Hoyer Statement on Veterans Day, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in recognition of Veterans Day, which is celebrated on Sunday, November 11:

“I join in saluting the men and women who have served our nation in uniform. Veterans Day is an opportunity to reflect on the courage and dedication of those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect American lives and the values we hold dear. In particular, we honor our men and women who have recently returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan, and we rededicate ourselves to making sure they can transition smoothly back to civilian life and receive the care they need to heal any wounds they sustained – both physical and psychological.

“So many of America’s veterans continue their commitment to public service, going on to pursue careers in law enforcement, public safety, and government. All Americans share great pride in those who have served us with such distinction in uniform. I have been proud to be an advocate for them in Congress, supporting programs that help our veterans stay in their homes, pursue higher education, receive quality and timely health care, and train for middle-class jobs in the civilian workforce.

“Working together with VISN-5, federal, state, and local officials, and local veterans, we have made significant progress in providing our growing veterans population with important resources, including a new, ADA-compliant Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. The new clinic, which is expected to open next year, will improve access to quality, health care services close to home for many Fifth District veterans.

“We owe it to our veterans and their families in Maryland and around the country to ensure they receive the benefits they’ve earned, and I look forward to continue working with our veterans community to fulfill that obligation.”