Continuing to Honor Our Veterans

On Friday, September 23, a group of 25 World War II veterans from the Third District visited our nation’s capital as part of the Hall County Hero Flight. The non-profit Hall County Honor Flight program provides free transportation to and from Washington, DC for local World War II veterans to visit for the first time the National World War II Memorial, which was built in their honor. While in Washington, the group also visited a number of sites, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial, the Marine Corps Memorial, and the Pentagon.
It was an honor to speak with these heroes during their visit to the World War II Memorial. In a city of memorials and monuments, it is truly a sight to behold as it perfectly captures the unity and dedication displayed by so many from the greatest generation. More than 70 years ago these veterans left their homes and families to defend us against an unspeakable evil, and in the process, faced an unknown future. Their bravery and patriotism continue to inspire the generations which have followed and have enjoyed the freedoms they preserved. My grandfather was a Sea Bee during World War II. He had a profound impact on my life, and words cannot describe how much I owe him – and how much we all owe his generation.
Nebraska has a rich heritage and tradition of courageous military service. Throughout our history, countless Nebraskans have put their lives in danger to protect our freedoms and liberties. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our homeland safe and secure, and many others have returned home wounded. Our veterans have earned, and deserve, the recognition and benefits they were promised.
Congress has recently worked to pass budgets which still ensure the critical veterans programs many rely on while still making unprecedented cuts to out-of-control government spending. Still, some in Washington and the media are using scare tactics to let veterans believe solving our budget crisis requires cutting veterans’ benefits. Nothing could be further from the truth. Specifically, I voted to protect veterans funding in the House passed budget, The Path to Prosperity, which cuts trillions in non-veterans funding over the next decade but not cutting mandatory funding for programs housed in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In addition to ensuring veterans receive the benefits promised to them, my office also can help cut the red tape they often face when working with federal agencies. If you or a veteran you know is experiencing difficulty with eligibility determinations, V.A. home loans, replacements of earned medals, or other services provided to veterans, please contact my Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900 or visit my website at http://adriansmith.house.gov/.
As the co-chair of the Rural Veterans Caucus, I understand the challenges facing not only those who served our country in previous conflicts, but also the new generation of soldiers just now returning home after serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Our nation’s commitment to our veterans and their families remains strong. I look forward to continue fighting for veterans who sacrificed a great deal on our behalf.
For more information about veterans’ issues, the latest developments in Congress, or to sign up for my e-mail newsletter, please visit my website at http://adriansmith.house.gov/