As the last Vietnam War veteran serving in the Senate, I understand the sacrifices our servicemen and women make to defend our country, our freedoms, and our values. 

I became a Navy ROTC midshipman at the Ohio State University when I was 17 years old and went on to serve 23 years in the Navy and Naval Reserves.

One day out of the year is not enough to thank veterans for their service and words of gratitude alone aren’t enough either.

We must ensure veterans have the resources — education and job opportunities, housing, and health care — to make a successful transition back to civilian life. It’s those types of benefits, which I received as a veteran, that allowed me to earn my MBA from the University of Delaware and get to where I am today.

I’m proud to fight for veterans and members of our military in the Senate to ensure they receive the support and resources they are owed.

That’s how we can truly thank our veterans — today and every day.

Thank you and happy Veterans Day,

Tom