DNC Veterans Council Commends President Obama on Support for Veterans

WASHINGTON, April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Washington Times published a story highlighting President Obama's progress in meeting campaign promises to America's veterans.  Specifically, the Washington Times notes, "All sides agree the President Obama has made big strides on promises he made in 2008 when competing for military votes against Republican nominee and Vietnam veteran Sen. John McCain - to fully fund the Veterans Administration, expand access to care in rural areas and improve treatment for mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder."

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO)

In response to the article, Lt. General Claudia Kennedy (U.S. Army, retired) and Col. Don Fowler (U.S. Army, retired), Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Committee's Veterans and Military Families Council released the following statement:

"From day one, President Obama made it clear that he would stand with the men and women who have bravely served our country.  While national news organizations are only now beginning to take note of the President's commitment to military service members, his commitment is already yielding substantive benefits for military veterans and their families.

"President Obama and Democratic Members of Congress have worked hard not only to ensure that soldiers and service members have the resources they need on the battlefield – they have fought to ensure they have the care and services they deserve when they come home.  The President and Congressional Democrats have vastly increased funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, allocating new funds for veterans' health care – including treatment for PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other injuries too common among today's veterans.  Thanks to President Obama, last year the VA saw its biggest increase in funding in 30 years, and he is requesting another double digit increase for FY2011.  The President has also implemented the Post 9/11 GI Bill, providing historic new educational benefits for America's veterans.

"We would like to take this opportunity to commend President Obama for his ongoing efforts on behalf of America's men and women on the front lines. The President's efforts and achievements on behalf of American service members more than fulfill the President's campaign promises to veterans. He has made it clear that America's veterans have an ally and a friend in the White House."

SOURCE Democratic National Committee