Ed Markey: “Massachusetts is the Bay State, but we are also the ``Brave State.'' But being first in freedom is not enough if we…”

“Massachusetts is the Bay State, but we are also the ``Brave State.'' But being first in freedom is not enough if we don't put our veterans, their families, and the families of the fallen first as well. There are more than 388,000 veterans in Massachusetts. But too many of our bravest return home unable to find a job. They suffer from homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. Too often, they end their lives in suicide. Twenty-two veterans kill themselves every day. This March, not one servicemember died in action in Afghanistan or Iraq, but almost 700 veterans took their own lives. Of the 8,500 Massachusetts National Guard, six of them have committed suicide in the last year and a half. We need to treat these unseen wounds, and give our veterans a better life, where they are employed, appreciated, and supported. We have a sacred obligation to honor and care for our service men and women for their bravery and sacrifice. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, we must ensure that when warriors return home, we leave no veteran behind. In recent years, we have provided historic budget increases for veterans, expanded access to VA health care, improved health services for all veterans, and modernized benefits earned by America's servicemembers. But what is clear today is that hasn't been enough. The problems at the VA are unacceptable and they dishonor our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much.…”