By Rep. Kristi Noem

As Veterans Day approaches, it is important for all of us to take the time to reflect upon and be thankful for the sacrifice so many generations have made to keep our country safe.

Our state has a rich history of supporting our veterans, which was shown through South Dakotans’ support of Honor Flight.  The program took approximately 1,400 South Dakota World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II memorial.

We can continue to support all veteran populations by encouraging employers to hire veterans and also by ensuring our veterans have a place to call home.

I recently co-sponsored H.R. 2433, the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011. Nearly one million veterans are currently unemployed. Through the VOW Act, we can build the most qualified workforce since World War II. The VOW Act provides our veterans with vital skills and training for today’s tough job market, and would do so without increasing the deficit. The Senate has introduced a companion bill, the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011. I look forward to working with the Senate to ensure that we help put these veterans back to work.

On October 12, the Veterans Administration Health Care System launched a national outreach program in Sioux Falls for homeless veterans and those who may be at risk of becoming homeless. This outreach program is in response to VA Secretary Shinseki’s goal to eliminate veteran homelessness by 2015. To support this effort, Volunteers of America recently opened a new shelter for homeless veterans in Sioux Falls. As the temperatures continue to fall, this will be a place where veterans can visit during the day to do laundry, take a shower, and even use the Internet. If you know of a veteran who is facing or experiencing homelessness, please contact the VA facility nearest you or call one of my offices and we will assist you in making the appropriate contact.

We are incredibly blessed to have brave men and women make the commitment to our nation’s all-voluntary military force. These heroes protect the rights and freedoms for which generations before us fought so hard.

 It was 93 years ago when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month to end World War I. Please consider attending a Veterans Day ceremony in your area to honor the veterans who have come before us and those who will follow.             

 

Rep. Kristi Noem is South Dakota’s lone U.S. Representative, elected in November 2010.  She serves on the Agriculture, Education and Workforce and Natural Resources Committees.