Senator Jeff Bingaman

Сенатор из США Jeff Bingaman, с которым я длительное время переписываюсь по электронной почте, прислал мне письмо следующего содержания...

Each Veterans Day is a solemn occasion when we, as a nation, reflect and show gratitude to those who have served or are currently serving in our military. 
 
But today is an especially difficult Veterans Day, as we honor the men and women who were killed or wounded last week at Ft. Hood Army Base in Texas.  I extend my condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives or were hurt in this terrible act of violence.  We must take every precaution to ensure nothing like this ever happens again. 
 
On this Veterans Day, I’d especially like to thank New Mexico’s veterans for their commitment to protecting our country and its interests.  New Mexico has a long and proud history of military service, from the Battle of Glorieta Pass during the Civil War to the New Mexicans and New Mexico units currently serving in the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hostile zones around the world. 
 
In addition to providing our military with all the tools they need to do their jobs, we must also ensure those returning from service and those who are transitioning to civilian life have all the support they need.   
 
Congress has worked to improve veterans’ benefits in recent years, and I am particularly proud that this Congress increased the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) budget by $25 billion over the next five years.  This funding will help expand health services veterans deserve and have earned - such as specialized care for traumatic brain injuries, physical therapy for amputees, and mental health screening and treatment services - and offer programs to help reduce and prevent homelessness among veterans.
 
Congress has also improved veterans’ education benefits; the Post-9/11 GI Bill entitles veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to full college tuition in their home state, a housing stipend, and funds for books and fees.  The original GI Bill – established in the 1940s for veterans returning from World War II – has helped millions of veterans earn a college degree.  The Post-9/11 GI Bill brings education benefits back to the level they were for those soldiers, providing the same opportunities for today’s young veterans to achieve what their predecessors have.
 
Military service brings unique challenges to raising a family, especially when their loved is one far from home, or returns from a tour of duty requiring specialized care. We can help honor veterans and their sacrifices by helping their families; I am a proud co-sponsor of the Veteran and Servicemember Caregiver Support Act, which would train and support family caregivers of disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces. We must also continue to ensure that military personnel and their families have access to support centers and public schools for their children.
 
These improvements to veterans’ health and education initiatives are an important part of our effort to honor the men and women who bravely serve our country every day, not only on Veterans Day.  Again, I'd like to thank our veterans for their service to our country.
Sincerely,

Jeff Bingaman
United States Senator