Veterans Day is a time to recognize and honor all of the men and women who have served and continue to serve in our military.  Some of these heroes fought and died for this great Nation in foreign lands to keep conflict from our shores, risking everything for the country they loved and leaving behind families and friends and the lives they could have lived.

Some returned wounded and gravely injured, and we must never forget Lincoln’s statement as we care for those heroes and their families: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” They have fought hard through surgeries and recovery, and the American people owe them not only a debt of gratitude but an assurance that they will receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserve for their sacrifice.

We remember those who have returned to civilian life, started families, and have become parents and grandparents along with leaders in their communities. Their leadership and love of country is an example that all Americans should strive to follow. 

In Arkansas, we are fortunate to have a storied history of brave men and women who signed up to serve their Nation in the Armed Forces. I am proud to represent so many of these great heroes in Congress. Today, I am traveling around the Second Congressional District attending different Veterans Day events, and while I am excited about getting out and celebrating the accomplishments of our veterans, I want to let you know my commitment to our veterans extends well beyond just today.

Later this week, I will host a veterans roundtable in Conway. These roundtables are frequent meetings where I have the opportunity to hear the concerns and ideas from local veterans and veterans groups. They are also a reminder that caring for veterans is not just a one day per year obligation, but instead a task that requires our constant attention.

In my ten months in Congress, our office has been able close the cases of 205 veterans in need of help in getting their earned benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I am honored to work every day with our district staff--three of whom have served our Nation with distinction and now devote their lives to helping their fellow veterans.    

One of the most inspiring aspects of working with the veterans community is the constant reminder of their selfless nature. They are always more concerned with the well-being of their country and their fellow brothers and sisters serving in the military than they are with themselves. That selflessness is often on display when I speak to veterans throughout central Arkansas and they talk in great detail about making sure those currently serving have the tools and training needed to carry out their missions. Carrying for both our veterans and our active duty personnel is a passion of mine, and it is the reason I went to Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf last weekend as part of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation.       

The trip was well-timed considering President Obama's recent announcement to maintain U.S. troop strength at 9,800 through 2016. The President made a sensible strategic decision in keeping U.S. and NATO strength to train, advise, and assist the mission of charting a path for democracy in Afghanistan. While I agree with the President's decision, it was important for me to get a I first-hand view of what was occurring in the region.

I left impressed with Afghan leadership, their willingness to fight, and to assume responsibility for their security, particularly in light of heavy offensive operations by the Taliban—who are more lethal now than they were during the 2009 surge period—and recent new engagement by Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The Unity Government is a refreshing change from the Karzai decade.

However, there is still work to be done in terms of Afghan security, economic development, and foreign policy. The Afghan Unity Government has witnessed victory and defeat, but emphasis must now be on unity and getting the job done. The new government has an opportunity to move beyond three decades of conflict and finally provide its people a future with the freedom to pursue happiness.

In order to do this they must overcome political friction and work together. They must fully commit to securing their interests and destroying all terrorist safe havens, develop a domestic rule of law that will protect and encourage private economic advancement and generate badly needed growth, and defeat a culture of corruption.

I was encouraged by my visit, and I am hopeful that Afghanistan is moving in a direction that honors the service and sacrifice that American and NATO servicemembers have made in that country. On this Veterans Day, I offer my gratitude to all those who have worn the uniform of this Nation.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill