Congressman Burton has always been an advocate for veterans.
Below is a letter about how you can get involved with giving back to wounded veterans.
Heroes helping Heroes – Veterans of Valor
House Resolution (H.R.) 3380
H.R. 3380 was introduced by Representative Dan Boren of Oklahoma to permit members of the United States Armed Forces, and veterans, who are out of uniform to render the military salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing of the United States flag.
As you may know, current Federal law states that veterans and service members who are not in uniform should place their hand over their heart when recognizing our flag. The law is unclear whether veterans and service personnel can instead salute the flag as their uniformed counterparts are expected to do. Being a former Member of the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, I personally understand and appreciate the sacrifices our Nation’s service personnel have made and the hardships they have endured on behalf of our country. Like all Americans who currently serve or have served in our armed forces I take pride in my military service and I know that even when they’re not in uniform, veterans and service members continue to represent the military services. As the salute is a form of honor and respect it seems to me that it would be an appropriate way to not only honor our flag but honor and recognize the estimated 25 million veterans in the United States. That is why I am a proud supporter and co-sponsor of H.R. 3380.
Currently, HR 3380 is pending before the House Committee on the Judiciary. Although I am not a member of that committee, I am watching their deliberations on this bill closely; and I have already spoken with many of my colleagues on the Committee about the need to move this bill to the House Floor for a vote. I understand that similar legislation sponsored by Senator Inhofe has already passed the Senate by unanimous consent. You may rest assured that I will continue to work hard to see this bill approved by the full House of Representatives and signed by the President as soon as possible.
Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2007 (H.R. 2910)
As you may know, since military action began in Iraq and Afghanistan, approximately 420,000 reservists and National Guard Members have been called to active duty. Some of those Members have been pulled directly from college campuses. While most colleges and universities refund tuition and fees to students when the activation occurs during the academic calendar, there have been reported instances where service personnel have not been reimbursed; have faced difficulties reregistering for classes after returning home after activation; and in some cases received collection notices for student loans defaulted while they were serving in the combat zones. H.R. 2910 would solve this problem by:
• Requiring colleges to refund tuition or provide future credits for service members who deploy during the semester and restore their academic status when they return;
• Extending the period of time before returning service members must either reenroll in school or face repaying their student loans; and
• Capping student loan interest rates at 6% during their deployment - a cap that already applies to all other kinds of debt.
I have always worked hard to ensure that this Nation repays the debt we owe to the fighting men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. While it is still unclear how widespread the problem truly is, it seems to me that allowing service members to return to their college studies right where they left off – without facing penalties for serving their country – is the right thing to do. Under the circumstances, I think H.R. 2910 is a bill well worth considering.
Currently, H.R. 2910 is pending before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Although I am not a member of that Committee, I am watching their deliberations on this bill as closely as possible.