Robert Menendez

The United States military is the greatest military in the world, and its members are helping to defend the greatest country in the world. I am inspired by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present. Their willingness and commitment to serve our country is both humbling and uplifting, and their patriotism and dedication allow all of us to enjoy the freedom and democracy on which this country was founded.

That is why I have worked to support our military, support our troops and provide resources that will keep them safe during times of conflict and help them recover should they be injured in the line of duty.

Beyond that, I believe that we, as a grateful Nation, must also do everything in our power to ensure that we honor our veterans. We must ensure that our veterans have access, without reservations or delays, to the premier health care and benefits that they have earned. Our service members did not wait to sign up to serve their country -- they should not have to wait and fight to get the benefits to which they are entitled.

I realize that veterans may need individual assistance. For any assistance in navigating the Veterans Affairs system or any other inquiries, my office stands ready to help in any way possible. Please click here to visit that section of my Website.

Highlights

• National Guard -- Co-authored and enacted into law in 2006 a legislative provision to properly equip the National Guard by requiring the Secretary of Defense to produce a plan to replace Reserve Component equipment that has been diverted for use in Iraq and Afghanistan.

• State Veterans' Cemeteries -- Successfully included in the FY10 budget blueprint increased funding for State Veterans' Cemeteries. This will help ensure adequate funding to address the costs of constructing new cemeteries as well as the needs of existing State Veteran Cemeteries.

• Veterans health care Navigators -- Author of the Veterans Navigator Act, which establishes "navigators" to help service members as they transition between the Department of Defense and the VA. It focuses particular attention on four underserved groups in the military community: seriously injured or wounded soldiers, female soldiers, those suffering from psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and members of the activated National Guard and Reserves.

• GI Bill -- Co-sponsor of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act (commonly known as the New G.I. Bill), which was enacted into law in 2008. The program provides upfront tuition payments directly to colleges and universities, a monthly living allowance and a book stipend of $1,000 per year for veterans having served at least 90 days of active duty service post-9/11, or have served 30 days before discharged due to a service connected injury or illness.

• Wounded Warriors legislation -- Co-sponsor of the the "Wounded Warriors" veterans health care amendment enacted into law in 2008. The law guides the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to better coordinate care and treatment for service men and women and increases federal funding to treat Traumatic Brian Injury (TBI) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), among other provisions.
  

• Awarded the New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars "Outstanding Legislator of the Year" award in 2008.