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ON VETERANS AFFAIRS

served in the US Marine Corps. As a young man that service instilled in me a sense of pride of country and a new maturity that I don’t believe I could have found elsewhere. Even though when I returned home from Viet Nam we were not portrayed as the heroes our service people are today, we didn’t face the dilemmas today’s veterans suffer through. There were jobs available and opportunities so we could move on with life and achieve the true American dream. Today those opportunities are dwindling.

I believe today’s veterans are heroes. Every one of them brave souls volunteered to serve, none were drafted. They chose to put their life in harm’s way for their country. They deserve more than applause in the airport and flag waving coming home parties.

I believe every veteran should have an opportunity to find the American dream like I did. Real training should be available to help veterans transition into civilian life. Health insurance should be automatic until that transition is complete. Civil service jobs should be made available to veterans before others are considered. Employers – particularly small business – should receive real incentives for hiring veterans both on tax and health care obligations and funded programs such as apprenticeships and internships could help employers give vets on the job experience needed in today’s job market.

Those who serve our country in the armed forces protect our freedom and preserve our precious right to participate in our own government. They allow us to live the American dream. We owe them more than a cheer when they come home. Each one should have a fair chance to make their dream a reality. I will work diligently to deliver the opportunity they have so selflessly earned and deserve.

• Why Run? • Veterans Affairs • The Economy • Tax Fairness • Health Care • Financial Reform • Immigration • Women’s Rights •