Veterans at heart of Obama's Las Cruces Memorial Day talk
The Las Cruces Sun-News | May 27, 2008
By Diana M. Alba
In front of a Memorial Day crowd of southern New Mexico veterans and their families, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama promised veterans better medical care and more help transitioning back into civilian life if he's elected president.
Obama addressed an audience of about 200 on Monday afternoon at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. The outdoor event, though initially announced as open to the public, was invitation-only.
Obama, answering questions posed from the audience, said the federal government isn't adequately serving veterans.
He said he'd work with Congress to pass the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs budget on time each year and have accurate budget planning.
"My expectation is that every single veteran that's eligible for benefits is going to get their benefits that year," he said.
Obama said the country needs more veterans' hospitals, so those seeking basic health services won't have to drive long distances. A records-transfer system between the Department of Defense and the Veterans Affairs department will have to be improved, he said.
