On November 11^th, and in the days leading up to it, Americans remember and honor those who have served in our nation’s armed forces.  We express our gratitude for the service and sacrifices of veterans.  We salute all of America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines – past and present -- for their bravery and heroism.  We acknowledge our enormous debt to them and their families.  

 

America has 25 million veterans, including more than 2 million living in California. Here in the Inland Empire a number of organizations work hard to focus attention on veterans and remind us of their heroic service.  I commend them on their efforts.  Making sure all of our veterans are treated fairly, honorably and respectfully is important to me.  In fact, this is the focus of much of my work in the United States House of Representatives.

 

I am a Vietnam-era veteran, having served in both the 82nd and 101^st Airborne.  Vietnam was an unpopular war that divided our nation.  I remember the bitterness of some veterans of that time stemming from the perception that the American population was indifferent or even hostile to them. 

 

Now, years later, America is again engaged in an unpopular war in Iraq, but fortunately the entire American population, regardless of their opinion on the Bush Administration’s war decisions, expresses genuine support for our troops.  Our troops heed a noble call; they put their lives on the line for love of country.  We must honor them and their sacrifices.

 

Keep in mind that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans were fought for and are defended by our military.  This includes fundamental rights such as the right to vote, freedom of speech and of religion.  We must never take these cherished rights for granted nor forget the noble warriors protecting them.  They have endured numerous hardships: extreme conditions, severe weather, intense training, fierce enemies, fear of death or injury and separation from loved ones.  I encourage you to thank a veteran or at least reflect on their contributions.

 

One important way we can show our appreciation is to ensure that all veterans receive the benefits they deserve and the assistance they need.  Therefore, we must provide the VA health care system the funding necessary to cover the current demand for services, account for medical inflation and meet future needs.  I am proud of our service members now in Iraq and Afghanistan and mindful that their return home will add to the demand for medical treatment.  We must help all who have been willing to serve and sacrifice for our country. 

 

The VA expects to treat more than 5 million veterans next year, double the amount from just 10 years ago.  Yet spending per patient has actually decreased.  As a result, veterans routinely wait an unacceptably long time for care.  More than 50,000 veterans – American heroes – wait at least 6 months for health care. There is also a backlog of disability compensation and pension claims. I have introduced legislation to streamline the claims process, reducing the backlog.

 

Let us live up to our promises to the heroes who have kept our country free, safe and strong.  On Veterans Day we pay a well-deserved tribute to those who have helped safeguard our freedom.  But we must also celebrate, honor, and remember our veterans all year long.  God bless the men and women who serve us and God bless America.