When we recently marked the death of 4,000 Americans in Iraq, I thought a great deal about the fact that so many of the men and women whose lives were taken way too early had a full life they did not get to live.

As a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee it was natural that I also then took pause to consider the promise we make to our servicemembers when they enlist in our military.

When we have spent significant time in any combat, the obligation falls on us to support our veterans and their families — medically, emotionally, and financially — so they can find hope on their own and reclaim their lives.

We must continue to support the familes who have lost their loved ones in combat, but we must also strive to give a successful life to those that come home.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 at 1:45 pm and is filed under Politics .