The first definition of patriotism is keeping
faith with those who've worn the uniform of the United States of
America.
But today, countless veterans are fighting just to receive basic
benefits. Twenty percent of reservists and their families lack adequate
health care coverage, and as many as 23 percent of America's homeless
men are veterans. Over the last three years, attempts to increase
funding for reservists' health care have been blocked, and veterans have
had to fight attempts to slash imminent danger pay rates and family
separation allowances for those serving today.
A decorated veteran himself, John Kerry believes
that keeping faith with veterans is about honoring America's promise: if
you take care of us and our country, we'll take care of you.
John Kerry and John Edwards will honor those who
serve and those who fall in service with deeds, not just words. They
will fully fund veterans' health care, end the disabled veterans' tax,
fully equip and fairly compensate our troops on active duty, and protect
their loved ones with a Military Family Bill of Rights.
John Kerry and John Edwards will ensure that our
veterans are honored with the respect of a grateful nation.
The Kerry-Edwards plan to keep faith with
America's veterans will:
Improve Veterans' Health Care
Today, nearly one-fifth of American veterans lack full health care
coverage, and thousands of disabled veterans are being unfairly taxed on
their disabilities. As president, John Kerry will provide mandatory
funding of veterans' health care and ensure concurrent receipt to end
the Disabled Veterans' Tax.
Improve Veterans' Quality Of Life
Today, America's veterans suffer from high rates of homelessness and a
Veterans' Administration (VA) that in too many cases remains
unresponsive and too complicated. As president, John Kerry will ensure
that veterans have the resources they need to find homes and jobs, while
streamlining the VA to make it more responsive to veterans' needs.
Keep Faith With Those Who Serve Today
By enacting a Military Family Bill of Rights, John Kerry and John
Edwards will ensure that today's men and women in uniform receive
adequate pay and full health care coverage (including access to TRICARE),
while ensuring that our military is never overstretched and that our
troops are always fully equipped for the missions they face.
