From the Office of Congressman Gary Miller
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Our nation owes an incredible debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid to all the brave men and women who have served our nation by helping to promote peace, stability, and democracy worldwide. Day in and day out, in the streets of Baghdad, in the countryside of Afghanistan, and in hotspots around the globe, American servicemembers serve our country faithfully and honorably.
During the War on Terror, nearly 5,500 men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice for us by defending our nation and ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. One of these fallen servicemembers includes Lance Cpl. Abraham “Abe” Simpson, a Chino resident and member of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. Abe’s ultimate sacrifice has touched me personally and I will never forget him. Prior to joining the Marine Corps, I had the honor to present Abe an American flag that had been flown over the Capitol at his Eagle Scout award ceremony. In the beginning of his senior year of high school, Abe joined the Marines, something he had long wanted to do. Though just 19, Abe knew what he wanted, where he was going, and what his mission was while serving in Iraq. On November 9, 2004, Abe gave his life for his fellow Americans in the bloody battle of Fallujah.
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At Abe’s funeral, I spoke to his father, Jim, and told him that I had voted to send his son to Iraq. His father quickly and firmly replied that it was the right vote. Abe is a true American hero and has left a lasting image with those he came to know, including myself. He served his country well and others followed his courageous example. Following his death, Abe’s cousin, Sgt. Jonathan Simpson, wanted to honor his legacy by fighting on the front lines. In 2006, Jonathan was killed in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. The selfless sacrifices of both Abe and Jonathan have kept our nation free and Americans safe.
In addition to Abe, twenty of the 42nd Congressional District’s own sons and daughters have given their lives in the War on Terror. These men and women include Staff Sgt. Faoa L. Apineru, Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Bolor, Pvt. Michael P. Bridges, Seaman Pablito Pena Briones, Lance Cpl. Rick J. Centanni, Sgt. Major Robert J. Cottle, Maj. Ricardo A. Crocker, Pfc. Joseph Cruz, Lance Cpl. Salvador Guerrero, Staff Sgt. William M. Harrell, Pfc. Raymond L. Henry, Pfc. Jang H. Kim, Pfc. Samuel S. Lee, Lance Cpl. Hugo R. Lopez, Cpl. Douglas Jose Marencoreyes, Maj. Megan L. McClung, Spc. Marcos O. Nolasco, Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Santee, Sgt. Quoc B. Tran, and Spc. Jonathan D. Welch. These servicemembers are heroes and we honor their legacy.
As our troops are giving their best to America, we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our nations’ veterans and their families by delivering on our responsibilities. Since being elected to Congress, I have used my voice and my vote in Congress to support our nation’s veterans. Although Congress has passed legislation to deliver on promises to our nation’s veterans, it pales in comparison to what they have done for us. Throughout our country’s history, our military has demonstrated their love for us by laying down their lives on our behalf. Congress has a duty to deliver on promises made to our nation’s veterans and active duty military personnel—they deserve no less.
As we celebrate Memorial Day this Monday, let us express our heartfelt gratitude and support to all of America’s veterans and let us also remember the price they have paid to keep this nation safe. All Americans, and many hundreds of millions of people around the world, owe their freedom to the courage, service, and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
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For once I fully agree with Gary Miller. The debt owed to veterans of this country can never be paid in full.
ReplyDeleteI wonder though Lucky, do you think Gary Miller should come clean about his military record? I am in no way implying that there is anything "dirty" in his military service, the way I often acccuse him of his politics. However, I have read several blogs that his standard answer about his military service is "NO COMMENT" or "I DON'T TALK ABOUT IT". They regularly point out that according to the dates Miller listed he could not have served a full term. It was even mentioned on one of the Amato shows I think when Phil Liberatore was on. Whether he was injured and discharged during basic training or committed some offense that got him a dishonorable discharge is, I think, important.
Admittedly, this is an area I know little about. I think anyone who served our country should be commended. Lucky, do you think Miller owes it to the voters to say what happened, or is it his right to keep it hidden?
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteI have not seen any news article or radio mention about it. Must be some rumor one of the campaigns is spreading.
I apologize Lucky, it wasn't on the radio, it was on another blog. The quote from the article is (the blog writer was using a sarcastic tone).
ReplyDeleteDidn’t he get sent home from Vietnam with a dishonorable discharge after only a year?” rang out the voice of a pig-tailed waif, not missing a flip of the jump rope she was helping to swing.
The link is http://orangejuiceblog.com/2010/05/little-girls-take-offense-at-gary-millers-slur-on-them/
Doesn't seem like the best source.
ReplyDeleteI'd put this blog in the same place lucky.
ReplyDeleteFrank,
ReplyDeleteThen why do you read it almost every day?
For the record, I was referring to the "sarcastic" article, not the blog.
ReplyDeleteLucky,
ReplyDeleteYou posted Miller's and Su's statements, but chose to disregard McGroarty's. Not sure why. I'm sure it was an oversight... but more than slightly suspicious given your ability to stay on top of his financial filings...
Both of them sent it to me before yesterday. I am sure you noticed that I posted I was not doing any posts yesterday so posting it late in the afternoon meant it was not going to be posted on Memorial Day on our blog.
ReplyDeleteAluckyday,
ReplyDeleteI posted his statement, plus a response to your comment.
http://threecornerspolitics.blogspot.com/2010/06/memorial-day-statement-from-lee.html