Barack Obama Hosts Roundtable Discussion with South Carolina Veterans

Conversation Focuses on Importance of Judgment and Keeping our Sacred Trust with America’s Veterans
BEAUFORT, SC – Today in Beaufort, South Carolina, U.S. Senator Barack Obama hosted a roundtable discussion with South Carolina veterans about the need for a President that has the judgment to secure our nation and is willing to be held accountable for keeping our sacred trust with those who serve. Senator Obama detailed his comprehensive plan to give all of our veterans the care and support they have earned.

“As a candidate, I know I am running to become Commander-in-Chief – to safeguard our security, and to keep our sacred trust with those who serve,” Senator Obama said.  “There is no responsibility I take more seriously.”

Senator Obama has a proven record of fighting for veterans.  As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, he has worked to improve care for wounded warriors at Walter Reed, increase time off and benefits for the families of wounded troops, correct disparities in disability benefits, provide more services to homeless veterans, and improve screening and care for troops suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“We also need to recognize that caring for those who serve is not a separate cost – it is a cost of war,” Obama said.  “When I am President, building a 21st century VA to serve our veterans will be an equal priority to building a 21st century military to fight our wars.  No more shortfalls – it’s time to fully fund the VA medical center. No more delays – it’s time to pass on-time VA budgets every year. No more means-testing – it’s time to allow all veterans back into the VA.”

Barack Obama’s comprehensive plan to keep the sacred trust with our veterans will:

•      Improve mental health care at every stage of military service, by recruiting more mental health professionals, strengthening post-deployment mental health screenings, and expanding the VA’s capacity to treat psychological injuries.

•      Fully fund the VA and pass on-time budgets every year, so that the VA has all the resources it needs to make sure all veterans get the best care possible.

•      Fix the Veterans Benefits Administration and reduce the claims backlog by hiring additional workers and developing an electronic records system.

•      Have a “zero tolerance” policy for homeless veterans, providing expanded housing vouchers, and launching a new supportive services housing program to prevent at-risk veterans and their families from sliding into homelessness.

•      Re-invest in and repair the military, by making sure our troops have the technological edge, skills, and training to fight and win 21st century conflicts.

Obama noted that his commitment to veterans is grounded in his experience being raised in part by his grandfather, who served during World War II.

“I will never forget that everyone who wears the uniform deserves the opportunities that my grandfather got – to have a Commander-in-Chief who is accountable, and to have a grateful nation that helps you live the American Dream that you have defended,” Obama said.

Barack Obama’s comprehensive plan to keep the sacred trust with our veterans can be viewed in full HERE.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:          Kevin Griffis                                                     Amaya Smith
803-255-8008, ext. 234           or                     ext. 272 or
803-727-0825                                                 803-873-1478

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