The next few months in the U.S. Congress will be tense as a “super” committee of twelve legislators—six Democrats and six Republicans—recommends deficit reductions to the federal budget that will both lower the debt and energize our economy. This will be a challenging process.
In stark contrast to this effort is the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the opening of the 9/11 Memorial on that hallowed ground. As veterans, we need to remind this super committee every day that young men and women across this great nation responded to these horrendous attacks by joining the military to fight against terrorists around the world who seek to destroy our way of life.
This battle against terrorism is not over. Some of those brave Americans who entered the military post-9/11 have made the ultimate sacrifice, and many more will carry the physical and mental scars of battle with them for the rest of their lives.
As a nation, we simply cannot allow political differences to shortchange this generation, or any previous or future generation, of veterans of the benefits that they have earned.
We are and we should continue to be a grateful nation for those who have served. To harm the services and benefits needed by veterans is simply unconscionable.
VetsFirst is working for veterans with disabilities on Capitol Hill. Please take a moment to read VetsFirst’s letter to Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Co-Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs’ Committee, regarding the need to preserve services and benefits that help veterans with disabilities.
Terry Moakley
Chair of the VetsFirst Committee