U.S. Rep. John Fleming

At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918 an armistice, or temporary truce, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany at the end of the First World War. The next year it was commemorated as Armistice Day and became a holiday 20 years later in 1938. Today we better know and celebrate it as Veterans Day, a day on which we honor all those that have served in our armed forces.

While I hope you join me in thanking our nation’s veterans, let’s not let reserve our gratitude for just one day. Instead, we must continually remember our nation’s veterans throughout the year. For those still with us today, we must be mindful of what their needs may be after they return from the battlefield.

Having served six years as a physician in the United States Navy, I have a strong personal appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans have made on behalf of our country and our citizens. My service has also given me insight into what their current needs may be.

For one, it is critical that we keep our promise to our nation’s veterans about caring for them after they return from the battlefield. Last year an amendment I offered passed into law to prevent the Army from closing Bayne Jones Army Community Hospital at Fort Polk. In addition to providing rehabilitation facilities for injured soldiers, it also serves as an asset to the community for currently serving military men and women, their families and retirees.

In 2010 I also offered an amendment that would allow veterans to be paid early when the first of the month fell on a weekend. This would make sure veterans are able to pay their rent on time, or make sure checks cleared. I’m proud to see my amendment became law in January 2011.

Meanwhile, I have repeatedly joined in Louisiana congressional delegation efforts to work with the Veterans Affairs secretary and other veterans service organizations in getting the VA health clinics at Lake Charles and Lafayette approved quickly.

Besides taking care of veterans' needs, another way we can say “thank you” is by holding the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable. Not only has the organization in charge of caring for our veterans been rocked by scandals, but the agency also has fired only three senior level officials and it continues fail in its accountability. Earlier this year a facility in Phoenix was even accused of falsifying waiting lists to cover up the agency’s multitude of problems.

This is unacceptable. We need to fill the VA with employees who take their duty of serving our veterans seriously and will do all that they can to serve our nation’s heroes.

In July 2015 I voted for the Veterans Accountability Act to give the VA secretary the power to remove any VA employee for either poor performance or misconduct. Nobody should have to pay for scandals at the VA, and veterans should not be denied quality care because of it.

America owes our veterans a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. As a former United States Navy Medical Officer, I have personally served alongside the men and women who have made great personal sacrifices to bravely defend our country. It is my hope that you will join me in expressing our thankfulness to those who have bravely fought for our freedom and sacrificed for the good of the country. May God continue to bless our troops, their families and this nation.

U.S. Rep. John Fleming is a Republican who has represented Louisiana's 4th Congressional District since 2009. He also is a medical doctor.