Support, Not Penalize, Our Veterans

Dear Editor,

We cannot send our troops to war, and then send them the bill!

Memorial Day is when America pauses and reflects on those lives given in service to our country. Many of those lives were not lost on the battlefield but instead lost here at home, to illnesses long after they left service.

Burn pits, Agent Orange, and oil fires are some of the hazards our service men and women were exposed to in service. And it is those hazards that are killing them today.

For decades, Congress wrote blank checks to send our troops to war but didn’t consider the cost to take care of our troops once they returned home.

The PACT Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that will take care of generations of veterans, allowing them to finally receive the care and benefits they have earned. This legislation is the culmination of years’ worth of advocacy and is supported by 65 major veteran organizations.

The Senate must honor our pact with those who served and fulfill our promise to care for those who have borne the battle by passing the PACT Act now.

Sincerely,

Dawn M. Napier,

VFW Department of California Commander

Harris Gets My Vote

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter endorsing Jennifer Harris for the Oakdale City Council seat.

Jennifer has been a long-time resident of the city of Oakdale for over 25 years. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jennifer for a few years now and have come to respect and admire her passion and dedication to her family, faith, strong values, and desire to help others and serve her community. As a city council member, the qualities Jennifer will bring are her honesty, transparency, and willingness to do the research in order to make an informed decision. She is willing to listen to people’s perspectives and ask the questions the community wants to know but may be too afraid to ask. This is the dedication needed when working to meet the needs of the citizens in our city. I have also personally observed Ms. Harris’ character when advocating on behalf of students in Oakdale.

Ms. Harris is also a wife and mother who desires to grow our community, and support and attract businesses, while also maintaining the small-town values and heart of our great community. She is transparent and has always been reasonable and prudent. When I think of integrity and the importance of keeping one’s word I think of Jennifer Harris.

Ms. Harris is steadfast in taking the time to research and listen to all voices when taking a stand on issues within our community. So, vote, for Jennifer Harris for Oakdale City Council.

In Community,

Kiana Williams