In this election, and in every election going forward, it is essential that we send a message to all candidates running for office that our veterans are respected and honored best when their interests and needs are placed above political wrangling in the halls of Congress. That has normally been the case. And, even in these contentious times, legislation benefiting veterans has been one of the areas that has enjoyed bipartisan support. For example, as the Stars and Stripes reported on Sept. 19, 2012: “Last year, Congress passed sweeping veterans jobs legislation that created new vocational rehabilitation services, a new mid-career retraining program for veterans and tax credits for businesses that employ former service members.”