We Owe a Debt to Men and Women in Uniform

Statement

Every Nov. 11, we pause as a nation to reflect on the service of America's veterans and express our gratitude for their sacrifice. Those who answered the call of duty and put their country above self are true patriots and deserving of our honor, gratitude, and respect.

Recognizing and serving our nation's veterans shouldn't be reserved for one day out of the year. Rather, giving back to our veterans should be a daily action and part of our national consciousness.

We as a nation have failed to live up to the obligation we have to our veterans. The numerous Veterans' Affairs (VA) scandals that came to light over the last two years truly represent one of our greatest failings as a nation. Ensuring that those who've served have access to the health care and treatments they need is the least we can do to honor veterans.

The issues within the VA must be addressed through top down, systematic reform. I was proud to support the VA Accountability Act of 2015, which made it easier to fire VA officials for misconduct. The bill, while a small step in institutionally reforming the VA, would go a long way in helping create a system of accountability.

But rather than simply focus on the bad actors, it's also important to highlight that many state and local VA's, as well as outside charitable groups, are doing great work to serve North Carolina's veterans.

In Western North Carolina, the staff at the Charles George VA Medical Center, are doing great work to serve the veterans in our community. Director Cynthia Breyfogle is a committed public servant who has a passion for serving veterans and making sure they have the personalized care that they need.

There are also many great charities dedicated to providing for those who have served.

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) Veterans Restoration Quarters is a charitable ministry that provides housing, food, counseling, laundry services, case management services, and more to hundreds of homeless veterans in Western North Carolina. The mission of their ministry is simple: to give back to those who served.

Another great organization serving our veterans, Honor Flight, arranges flights for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials erected in their honor. Just last month, Jeff Miller of Hendersonville helped arrange an honor flight to Washington for North Carolina veterans. I had the privilege of greeting them and seeing the pride they took in the memorials built to honor their service.

If you are a veteran in Western North Carolina who needs assistance dealing with the VA or needs to expedite a case, my office is happy to help. Last year, we set up a special email account, VAHelp@mail.house.gov, that is regularly checked by my staff to assist constituents with VA-related issues. We've received countless messages on the account and have been able to help numerous veterans resolve issues with the VA.

We owe a debt of gratitude to our men and women in uniform. We would not enjoy the liberties that we do in the greatest nation on earth without servicemen and women willing to fight to defend our freedoms. While we can never repay them for their service, we can show them consistent gratitude year round.

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