Team,
The Providence Journal recently published a column about my record of serving our veterans as well as they have served our nation.
“U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s high national profile as a liberal fighting to combat climate change and eliminate 'dark money' in political campaigns often overshadows his unwavering support for America’s servicemen and women.”
I have always made it a priority to ensure that we are treating our country’s heroes with the dignity and gratitude they deserve. The families that have sacrificed so much to serve America and protect our freedoms deserve the best this country can provide.
I was proud to cast my vote to help pass the PACT Act, legislation to improve care for the thousands of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances in the line of duty. I've also worked to address wait times at the VA, improve survivor benefits, provide suicide prevention resources for servicemembers and veterans, and more.
It's personal for me. My father and uncle served in the Pacific in World War II. My uncle never made it home, killed in action over the Philippines.
After the war, my father went on to a career in the CIA and the foreign service; his last job was to set up Special Operations Command in the Pentagon. My siblings and I grew up overseas, moving from faraway post to faraway post. We lived for long stretches in places without modern comforts, where safety from disease or other danger was not always promised. But growing up it sent a very strong message to me that America is something worth sacrificing for – that our nation is a beacon of hope for people all over the world.
That is the family legacy that propelled me toward public service. Now, I'm running for re-election in the Senate, and I hope you will contribute in support of my campaign, if you can. There is much progress to be made to take care of our veterans, and to ensure America remains that shining city on a hill.
Thank you,
Sheldon
