Remembering those who served on Veterans Day

By Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

The 11th hour, on the 11th day, on the 11th month of each year is set aside to honor veterans. Americans reflect, honor, and remember those who have answered the call of duty to defend our nation. Millions—including myself, my husband, my father, and five siblings—have answered the call of duty to defend our nation’s values.

At 18-years-old, I enlisted in the United States Army. From the Vietnam Era to the Gulf War, I served for 24-years both enlisted and officer, nurse and doctor, active duty to reserves. During my service, I attended to both the physical and mental wounds suffered by military personnel. As a retired Lt. Colonel, I fondly look back on my years in the Army.

In Congress, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue my service to America and to the thousands of incredible veterans I represent in Iowa, especially through my role on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Recently, I introduced the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act with fellow veterans Jen Kiggans and Jack Bergman. This bill reauthorizes the Fox Grant Program to expand the reach of the VA’s mental health services, especially suicide prevention, so that veterans are connected with the care and treatment - traditional or non traditional - that meet their needs.

Another bill I introduced was the Veteran Care Improvement Act, legislation to improve and expand VA health services. The bill would also incentivize partnerships between the VA and community providers to ensure our veterans are receiving the care they deserve even within their community.

These are just some of the many pieces of legislation I have introduced or promoted in Congress. I will continue that mission in working with President Trump.

Finally, I am proud to be part of the For Country Caucus, a bipartisan group of principled military veteran members that work together to pass thoughtful legislation in national security, veterans affairs, and national service.

On Veterans Day, I am remembering my late brother Michael, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Like many returning from Vietnam at the time, he was treated poorly during that period of upheaval in American history, and was haunted by the invisible wounds of combat service. He is very deeply missed.

Like many others, I am proud to have served this great country and I am forever grateful for the millions of men and women who have served under the United States flag defending our freedom and our values.

While we should honor their sacrifice every day, Veterans Day is a special day of remembrance for our heroes. We shall never forget their sacrifice in the name of justice, life, liberty, and the American dream: the pursuit of happiness. God Bless our veterans.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks is a 24-year Army veteran and member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee who currently represents Iowa’s First District in the United States House of Representatives.