Veterans Day is a day to celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to sacrifice for the common good. It provides an opportunity for us to remember and honor the sacrifices our veterans have made in defending our country and protecting the rights and privileges we all enjoy.
The debt owed every man and woman who has put on the uniform to serve their country can never be repaid in full. Their stories and history are woven into the rich and diverse tapestry that defines who we are as a people and a nation. Throughout our proud history, when the times and circumstances demanded that we defend our rights and our freedom or fight for the rights and freedom of our brothers and sisters across the globe, they were there to step up and answer the call.
Many of our union brothers and sisters have served in the military, and some have been called up to serve in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please keep all of the men and women in uniform in your thoughts and prayers that they may return home safe and unharmed.
As President of this great union, I am committed to ensuring that we do all we can to help our returning veterans transition back into the workforce and their communities. Our recent establishment of the NFFE Veterans Committee will put our words into actions. We will continue to support improving healthcare and other benefits for all veterans. We will continue to work with the Veterans Administration and other federal unions to eliminate homelessness for our veterans. We will continue to ensure that veterans are afforded their hiring preferences for federal jobs and are not discriminated against for employment. And we will be there to welcome them back to our union and our communities.
I personally thank each of our veterans for their service to our country. They are the unsung heroes that make America possible. Welcome home, sisters and brothers.
William R. Dougan
National President