In Wisconsin, we have a proud tradition of honoring the brave men and women who selflessly serve our country. One of the most important ways to honor that service is to ensure veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their courageous service to our nation.

This year, I helped pass legislation to help service members transition back to civilian life. This new law will provide grants to communitybased entities, including state and local governmental entities, to conduct outreach to veterans and help them obtain the care and benefits to which they are entitled. Enacted as part of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, this provision is based on my bill to award grants to entities with expertise in veterans’ matters that already have a presence in local communities, especially in rural areas where the VA may not have a presence.

While working on this bill, I was very pleased to have the support of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), an organization that, like those singled out in my bill, takes a local approach to helping veterans. Prior to my Ashland County listening session on July 11th, James Young, President of NACVSO, presented me with the organization’s “Legislator of the Year” award for my outstanding contributions to veterans. I was honored to receive this award from an organization dedicated to the men and women who served this country in uniform.

My work on behalf of Wisconsin’s veterans has resulted in some of my most important achievements during my time as a U.S. Senator. Whether it is successfully fighting for more Vet Centers to help Wisconsin veterans, improving outreach so veterans are aware of the benefits they have earned or ensuring veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner, I will continue to do all I can on behalf of our courageous veterans.

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