Issue Position: Veterans and Our Armed Forces

Issue Position

As our troops depart Iraq and Afghanistan, we need to continue to ensure our armed forces are the best-trained, best-equipped and best-prepared in the world. With the Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad-Cities, the Air National Guard unit based outside of Peoria and major aerospace employers in Rockford, the 17th District has a vital interest in a strong military.

Our veterans and service members have served our country with distinction and bravery, at a real sacrifice to themselves and their families. It is our responsibility to provide them with the best possible care and help as they return.

We should fully fund veterans' health care benefits and make full funding mandatory by law. Anything less is a disgrace. We must also provide state-of-the-art care for traumatic brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If any veteran has difficulties navigating the Veterans Administration system for care or getting their needed benefits, I will work doggedly to cut through the red-tape and get them the benefits they have earned.

In addition, I support providing our service members with help returning to the workforce, financial planning, as well as job training and college opportunities.

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