THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR: TO ALL MILITARY MEMBERS - DO WHAT YOU ARE TOLD AND WHEN YOU RETURN TO CIVILIAN LIFE, SHUT UP.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A proposal to end the long-standing practice of veterans groups addressing a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees is an insult to all who have fought, sacrificed and died to defend the Constitution, according to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). And in a strongly worded letter to House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), the DAV has urged him to continue the joint hearings as an invaluable tool in formulating public policy toward America's veterans.

Chairman Buyer recently announced that veterans service organizations will no longer have the opportunity to present testimony before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees.

"The tradition of legislative presentations by veterans service organizations dates back to at least the 1950s. And the timing of this announcement -- just before Veterans Day -- could not have been worse," said DAV National Commander Paul W. Jackson.

For several decades now, these joint hearings have been held each year to allow the elected leaders of veterans groups to discuss their organization's legislative agenda and foremost concerns with the lawmakers who have jurisdiction over federal veterans programs. Senators and Representatives who serve on those committees also get the rare opportunity to address the hundreds of constituent members from these organizations' who make the annual pilgrimage to Capitol Hill.

"The right to fully participate in the democratic process is a cornerstone of our nation," said Commander Jackson. "Eliminating these joint hearings is an insult to the men and women who have fought, sacrificed and died to protect our Constitutional rights, including the right to petition the government."

This important dialog between veterans and their elected representatives is crucial to the democratic process and a unique opportunity for the men and women who've put their lives on the line for America. Many of the veterans who take part in the hearings view it as their patriotic duty, as well as a fundamental right.

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The 1.3 million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non- profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this nation's disabled veterans. It is dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for our nation's disabled veterans and their families. For more information, visit the organization's Web site http://www.dav.org
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Note-The above picture did not appear with original article. I got it from http://alaskagyrl.blogspot.com
Her original caption reads - "Tomas and Bree Young came to stand vigil with us here at Camp Casey. They are on their honeymoon. They are my son's age.
He was shot the same day as Casey Sheehan in Iraq. Tomas is paralyzed from the chest down. Because of his disability from his injuries sustained in Iraq he is unable to cool himself naturally so he has to be iced down from time to time. Tomas and Bree have some questions for Bush."END
On a personal note Tomas Bree's sign depicts the same patch my father wore in 'Nam. Back then the 1st Cav. was Airmobile not Armored. "Death From Above" was the Divisions motto. I used to think that was cool. Till I grew up.

If you would like to send Chairman Buyer your thoughts -
http://www.senate.gov/~veterans/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home