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Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez Meets With Veteran Leaders
(VNHD-Founder Gary Thomas also addresses veterans)

VIEW LARGER IMAGE......vetmeeting4.jpg (15788 bytes)

VNHD -- April 17, 2003 -- Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez today met with representatives of Americas leading veterans groups to discuss a range of issues including health care and benefits, to the current military situation. The meeting which took place in San Antonio, was attended by VNHD Founder Gary Thomas who also addressed the audience.

The Congressman meets frequently with veterans to listen to their concerns and suggestions on a wide variety of issues.

In his remarks and in response to questions Congressman Rodriguez renewed his commitment to support passage of full concurrent receipt legislation this year. Veterans Health Care however was the main focus of many. In this regard the attendees heard from Jose Coronado, Director of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.

View larger image.......Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez presents the Purple Heart to Mr. Mario Garza a former U.S. Army Soldier from the Vietnam War. His family was present for the ceremony.......vetmeeting5.jpg (64549 bytes)

Congressman Rodriguez assured veterans that his work on the House Veterans Affairs Committee will continue the fight to see that veterans receive the best health care possible and that veterans receive the benefits that they have earned and are entitled to. In addition he praised those men and women who today are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and prayed for their safe return.

The highlight of the meeting was a standing ovation during the Presentation of the Purple Heart to Mr. Mario Garza a former U.S. Army Soldier from the Vietnam War. His family was present for the ceremony.

LIST: Those honored in attendance included representatives from the DAV, VFW, The American Legion, Purple Heart Assn., Texas Veterans Land Board, Bexar County Veterans Service Office, Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers, Inc., Legion of Valor of The United States, The Retired Enlisted Association, The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans, and The United Veterans of America.

NOTE: For more details about proposed legislation and funding for veterans health care return to Veterans News Hour Daily for an update from Congressman Rodriguez scheduled to be released soon.

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Thank You For Your Interest And Support to Americas Veterans.
With Warm Regards, May God Bless You,

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The 1st Sgt. spots enemy gun while on flare mission aboard C-123

Veterans News Hour Daily Remembrance Photo. Pictured here (1st on left) is MSgt. Franklin Short USA Ret. A Highly Decorated Combat Veteran of The Vietnam War and Advisory Board Member for VNHD. Frank passed away several years ago but will never be forgotten. He was a True American Hero and Devoted Advocate for Veterans Rights and Benefits. We miss you Frank! Thank you for your service to our nation and your fellow veterans.

Photo 1. Desert Storm Veterans Parade. - Frank Short, Gary Thomas, Clarence Sasser, (Medal of Honor Recipient), and Bob Boudreaux, Houston News Personality and Vietnam War Veteran. 1991. Photo 2. Press Photo - Frank Short in Vietnam. He goes where others fear to follow.