I had the honor of delivering remarks at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield on Memorial Day where a very nice ceremony was held to commemorate those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
At the cemetery, I spoke with a veteran that reminded me that while we honor those that died, we need to honor living Veterans too. As a member of Congress, I am able to help veterans in a variety of ways.
When most people think of Congress they naturally think about the bills we pass. We have the ability to enact laws that can have real-life implications for veterans. I always say that just because we can never fully repay the debt we owe to our Veterans it doesn't mean that we shouldn't try! And yes, Congress can work effectively together on issues when we put our minds to it.
Take the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act for example. PAWS is a program where veterans who need a service dog can take part in training the dog. This increases the bond the veteran has with their service dog and also can help treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Another piece of legislation that I am proud to be a cosponsor of is the Major Richard Star Act. This bill would allow veterans who were medically retired but served less than 20 years to collect VA disability benefits as well as military retired pay.
Another piece of legislation that I am proud to be a cosponsor of is the Major Richard Star Act. This bill would allow veterans who were medically retired but served less than 20 years to collect VA disability benefits as well as military retired pay.
The military careers of these men and women were cut short and they were forced to retire, but their retirement pay is offset because of the injury they sustained. This isn’t fair to the 42,000 veterans that find themselves in this situation. As members of Congress, we came together and decided this is a wrong that needs to be made right.
Both of these bills are a great example of how we can come together in the halls of Congress to help our veterans. But legislation is not the only way a member of Congress can assist veterans. My office can also help veterans with issues they are having with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Both of these bills are a great example of how we can come together in the halls of Congress to help our veterans. But legislation is not the only way a member of Congress can assist veterans. My office can also help veterans with issues they are having with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Lisa Saylor and Sydney Ingram Johnson in my Springfield office work tirelessly with veterans from across southwest Missouri to help them cut through the red tape. My staff can assist veterans with records requests, appeals, benefits, and more. I would highly encourage any veteran that resides in Missouri’s 7th Congressional District that is having trouble with the VA to reach out to Lisa or Sydney for assistance.
And if you don't have the good fortune of living in the best Congressional district in the United States you can reach out to your own member of Congress. If their staff isn't as experienced as mine in dealing with the V.A. they can sure call Lisa or Sydney for guidance.
Veterans gave up a tremendous amount to serve our country, and when they come home, our country needs to serve them. Congress needs to continue to work on good legislation that will benefit veterans in our communities.
Veterans gave up a tremendous amount to serve our country, and when they come home, our country needs to serve them. Congress needs to continue to work on good legislation that will benefit veterans in our communities.
I am glad to do what I can to make a difference in the lives of veterans. It is my honor and privilege to be a champion for veterans in Congress and assist them with all of the red tape at the VA. Our veterans deserve the best, and I will continue to do everything I can to make sure that is what we give them.
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