Straight Talk With Sam - Taking Care of Our Veterans

Volume 4, Issue 46 November 8, 2004

STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM
Taking Care of Our Veterans

Often times we only remember important dates in history. Wars though are fought day by day with progress coming slowly rather than in the rapid succession of a history book. Sixty years ago this week Allied Forces were bombing the Manila Harbor and destroying some 249 Japanese airplanes. On the European front the allies continued their long, slow slug through Western Europe into Germany. This was six months removed from D-Day and still six months before V-E day.

That is why Veteran's Day is so important. We remember all who served this country and carried the banner of freedom. For every major victory in battle was made possible by hundreds of smaller ones.

In Congress we are working to make sure that Veterans are receiving the care they were promised. Our last budget included a 10% increase for Veteran's programs, as well as an increase for the Department of Veteran's Affairs. I also voted for and we passed Concurrent Receipt. This legislation begins repealing a century-old law that forces military retirees with service-connected disabilities to forgo a portion of their retirement benefits in order to continue receiving their disability compensation.

There is still more work to be done for our Veterans. They fought for us and it's important to me that I fight for them. In this time of war we cannot forget those who have carried liberty's standard in the past.

I hope that this Veteran's Day you will pause to help remember all those who have served this country.