We must keep our promises. The leadership in DC is attempting to impose commissions and spending bills that will ultimately reduce military benefits and the Department of Veteran Affairs funding. These programs are committments made--not welfare. The servicemen and women have worked hard keeping our promise to defend this country. All we ask is for the same committment from those who send us to war.
We need accountability. The last thing a soldier should worry about is faulty equipment. The military families worry too. It is the responsibility of our leadership to provide the best equipment to its troops and to correct deficiencies. We cannot fight this war "on the cheap". We owe it to the troops and their families to hold those responsible for sending us into harms way without adequate armor. They must be held accountable for their actions and inactions. We owe it to the troops and their families to investigate this and bring it to the light of day.
We need to increase the size of our force. Right now we are spread too thin. Many hardworking men and women are asked to go back for a second and third tour. This puts an undue strain on the military families at home. These military families have done more than their share and should not be penalized for a failure to plan ahead. Hurricane Katrina spotlighted the glaring gap in our readiness created by the over extension of forces. People like my wife, a first-responder as a sheriff's deputy, were tasked with jobs reserved for the National Guard. Inadequate force size leaves us vulnerable at home. It doesn't have to be this way. We need to utilize all resouces available to the United States to avert war. Unending war only weakens this country. The economy, the environment, dependence on foreign sources of energy, healthcare and AIDS funding, and every issue that affects not just the people of Louisiana, but every American is neglected. By employing a strong and smart diplomatic effort, America can deal from a position of strength and increase her respect in the world. Respect and strength leads to a de-escalation of conflict, and allows America's leaders to focus on issues that need more attention.
We must take care of the military family. TRICARE should be extended to all servicemembers. As the National Gaurdsmen and reservist shoulder more of the load in this war, it is only fair to cover them and their families for the extraordinary service they have given to our country. It is the right thing to do and they deserv> e it. In addition, due to the increased responsiblity placed on our veterans, it is important that we recognize their years of hard work by lowering the retirement age to 55 from 60. It is also of vital importance that we institue a pay increase to reflect the current cost of living for our servicemembers. This will increase morale and show our committment to those who have raised their hands to defend America's freedom.
If these committments are kept by our leaders, we will retain our supremacy and strengthen our security in this time of terror and tribulation. Anything less would be a failure of responsibility.