His work for veterans

I find myself a bit chagrined with a recent political television ad discussing veteran health care. While I can appreciate the focus on the care of those who have stepped forward to defend us all, the issue should be nonpartisan. Either you support veterans or you do not.

I know firsthand of Congressman Hill’s care for veterans. You see, I just recently retired from the U.S. Air Force as the commander of the 189th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base.

I had the opportunity to work with Congressman Hill and others on countless initiatives to preserve and grow the mission of the Little Rock Air Force Base, which is the single largest employer in the district and an important economic driver in the state. Specifically, he was an ardent advocate for the newly opened Cyber School, and was tireless to bring the mission to the Wing. The Cyber mission brought up to 70 high-tech jobs to Arkansas, and serves to put Arkansas as a leader in cyber and tech. We could not have done it without his advocacy.

I know that he has one of the largest veteran staffs in the House of Representatives; they are tireless in assisting veterans. Reports are that they have secured over $4 million in benefits just this year for Arkansans who wore our nation’s uniforms.

It is political season and I understand the need of politicians to try to paint a picture of their opponent. The truth is that it is inaccurate to paint Congressman Hill as anti-veteran. Nothing could be further from the truth, as I witnessed on a consistent basis.

ROBERT A. ATOR II Little Rock