National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

Floor Speech

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Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, this amendment includes my resolution to express appreciation of our disabled veterans and recognize October 5th as an appropriate date to honor them each year. This coincides with the anniversary of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. I thank Chairman Jeff Miller for his support.

Thankfully, my son, a U.S. Marine, returned safely from two wars. Regrettably, there are many veterans for whom the fight doesn't end when they come home.

My constituent Jeff Colaiacovo is one of those people. A few months into his first tour in Vietnam, Jeff's tank hit a mine, exploding shards of metal into his eyes, blinding him. Miraculously, the doctors recovered his vision. Months later, a grenade hit Jeff's tank and flames engulfed his body. After spending months in burn units, he was honorably discharged. He raised a family and started a small business.

Jeff is disabled for life. He bears the scars of duty that remind us of what he and many others gave to serve us. In honor of Jeff and our four million disabled veterans, I urge adoption of this package.

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