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As the home of Redstone Arsenal, North Alabama has earned an excellent reputation for its role protecting the warfighter and defending our national security. There are thousands of military and civilian employees in North Alabama who are committed to making our nation safe from attack and I'm proud that many of them have made North Alabama their home long after their time in the service has ended.
The ongoing War on Terror has had a tremendous impact on our armed services. Some of the bravest soldiers have been from our National Guard and Reserve units. These men and women are more than just soldiers they represent the very best of North Alabama. If it was not for the swift and decisive actions of our armed forces, including those of our National Guardsmen and Reservists, Saddam Hussein and his reign of terror would still be punishing Iraq today. I believe that it is time that we take action, and protect these soldiers and their families.
I have a great deal of respect for the men and women who have volunteered to serve our country in the armed services and I want to do all that I can to make sure they are rewarded for their service.
I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 579, the Military Health Care Protection Act. This bill would freeze TRICARE rates at their 2006 levels. Currently, this legislation is pending before the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Military Personnel. It is essential that our government provide our veterans with the best health care possible. Likewise, it is important that our government exercise fiscal discipline.
In addition, I am a cosponsor of HR 269, the Soldier Targeted by Offensive Profiteering (STOP) Act. This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to prohibit the unauthorized use of a soldier's (who served since the beginning of World War I) name and image in commercial activities. It requires permission from the soldier or their family, whichever may apply and gives the Attorney General the authority to seek an injunction for violations. This is an important initiative that I hope will be passed by the House and signed into law.
Lastly, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 358, A Grave Marker Reauthorization bill, which permits the families of deceased veterans to select either a headstone or grave marker for placement in a private cemetery at no cost. It also makes this benefit retroactive to cover all veterans' deaths since November 1, 1990, including those service members who were previously ineligible to receive it.
There are over 72,000 veterans in North Alabama and each has played a role in protecting our country during times of war and peace. It is important that we remember their contributions because without them, this nation would not enjoy the freedoms we have today.
2008 Veterans Press Releases from Representative Bud Cramer:
Cramer Hails Largest Increase in Veterans Funding
(January 18, 2008)
Related Veterans Links:
Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs
House Veterans Affairs Committee
Huntsville VA Clinic
Madison/Decatur VA Clinic
My HealtheVet
If you are having difficulties with receiving your benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, such as having your disability rating increased or getting an appointment with a VA clinic or hospital facility, these frequently asked questions may help.
How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?
What's the difference between disability compensation and disability pension?
What are the types of VA claims?
How do I get a copy of my military records?
How can I get replacement medals?
How can I get education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill?
How can I get medical benefits?
How can I get life insurance?
How can I get vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits?
How can I get survivor benefits?
What drug benefits are available?
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