Veterans
This year's Memorial Day will be special for many Americans as our nation begins to return to normal, with many joining in-person gatherings with family and friends for the first time in over a year. As we celebrate the holiday weekend with cookouts, sunshine, and good food, let's take a moment to count our many blessings because of the sacrifices of others. Freedom has always come with a high price, and it is our privilege to remember the men and women who died in service so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.
I recently introduced two bipartisan bills to ensure veterans exposed to Agent Orange while serving their country during the Vietnam War-era receive the benefits they were promised and have earned. Upon retirement, many Vietnam War-era veterans stationed in Vietnam and Thailand were denied certain health benefits despite a clear connection between their time in service, the herbicides used during their service, and their subsequent poor health status.
WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced two bipartisan bills to ensure veterans who were exposed to chemical herbicides while serving their country receive the benefits they have earned. The Keeping Our Promises Act is co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and 18 colleagues, and a second bill extending benefits to Vietnam War-era veterans stationed in Thailand is co-sponsored by 37 House colleagues and is a companion bill to Senator John Boozman's (R-AR) S. 657.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced the Fourth District's student nominations to military academies. Westerman issued the following statement:
"I'd like to encourage all Fourth District students interested in serving their country to consider attending a military academy. America's freedom and values depend on the courage of young people who put on a uniform and fight to protect liberty. U.S. military academies offer unparalleled opportunities to serve while obtaining a fully-funded, top-notch education."
One of the things I love most about serving in public office is the ability to honor incredible heroes who live and work in our communities. Just a few weeks ago, I learned that one of these people, Mr. Fred Randle, was a long-time Hot Springs resident who was part of Merrill's Marauders during WWII.
I am pleased to inform you that starting this Veterans Day on Nov. 11, and lasting indefinitely, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has granted military veterans and Gold Star families free access to national parks and wildlife refuges, as well as lands and waters managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Our freedom isn't free. It is fought for and earned by our veterans, and we owe each of them our thanks. This year on Veteran's Day, I encourage you to take time and thank the veterans in your life for their service to America. I'm honored to have several family members who have served, including my grandfather, Andrew Westerman, who fought in World War II. My father-in-law Clayton French and my brother-in-law Clayton (Chuck) French also both served in the Air Force, and Chuck actually wrote commentary that served as the inspiration for The Airman's Creed.
We are blessed to live in a free country, but that freedom doesn't come without a price. Every year, Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to remember our fallen heroes and reflect on all that they sacrificed for our country. While many of us can't gather in person this year, that shouldn't stop us from taking time to honor the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.
With all eyes focused on COVID-19 relief efforts, it's easy to lose sight of others in our health care system, those with chronic illnesses or underlying medical issues. One particular group in need of assistance is veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and are suffering from severe illnesses as a result. Even as we seek to repair the flaws in our medical system and protect Americans against the spread of COVID-19, we must not forget about the men and women who served our country and yet can't get the benefits they need.
Former President Ronald Reagan once said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We did not pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." This Veterans Day week, we get to honor the men and women who have fought to protect these freedoms.