Bill Recognizes Military Members and Their Families for Service in Iraq and Afghanistan

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) introduced legislation that honors the Armed Forces from the Inland Empire in California and their families for their extraordinary sacrifices made while serving the United States in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.  The resolution is meant to raise awareness of the service of Inland residents in the Armed Forces, and also encourages all Americans to take greater steps to show support and appreciation for our returning troops.

“The brave men and women in our Armed Forces have sacrificed so much to protect our nation,” said Rep. Baca.  “As Americans, we must do all we can to recognize this profound service, and thank these courageous individuals.  My resolution would bring Congressional recognition to the military men and women of the Inland Empire, while also encouraging everyone to show greater support and thanks for the sacrifices our military men and women make.”

More than 1,800,000 members of the Armed Forces have been deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom since September 2001.  Over 510 Californians have lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan or Iraq, including many from the Inland Empire.  Over 3,450 Californians have also been wounded in battle in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Not only does the resolution recognize the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces from the Inland Empire and their families, but it also expresses that the House of Representatives:

• Is committed to providing wounded warriors with the highest quality of medical care;
• Commends the actions of private citizens and organizations from the Inland Empire who volunteer to support America’s wounded warriors; and
• Encourages all citizens to take steps to show support and appreciation for all returning troops.

“As an Army veteran, I know first-hand that the commitment our troops make to our country is a promise to serve and to protect – no matter what the cost,” added Rep. Baca.  “As a nation, we also must commit ourselves to ensuring that our returning troops and veterans have the best care and benefits possible.  I am proud to introduce this resolution, which is an important first step in recognizing our real-life American heroes.”

Rep. Baca, is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with both the 101st and the 82nd Airborne Divisions from 1966-68.  The resolution honoring the Inland Empire Armed Forces is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in San Bernardino, Fontana, and Colton, and the American Legion posts in Fontana and Ontario.  In addition the legislation has garnered original co-sponsorship from Inland Reps. Jerry Lewis, Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Mary Bono-Mack, and David Drier, as well as from the Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Bob Filner.