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Heinrich Statement in Honor of Veterans Day

SANTA FE, N.M. – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day. Senator Heinrich will commemorate Veterans Day tomorrow, November 11, at 10:30 a.m. at a ceremony in Veterans' Park in Las Vegas, N.M.

“I join communities across New Mexico and our nation in taking time to offer sincere gratitude for our veterans’ service to our country. New Mexico’s men and women have a long tradition of answering our nation’s call of duty. The Bataan Death Marchers and Navajo Code Talkers, the Korean and Vietnam War GI’s, and the men and women serving today at Cannon, Holloman, Kirtland, Fort Bliss, White Sands Missile Range, and across the world are all true American heroes.

“Our proud tradition of service continues to this day. New Mexico plays a pivotal role in our national security. In September, I went on a weeklong national security trip to the Middle East focused on our nation’s fight against ISIL, Al Qaeda, and other terrorist organizations. I appreciated the opportunity to visit with our men and women from New Mexico currently serving in the region. Americans should be incredibly proud of and confident in the work our troops are doing to combat terrorism and keep our homeland safe.

“On the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am firmly committed to ensuring that our military has the tools and resources it needs to keep our nation safe, fight terrorism, and support our allies. I will continue to fight for our personnel and missions in my role on this committee.

“Few sacrifices are as selfless as those our military service men and women make in defense of our country. Our ability to maintain the strongest and most dedicated military force in the world depends on our nation's ability to keep its promises to care for the families of fallen soldiers and to provide our veterans the best care, benefits, and opportunities our country have to offer.

“It's unacceptable to have any veteran slip through the cracks. That is what drives my work to increase timely access to health care services for our veterans and to expand and improve New Mexico’s community-based outpatient clinics. And that’s the reason why I have supported legislation to reform the VA, bring accountability and reduced wait times, reduce the disability backlog, and ensure our rural veterans have a real choice in accessing the health care they need.

“We must be unwavering in our commitment to our men and women in uniform who deserve more than just words of gratitude for their sacrifice when they return home. On Veterans Day, we reaffirm our promise to care for our veterans, support our military families, and honor our men and women who continue to serve our nation.”