July 14, 2006

 

TO:  OKLAHOMA VETERANS

 

RE:  SUE BARTON’S CANDIDACY FOR U.S. CONGRESS

 

Dear Oklahoma Veterans:

 

It is my pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Ms. Sue Barton for the position of U.S. Congressional Representative for the Third Congressional District of Oklahoma.  I have known Sue for 14 years through our church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

 

I lived and worked in Washington, DC for several years and further developed our friendship while witnessing Sue’s tireless advocacy of positive federal policy in regard to children’s rights and services.  It was during this time that I realized her dedication to advocating on behalf of those who depend on the representation of others to ensure their continued support and benefits. 

 

As a disabled veteran, I support the criticism of Representative Sherrod Brown of Ohio spoken on the floor of the House of Representatives on April 28, 2004:

 

“Then you go to the President’s budget; you go to what is really the measure of ourselves as a Nation, to provide for those men and women after serving their country when they come home.  I just would like to read you four quotes that I think will help us see how we can fix the President’s mistake, the mistake of not caring for the Nation’s veterans. 

 

“The Paralyzed Veterans of America said, ‘The lack of consistent funding for the VA and the uncertainty attached to the process fuels efforts to deny more veterans health care and charge more veterans for the care they receive.’  These are the Paralyzed Veterans who gave so much to their country.  We are not taking care of them. 

 

“The President of Veterans of Foreign Wars said, ‘The President ignored veterans in the State of the Union address and in the 2005 budget.  It is further evident that veterans are no longer a priority with the Bush administration.’

 

“‛The budget proposed by President Bush for veterans’ health care is not only inadequate; it is an insult to veterans.’  From the Vietnam Veterans of America. 

 

“The Disabled American Veterans said, ‘It is clear that vets are not a national priority to the Bush administration.  The President’s budget plan attempts to shift the burden for funding veterans’ health care to those brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.’

 

“Mr. Speaker, we can fix one of these mistakes.  The President could fix them by adequately funding veterans’ benefits and taking care of our troops.” 

 

I especially agree with the criticism made by the President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

 

One only has to visit Ms. Barton’s web site at http://www.BartonForCongress.org/ to realize her unique qualifications to represent veterans and to know our benefits will be protected under her careful stewardship. 

 

After more than 20 years of experience advocating in Oklahoma and Washington, DC on behalf of children, youth and families, serving on the National Council on Youth Policy in Washington, DC, being a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW No. 1192, being the sister of a Gulf War veteran, and an aunt to a Vietnam veteran provides me with the necessary proof I need to promote her as a legitimate representative to protect our veteran’s rights in Washington, DC. 

 

I don’t feel like enough leaders in Washington, DC have adequately represented, respected or protected our servicemen and veterans.  I know Sue Barton will provide positive action rather than empty rhetoric when ensuring we have the representation we need to ensure the correct policies are legislated. 

 

Therefore, it is my pleasure to recommend your support for Ms. Sue Barton as representative for the U.S. Congressional Third District of Oklahoma. 

 

Best regards,

 

 

 

Timothy V. Beauchamp

U.S. Navy Submarine Veteran

Cold War (1984-1988)