The Ackerson Pledge to Veterans

Fighting for Veterans’ Rights

America’s veterans deserve better than broken promises, scandals like Walter Reed and the recent drug testing fiasco, and consistent underfunding of the budget.   The Ackerson Pledge is a promise that I will do more than just talk; I will work with Republicans and Democrats to get real solutions.

1. I  Will Keep Our Promises to Veterans

We must honor our promises to our soldiers.  Delivering on promised healthcare and benefits to our veterans is non-negotiable, and breaking promises is never a solution to balancing the budget.  When I am in Congress, I will put veterans first and honor the promises we make.

In Congress, I will work to insure that health and wellness programs are always sufficiently funded.  Moreover, I will fight for mandatory funding of promised healthcare benefits so that no veteran will be denied adequate care due to a lack of facilities, doctors, or caseworkers and will strongly oppose any veteran’s tax.  Veterans should not have to compete with new weapon systems for needed funding.  I will work to separate the Veterans Administration budget from the Department of Defense budget.

2. I Will Support the Families of Soldiers and Veterans

Families of service men and women bear a tremendous burden, whether trying to raise a family and manage finances with one parent fighting overseas or coping with the costs and recovery from severe physical injuries, PTSD or traumatic brain injuries. These fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, cannot be left behind or abandoned.  I will actively support the funding of programs that support the families of soldiers fighting overseas and the veterans returning home.

3. I Will Fight For Transition Assistance and Job Opportunities for Veterans

I promise to work to help veterans and employers understand the value of military experience and skills in the civilian work place.  I will make job transition assistance a funding priority and will look for ways to encourage employers to hire veterans.

Discrimination by employers who refuse to reserve troops because they might be called up for active service is outrageous and congress should be doing more.  When I am in Congress, I will support active protection of our troops and will vigorously enforce laws and pass new laws if necessary to prevent job discrimination against those in the reserves.

4. I Will Honor Our Flag

I believe that the American flag is a symbol of the freedoms, individual rights and the rule of law under our Constitution.  That is why I have worked together with veterans and others, including the Citizens Flag Alliance, which includes scores of veterans organizations, citizens groups and youth organizations, to create legislation to protect our flag.  The Flag Protection Act of 2009 that I am proposing is supported by the Citizens Flag Alliance.  As an alternative to a constitutional amendment, it should be held constitutional and should satisfy all who are concerned about preserving the rights that are protected by the First Amendment.