Honoring our veterans

Nov. 11 is one of our nation's most important holidays. It's a day that is set aside each year to honor the invaluable sacrifices our veterans have made to keep America safe and protect the freedoms and values upon which our nation was founded. The United States has been blessed throughout its history with men and women who have fought to protect all that our nation stands for, and Veterans Day is a special opportunity to acknowledge their commitment.

Veterans Day is a time to put aside whatever issues might otherwise divide us and honor the selfless service of the men and women who protect the freedoms we all too often take for granted. 

The members of our armed services voluntarily perform work that is both dangerous and difficult. It requires personal commitment and sacrifice, as well as the patience and support of their families, friends and loved ones. And, for that, we owe our military men and women a great deal.

With this in mind, Congress must uphold the freedoms our troops have fought to protect, and keep our nation's commitment to our veterans.

The federal government has a responsibility to our veterans that includes providing quality hometown health care, and making sure that as soldiers return from defending our nation abroad they have all the support and services they need. That's why I worked hard to get a new veterans clinic up and running in North Central Washington, and I continue to back a plan to enable the VA to partner with local hospitals to provide health care closer to home for our veterans.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job as your congressman is helping Central Washington veterans who may experience a problem with the VA or their benefits. If you need assistance I encourage you to contact my office at 509-543-9396 to learn if there is some way that I may be able to assist you.

Our veterans and the brave men and women currently serving in the armed forces deserve our thoughts, prayers, and support on this Veterans Day - and every day.