3 Reasons We Need More Veterans Serving in Congress, Part 2

Press Release

Senator-Soldier Lee Zeldin, Republican and Conservative Party candidate for Congress in New York's First Congressional District, today released the second of a three part series of statements this week on three reasons we need more veterans serving in Congress. Zeldin, who served in Iraq in the Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division and continues to serve as an Army Major in the reserves, released the following statement:

"United States Marine, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, is still being held in a Mexican prison with no indication he will be released anytime soon. Sgt. Tahmooressi is a Marine who suffers from PTSD after proudly serving two tours in Afghanistan. He took a wrong turn one night that put him just across the Mexican border; a mistake that cost this American hero all of the freedom and liberties he fought so hard to protect for the rest of us.

As for President Obama: crickets. Congressman Bishop: crickets.

When an American raises their hand to serve this nation, willing to lay down their life for a cause so much greater than their own, a grateful nation must be equally willing to protect a service member like Sgt. Tahmooressi.

Forty years ago, over 75 percent of Congress was made up of military veterans. Now that number is less than one in five. One has to wonder if there would be more leadership and action to bring home Sgt. Tahmooressi if more veterans were currently serving in Washington.

President Obama must demand the immediate release of this highly decorated Marine from the Mexican government.

It would be helpful if Congressional representatives from around the country strengthen their voice and echo these calls, passionately insisting for the President to step up and bring home Sgt. Tahmooressi."

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