SHIRLEY, NY (02/07/2008)(readMedia)-- In the aftermath of World War II, a group of brave, hard-working young men and women transformed America. On Long Island, they invented the modern suburb and created the way of life we in the First Congressional District now enjoy from Blue Point in the West to Montauk Point out East. This group of Americans has lived up to their well-earned nickname—The Greatest Generation—and deserves nothing but the best benefits and treatment for their noble and selfless service to our nation.

Likewise, America now has its next greatest generation in our servicemembers now returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan who also deserve the best. Unfortunately, an age-old set of problems continue to plague our veterans of all ages. It is our moral obligation to take a more active approach to supporting the warriors at the tip of our diplomatic spear.

In spite of the most sobering issues impacting the lives of our nation’s veterans, proposals coming out of Washington this week actually recommend cutting veterans' health care by $20 billion over 5 years. This is both unbelievable and unacceptable.

While they’re still serving us in the field, our warriors require the best equipment and best protection possible. Most importantly, when our troops return from Iraq they absolutely must have the support to do so with their heads held victoriously high rather than defeated, hung low under the white flag of defeat. It all begins with attitude.

Unfortunately, too many people in Congress have politically aligned themselves to win if we lose in Iraq. This is un-American as it undermines the hard work of our troops on the front lines.

When I speak of being a bulldog for my constituents in the First CD, you can bet that I will remain actively engaged with issues affecting our military veterans at the top of our legislative agenda. Today, our campaign challenges Washington to better address issues like homelessness, disability claims, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, suicide, and so on. Freedom isn’t free and Washington must do a better job saying Thank You.

As always, please visit our Web site at www.zeldin08.com for regular updates and additional information. Additionally you may also view all of our online videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/LeeZeldinforCongress.

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Zeldin served as an aide to State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. The Shirley resident studied at the University at Albany, graduated from Albany Law School, and earned his commission through Army ROTC. He was as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, Army JAG officer and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. He is currently an attorney at Raiser & Kenniff on Long Island.

Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress

Posted Thursday February 07, 2008 at 11:00 am by Lee Zeldin for Congress