Photo by Barbara KinneyFrom Aliquippa, PA, Hillary explained her solutions to bolster the U.S. military, to bring relief to the battle-worn, and she reaffirmed her commitment to end the war in Iraq.
“The War in Iraq has been a harsh and daily toll on our men and women in uniform, many on their second, third, and fourth tour of duty. Among combat troops sent to Iraq for the third or fourth time, more than one in four show signs of anxiety, depression or acute stress, according to an official Army survey of soldiers’ mental health,” said Clinton. “And we cannot forget the toll on military families. So it is vital for our national security – and for the health and safety of our men and women in uniform – that we end the war in Iraq and begin to rebuild our military.
“That’s why I am calling on President Bush to stop playing games by negotiating a long-term security pact with Iraq that will saddle the next president with his failed policies – without the review of the U.S. Congress. And I am calling on the president to answer the question General Petraeus did not: What is our endgame in Iraq, given the failure of the surge to achieve its objective?”
She discussed her proposals before a panel discussion with several retired military leaders, including Rear Admiral David Stone, Brigadier General Michael Dunn and Brigadier General John M. Watkins, Jr. They are among 35 Admirals and Generals who have endorsed Hillary Clinton to be our nation’s next Commander-in-Chief. In addition, she was also joined by Monroeville Mayor Gregory Erosenko, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, and Thomas Giza, a former Army Specialist and Iraq veteran, who is also from Monroeville. Mayor Erosenko also announced his endorsement of Hillary Clinton today.
Today’s town hall is part of the campaign’s ongoing effort to reach out to veterans and their families. In fact, several volunteers are currently conducting a grassroots Veterans for Hillary tour, visiting 37 towns and cities all across Pennsylvania. Throughout their stops, the Veterans for Hillary are visiting veterans who are sick or injured, meeting with local veterans at Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion halls, and signing up volunteers.
In brief, Clinton's plans include:
An end to stop loss.
Allowing "sufficient time at home between deployments to rest," adopting Murtha's proposal "for every month they spend in the field, soldiers will be guaranteed one month here at home."
Rebuilding the military for conventional warfare and new strategic challenges.
Guaranteeing health care for every vet and reducing the backlog of disability claims to get the system back on track.
Restoring and expanding the TBI program.
Modernizing the GI Bill of Rights.
Overhauling military hospitals.
Full details from Clinton's website here.
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