Ripon Forum


Vol. 56, No. 5

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In this edition

With Veterans Day once again upon us, we are publishing our 4th Annual Special Edition of The Ripon Forum to commemorate the holiday.  This year’s edition features personal essays written by four members of Congress who also served in uniform and were asked to answer a simple question – “What does Veterans Day mean to […]

Protecting the Women Who Protect Us

Women currently represent 18% of the Armed Forces and make up the largest growing population of veterans. However, they are facing significant challenges while serving. 

The Potential of the G.I. Bill and the Need to Combat Fraud in the Program

We owe it to all veterans to deliver on America’s promise with an education befitting of veterans’ selfless service to our nation. The time to expect more for the G.I. Bill is now. 

How America Turned the Tide on Veteran Homelessness

Honoring our veterans means ensuring that every person who has served in the military can live a safe and secure life after they’ve completed their service.  And the single most important thing that every veteran needs is a safe and affordable place to live.  

“I Think First and Foremost of Those I Served Alongside.”

On Veterans Day each year, I think first and foremost of those I served alongside in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  It was an incredible honor and opportunity to serve our country as the U.S. worked to counter the threat of terrorism around the world. 

“The Selflessness of Veterans Serves as an Inspiration for All Americans.”

Veterans Day is a chance for our Nation to reset – to pause and honor those who served and recognize their sacrifices to ensure the freedom and safety of others. 

“Our Men and Women in Uniform have Devoted their Lives to Preserving the Freedoms Our Constitution Affords Us.”

Veterans Day is more than another federal holiday. It provides everyone in our nation — both servicemembers and civilians — an opportunity to honor those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. 

“We have an Obligation to Serve Those Who Served and Sacrificed For Us.”

We have an obligation to serve those who served and sacrificed for us. And in such divided times, it is more important than ever to set aside political partisanship and put our veterans and servicemembers first.  

Every American Should Serve for a Year

It’s time to rethink the path to success for our nation’s youth and rebuild trust along the way by prioritizing opportunities that bring people from different backgrounds together through a shared goal and common purpose. 

The False Promise of Universal National Service

It is magical thinking that the state can round up 18-year-olds, march them, like Mao’s Red Guards, across America, and turn them into moral, caring, selfless adults committed to national unity and other liberal verities.  

“Our Men and Women in Uniform have Devoted their Lives to Preserving the Freedoms Our Constitution Affords Us.”

I have felt called to serve our nation from a very young age, and have been honored to serve first in uniform and now as a member of the United States House of Representatives. 

Having served in the United States Army and Army Reserves, Veterans Day is more than another federal holiday. It provides everyone in our nation — both servicemembers and civilians — an opportunity to honor those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. 

I enlisted when I was 18, but my two older brothers had already served; the eldest was a Green Beret and the younger went to Vietnam. As a military family, we saw how they were shunned and mistreated. This only reinforced my commitment to support our servicemembers. 

It made Veterans Day even more significant — veterans gathering together, able to understand what one another endured, even without exchanging words, and being appreciated by other veterans and their family members for their willingness to sacrifice everything to protect our nation. 

As we transitioned to an all-volunteer military, Veterans Day has become even more important. Young people and those who have not served can be inspired and motivated to serve our great nation. They can also get a more accurate picture of the humility and selflessness of our veterans, and the constant refrain from them that it is an honor to have served. 

“I am equally honored to acknowledge the gift our veterans have given to us and our nation and to represent them as a fellow veteran in an exemplary manner.” 

Additionally, military service provides our young men and women with valuable life skills that cannot be taught, only learned — a balance of humility and confidence, loyalty, problem solving skills, and even organization and time management. 

I am equally honored to acknowledge the gift our veterans have given to us and our nation and to represent them as a fellow veteran in an exemplary manner. 

As I continue my service in Congress, I have made protecting veterans one of my top priorities. I’m proud to serve on the Health Subcommittee of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and I firmly believe care for veterans should be more efficient, more effective, and more accessible. In addition to improving care, I also believe that it’s crucial to expand resources available to veterans as they transition to civilian life. 

Let’s continue to grow awareness and support for our men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform and the great attributes that they continue to bring to their communities when no longer in uniform. 

As we recognize Veterans Day this year, I challenge everyone to reflect on the sacrifices our servicemembers have made to protect our great nation. No matter the branch in which they served, active duty or reserves, our men and women in uniform have devoted their lives to preserving the freedoms our Constitution affords us. 

I am proud of my service, and as we join together to recognize our veterans, I hope others will be inspired to serve.  

It has truly been the most rewarding experience of my career. 

Mariannette Miller-Meeks represents the 2nd District of Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives.  She enlisted in the United States Army at 18, where she served for 24 years as a private, nurse, and doctor.