Veterans Day – November 11th – is a day we set aside each year to honor, remember and thank those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Across the state of Arkansas, we have over 250,000 veterans and we couldn’t be more proud of them. While we should support and thank our veterans every day of the year, Veterans Day gives us the opportunity to unite and rally as a country in support of those who put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms we all enjoy today.
This Veterans Day will be even more special for many military families because thousands of our troops are finally coming home. Recently, President Obama announced he intends to withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of the year, effectively ending all U.S. military operations in the country. I support the President’s decision because it’s past time for the Iraqi people to step up and take responsibility for their country and its future.
It’s been almost five years since Saddam Hussein was captured, tried and executed for his crimes against humanity. America cannot afford to stay in Iraq any longer. It is time to turn our focus and resources back to the United States, back to our local towns and communities, and back to creating jobs and growing our nation’s economy.
In all, more than 60 Arkansans were killed in Iraq and more than 450 were wounded. We must never forget our troops and all that they did to liberate the Iraqi people, the brave soldiers who died in service to our country and those who have suffered battle injuries that will forever change their lives. Our veterans have served us well and now it is our turn to serve them. Our government must keep its promises to this new generation of war veterans as they come home.
Like too many Americans, an enormous problem facing our veterans today is unemployment. In fact, the Department of Labor says 27 percent of young Iraq & Afghanistan war veterans are unemployed – almost triple the average unemployment rate.
To help reduce this staggering percentage, I’ve helped introduce a number of bills that encourage the hiring of veterans. The Veterans Employment Transition Act, or VETs Act, H.R. 865 would provide tax credits for businesses who hire soldiers returning home from service.
I’ve also helped introduce the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011, H.R. 1941, which would require all service members to participate in the Transition Assistance Program – a program that includes job-search techniques, resume writing and interview tips. Additionally, the bill would require the Defense, Labor and VA Departments to sponsor a study to help our soldiers translate military jobs into civilian employment. The Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans Association has endorsed both these bills and I urge House leadership to bring them for a vote as soon as possible.
On this Veterans Day, please join me in showing your support for our veterans and praying for them and their families. It’s appropriate that November is also Military Families Month, because our military families play a critical role in our Armed Forces, making daily sacrifices and doing everything they can to support our troops. We owe America’s troops and their families our eternal gratitude.
Regardless of how we feel about our continued presence in the Middle East, we must all remain committed to supporting our troops and their families and to help them when they come home. As your Congressman, I will continue working with both Democrats and Republicans to find commonsense ways we can honor those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve this great country of ours.
Sincerely,
Mike Ross
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