But supporting our troops means more than just making sure they have the resources they need when they are putting their life on the line for our freedoms. It also means providing the care and benefits our service men and women, and their families, rely on.
Social Security is one of our most effective and efficient programs that supports veterans and military families in disability and retirement.
Yesterday, three U.S. senators and nine veterans' organizations joined the Strengthen Social Security Campaign in releasing a report "Social Security: Serving Those Who Serve Our Nation." The report details the stake of veterans in the future of Social Security.
Pictured from left to right: Sen. Jon Tester; Carl Blake, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Sen. Mark Begich; Mr. Dabney Montgomery, Tuskegee Airman, Ret.
The story of Sherman Gillums, Jr., is just one of many stories of how Social Security has helped several veterans to make ends meet and build a better future.
Sherman was a rising star of 29 when his career was cut short due to a severed spinal cord. Thanks to Social Security disability insurance in the aftermath of his life-altering accident, Sherman was able to continue caring for his children and obtain a college degree to develop new skills. He now works as an advocate for veterans and was recently appointed as Associate Executive Director of Veterans Benefits for Paralyzed Veterans of America.
However, many politicians in Washington are trying to cut Social Security benefits. They're willing to trade Social Security cuts for tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations in the name of deficit reduction.
Social Security "reform" would impact over one-third of America's 54 million current beneficiaries who are either veterans or family members living with them, such as their spouses. Thousands of SEIU members who have served our country in the armed services would be among the millions that would be harmed by these "reforms" to Social Security.
We can't let this happen.
Let's get the message across to members of Congress that cuts to Social Security harm veterans and military families.
