Honoring those who've served this Veterans Day

Every Veterans Day, I'm reminded of the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served our nation with honor. From our revolutionary heroes to the newest generation of service members, their stories of courage and resilience continue to inspire us here in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District and beyond. This year, I had the privilege of welcoming every Flag City Honor Flight that traveled from Ohio to Washington, DC. Each visit was filled with stories and conversations full of powerful reminders of the courage, sacrifice, and sense of duty that define our veterans. As these heroes visited the memorials constructed in their honor, you could see the pride and emotion on their faces, many reflecting on servicemembers who never made it home. One of the greatest honors I have is to shake the hands of those who served us, thank them personally, and ensure they know that their service will never be forgotten. With the federal government shutdown, the Capitol is closed to visitors. So when the Seneca County Honor Bus arrived in Washington, DC, I made sure to return back to our Capitol building to personally give these veterans a tour. I believe it's important for them to see firsthand the very place where we debate and pass legislation that impacts their lives and honors their service. Last Congress, I had the privilege of helping Vietnam Veterans who were members of the "Bushwhackers" of Bravo Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade receive the Bronze Star Medals for their service more than five decades ago. These heroes made history as the first Military Police unit to undertake a three-year infantry counterinsurgency mission from 1967 to 1970, and their service deserves to be remembered and celebrated. Since then, I have assisted over 70 veterans of that unit receive the honor and recognition they deserve. Standing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to honor them, was a profound reminder of the courage and sacrifice that define our nation's veterans. This Congress, I am proud to co-sponsor two bills that support our veterans and their families. H.R. 1151, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, would allow tax-free withdrawals from qualified tuition programs to cover supplies for postsecondary credentialing programs, giving veterans the tools they need to succeed after service. H.R. 4398, the Veterans Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act, would ensure that a physician or nurse practitioner employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs certifies a veteran's death within 48 hours of being notified. These bills are vital steps in providing our veterans and their families with the care and opportunities they deserve. As your congressman, I am proud to represent more than 50,000 veterans in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to ensure our veterans receive the respect and care they have earned. I believe it is our duty to continue fighting for them and to provide the resources they deserve. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting and assisting our veterans when they run into issues with federal agencies, like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Whether it is ensuring veterans receive a response from the VA to see a doctor or if they are having trouble receiving ID cards or service records, my office stands ready to assist. Veterans who need assistance may call my Bowling Green office at 419-354-8700, my Findlay office at 419-422-7791, my Elyria office at 440-406-5010, or send a message through my website at latta.house.gov. While we cannot guarantee a specific outcome, we will do our best to assist by seeking solutions or cutting through bureaucratic red tape. This is a very important and integral part of my job, and I will always promote the interests and well-being of our veterans. We owe our deepest gratitude to our veterans who lead and protect us. To every veteran in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District and across the country: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to our nation. We can never fully repay your dedication, but we will always honor you and express our deepest gratitude. It is an honor to represent you, and I will continue to fight for you every single day. Latta is U.S. House Representative of Ohio's 5th District.