HON. DEAN HELLER

OF NEVADA

IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE

April 26, 2012

Mr. Heller: Mr. President, today I am proud to recognize one of Nevada’s veterans whose overwhelming sacrifice on behalf of those who served our great Nation is inspiring.  As I speak, Mr. Lyons is traveling on foot from his hometown of Reno, Nevada to our nation’s capital to encourage legislators to assist our homeless veterans. 

This is a serious issue that I have worked on since I was elected to Congress.  Today, over 100,000 veterans are on America’s streets.  Many have serious problems and need support.  That is why I stand with Mr. Lyons as he completes his 2,600 mile journey.  

The brave men and women who served our country and fought to protect our freedom are coming back to a struggling economy with few job prospects, leaving them unable to afford housing.  Our nation’s service members have made great sacrifices for our country, and they deserve our gratitude and support. We must welcome them home and help them transition to civilian life.  Assisting our nation’s veterans and families is of the utmost importance.  

I am also grateful that Mr. Lyons is raising awareness for an issue that I am personally involved with.  Having a family member who serves in the Armed Forces, I have always been an advocate for our troops.  That is why I proudly cosponsored and voted in support of bipartisan legislation, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, which was signed into law by President Obama.  This legislation provides a tax credit to employers who hire veterans while also offering education and funding to provide on-the-job training and employment assistance to veterans.  Ensuring our returning soldiers come home to good paying jobs is the least we can do and the VOW to Hire Heroes Act helps put our nation’s veterans back to work.

Mr. Lyons’ selfless efforts to honor and acknowledge our nation’s veterans epitomize service over self.  I commend Mr. Lyons for his steadfast determination in raising awareness for those who keep us safe.  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lyons for his service to our country and commitment to helping veterans in need.