Veterans Archives - Page 16 of 18 - Senator Steve Daines

Daines Calls on Senate Veterans Affairs Committee To Help Blue Water Vietnam Veterans

September 29, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today called on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to pass his legislation to ensure that Blue Water Navy veterans who are victims of Agent Orange-related diseases receive the care and compensation they have long deserved. During today’s Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on “Examining the Impact of Exposure to Toxic Chemicals on Veterans and the VA’s Response,” Daines testified on the importance of reversing a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decision that cut benefits for Vietnam-era Navy veterans, known as “Blue Water” vets, who were exposed to the powerful toxin Agent Orange. “As the son of a

Daines Statement on Passing of Former Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Turnage

September 28, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on the passing of former Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Turnage: “Chief Justice Turnage was a true public servant who always put Montana and this nation first. As a World War II veteran, a state legislator and Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court, he exemplified Montana’s strong legacy of service. Cindy and I are keeping the Turnage family in our thoughts and prayers during this time.” ###

Daines: VA Incompetence Hurting America’s Veterans

September 3, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today expressed his deep concerns regarding the latest report from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of the Inspector General: “This report paints a disturbing pattern of incompetence at the Department of the Veterans Affairs. It is unconscionable that our nation’s veterans have not been able to effectively access the health care that was promised to them. The level of this failure should outrage every American, and it’s incomprehensible that the VA’s haphazard record keeping system and crippling bureaucracy hides the true scope of this issue. Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect and yet the

Daines, Zinke Stand With American Legion Against Iran Deal

September 2, 2015

Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today released the following statements following a vote taken at the American Legion National Convention by the body to publically and officially oppose the Iran nuclear agreement. “The men and women of the American Legion have experienced first-hand the sacrifices made in times of war,”Daines stated. “I stand with the American Legion in my continuing opposition to the Iran nuclear agreement which keeps Iran on track to obtain a nuclear weapon and will only increase their destructive influence as the world’s leading state-sponsor of terrorism.” “I am proud to stand with the American Legion

Daines: New VA Service Animal Rule is a “Step in the Right Direction”

August 17, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today commended news that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has revised its rules regarding veterans’ ability to bring service animals to VA facilities. Veterans in some states, including Montana, have had difficulty bringing their animals into VA medical facilities. The VA’s new rule will put clear guidance in place that allows the presence of service animals at VA facilities across the United States. “While there is still work to be done, today’s announcement is a step in the right direction. I’m glad the VA has responded to my calls to ensure our veterans

Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Ben Steele of Billings

July 10, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today honored Ben Steele, a World War II veteran of Billings, for his exceptional service to the nation and the Billings community. During the war, Steele served in the Philippines and survived the Bataan Death March. After World War II Steele studied art at the University of Denver and later taught at Montana State University – Billings. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines’ recognition in

Daines Honors Montanans of the Week: Crow Tribe Code Talkers

June 26, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today honored Samson Birdinground, Cyril Not Afraid, Barney Old Coyote and Henry Old Coyote of the Crow Indian Nation for their exceptional service to our country during World War II. These four men were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for serving in our armed forces as “code talkers,” speaking their native Apsaalooké (Crow) language during wartime in order to transmit and receive military intelligence and successfully avoid disclosing information to enemy forces. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official

Daines Recognizes PTSD Awareness Day on Senate Floor

June 26, 2015

To mark National Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, this Saturday, June 27, Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental illnesses like PTSD among service members and veterans. Below are key excerpts from Daines’ floor speech: “PTSD is a serious problem affecting too many of our country’s bravest individuals. We must do more to help our heroes. “There is no greater honor or responsibility than fighting for our veterans. We owe them our freedom. We owe them nothing but our best. Anything less is unacceptable. “We need to have the same

Daines Applauds Passage of Critical Defense Bill

June 18, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides critical support for the nation’s military and national security. “This legislation is critical to ensuring our men and women in uniform have the funding and support they need to fulfill their missions,” Daines stated. “The NDAA prioritizes the needs of our service members while protecting the important role that Montana holds in our national defense.” Daines successfully included an amendment to the NDAA that would protect military couples from abrupt reductions in their housing allowances. Under the NDAA, current dual housing

Daines Works to Ensure Due Process for Veterans Erroneously Discharged

June 15, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today announced he has helped introduce two measures to ensure due process for veterans who suffer from mental health illnesses who may have been erroneously given an administrative discharge, rather than an honorable discharge. Daines has joined Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to introduce S. 1567 which ensures active duty members who suffer from invisible wounds, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) aren’t incorrectly administratively discharged. An administrative discharge is often given for minor misconducts, which can be attributed to behaviors seen in those suffering from PTSD or TBI.

Tag: Veterans