“In the closing of his second inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln reminded America that it is the duty of the people ‘to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.’ Lincoln’s message rings true to this day for those who have honorably served and the brave members of the Armed Forces currently working on our behalf.” – Dan Coats
America is fortunate to have nearly twenty-three million veterans with more than five hundred thousand of those being Hoosiers. Our Indiana National Guard’s contributions to the Global War on Terror and domestic mobilizations are more than any other state. Indiana’s men and women know what it means to answer the call to serve our country.
Dan Coats served in the United States Army and worked on behalf of military personnel while previously serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee. From the Greatest Generation to the latest generation of heroes, Dan strongly believes America must honor our commitments to these service members and provide the benefits they have earned and deserve in a timely and effective manner.
Jobs
These economic times are challenging for all Hoosiers seeking employment, even harder for someone returning from serving our country overseas. Dan Coats will work with business, community, and local government leaders to find ways for our service members leaving the military to have the best job-training opportunities and job-search assistance available.
Education
Affordable education is important to all Hoosiers. Dan Coats will ensure the various G.I. Bill and other education benefits keep pace with the times. It is also important veterans know the different options available, and when they need to act, should they want to pursue these opportunities after their service.
Timely Delivery of Disability Benefits
While the VA recently shortened the form a veteran must fill out to apply for disability benefits, veterans are still waiting months before learning of their determination. Dan Coats will encourage the VA to explore modernizing the verification process and improve coordination with the Department of Defense.
VA Health Care and Department of Defense TRICARE
Dan Coats is concerned about the health care reform legislation not recognizing VA or DOD coverage as acceptable and believe any health care improvement effort must ensure the programs treating military personnel, veterans, and their families are either protected or enhanced to their benefit. These heroes have sacrificed for our country and deserve our respect in dealing with the benefits they have earned.
Outreach to Returning Veterans
Some of our returning veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom are unaware of the benefits they have earned. Dan Coats will work with VA, DoD, Veterans Service Organizations, and other non-profits to ensure a seamless transition is what the service member actually experiences.
