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Simpson Questions Military on Soliders' Quality of Life

Date: Feb. 16, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Military Personnel


Simpson Questions Military on Soliders' Quality of Life

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today took part in his first hearing as a member of the newly formed Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations. Simpson heard testimony from, and posed questions to, representatives from the four branches of our Armed Forces; Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, regarding military quality-of-life issues.

Simpson addressed the need to provide quality support networks for families of soldiers killed in the line of duty. He raised the example of Tiffany Petty, whose husband, Jerrick, was killed while serving in Iraq. Petty recently testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee that is chaired by Senator Larry Craig. She discussed her difficulty in navigating through the military bureaucracy to find information after her husband's death.

"The military needs to maintain contact with families who move off military bases after a spouse's death," Simpson said. "While access to information and services may be readily available on base, it's more difficult for families who have moved to access the information they need. It is vital the military continues to reach out to them after they've relocated."

Simpson also stressed the importance of keeping good morale among the troops and their families in order to preserve the strength of our Armed Forces. Using Mountain Home Air Force Base's continued efforts to update their World War II-era housing as an example, he discussed the need to continue to improve the military base housing as a way to help recruit and retain soldiers and their families.

"Our military is our nation's strength," said Simpson. "When our brave men and women leave to defend our great country, they should not have to worry about their families being taken care of back home. That's why we need to continue to enrich the entire military quality of life.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/id02_simpson/military_qualityoflife.html

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