Honoring Idaho Veterans--People Of Action

Charles de Gaulle wrote in his War Memoirs, “Deliberation is the function of the many; action is the function of the one.” The Idaho veterans we honor each Veterans Day, and every day, individually took action on all our behalf. They bravely served our country, securing our rights as Americans.

Our responsibility as a deeply grateful nation remains clear: ensure veterans’ programs respect the enormity of veterans’ service. Below is an overview of some of my recent priorities for assisting veterans through comprehensive action:

• Pressing for enactment of the Major Richard Star Act, which would correct a severe injustice by providing combat-wounded veterans with less than 20 years of service both their disability compensation and retirement pay without reduction;?

• Working with the Trump Administration to ensure timely updates to Idaho’s veterans facilities to support quality care; and

• Advocating for passage of legislation to make certain veterans’ service-related disability compensation does not prevent veterans from qualifying for needed housing assistance.

Congress has also been working to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. Congress has fulfilled this duty for 64 consecutive years. Among the highlights of this year’s NDAA, the legislation supports troops and their families through well-deserved pay increases.

Beyond federal policy, Idahoans have consistently celebrated the service of veterans through ceremonies, parades, memorials and many other tributes across our great state. This includes formal services at the State Veterans Cemeteries and the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery. I also feel very fortunate to have the opportunity each year to honor Idaho veterans and those who volunteer in service to veterans through the Spirit of Freedom Award. The veterans and volunteers recognized this year with the Spirit of Freedom Award are yet another reminder of the Idahoans, many unrecognized, who ensure our country’s spirit of freedom is never dimmed.

Idaho also has a new tribute to Idaho women veterans at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise. This recently dedicated statue portrays Corporal Carrie French sitting with a friend. Corporal French was killed in a roadside bombing in Iraq in 2005 at age 19 and was the first Idaho woman killed in combat. Beautifully, Idaho women veterans from multiple generations unveiled the statue that stands as a lasting symbol of Idaho women servicemembers’ commitment to our country and their fellow servicemembers.

Thank you, to all Idaho veterans for your immense service to our extraordinary country. God bless you all and the loved ones who stand beside you.

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