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Gwen Moore Honors Troops, Veterans on Veteran’s Day

 

Milwaukee, WI – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) extended her support for our veterans, service members and their families in recognition of Veteran’s Day.

 

“Every year, we join together to remember those who have and continue to serve our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy – especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. They honorably carry out their duties for their county so that we might enjoy the freedoms that we hold so dear. The debt we owe them and their families is immeasurable, and I believe we have a moral responsibility to keep our promise to all of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and Coast Guardsmen who have served our nation.

 

“Now, more than ever, we must renew our commitment to keep our promises to the nation’s more than 2 million troops and reservists, their families, and 23 million veterans, including nearly 400,000 in Wisconsin. As they return home, the President and Democrats in Congress are focused on taking major steps to help them obtain good jobs.  

 

“I remain extremely concerned about the mental and physical health needs of our veterans, including those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  The prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide remain disturbingly high. For far too many of them, the battle doesn’t end when they leave the battlefield. We must also continue to shine a spotlight on the health needs of military families, ensuring that they receive the proper care and services upon returning home from these conflicts. 

 

“Additionally, over 12 percent of our nation’s veterans who have served since the September 11, 2001 attacks are currently unemployed and hundreds of thousands of veterans are finding themselves homeless on any given day. It is inexcusable for Congress to stand idly by as an additional 40,000 estimated troops come home to a dismal and challenging job market at the end of the year. They have sacrificed so much for this country fighting on the battlefield, they should not have to fight for a job when they return home. We must provide them with the necessary resources and support that will enable them to rejoin the workforce.

 

“Last fall, Congress enacted President Obama’s veterans hiring initiative, to expand job opportunities for our veterans through tax credits for businesses that hire service members. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act also includes additional provisions to boost hiring for veterans and provide them with the training they need to find a job in civilian life.  With this law, America can welcome our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen back into their communities as entrepreneurs, small business owners, and workers. We must also explore the idea of a Veterans Job Corps to help returning veterans find pathways to employment.

 

“Here in Milwaukee, I continue to work with the local Veteran’s Administration to ensure that our hospital has the capacity and resources to treat the needs of our returning heroes as well as our heroes from previous generations.

 

“The best way to honor all of our military troops, veterans and their families around the world who continue to proudly serve our country would be to further dedicate ourselves to providing them with the necessary support and resources that they deserve. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to ensure that the needs of our veterans are taken care of.”

 

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