Tag Archives: VoteVets.org

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Veteran’s Support Congressman Enyart


VoteVets.org

In 2012, Major General (Ret.) William Enyart answered the call when health concerns forced the Democratic nominee for the House of Representatives in IL-12 to withdraw from the race.

With the support of VoteVets members, he won a close contest and has gone on to serve as a tireless advocate for veterans in the House. Earlier this year, Representative Enyart sponsored the “Veterans Backlog Reduction Act” that would ensure disability claims are handled expeditiously.

It wasn’t clear whether or not he was going to run for re-election, but thankfully he’s decided to continue his service.

Will you join VoteVets and send a strong message to everyone watching that we’ll stand with veteran members of Congress who stand with us? Contribute to Congressman Enyart’s campaign here:

http://action.votevets.org/enyart

Just this week, a strong Republican challenger jumped into race to challenge Congressman Enyart.

The next few days are going to set the tone for the rest of the race.

Let’s get this done,

Jon Soltz
@jonsoltz
Iraq War Veteran and Chairman
VoteVets.org

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Glenn Kunkel, Iraq War Veteran : I needed a background check in Iraq


VoteVets.org

I needed to pass a background check to join the Marine Corps and carry an assault weapon in Iraq.

We should require the same of anyone who wants to carry one at home.

As veterans, we’re familiar with these weapons and why its so important we keep them out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill. That’s why I’m proud to appear in VoteVets latest 30-second ad on the issue.

With the Senate set to vote on gun legislation in a few weeks, watch the ad and tell your Senators that you support universal background checks.

http://action.votevets.org/background-checks

Thanks for joining me and signing the petition.

Glenn Kunkel
Iraq War Veteran
Purple Heart Recipient

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How the sequester impacts military families


VoteVets.org

“What that means is the rest of the forces that are now back in the United States will not be able to train. They will be able to do small-level, squad-level training. They will not be able to do platoon-level, company-level, battalion-level training back at their installations. They will not be able to go out to combat training centers, which is what provides them the final readiness certification at the battalion and brigade level.” – Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General Ray Odierno

When Republicans rejected compromise solutions to avoid the “sequester,” they ushered in a series of cuts that promise to hurt military families at home and in the field.

At home, medical care, Department of Defense-run schools, social services like sexual assault prevention and treatment, tuition assistance, child care, and many other programs will get cut.

In the field, operations and maintenance funding (O&M) — which is essentially responsible for readiness and deployment — already faces a $6 billion shortfall, and sequestration could double it.

We have a powerful voice and unique opportunity to stop these cuts. Sign our petition to congressional leadership calling on an end to the sequester and its impact on military families.

http://action.votevets.org/sequester

Nine Republican Senators already defected from a GOP plan to end the sequester, in large part because of the cuts impacting members of the military and their families.

They also rejected a commonsense Democratic plan that would have millionaires and billionaires shoulder a small amount of the burden to avoid sequester.

The issue is at an impasse right now, and our voices are critical to ensure there’s a resolution to the crisis.

Sign our petition to congressional leadership and make your voice heard today.

http://action.votevets.org/sequester

We’ll deliver these petitions early next week and let you know about any responses we receive from legislative offices.

Best,

Jon Soltz
@jonsoltz
Iraq War Veteran
Chairman, VoteVets

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Drone medal outranks Purple Heart?


votevets.org
Have you heard about the Pentagon‘s new Distinguished Warfare Medal?It ranks above the Purple Heart and is awarded to drone operators and cyberwar practitioners for “extraordinary achievement” in a post 9/11military operation.

A number of VoteVets members have expressed their opinions about the distinction, but we want to hear from you, as well.

Do you think the medal should rank above the Purple Heart? Let us know here:

http://action.votevets.org/drone-medal

Here’s a few of the comments we received on our Facebook page:

Christopher C. No problem with the medal itself. Serious problem with its hierarchy ranking: It should not be above medals awarded for combat actions. I am seriously surprised that anyone would think it is reasonable to giving it that level of precedence.

Ethan C. I think their service should be recognized with some kind of award but combat valor medals recognize real life and death situations on the actual battlefield. Combat awards should be given the highest placement.

Let us know what you think and we’ll be sure to share your thoughts with Senator Hagel after he’s confirmed as our next Secretary of Defense.

http://action.votevets.org/drone-medal

There’s been a lot of conversation about the new medal in the traditional media and online. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, as well.

Best,

Jon Soltz                     Iraq War Veteran                     Chairman, VoteVets.org
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Jon Soltz, VoteVets.org


 

votevets.org
Did you watch President Obama’s State of the Union Address last night?

From reforming immigration and education to a focus on job creation and an overdue drawdown in Afghanistan, the president laid out a vision for the next four years that we can all be proud of.

But if the divided ovations were any indication, the work ahead won’t be easy.

There is one issue, however, that has overwhelming public support among Democrats and Republicans: taking common sense action to reduce gun violence in America.

If you’re ready to stand with VoteVets.org in this fight, make a $5 contribution today and help us organize veterans in support of legislation to prevent gun violence in the United States.

Veterans make extremely powerful messengers on this issue, and the president needs us if he’s going to sign a bill.

Veterans have seen, first hand, the carnage that assault weapons cause. We’ve had to go through background checks to get into the military and handle a weapon.

Our troops in combat aren’t even authorized to attach magazines with more than 30 rounds to their semi-automatic weapons. There’s no reason we should authorize it for anyone here at home.

We’re going to engage on this one, and I’m thankful that we’ll be in it together.

Thanks for your support.

Jon Soltz
Iraq War Veteran
Chairman, VoteVets.org

 

PAID FOR BY VOTEVETS ACTION FUND