Military and Veterans

Keeping our nation and communities safe is my top priority as a Member of Congress.  I appreciate the professionalism, service and dedication of the nation’s men and women serving in the Armed Forces.  I know first-hand the sacrifice our men and women in uniform make in order to keep us safe.  My husband Brian is a 26-year retired Navy pilot.  I am committed to maintaining a military that is capable of protecting America’s national interests and ensuring our nation’s veterans receive the benefits and respect they deserve.    

We must ensure our military men and woman have the tools they need to stay safe and effective.  Those who serve in our military do so voluntarily and are willing sacrifice to protect our nation’s borders and interests.  Our country therefore owes them access to the benefits and care the military men, women and their families deserve.

Accomplishments:

• District staff actively pursues effective outreach with veterans and completed more than 700 cases;
• Hosts quarterly Veterans Advisory Committee Meetings;
• Co-sponsored the Providing Real Outreach to Vets (PRO-Vets) Act of 2008 (H.R. 6494) which will ensure the Veterans Administration is more proactive in letting veterans know what benefits are available and how they can apply for them;
• Supported new GI Bill educational benefit for veterans and their families;
• Facilitated VA Sec Peake’s February 2008 visit to Walla Walla Veteran Medical Center where there is a new outpatient facility planned for 2012;
• Instrumental in ensuring local veterans receive the recognition they’ve earned like the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross;
• Led the successful effort to prevent the Air Force from moving the 36 RQF from Fairchild Air Force Base which provides vital search and rescue capabilities throughout the Northwest;
• Hosted Forward Fairchild visit to Washington, D.C./Pentagon;
• Working hard to ensure the next generation of air refueling tankers is based at Fairchild Air Force Base, including leading a January 2008 delegation visit to Air Mobility Commander at Scott AFB, Illinois