To the Editor:

Since the United States’ entry into World War II, our country has taken on the responsibility of a world power. This responsibility is accepted by our elected officials and the burden is carried out by the members of our Armed Forces. Over the last 70 years, we have sent our military to every region in the world for many different operations. Whether combat, humanitarian or bi-lateral training, our military is the face and the ambassador of our nation.

Since 2001, the United States has been in a very active and deadly war against terror. Many career members of our military have been deployed overseas more than they have been in the country that they represent.

When our Armed Service members return home, it is our responsibility to offer them those same services and honors they fought for to protect. It is time for the elected officials who support sending our men and woman in uniform into harm’s way to lead in supporting them when the mission is complete.

Over the past two years, amazing and non-partisan actions were taken for our veterans and their families in Warwick and our state. Under the direction of Ward 3 Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson and the full support of Mayor Scott Avedisian, the following veteran focused legislation have been enacted;

• McDermott Pool Discount: Warwick veterans rated 30 percent or greater by the VA, received a 50 percent discount towards a year membership.

• Doubling the Veteran Tax Exemption for Warwick Veterans from a previous $2,000 to the current $4,000.

• Opening the Warwick Veterans Service Organization (WVSO) located at the JONAH building. A “one stop shop” for all veteran services.

At the state level, led by our Warwick Delegation of Representative Joe Shekarchi (Dist. 23) and Sen. Erin Lynch (Dist. 31), great steps were made to ensure Rhode Island attract and keep highly skilled veterans:

• Enhancing the “Disabled American Veterans Waiver” at all State colleges. The legislation allows disabled veterans rated 10 percent and greater, to enroll for classes on the first day of enrollment without the previously imposed week delay.

• Designating the First Sunday after Mothers Day as “RI Blue Stars Parents’ Day.” This legislation honors the RI Blue Star Parents and their continuing commitment to their children, our defenders of freedom.

We see the “I support our troops and veterans” logos on cars and signs all over our great state. I am honored to say, as a resident of Warwick, it was my Warwick delegation of Councilwoman Vella-Wilkinson, Representative Shekarchi, Senator Lynch and Mayor Avedisian that put their words into actions and proved it.

Thank you to the Warwick Delegation for your hard work on these sessions’ accomplishments. More importantly, thank you to my neighbors in Warwick for allowing these people to serve.

God speed and God bless America.

Timothy Howe

President,

Rhode Island Military Organization