They Fought For Us, Now We Must Fight For Them

Press Release

U.S. Congressman John Boccieri (D-Alliance), himself a Major in the Air Force Reserve, today released the following statement of gratitude to the veterans of Ohio and our nation as we celebrate Veterans Day:

"On the battlefield, we pledge to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, our pledge should be that we leave no veteran behind. That includes making sure our veterans have access to the benefits promised them when they joined the armed forces.

"No matter what conflict they served in, our military members put their lives on the line to protect ours here at home. As a Major, I know what we give up to protect our country, and how too often veterans feel they are not treated right when they return home. Today, I reaffirm my commitment to serve every veteran who in turn served our country so bravely."

As an aircraft commander aboard the C-130 Hercules, Congressman Boccieri deployed in four rotations to Iraq and Afghanistan in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He is working on several important legislative issues this year related to veterans including:

Giving Veterans Assistance to Start Small Businesses:
Congressman Boccieri introduced an amendment to increase assistance to veterans looking to start their own small businesses and to assist unemployed veterans who are looking for work because he knows supporting our small businesses will help improve the economy in our part of Ohio.

Making Sure Veterans Can Benefit From the Homebuyers Tax Credit:
Congressman Boccieri worked to extend the first-time homebuyers tax credit deadline by one year so that service members stationed overseas now can take advantage of the tax credit when they return.

Improving Services from the VA:
Congressman Boccieri co-sponsored the law that funds the VA one full year in advance, giving them time to plan the most effective and efficient treatments. He also supported an increase to veterans' disability payments to keep up with changes in the cost of living.

Upgrading VA Facilities:
Congressman Boccieri sponsored a bill that increases the processing speed of VA claims, as well as the quality of care. He's working to upgrade VA facilities so they can provide the best quality care in the best hospitals.

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