Enduring Freedom                                     Operation Enduring Freedom                            

Sgt. Joshua A. Ward                                                Pfc. Joseph G. Harris  
Hometown: Needville, TX                                          Hometown: Sugarland, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom                                             Operation Enduring Freedom

Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Cole Jr.                              Corporal Dan H. Nguyen                                 
Hometown: Missouri City, TX                                    Hometown: Sugarland, TX                                
Operation Iraqi Freedom                                              Operation Iraqi Freedom                                    

Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Miller                                       Sgt. Jose Guereca Jr.                                         
Hometown: Pearland, TX                                             Hometown: Missouri City, TX                            
Operation Iraqi Freedom                                               Operation Iraqi Freedom                                      

Lance Cpl. Wesley J. Canning                              Lance Cpl. William L. Miller
Hometown: Friendswood, TX                                      Hometown: Pearland, TX
Operation Iraqi Freedom                                               Operation Iraqi Freedom

Veteran Issue Bills Supported by Rep. Olson

H.R. 1994 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
VA Accountability Act of 2015
Sponsor: Rep. Miller, Jeff [R-FL-1] (Introduced 04/23/2015)

H.R.1338 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2015
Sponsor: Rep. Shuster, Bill [R-PA-9] (Introduced 03/06/2015)

H.R.1094 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
Chris Kyle Medal of Honor Act
Sponsor: Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25] (Introduced 02/26/2015)

H.R.969 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2015
Sponsor: Rep. Gibson, Christopher P. [R-NY-19] (Introduced 02/13/2015)

H.R.2145 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
Physician Ambassadors Helping Veterans Act
Sponsor: Rep. Culberson, John Abney [R-TX-7] (Introduced 04/30/2015)

H.Res.140 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
Expressing support for designation of August 2015 as "Blue Star Mothers of America Month".
Sponsor: Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1] (Introduced 03/03/2015)

H.R.1096 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
Real Choice for Veterans Act
Sponsor: Rep. Byrne, Bradley [R-AL-1] (Introduced 02/26/2015)

H.R.572 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2015
Sponsor: Rep. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK-2] (Introduced 01/27/2015)

H.R.423 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
Newborn Care Improvement Act
Sponsor: Rep. Collins, Doug [R-GA-9] (Introduced 01/21/2015)