Terry Everett, November 7, 2005

Today, more than ever, it seems America is obsessed with cultural celebrities, be they sports figures, film or music stars. Few are proper role models and fewer still have made America a better place to live. These fleeting media icons may captivate national attention, but they can never achieve true hero status. That distinction goes to our military veterans who come from all walks of life. America's quiet heroes don't seek the spotlight, yet their contributions continue to have the greatest impact upon our lives.

This Friday, the nation pauses to pay tribute to our "real heroes", the men and women who have donned the uniform of the United States military. They number 25 million, of which 430,000 live here in Alabama. They are our family members and friends - grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters, and even sons and daughters. Most are under the age of 65. They have served our nation in times of war and peace and many now help run our country in business and government.

They put their lives on the line for freedom and did so without the expectation of fame or fortune. They are the reason we can continue to live in peace without fear of tyranny in all its forms. They are America's veterans. They deserve more than a single day of tribute or a few minutes coverage on the evening news. Above all, they want us to remember that freedom isn't free.

Millions have served our country, many giving the ultimate sacrifice to establish and keep our land safe. The United States government is very much aware of the contributions of our veterans and continues to honor its commitment to provide them with adequate compensation and benefits.

Over the last decade, the conservative Congress has shown its dedication to our veterans by increasing funding for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by approximately 77 percent. This is an annual increase averaging over seven percent. By contrast, in constant dollars, total annual veterans' spending increased the previous thirty years by only two percent.

Working with President Bush, Congress has shown substantial support of veteran programs since 2001. The total VA budget has grown from $48 billion in fiscal year 2001 to nearly $68 billion in fiscal 2005 - a $20 billion increase. Veteran medical care funding rose 46 percent in only four years from $19.3 billion in fiscal 2001 to almost $30 billion in fiscal 2005.

There isn't room to list all the new and improved VA programs Congress is now funding, but some of the highlights include a 46 percent increase ($23,400 to $35,460) in the popular GI Bill lifetime educational benefit since 2001. The maximum VA home loan guarantee has risen by 67 percent in four years to $333,700. And most notably, Congress approved a historic concurrent receipt benefit that will allow 50 percent disabled or greater military retirees injured in, or training for combat, to receive both their disability and military retirement benefits.

This summer, when it was learned that the VA had underestimated its 2005 budget by some $1.5 billion and was experiencing a funding shortfall, Congress quickly stepped in and provided the additional funding. Lawmakers are working to ensure that the VA continues to have necessary resources to provide for our current and future veterans. This is the least that a grateful nation can do for our heroes.

Congressman Terry Everett, a Republican, represents Alabama's Second Congressional District, which includes the state capitol, Montgomery.