An Update From Washington - Weekly Column

An Update from Washington

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country." - George Washington

Our first President spoke those words 220 years ago, and they still ring true today. There are few issues more important for the future and continuity of our country than how we treat our returning veterans. I mention that quote because recently, the White House announced that it would be making needed changes to veterans and military health care. In a joint effort, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs will be streamlining health coverage for both active duty military and veterans.
Specifically, they will soon embark on a large but vital project that will create a "Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic record" which will help both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs better treat those in their charge. Both Veterans and Military Service Organizations have long requested such a record, and this is the first step to making our entire health care system more efficient and better able to serve those in need of treatment. With these changes, the departments will be able to work together to keep a comprehensive medical record for soldiers from the time they enter the service and after they leave active duty. This will provide them with efficient and accurate health care at VA and military medical facilities.

Like many Americans, I was horrified at the deplorable conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. That incident made many across the country aware of the health care challenges that many veterans and active duty military face. I strongly believe that this change, as well as the proposed budgetary increases in the Department of Veterans Affairs, is a step in the right direction towards living up to our obligation to those who have so bravely served our country.

With two military bases and thousands of veterans in the Second District, veterans' issues are extremely important to me and my constituents. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I sit in a unique position to ensure that these proposed changes are properly implemented. Additionally, I will be looking for input from you in the coming months as I form a veterans' advisory council to keep me and my office informed on the issues that affect veterans.

I was reminded of how important veterans and the military are to our district last Friday when I toured Fort Rucker and spoke at the Association of the United States Army luncheon. Fort Rucker and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery enjoy a special relationship with the citizens and communities of southeast Alabama and one of my most sacred duties as a Congressman is to fight to maintain and strengthen these installations. It was essential to get a first-hand look at Fort Rucker and speak to the commanders and soldiers at Fort Rucker about their needs and concerns.

Several days before my visit, Defense Secretary Gates also made a stop at Fort Rucker. Secretary Gates spoke about his Defense budget proposals, which contained some good news for the Wiregrass. His proposals include a $500 million increase in Army Aviation, which will directly benefit Fort Rucker, a cornerstone of the Army's air capabilities. Fort Rucker has seen its mission requirements increase in recent years due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but has not seen a similar increase in funding. Secretary Gates's announcement was welcome news to everyone associated with Fort Rucker.

Secretary Gates's broader proposals will be the focus of much discussion on the Armed Services Committee and throughout Congress in general over the coming weeks and months. I look forward to reviewing and discussing his plans as we formulate a defense budget that will keep America safe and secure for the years to come.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our offices in Montgomery at (334) 277-9113, Dothan at (334) 794-9680, Opp at (334) 493-9253, or Ozark at (334) 445-4600. You can also visit my website at www.bright.house.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter. It is my great pleasure to serve you and the entire Second District of Alabama.

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