Veterans
Our nation's veterans and wounded warriors have sacrificed in defense of our country. Their dedication and commitment, along with that of their families, has ensured our freedom and should never be taken for granted.
Our veterans deserve the absolute highest quality medical care and benefits for their service. We must ensure that returning military members have access to every benefit they have been promised, As such, Congress should focus on stringent oversight of the VA to ensure veterans are getting the services they need. I will continue to put our veterans first, and fight for legislation that removes barriers for our returning veterans.
More on Veterans
U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar said he presented the Purple Heart to two veterans this year. The award was introduced by George Washington in 1782 to recognize and foster actions of military merit.
Today, Rep. Moolenaar had the privilege of presenting the Purple Heart to Private Eugene Paulino of Mecosta.
Eugene was an infantryman in World War II and was injured at the Battle of the Bulge. He has scars from his injuries and they are a reminder to us of the price that has been paid for our freedoms and our way of life.
"We owe so much to these men who stepped forward to fight tyranny and made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as to the family as they have lost a brother and many years of memories. He put the country ahead of himself and we can never repay him," said Moolenaar.
Today, the House of Representatives passed the VA Accountability Act of 2015 to hold the Veterans Administration accountable for its failures, and to improve care for veterans. Since the waitlist scandal was uncovered, only a few employees have been fired and others have been allowed to remain on paid suspension for an extended period of time.
Today, Representative John Moolenaar visited the "I Support the One Percent Food Pantry" in Saginaw. The food pantry is dedicated to serving veterans and active duty U.S. military personnel and is named in reference to the fact that one percent of the U.S. population is on active-duty defending all Americans.
Today, Representative John Moolenaar (R-Midland) joined Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) in calling on Iran to release Amir Hekmati of Flint. Hekmati has been held prisoner by Iran for three and a half years. Moolenaar met with Hekmati's family today on Capitol Hill.