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Hoyer Delivers Remarks at the Southern Maryland Veterans Stand Down Event

May 16, 2014

CALIFORNIA, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) delivered remarks today at the Southern Maryland Veterans Stand Down event, an initiative to provide support and services to Southern Maryland veterans. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

"There are few tasks more important to the Congress and the people it represents than to keep faith with those who have worn the uniform of our nation.

"America's veterans put their lives on the line for all of us, and together we have a responsibility to make sure they have the care and resources they need once they've returned home to civilian life.

"Far too many veterans live on our streets or in our shelters.

"Far too many face the enemy of hunger and poverty.

"Far too many must combat mental illness, substance abuse, or the challenge of physical wounds sustained during their service.

"Here in Southern Maryland, the Three Oaks Center has made it a focus of its mission to help veterans access the services they need to confront those challenges and surmount them. 

"This ‘Stand Down' Day provides an opportunity to obtain these services all in one place – a one-stop shop for medical and dental screenings, housing assistance guidance, mental health counseling, and help for those seeking jobs.

"And as we salute the service and sacrifice of our veterans, I also salute all who have worked hard to make this day possible and who are committed to helping Southern Maryland veterans overcome the challenges they face.

"In Congress, I will continue to stand up for a strong VA system that can meet the obligations we have to our returning service-members and their families.

"I have been working closely with my colleagues in the Maryland Congressional Delegation to provide the VA with additional resources to help it reduce its backlog of processing claims for our state's veterans.

"And I will keep pushing for measures that encourage businesses to hire veterans; improve health care benefits, access, and treatment; strengthen access to quality college education for veterans and their family members; protect veterans from foreclosure; and prevent homelessness.

"Nobody who fights for America overseas ought to have to fight just as hard to find a job or keep a roof overhead or get quality health care once he or she returns home.

"Our veterans understand well what it means to complete a mission. Now it is our turn to complete a mission: to help serve those who have served our nation so ably."