Dear friend,

Last Wednesday, we honored the millions of brave Americans who have put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Even though Veterans Day celebrations may have looked different this year, the meaning remains the same. Our veterans and military families have made incredible sacrifices for our country. Many who served missed loved ones’ birthdays, marriages, and holidays.

To honor their dedication and service to our country, I highlighted a few of our local veterans this year (virtually, of course!). Join me in thanking and recognizing three veterans, Martha, Bobby, and Tom, for their service:

While Veterans Day celebrations may have looked a little different this year, I was proud to virtually recognize a few local veterans—Martha, Bobby, and Tom—who are enriching our Orange County community.

Our Veteran and Service Member Liaison, Sasha, also volunteered at the Field of Valor by placing flags in Handy Park to honor fellow veterans. The Field of Valor recognized local veterans from all eras, and Sasha was thrilled to meet and hear experiences from other veterans.

I’m committed to matching my gratitude for our nation’s veterans with action. In the spending bills that passed the House last year, I fought to include additional funds for reducing veteran homelessness and providing resources for veterans in crisis. Last October, I was proud to partner with my colleague, Rep. Mike Levin, to introduce the Veteran Service Equity Act, which would help veterans access student loan benefits.

It’s critical we also fight for our military families. That’s why drafted an amendment to the House-passed version of the national defense bill to require an investigation into retaliation against military families that report issues in private housing. I also fought to include protections that would crack down on predatory payday lenders taking advantage of our service members, veterans, and surviving spouses, as well as a measure that would enable Gold Star and military spouses to terminate leases for homes and cars of military members who suffer a severe injury or illness or pass away while serving our country.

Our office continues to support past, present, and future service members. I have worked diligently to encourage local high school students to apply for a congressional nomination to a Service Academy of their choice. The office’s application due date just passed, and I look forward to the next few months when nominations and appointments will be made. I’m excited for the prospective applicants, and I know each one will have a fundamental role in shaping future generations of service members.

We also help veterans and service members get timely answers from federal agencies. Earlier this year, we worked with Justin, a Navy veteran, who had been discharged. We submitted the proper paperwork and were pleased to find out that the original discharge decision had been overturned. Justin can now start the process of enlisting back into the Navy.

Keeping our local veterans up to date on resources during this time is of utmost importance. That’s why Sasha and I made this video, which provides answers to common questions that veterans may have in regards to their disability claims, G.I. Bill payments, and contacting our office about getting help from federal agencies, like the Veterans Administration. 

I look forward to continuing to serve our veterans, service members, and military families as a member of Congress. To stay up to date on how I’m representing you and California's 45th district, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @RepKatiePorter.

          Very truly yours,

          Katie Porter
          Member of Congress