Congressional Corner: Continuing to Honor and Provide For Our Nation's Veterans

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Congressional Corner: Continuing to Honor and Provide For Our Nation's Veterans

By U.S. Representative Paul E. Gillmor(OH)
I recently had the privilege of paying my respects to the fallen heroes of D-Day in Normandy, France. As a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I visited the beaches of Normandy as well as the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur Mer. While at the cemetery, I laid a wreath at the foot of the statue “The Spirit of American Youth Rising From The Waves” in honor of the nearly 11,000 brave men and women who died to preserve our freedoms.

Among the brave patriots who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms lay three Medal of Honor winners, four women, and 33 pairs of brothers buried side by side. I am proud to have served my country in the United States Air Force and I am proud for my opportunity to honor the true icons of American history. The patriots who fought and died for our freedoms will never be forgotten as we pause to pay our respect.

In Congress, it is our duty to provide for the men and women who have and who continue to serve our great nation. This is why I am pleased to see increased coordination between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Defense to more readily identify the needs of our service members. A number of legislative initiatives have been introduced that reflect Congress’ desire to improve the quality of life for our veterans. These proposals have included greater accessibility to prescription drugs and an expansion of existing educational, housing, and healthcare services.

Among the many Veterans’ provisions that I have co-sponsored during the 108th Congress are the Retired Pay Restoration Act, Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act, and Veterans Prescription Access Improvement Act. In addition, I have co-sponsored legislation to allow retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis, increase the maximum amount of a home loan guarantee available to a veteran, improve patient care and rural access for veterans, establish a new medical facility in Ohio, and provide chiropractic services to veterans.

I look forward to continuing to work with TREA Senior Citizens League and like organizations to fulfill our obligation to “The Greatest Generation.” It will forever remain the utmost responsibility of government to provide proper care for the citizens who have served it best. It is essential to continue providing quality health care, competitive benefits, and a high standard of living to our warriors of freedom.

August 2004