This Week in Washington

Statement

Last Saturday, our district was the site of a welcome home event for our nation's heroes who served in the Vietnam War. Vietnam veterans, their families and people from across the country gathered at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord for the Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration. It was amazing to see thousands gathered at the speedway to honor the dedication and sacrifice of those who served in Vietnam.

It was a great honor for me to attend this long-overdue event on the behalf of the people of the 8th District. With more than 100,000 veterans and active duty military members living in our district, I do not think that organizers could have chosen a better place than the 8th District for this special event. Earlier in the day, I joined local veterans near my home in Montgomery County for a send-off of Vietnam veterans who were heading to the event in Concord. The caravan of veterans proceeded through Montgomery into Stanly and Cabarrus counties, with signs lining the streets along their way in a tremendous outpouring of community tribute to their service to our great nation.

There isn't a week that goes by that I don't meet with veterans and I am reminded of not only of the service they gave to our nation in uniform, but also of the important role they played in our nation's history after returning home from that service. Following each of America's wars, veterans returned home to become the teachers, coaches, scout leaders, service volunteers and small business owners who sustain and enhance the daily lives of everyone in their communities.

For every life saved through an act of bravery on the battlefield, thousands more were made better back home once the fighting stopped. For most veterans, the concepts of duty and selfless service carry forward in their lives after their time in uniform has passed. This is one of the major reasons I lead the fight in Congress to make sure our nation honors the promises made and the debt owed to our veterans. The personal freedom and liberty and national strength their service helped defend is ongoing--so too is our obligation to them. The freedoms accrued to our nation through the service of our men and women in uniform is passed from generation to generation--so too must the obligation to honor the service of those who made it possible.

There are those who would have us fall short in that responsibility by cutting or underfunding services to programs that serve veterans. I will oppose such attempts every day that I have the honor to serve as your representative. I believe strongly that our nation must get spending under control, and I support and co-sponsored the Balanced Budget Amendment. But I also believe in fairness. I know for a fact that our budget isn't broken because of the care provided or owed to veterans. I know that without their brave service, we would not be free to discuss budgets and spending, because we would have ceased to be a sovereign nation long, long ago. I'm proud to tell you that caseworkers in our three district offices have secured more than $3 million in retroactive benefits that were owed to local veterans by the VA. If you are a veteran who is not getting the care you need from the VA, or need help cutting through the "red tape" to get your benefits, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 704-786-1612. A caseworker will assist you.

Protecting and caring for military veterans is a moral obligation that we can't shirk or take lightly and it can't be reserved for only special days of the year. The men and women, throughout our history, who have fought to keep us free, must receive the care and services to which they are entitled. That is why I will continue to fight for enhanced veterans care, increased benefits, and compassionate, professional delivery of services. In order to be great and strong as a nation and to be a force for good in the world, we must be able to defend our values and interests and allies around the world. From the time before we even became an independent nation, the burden of defending American liberty and freedom has fallen to a citizen military that has answered the call on every occasion. I am honored to represent so many veterans and active military in our district. I take seriously the responsibility to see that the promises our government has made to them are kept 365 days a year.

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