Military Order Of The Purple Heart Supports New Initiative For Veterans

Main Category: Veterans / Ex-Servicemen
Article Date: 06 Jan 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) issued a strong statement in support of a new Veteran benefit initiative by U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veteran's Affairs. According to National Commander Jeff Roy, "The MOPH applauds Chairman Buyer's efforts to accelerate construction of the needed VA Medical Centers and facilities as not only improving health care to veterans but also stimulating the economy by accelerating the construction schedule of these facilities. This is particularly true for the VA Medical Centers in New Orleans and Denver."

Representative Buyer's initiative would also provide $2 billion to the Veterans Administration over the next two years to once again allow the VA to guarantee loans for veteran-owned small businesses. It also proposes an additional $375 million for job training and placement programs for veterans, especially homeless female Veterans. MOPH feels this initiative could not be better timed or more deserved.

This year, the MOPH joined the VA in implementing a new program to help locate and assist homeless Veterans in accessing the benefits they earned while serving in the defense of their country. According to Roy, "We are proud that through the MOPH Service Program, we currently advise all veterans on their benefit entitlements and we are actively assisting Veterans by hosting job fairs, conducting job training and job placement. However, we cannot do it all, and Rep. Buyer's proposal for increased funding for these programs in the VA will go a long way toward rewarding our Veterans for the sacrifices they have made."

"The MOPH urges the Congress to include America's Veterans as they deliberate new measures to stimulate the economy and recommends funding of these new initiatives," said Commander Roy.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart

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