As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let’s take a moment to celebrate the finest among us— our servicemen and women who put everything on the line for our country. These brave men and women deserve our respect, and more importantly, they deserve political leaders who are willing to fight on their behalf.
I am talking about problem solvers. People who will work with both sides to achieve results that work for current and past members of the military.
As a retired Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserves with 27 years of service, I understand just how important this is.
And trust me, a lot of folks are good at talking the talk, but there are few leaders who actually can walk the walk.
One of those men is right here in Wisconsin, and his name is Ron Johnson.
Ron Johnson believes that the brave men and women of our military are the “the finest among us.” His leadership on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee reflects his attitude as an advocate for our troops. Not only is he looking out for those fighting overseas, but he is continuing to work on their behalf once they come home.
Ron supported the National Defense Authorization Act because he, like myself, believes that our troops deserve the tools they need to win on the battlefield.
I also appreciate that Ron is not afraid to stand up to President Obama when he disagrees with him on issues of national security.
Recently, I have been incredibly impressed with Ron Johnson’s leadership in bringing real accountability to VA hospitals across the country. We witnessed the tragedy at the Tomah VA first hand, which the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel rightfully labeled “a failure at all levels.”
Ron has since introduced legislation to make sure Tomah never happens again. One such bill was the “Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act.” This bill would protect veterans by preventing the federal government from retaliating against whistleblowers who speak out against tragedies like the one that occurred at the Tomah VA.
Furthermore, Ron has demands real choices for our veterans. He has supported and worked hard to strengthen the “VA Choice Act,” which would give veterans access to care from private doctors and facilities. He’s right – let’s give our veterans and their families a choice.
Lastly, Ron worked with both political parties and launched a full-scale investigation to uncover the problems at the Tomah VA. Rather than point fingers, Ron brought people together to solve the problem and make sure this could never happen again.
Some politicians go to Washington to advance themselves and get nothing done. Not Ron Johnson. He has fought tirelessly to protect the finest among us both abroad and at home, and to ensure they receive the care they deserve when they leave the battlefield for good.
I am proud of Ron’s tireless work on behalf of the “finest among us,” and I am proud to call him my good friend.