As we take time to remember those who have fallen, we must continue to stand up for those who are still fighting overseas and those who have finished their service with honor. Our government must be accountable for the promises it makes to the young men and women who are asked to serve our country.
Earlier this year, I introduced the Keep Our Promises to America’s Military Retirees Act, a bill to restore earned and promised health care coverage to retired members of the uniformed services. Military retirees – who spent a career in uniform to defend our freedoms – are not asking for handouts; they are only asking for what was promised to them.
There are thousands of American men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. They put their lives on the line every day. President Kennedy once said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces, but also by the men and women it honors and the men and women it remembers.” This month I hope that we will all take time to honor our troops and express our gratitude for their service to our nation.
I was proud to help kick off Military Appreciation Month recently when I joined other Members of Congress to stuff 3000 care packages for the U.S. military men and women serving oversees. The event helped raise awareness for the United Service Organizations, Inc (USO) programs that benefit the troops. There are 2.6 million service members on duty in the United States and 146 countries worldwide.
The USO is asking people around the world to support the troops through Operation USO Care Package. These packages will be delivered to members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed around the world in an effort to show our support for their sacrifices. For more information on how you can help, please visit
http://www.usocares.org/.
I urge you to take time this month to remember our troops and reflect on their selfless spirit. The men and women of our military put their country's interests above their own. They deserve our recognition, respect, and deepest gratitude.