Decorated Combat Veteran Chris Myers

Outlines Comprehensive Veterans Platform

Says Myers, "A Vet is a Vet is a Vet"

          Mount Holly, July 24-Decorated combat veteran and congressional candidate Chris Myers (NJ-3) today outlined his comprehensive five-point plan platform to honor and protect the nation's veterans; and vowed to be their leading advocate in the United States Congress, where the number of veterans is dwindling every year.

          "As a veteran myself, I have literally walked in the boots of these brave men and women who have defended our freedoms in the past and continue to do so today," said Myers, who said the theme of his plan is "A vet is a vet is a vet" and that every man or woman who has worn the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States should be eligible for equal treatment.  "I understand and appreciate the importance of Veterans and the sacrifices they have endured to keep the United States free.  As many Veterans have done, I have travelled the world defending the sacred freedoms that we enjoy here in the United States.  Given the global threat of terrorism that is facing our nation and the free world, our service men and woman will continue to be on the frontlines throughout the world defending us.  So when they return, it is our duty to ensure they are provided the benefits they have rightfully earned."

          Myers' Comprehensive Five-Point Veterans Platform will:

     1. Streamline Veterans Services.

"As I travel around the district and speak with Veterans, I am horrified by the stories of bureaucracy that surrounds that delivery of Veterans services.  I will tirelessly advocate to streamline Veterans services to ensure Veterans have access to services as efficiently as possible," said Myers.

     2. Improve Veterans Education Benefits.

"I was very pleased when the President signed the new GI Bill.  When the President threatened to veto the legislation, I sent a letter to the President urging him to not veto the bill," said Myers.  "Although I am a Republican, when it comes to the Veterans and residents of the 3rd Congressional district I will always put our Veterans and residents concerns first.  Now that the new GI Bill is signed, I will advocate full funding for Veterans Education Benefits."

     3. Increase VA Funding.

"I will advocate sufficient funding for the Veterans Administration to ensure services can be made available to Veterans without unnecessary delay," said Myers.  "I will cut through the red tape, while making it very clear that cutting corners when it comes to veterans is inexcusable and I won't stand for it."

     4. Provide Employment, Housing Opportunities for Veterans.

"When our Veterans return home, we need to make sure adequate job training and good jobs are available to them," said Myers.  "I will continue to advocate for Veterans preferences for job placement, and for the full funding of Veterans homeless programs, and get our homeless Veterans in homes and working."

     5. Honor Commitments to Military Retirees.

"Ensure that Congress enacts legislation that authorizes and fully funds legislation that allows all disabled military retirees to receive their full military retirement pay and full disability compensation without offset," said Myers.

          In regard to Veterans issues specific to the 3rd Congressional District, Myers detailed the following initiatives he will focus on:

• 1. Get the the newly established Veterans Service Center in Ocean County up and running as soon as possible.

• 2. Establish a Veterans Service Center in Burlington County.

• 3. Although not in the district, expand the Brick Medical Clinic to bring back vital services for local veterans, so area veterans don't need to travel to East Orange. Veterans across Ocean County use the facility, both in district and out.

• 4. Expand the Veterans Clinic on Fort Dix, and examine the possibility of moving the clinic just off base so Veterans that don't have base access can use the clinic. Veterans that do have base access can still utilize the other services at the base when receiving their medical care.

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