John,

Today, on Veteran's Day, I want to take this moment to thank all those who served this nation in uniform for their courage and their sacrifices.

Both of my grandfathers served in the armed forces. Edward Terry Sr. was stationed in Washington, D.C. and worked for the Navy Department. Charles D. Curtis served in the United States Maritime Service as an engineer during World War II on an American "Liberty ship" in the very hazardous North Atlantic shipping channels as U-boats were sinking ships constantly.

I'm thinking of them today, but honoring our veterans doesn't begin and end on one day in November. As a society, we owe it to ensure these men and women receive the support and dignity they deserve when they return home.

This weekend I met Rogel. A refugee from Ethiopia, who resettled in Clarkston in 2004. He served our nation in the US Army - today he is a Veteran. He and I spent Saturday volunteering with local service organization, The Mission Continues, painting, building, and improving a local school here in DeKalb County. Rogel is an example of what it means to be a Veteran - someone who continues to give back long after their tour of duty has ended.

John, long after the holiday in their honor passes each year, too many of our vets still struggle to find career opportunities, affordable housing, and high-quality healthcare. I am committed to fighting for policies that uplift and support our veterans. That means ensuring they have easy access to affordable healthcare, ending the veteran homelessness crisis, and creating educational and employment opportunities for those who want to use their skills or learn new ones.

These policies not only honor our veterans for all they've given our nation but help support and uplift their communities as well. Together, we can ensure that our veterans are taken care of today and every day.

With my deepest gratitude,

-- Ted