[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            REMEMBERING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRAQ WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2013

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House to observe a 
moment of somber remembrance for the 10th anniversary of the start of 
the Iraq War. On March 19, 2003, the U.S. Armed Forces invaded Iraq in 
what would become one of the most drawn-out missions in our military's 
history--a mission that would end in more than 4,000 fatalities and 
31,000 wounded.
  All too often, these brave men and women risk their lives to serve 
our country, only to return home to face a different type of battle--a 
battle to receive the care and benefits that they deserve.
  Earlier this month, in a commitment to provide high-quality 
healthcare to our veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs opened a 
new Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Joliet, Illinois. As part of the 
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, the 60,000 square foot facility will 
offer state-of-the-art healthcare, providing a variety of services 
including: primary care, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, 
health education, mental health treatment, women's healthcare, 
nutrition, and retinal imaging.
  With more than 5,000 veterans already signed up to receive treatment 
at the Joliet Clinic, the facility will go a long way toward providing 
the healthcare that our men and women in uniform deserve. I am proud to 
have the Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Hospital Outpatient Clinic serving 
our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to not only join me in remembering 
those who lost their lives serving our great nation, but to also 
recognize and thank those veterans who have returned home after 
defending our country bravely and honorably.

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