On Veterans Day
'I have spent much of my life serving our great country and there has been no greater honor. When Governor O'Malley asked me to serve as his Veterans Affairs Secretary in Maryland, I gladly stepped up to serve my fellow veterans.
At least 22 veterans of all ages commit suicide each day. It’s a tragic fact to highlight on Veterans Day, but an imperative one: when the VA struggles to provide veterans the care they deserve, setting aside just one day to focus on veterans issues is not enough.
That's why I am proud to support Martin O'Malley's candidacy for President. Yesterday he released a veterans plan that would bring VetStat—a program that radically enhanced the state’s ability to respond to veteran needs—to the federal level. He made a promise to restore our nation’s sacred trust with those who sacrifice to keep us safe.
When I was in high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. When I entered Seattle University, I joined R.O.T.C. and was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation. I served in Germany, and then volunteered for service in Vietnam where I served as a Captain and received the Bronze Star.
My accomplishments in life would not have been possible without the help of so many others, including the colonels and sergeants I served with in the Army who taught me discipline, leadership, and the value of loyalty.
Today, on Veterans Day, remember our veterans who have given so much for us. Take a moment to sign our card to thank those who have made our military the best the world has ever known and who provide protection to this great nation.
https://your.martinomalley.com/page/s/veterans-day?source=sem-ali&ms=sem-ali
Think about the 22 souls we lose each day. Think about how all of us – not just the government – have a responsibility to support veterans who are our friends, neighbors and family members. Think about our veterans every day—not just today.'
Thank you,
Edward Chow, Jr.
Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 2009-2015