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I hope you saw my latest weekly column.

 

ROGER WICKER: Each New Generation Answers the Call to Service
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Next month will mark 80 years since the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which
catapulted our nation into World War II. During that conflict, 16 million young
Americans answered the call of duty and served our country in arms. On
September 11, 2001, America was once again attacked by an unprovoked enemy.
Like their forefathers before them, thousands of young Americans responded to
this attack by volunteering for the Armed Forces, serving in what became known
as the War on Terror. I am proud to have family members who served in both of
these wars – my father in Europe, and my son in Afghanistan. 

Veterans Day reminds us of the debts we owe to all those who have defended our
nation. As an Air Force veteran myself, I always enjoy meeting with veterans
from across generations and exchanging stories from our time in uniform. As we
honor our veterans this coming Thursday, I invite all Mississippians to join me
in thanking all of our veterans for their service.

Universities Help Veterans Return to Civilian Life

Our nation has an obligation to help veterans transition back to civilian
life, and four of our largest universities in Mississippi are taking the lead
by helping student veterans. For example, Ole Miss, Jackson State, and
Mississippi State each have dedicated resource centers to help student veterans
get the most out of their education and find success in civilian careers. And
the University of Southern Mississippi has been named the number three “Best
for Vets” institution by the Military Times.

Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to improve the quality of life
for our veterans. This year I helped secure funding for the Gulfport State
Veterans Home, and last month construction finally began after long delays
during the pandemic. This facility is scheduled for completion in 2023 and will
accommodate up to 100 veterans, provide 200 jobs, and have a $14 million impact
on the local economy.

Congress Needs to Fund Military

Veterans Day is also a reminder of the need to support our future veterans by
strengthening today’s military. As a member of the Senate Armed Services
Committee, I helped negotiate this year’s defense spending bill, which will
provide more than $770 billion to meet the needs of our Armed Forces. These
investments are essential to confronting China and Russia, which have grown
more aggressive since President Biden’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

This bill would improve life for our service members and their families by
giving them a 2.7 percent pay raise. It would also improve military health
care, expand employment opportunities for military spouses, provide service
members with bereavement leave, and make sure military families have access to
high-quality housing.

Unfortunately, Democrats are holding up this all-important legislation in the
Senate. I am urging them to end their obstruction so that our military can have
the resources it needs to protect our nation. I am also standing with our
troops who have refused out of conscience to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I am
now cosponsoring legislation to ensure these individuals receive an honorable
discharge if the President’s mandate forces them out of the military. Our
government must never break faith with the men and women who have sacrificed so
much to serve our nation in uniform.

 

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Thank you for your support,

Senator Roger Wicker

 

 

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