Thanking our veterans for their sacrifices on the one-year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Thanking our veterans for their sacrifices on the one-year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom
March 20, 2004
By Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District - Kansas)
On a plane coming home to Kansas, I had a conversation about the situation in Iraq with a man who served our country in Vietnam. The veteran noted the contrast in the treatment of soldiers returning home today compared with what he had faced. He didn't provide details, but the memories of his own homecoming still brought tears decades later.
March 20th will mark the one-year anniversary of our intervention in Iraq. I'm thankful time has changed the way we treat veterans who have served our country. While I hear differing opinions from Kansans about this issue, we can all agree on the need to support the thousands of men and women in harm's way who protect our freedom and stand up for us in the war on terrorism.
Last September, I met with family members of the over 300 reservists and National Guard members from units based in my district deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many reservists and members of the National Guard left behind jobs and families with reduced income and limited support networks. Some have lost their homes and small businesses in order to do their duty. To show our gratitude for their sacrifices, I believe we must do everything we can to address the needs of our military. Troop strength, equipment, supplies, and care they need when they come home are an absolute.
Too often Congress pays lip service to our veterans and military personnel, yet fails to deliver on solid votes and programs that would demonstrate our recognition of their sacrifice. I listened to military personnel and their families, and I'm proud my legislative proposals are helping troops and veterans. In November 2003, my proposal to relieve the travel burden on troops coming home for Rest and Recuperation (R&R) was signed into law. The new law provides funding to cover all travel costs necessary to return service personnel home to their families. Another bill I introduced that will protect the growing health care needs of our veterans became law in December 2003.
In January, I was part of a small congressional delegation to Iraq. I heard firsthand from those serving on the front lines, including Kansas military personnel who are upbeat and proud of their efforts in Iraq. I was pleased to learn that many of the concerns about equipment and supplies have been corrected. I returned from Iraq more confident about the condition of American troops and their morale.
In times of crisis like the past year, our nation looks to the men and women of the armed forces. America must honor their sacrifice and courage by living up to her promises to service personnel, whether active duty, reservists, members of the National Guard or veterans. This anniversary is a time for all of us to reflect, by remembering the sacrifices our veterans are making and working for a more peaceful future.