The Boswell Brief: Standing Up for Our Troops

Statement

Dear Fellow Iowan,

Two years ago, a staff member and veteran approached me after returning from her five-year deployment reunion to discuss some alarming news. Of the 70 women (ages 25 to 35) who served in her battalion in Iraq, six of them had been diagnosed with breast cancer and another six had discovered masses after returning home.

As a combat veteran who personally experienced a service-connected disease, I understood the significance of this anecdotal evidence. That is why I introduced legislation in the 111th Congress to study the incidence of breast cancer in our Armed Forces and analyze possible risk factors in training and active duty service.

My legislation passed the House this week as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. With this study, we can begin to understand why many of our soldiers are returning from duty only to face a new battle at home -- breast cancer.

I am committed to fighting for our troops and their families. This Memorial Day weekend I encourage you to thank a soldier for their service and take a moment to remember our men and women in uniform who did not make it home to their families. Our nation cannot thank the men and women of our Armed Forces enough for their courage and commitment to country.

Sincerely,

Source