This weekend I had the honor to participate in a "Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen" ceremony to welcome back the 250th Transportation Company to South El Monte, California. One hundred and seventy-two reservists who are part of this unit have been mobilized since November, 2005 and in Iraq since April 2006.
It was an honor to welcome home some local heroes from the communities that I represent. The welcome home ceremony was a moving experience which I will never forget. Our servicemen and women were welcomed by a crowd of more than 500 families, friends and supporters. Three of the reservists have already received Purple Hearts and three other Purple Hearts are pending. In addition, 124 soldiers have been awarded the Combat Action Badge. Two soldiers from the unit have suffered severe injuries and are being treated at U.S. Army Hospitals.
Last month while I traveled to Iraq on a Congressional Delegation, I was privileged to have met with servicemembers from Azusa, East Los Angeles, and West Covina. At least a dozen of the returning reservists told me on Saturday that they saw me while I was in Iraq. I am so grateful to them for their selfless service and sacrifice to our country.
Although all the soldiers are happy to be back with family, friends, and loved ones and out of harms way, they know that new challenges lie ahead. It won't be easy returning from constant danger and everyday warfare. They will need mental health care services and job placement assistance. We must make sure that our veterans receive the care they need and that they are treated with respect and dignity. The 250th Transportation Company kept their promise to our nation - we must keep our promise to them.
No one can question the commitment and sacrifice these servicemen and women have given to defend our freedom. We cannot turn our backs on those who proudly serve our nation. I will continue to support our troops and push for their safe return home. I look forward to the day when I participate in a similar ceremony to welcome back the more than 150,000 troops currently deployed.
Solis, an outspoken advocate for veterans and their families, is the author of H.R. 542, the Culturally Competent Veteran Care Act. This legislation would ensure that the VA implements and complies with Executive Order 13166, which required all federal agencies to prepare a plan to improve access to programs and services for veterans with limited English proficiency (LEP). To date, the Bush Administration has failed to fully implement this mandate.