Issue Position: War on Terror and Veterans

Issue Position

Victory in the War on Terror, Caring for Our Veterans

My husband and I are veterans of the US Army, both having reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Curt served a 15-month deployment soon after September 11th. We understand the sacrifices the men and women of our armed services -- and their families -- make for our country every single day. Therefore I also know how important the decision is to committing American troops in military conflict.

When that decision has been made, our nation and our leaders must be fully committed to victory. Otherwise, it is immoral to continue sacrificing our men and women in battle when our leaders have given up in Washington. That's why I was encouraged by the President's recent decision to commit to victory in Afghanistan by increasing our presence to stabilize this war-torn country. Our President should be commended for listening to the military experts on the ground, rather than the politicians and the polls in Washington. To that end, our troops, military personnel and intelligence officers must be given the tools necessary to complete the mission and protect our country from future terrorist attacks. However, this should not be an unending endeavor.

Terrorists currently housed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should be held there as enemy combatants and tried in military tribunals there, not on US soil in civilian courts. Awarding these terrorists constitutional rights is misguided at best, and endangers judges, jurors and other civilians who maybe come targets for terrorists attempting to disrupt a civilian trial on US soil.

Finally, and most importantly, it is important that our nation is there for our veterans and welcomes them with open arms when they return home -- ensuring top quality medical care, sufficient resources for transitioning into civilian life, and a Veterans Administration that is responsive and efficient. I will be a tireless advocate for our nation's veterans in Congress.

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