Tester Maintains His Committment to Veterans

March 3, 2009 in Healthcare, Jon Tester, Veterans

by jhwygirl

Of the many things I admire about our Senator Jon Tester is his outspoken advocacy of veteran’s issue, and is ongoing committment to securing funding to ensure that veterans receive the services they deserve – the services they’ve been promised as part of their service to our nation.

Valley Veterans Service Group is a small small nonprofit group which services Bitterroot Valley veterans. They operate on an annual budget of $39,000 a year. Of the 109,000 veterans in Montana, Ravalli County has 5,600. Without Valley Veterans Service Group, Ravalli residents have to drive to Missoula for services.

At a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing last Thursday – Tester has a seat on the committee – Sen. Tester reiterated his commitment to rural veterans and mental healthcare. Matthew Kunz testified before the committee at Tester’s behest. Kunz is the stepbrother of Chris Dana, the Helena soldier who committed suicide in March of 2007.

This week, Tester is expected to introduce legislation that will include funding for mental health in rural areas to help serve veterans.

Veterans issues are near and dear to me. Tester spoke extensively of veterans issues during his campaign for office. He’s maintained that commitment. Between him and Senator Baucus, Montana veterans can know that their talk means action – and real results.

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