Our men and women in uniform deserve our strong, unqualified support. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have put unprecedented demands on our troops, many of whom are now participating in or preparing for their third or even fourth deployments. These men and women are willing to answer their nation's call, but doing so can put significant strain on them, their families, and their finances. I will continue to work for the best protection for our troops that our nation can provide, as well as reasonable rest periods between deployments and benefits for the loved ones they leave behind when they put their lives in danger for our country overseas.
Those who have previously served in uniform deserve our deepest gratitude. Beyond gratitude, we, as a nation, have made a promise to our veterans that needs to be kept. While we can never fully repay our veterans for their sacrifices, we must express our appreciation of their service and remain firm in our commitment to their health and well-being.