I invite you to hear the story of one New Mexico hero, Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry, who was awarded our highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his bravery in Afghanistan.
He turned his life around, dedicated himself to serving his country, and didn't hesitate to risk his own life to save his fellow Army Rangers. I was honored to sit down and chat with Sgt. 1st Class Petry. Watch that video above.
Petry's story is one of bravery and service. As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan come to a close, we must recommit ourselves to helping these veterans when they come home, along with the generations that served before them.
I was proud that the Senate this week passed the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. This bill will help vets transition their specialized skills to civilian jobs and give employers new tax credits for hiring unemployed veterans, and wounded warriors in particular.
We need to step up for these wounded vets even more. That's why I'm fighting for better access to care for vets who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. It's also why I introduced a bill to get support for service members who inhaled toxic chemicals from open air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We have a duty to these veterans. Not just on Veterans Day, but everyday.
