Clinton and McCain serve those who serve America

U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) commemorated Veteran’s Day in Waterloo, IA by announcing new policy proposals to ensure that America fulfills its obligations to those who have served and sacrificed for the nation including giving military veterans additional opportunities to serve their country through AmeriCorps.

Hillary will make vouchers worth up to $10,000 available to returning veterans who want to serve in AmeriCorps and select not-for-profit organizations. These organizations would provide at least $5,000 to supplement the voucher. This system will help veterans create normal routines and reenter their communities while doing meaningful work serving their country. Hillary will make this subsidy available to as many as 20,000 veterans a year.

Last month, Senator Clinton announced her plans to expand AmeriCorps by 100,000 members by the end of her first term as President and increase the Segal Education Award from $4,725 to $10,000 for each year of service.

 

In the “other” first-in-the-nation state, U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) addressed hundreds at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetary in Boscawen. 

McCain… opened his speech by asking Major General Kenneth Clark, the state’s adjutant general, to stand while the audience applauded to show appreciation for the efforts of the state’s citizen soldiers.

“We will be inspired by them, just as we were inspired by those who went before us,” said McCain, who added that the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan “has divided Americans but none of us is divided in our appreciation and our love and affection for those men and women in the military who are serving the cause of freedom.”

In addition to his military service, General Clark also serves on the City Year New Hampshire Board of Directors.  Over 130,000 veterans live in New Hampshire including my rommate, former classmate, and AmeriCorps Alum – Ernie Lemelin. 

For your never-ending service to our country… THANK YOU.