Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33)
The men and women who leave their families and put their lives on hold to defend our liberty, as well as the citizens who continue to protect our nation and its interests across the globe, deserve our deepest respect and support.
After all, we owe the American freedoms we hold so dear to them. It is because they were willing to selflessly lay down their lives in the ultimate demonstration of patriotism.
It’s not enough to thank our veterans and service members; we need to put that gratitude into action.
Today, I was honored to take action that will benefit them when I voted in favor of five bills that came before the committee I chair, the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
The first bill is one I sponsored. Senate Bill 511 would officially recognize July 27 as Korean War Veterans Armistice Day in Pennsylvania.
The Korean War, fought from 1950-53, has been overshadowed in history, labeled the “Forgotten War.” But we must never forget the extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and heroism of those who fought to defend freedom on the Korean Peninsula and halt the spread of communism.
As a result of the Korean War, 36,000 American servicemembers lost their lives, including 2,401 Pennsylvanians. More than 92,000 were wounded, and more than 8,000 were declared missing in action, leaving their families without closure.
The second bill the committee passed would create a Pennsylvania veterans business logo to help promote veteran-owned businesses in the commonwealth.
Many service members become entrepreneurs when they return to civilian life. Senate Bill 64 would provide a method for veteran business owners to display their military pride as well as an opportunity for their customers to thank them for their service.
Our veterans sometimes need more direct support, which Senate Bill 417 acknowledges. It would enact a public-private partnership within the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to fund a new Service Members, Veterans and Families Fund.
This legislation would permit the department to lease land to a private business. The proceeds would go toward financing valuable programming to benefit the Pennsylvania National Guard, their families and our veterans.
Veterans who sustained injuries during their service can be in particular need. Senate Bill 534 would increase funding for Pennsylvania’s Blind and Amputee & Paralyzed Veterans Pension programs. It has been since 1999 that Pennsylvania last increased funding for this program that aids our disabled veterans. We can and must do better for these veterans.
We shouldn’t wait until they conclude their service to communicate our support and appreciation for their efforts. Senate Bill 308 would take a step in the right direction by increasing the financial assistance for medical personnel, attorneys and chaplains to enlist and serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard.
The Medical Officer Incentive Program has been successful throughout the years, but as the National Guard experiences shortages in certain fields, it is imperative that we adjust. Under the bill, reimbursement tiers would be based on educational attainment, allowing participants to receive higher reimbursements to help manage their student debt.
We need people to continue to step up for our country, for each one of us. Without their sacrifice and bravery, the way of life we value so deeply will soon be threatened and eventually erased.
With these important votes, I was proud to take meaningful action against that terrifying possibility.
Sen. Doug Mastriano represents the 33rd Senatorial District, covering all of Adams and Franklin counties.