Today, We Thank Our Veterans

<p>This Veterans Day, our nation comes together to honor the men and women who have answered the call to serve and defend. We are blessed to live in the home of the free because of the brave.</p>

<p>To all of our veterans here in Utah and across the country: thank you for your extraordinary service and sacrifice. You represent the very best of America.</p>

<p>I was proud to attend the Utah Veteran Centenarian Recognition Ceremony to honor 23 veterans who served our nation in World War II and beyond. It reminded me of the first hero and patriot in my life, my father, Clarence Owens, who served in an all-Black, segregated unit during World War II and would have turned 100 this year.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>I also shared my gratitude for our veterans at the Veterans Day Assembly at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City. These students did an incredible job honoring our remarkable veterans and showing their love for this great country.</p>

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<p>In Congress, I’m proud to stand up for those who’ve stood for us by partnering with my colleagues to:</p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Deliver the largest troop pay raise in American history for those currently serving</li>

<li>Expand healthcare access for veterans and fully fund VA benefits</li>

<li>Improve rural access to care so veterans in Utah’s smaller communities can receive treatment closer to home</li>

<li>Expand educational and job opportunities to help veterans and their families build successful lives after service</li>

<li>Improve mental health resources and cut wait times for counseling and care</li>

<li>Strengthen paid family leave and expand child tax credits for working families, including those raising children while serving</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Helping Utah Veterans Every Day</strong></p>

<p>My West Jordan District Office is here to help veterans across Utah’s Fourth District navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs and access the care, housing, and education benefits they’ve earned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you or your family need help with a VA claim, medical care, or other veteran services, especially during the government shutdown, please contact my office at 801-999-9801 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://owens.house.gov/">owens.house.gov</a>.</p>

<p>May God bless our veterans and their families.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://owens.house.gov/posts/today-we-thank-our-veterans">Today, We Thank Our Veterans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://owens.house.gov">Burgess Owens</a>.</p>