Today, November 11, we celebrate Veterans' Day as we remember all the men and women of our armed services who have served us courageously and nobly across the years. These brave heroes represent all races, nationalities, religions, beliefs and political parties.

We remember tha t the richness and diversity of America is reflected in the armed services, and that the armed services have historically lead America in breaking down the social and cultural barriers that have divided us as a nation. As we unite in our pride of our diversity, we become stronger as a nation.

Veterans Day is saddened this year with the recent tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. The Iowa Democratic Veterans Caucus ask that you contribute to those affected by the tragic events, as well as for the families of other soldiers that have been killed or wounded during the wars that began eight years ago. There are a number of reputable charities for veterans, and we hope that you select one.

As we thank veterans, we also embrace them and their loved ones to comfort their pains. Many have made great sacrifices of life and blood, as well as broken marriages, family separation, financial hardship and lost civilian career opportunities.

Today's Iraq and Afghanistan veterans carry a heavy weight of service, with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) affecting as many as 700,000 returning soldiers while US fatalities have risen to over 5,000 and injuries to well over 31,000. Vietnam (where 60,000 died) has veterans that increasingly suffer with cancers and genetic disorders caused by Agent Orange exposure. Many World War II and Korea veterans continue to suffer from war injuries and lingering effects of battle.

But Veteran's Day is also for all of us. Regardless of our own military service status, we have all benefited for the past two centuries from sacrifices made by others. If you have had a friend or hero that has sacrificed for America perhaps a mother, father or loved one or someone that contributed while not in uniform, but kept the home fire burning, please remember them also to day.

We thank President Obama and the Congress for recognizing and addressing the many problems that we have identified in the veterans programs over the past years. The President's proposed VA budget "includes the largest single-year percentage increase in VA funding in three decades" and the expansion of VA health coverage.

The administration is also working to increase the number of Veteran Centers and mobile health clinics, expand access to care in underserved rural areas, put new focus on injuries like post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury and new efforts to prevent veterans from falling into homelessness.

The Iowa Democratic Veterans' Caucus, a group that seeks to involve Iowa veterans in the thoughtful discussion of public policy, thanks you for your consideration of veterans on this very special and wonderful day.

Respectfully,

Bob Krause, LTC, AUS (Ret.)
Chair
Iowa Democratic Veterans' Caucus

Stay current with our activities at our web site, www.IDVC.org.

Paid for by the Iowa Democratic Veterans' Caucus (www.IDVC.org), a caucus of the Iowa Democratic Party (www.iowademocrats.org), and not authorized by any federal candidate or candidate committee. Your contribution will be used in connection with Federal Elections and is subject to the limitations and prohibitions of the Federal Election Campaign Act. Contributions are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.