[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 160 (Thursday, November 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN

                           of virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, as we approach our annual celebration 
of Veteran's Day, this year we do so in the knowledge that our brave 
fighting men and women and those who support their efforts, are in the 
field in Iraq, in Afghanistan and in Guatanamo Bay, right now in 
defense of our country and our freedoms.
  Mr. Speaker, all of our veterans have served with distinction and 
deserve the benefits that they have earned. That's why it is important 
that we invest in their health care and we ensure there is more than 
enough funding for the VA clinics and hospitals across the country so 
that our veterans of wars past and wars present can be well cared for.
  Mr. Speaker, that is why our veterans deserve to have their tax 
burdens lifted, including the disabled veterans tax. They deserve to 
enjoy tax relief such as the child tax credit and they deserve to have 
their pay increased especially at this time, when they are being asked 
to sacrifice so much.
  Mr. Speaker, the veterans of the U.S. territories, who have served in 
many wars with distinction, despite not being able to vote for 
president and not having voting representation in Congress, are also in 
need of increased health benefits, tax relief and access to business 
and other opportunities.
  Over 200 soldiers from my district are currently serving in the 
Middle East, with many more in the National Guard and Reserve who have 
been called up to serve their country at different places across the 
world at this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute the veterans from my district who 
are being honored this weekend and who have served in the major 
conflicts of our time from World War II to Vietnam to the first Persian 
Gulf . . . they include Gloria Bell, Peter Thurland, Juan Cruz, Earl 
Morris, Olaf Jackson, Evelyn Crittenden, Agnes Day Henry, Edgar Iles, 
Nevlin Williams and Otto Tranberg.
  Mr. Speaker, this year, it is important that our soldiers in the 
field, our veterans and their families all know that we appreciate 
their sacrifice and that this body pledges to support them in the best 
way that we possibly can.

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