Archive for veterans
Hall a shining star
Times Herald Record
July 23, 2007
Who are the real troop supporters? It is appalling that our veterans, the brave men and women who put on their uniforms to serve our country (unlike Bush and friends), are the ones who have lost their health-care benefits, particularly as a result of the mistakes made by the former GOP-led Congress.
One shining star in the Democratic majority is John Hall, who helped pass the largest increase in the Department of Veterans Affairs in 77 years. Hall is a sponsor of the Wounded Warrior Act (HR1538) that includes improving the medical treatment for thousands of our courageous veterans.
It is quite amazing that in a matter of a few months, Hall and company have passed more effective legislation than Sue Kelly and the former GOP-led Congress were capable of in 12 wasted years.
Finally, let’s not forget that Kelly and company sent our soldiers into harm’s way without the proper body armor or equipment, and nobody questioned the Republican Party’s patriotism or its support of the troops.
James La Grutta
Campbell Hall
“When I Came Home”
Hudson Valley Progressive Democrats of America continue their progressive film series this Saturday, April 21st at 7:30pm at John Jay Middle School with a special event Iraq War Veterans: The Untold Story, showing the film “When I Came Home“.
Attend an evening of film and remarks by guest speakers that will draw attention to yet another human tragedy and cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan: the problems faced by combat vets when they come home.
We’re showing the film When I Came Home. Our lineup of speakers include:
- Dan Lohaus, creator and director of the film
- An Iraq war veteran
- Jim Murphy, Vietnam war veteran and member of Veterans for Peace
- Assemblyman Adam Bradley, member, N.Y. State Committee on Veterans Affairs
The award winning film has been acclaimed as “angry and urgent” (Variety) and “fiercely moving” (New York Magazine). Filmmaker Dan Lohaus will be onhand to discuss his Tribeca Film Festival award winner. Filmed primarily in the boroughs of New York City, the film reveals a failing system and a veteran’s struggle to survive after returning from the war.
This is not a political event nor an anti-war rally. Anybody who supports the troops and cares about this country is encouraged to attend.
The evening’s program is part of a continuing series of films and discussions dealing with urgent issues facing society today. Sponsored and paid for by Hudson Valley Progressive Democrats, a $5 donation is suggested to help defray costs.
Directions From I-684, Katonah Exit 6: Route 35 East, 4.5 miles to Cross River. Turn left at light onto Rte 121-North Salem Road (at Shell station). Go past shopping center and athletic field on left; turn left into John Jay Middle School driveway (40 North Salem Road ); at bottom of driveway, turn right at traffic circle; theatre entrance is 100 yds on the left.
The event is co-sponsored by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Committee Hearings Galore
John Hall has a busy committee day tomorrow, when all three of the committees he sits on hold hearings. Perhaps the most anticipated is the first meeting of the new House Selection Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming:
SELECT ENERGY INDEPENDENCE & GLOBAL WARMING—————9:30-Open
Full Committee. Hrng. on geopolitical implications of rising oil dependence and global warming. Richard Haas, President, Council of Foreign Relations; Carl Pope, Executive Director, Sierra Club; James Woolsey, former Director, CIA; Vice Adm. Dennis McGinn. 1100 LHOB.
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE————————————10:00-Open Full Committee. Hrng. on proposals to downsize Federal Protective Service and impact on protection of federal buildings. 2167 RHOB.
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE————————————–2:00-Open Full Committee. Hrng. on compliance with Coast Guard deepwater contract. Public witnesses. 2167 RHOB.
VETERANS AFFAIRS—————————————————————-10:00-Open Full Committee. Markup on H.R. 1642 – Homeless Veterans Housing atSepulveda
Ambulatory
Care
Center Promotion Act. Followed by hrng. on H.R. 23 – Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. 334 CHOB.It is not clear if CSpan or anyone else will stream the Energy Independence committee session live, as is done with the Transportation and Veterans’ Committees each on thier on websites.
