George Allen took his Virginia Voices tour to Dale City on Saturday to hear directly from veterans whose voices are being ignored in Washington.
Organized by Del. Rich Anderson, the event brought over 70 veterans together at the VFW Post 1503 to discuss with George Allen the opportunities and challenges veterans face. Leading attendees included 11th Congressional District Candidate Colonel Chris Perkins and U.S. Navy Chief Mike Wade, a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/combat stress expert.
Veterans voiced concerns over energy security, higher TRICARE fees and copays, as well as the long delays in the Veterans Administration providing medical treatments. Additionally, Veterans discussed how the $700 billion taken from Medicare to pay for the health care tax law could lead to higher fees for TRICARE.
“I’m inspired by each veteran’s story of service to America, their commitment to our communities and to the defense of our Country,” Allen said. “We must keep our promises to our troops, their families, and the many Veterans who went before them for the benefits they have earned. Abrogating the contract is breach of faith and I pledge to be their voice in U.S. Senate.
“Today veterans are seeing our military face devastating defense cuts that could lead to the loss of over 200,000 jobs because of Washington’s failed deal. These devastating cuts to our military and jobs must be stopped with true leadership, not by increasing taxes. The men and women of our Armed Forces should never be used as a political bargaining tool to raise taxes on small business owners.”
Last year, Allen put forth his “Compact with Veterans” – a set of principles to ensure that America always honors the service and sacrifice of the men and women who risk their lives for our freedom by keeping our promises. Allen’s Compact includes a commitment to supporting jobs, health care, education, retirement, or quality of life benefits for the military, retirees, Veterans and their families. His priorities and principles include honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans through treating our wounded heroes, and guaranteeing the right to vote.
“Virginia is blessed with one of the largest veterans populations who enrich our workforce, schools and communities,” said Del. Rich Anderson (Col, USAF, Retired), chair of the General Assembly Military & Veterans Caucus. “But far too often, veterans see Washington politics that overpromise and underdeliver. George Allen has a record of fighting for our military and veterans to ensure their safety and provision. From increased education benefits to small business hiring incentives to expanded health benefit access, George Allen proved in the U.S. Senate his leadership and commitment to making our military and veterans a priority. Tim Kaine continues to stand with President Obama even as the President seeks drastic cuts in Veterans health benefits. Virginia veterans have a clear choice this election for George Allen as Veterans’ Voice or Tim Kaine as a Senator for Obama.”
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