CONG. BEN CHANDLER CALLED “CHAMPION FOR AMERICAN VETERANS”

KY-6th Congressman Gains Backing of Influential Veterans Paper

     Falls Church, Virginia — The Electoral Board of the VETERANS’ VISION publication announced their endorsement of Congressman Ben Chandler, of Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District, earlier today.  Chandler was cited for his support of returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan and initiatives to end the national tragedy of veterans’ homelessness.

     “We are proud to extend our unequivocal endorsement for Ben Chandler to the United States Congress, a true champion for veterans,” said Maj. Brian Hampton, USAR (ret), Publisher of the nationwide VETERANS’ VISION publication.

     “He fought to create the new G.I. Bill to ensure returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan may get a full, 4-year education.  Congressman Ben Chandler understands the sacrifice made by American veterans, and recognizes the need to give them the absolute top priority,” Hampton continued.

     Congressman Chandler also recently joined with 71 current Members of Congress to affirm his support for the Veterans’ Bill of Rights sponsored by the VETERANS’ VISION, a veterans’ rights advocacy publication.

     The Veterans’ Bill of Rights would require that every Veterans Administration Medical Center in the country offer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) counseling, increase the funding provided to non-profit transitional facilities that get homeless veterans off the street and make veterans a top priority for Members of Congress.

     Hampton emphasized the importance of electing federal candidates that understand veterans’ needs, saying, “The alarming reports of returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan dealing with PTSD and serve depression can no longer be dismissed.  We know from our experiences with Vietnam Veterans that PTSD can lead to substance abuse, severe mental health illnesses and homelessness.”

     Hampton continued, “Sadly, only about half of the VA Medical Centers offer this necessary counseling and six out of seven surveyed by the Government Accountability Office determined they could not handle their existing caseload.”

     Since 1993, the VETERANS’ VISION has focused the experience and dedication of the leaders of America and veterans on the challenges facing our country.”  Every two years, the most carefully read portion of the publication is the section of 90 or so endorsements of elected officials for federal office.

     Featuring articles of interest to veterans and non-veterans alike, the publication focuses the experience and dedication of veterans and leaders on the challenges facing the nation.

     For over 15 years, complementary copies of the publication have been distributed to every Congressional office on the Hill, the White House, Executive Cabinet offices, the Pentagon, military instillations, and thousands of convenience stores around the nation.  Tens of thousands of the publication were physically handed out to Delegates at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.  The VETERANS’ VISION is distributed in 26 major metropolitan areas across the country at grocery stores, convenience stores and other retail locations.

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