Proud of our Community
By Rep. Jeff Perry
This past Saturday, my wife and I attended the Cape Cod Cares for the Troops run/walk event in Buzzards Bay. While many of us attend such events to support our brave men and women serving currently, military families, our veterans and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, we must also stop and take a moment and appreciate what a wonderful community of people we live in.
As we walked around the event talking to people before the ceremony begun, we saw the people most impacted by the War on Terror, including Gold and Blue Star parents, veterans, and families of those currently overseas. More than that, there were the people totally unconnected to the military. So many people in our community gave up their Saturday and fought the traffic to support our troops on a Saturday morning. This impressed me and made me feel a tremendous sense of pride in our community.
Also this week, our last combat troops left Iraq. This is indeed progress, but with a heavy price. As a candidate for Congress, I am often asked about my views on the War on Terror. First and foremost, I will support the President as Commander in Chief and pledge to unconditionally support our men and women in uniform.
Congress should ask the tough and necessary questions of the President and the agencies he oversees, but not attempt to interfere with the mission of protecting our home land or supporting our military commanders. We must have a better articulated plan for victory in Afghanistan, and one which does not foreshadow a withdrawal date. Our troops must also have the rules of engagement which allow for self-protection and the ability to complete a defined mission.
A working and aggressive intelligence plan is our best and first line of defense. I believe America must increase the resources of our human intelligence capabilities and integrate technical and human sources.
I strongly believe as a Nation we always must recognize the sacrifice of all of our veterans, military members and their families. I am also proud that over the last eight years I have been on Beacon Hill, the Legislature has done some great things supporting Massachusetts service members, including the Welcome Home Bill. The manner in which we treat our veterans is a direct message of support to our current and future service members.
Service members, both past and present, and their families deserve high-quality health care. We must always remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice; their families must be assured meaningful financial assistance. It is the solemn duty we owe, and honor we give to those who bravely served so that we all may be free.
Returning veterans must also have access to education benefits, job training, and a wide variety of employment options. I will support and push for a bipartisan expansion of the GI Bill for private colleges and education benefits. In addition, I will encourage private businesses to expand their outreach to the veteran community, especially disabled veterans. Of course this must be a partnership with the many local and private veteran groups already doing such great work. We do many great things as a government to support our service members, but there is room for improvement.
While wars and politics can often spark protests and divisive tones in some communities, I am proud to be part of a community that recognizes our troops, families and veterans. They all deserve nothing less that our unconditional support.
