Our country is failing to meet even the basic needs of the men and women who fight for our country. My dad is a World War II veteran who served 36 months in the European and African theaters. It was my generation who fought Vietnam and many of my friends didn't come home. I know the toll that military service takes on our soldiers, their families and loved ones, and I believe that it is our responsibility and our duty to see that their sacrifice is honored - not just in words but in deeds.

We must honor a Veteran's Bill of Rights to fulfill the promises made to our soldiers, and to extend the best care available, including:

• Provide full disability and retirement benefits to disabled veterans. 
  Under current law, disabled veterans receive only part of their military retirement pension because their disability pay is deducted from it.  Veterans deserve both benefits in full.
• All health care benefits promised at enlistment. 
• Guarantee survivor benefits equal to those of federal employees.
• Lower the current retirement age for national guard and reservists to 55, just as it is for federal civilian employees
• Expand the military healthcare system so that America's Guard and Reservists receive health care benefits even when not on active duty.
• Provide travel for active duty personnel, Guard and Reserve soldiers to return home from the battlefield.
• Provide full GI college benefits for Guard and Reservists.
  Current law requires two continuous years of military service to qualify for full GI college benefits.  I would like to see that changed to two cumulative years of service to include those who serve on shorter rotations.
• Automatically accept all disability claims of soldiers returning from the battlefield.
  Currently, returning soldiers must absorb expenses while their disability claims are reviewed.   This can place a financial burden on the returning soldier which he or she does not need.   Accepting the claim initially, and making necessary adjustments after the review, honors the service of our returning heroes.