Last night, VetPAC sent a message to their members and supporters that it is time to elect a woman Veteran to Congress. The message really couldn't be more important as we continue to fight two major wars and times where women have born an increasing share of the burdens and risks of combat. They understand the sacrifices of soldiers, mothers and wives. They embody the values of team work and mission focus. It is long past time to bring their talents and service experience into the Halls of Congress. From VetPAC:
Heather Beaven is a wife, a mother, a social entrepreneur, and a Navy veteran. She is running for Florida’s 7th District because she believes that America’s greatest legacy is our commitment to limitless opportunity. Now, it is time that we demand leaders who understand that opportunity is for every American, not just a few. Heather is that candidate.
This year, there is too much at stake. John Mica pledged to represent the people of District 7, over 90,000 of whom have served this Country in the military. But he hasn’t lived up to that promise. After voting to send our troops into harm’s way, Mica voted NO on -
H.RES.279: Funding for the Veteran’s Affairs committee (3/31/2009)
H.R.1105: Funding for Veteran’s unemployment assistance (2/25/2008)
H.R.2647: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (10/8/2009)
H.R.2918: VA funding for medical services, medical support, compliance, and facilities.(9/25/2009)
H.R.3288: Grants for new VA medical facilities and cemeteries (12/10/2009)
H.R.2206: U.S. Troop Readiness and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 (5/24/2007)
H.R.2638: Funding for armor, vehicles, supplies and equipment (9/24/2008)
H.R.1106: Help for Veteran’s at risk of foreclosure (3/5/2009)
H.R.1388: To create a “Veterans Corps” to address the unmet needs of veterans, military and dependents (3/18 & 3/31/2009)
Could anything be more troubling? Yes. It doesn’t take long to see where John Mica’s priorities are when you see the things he wouldn’t even cross the street to vote on –
H.R. 5136: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (5/28/10)
H.R. 868: Honoring and Recognizing the Service and Achievements of Current and Former Female Members of the Armed Forces (11/5/09)
H.R. 1: Implementing the 9/11Commission Recommendations Act (7/27/07)
H.R, 4567: Making Appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (10/9/04)
H.R. 4837: Making Appropriations for Military Construction, Family Housing, and Base Realignment and Closure for the Department of Defense (10/9/04)
H.R. 4200: DoD Authorization, Fiscal Year 2005 (10/9/04)
There are just over two million service members. They are charged with protecting the very liberty of three hundred million Americans. Fewer than 8% of American’s have served. In truth, American’s have not been asked to share the burden of war in any significant way since WWII. You don’t have to ration your gasoline or even give up a jug of milk for our troops.
All you have to do is, “consent to be governed” by people of honor.
VetPAC is a federal political action committee formed by American Veterans to promote the principles and values for which members of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, National Guard and Reserved Forces have served our country, fought and died.