Cold War Veterans Blog

ACWV Letters From Sen. Corker and McCaskill

Dear Mr. ____,



Thank you for contacting my office to share your concerns about S.AMDT.2163 to H.R.1585, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Your input is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts.

As you know, S.AMDT.2163 would have issued a Cold War Victory Medal to former service members who served our country between 1945 and 1991. S.AMDT.2163 was not considered by the Senate, or included in the Senate version of H.R.1585. However, the House of Representatives did include this provision as part of their final bill. When the House and Senate meet to rectify differences in their respective bills, I will certainly take into consideration your concerns.

I believe General Petraeus had it exactly right when he called our military men and women in uniform "America's new Greatest Generation." It is our responsibility to provide our service members with the best possible resources, equipment, and care. They are patriots, and we owe them a great debt of gratitude for their work to protect and provide security for our country. As I continue to serve in the United States Senate and through my work on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will work to see that our service members and veterans receive every benefit that America has promised them, and to ensure that their legacy is honored and protected.


Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me over the course of my term.




Sincerely,

Bob Corker
United States Senator





Dear Mr. ---------:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Cold War Victory Medal. I appreciate hearing from you.

As you may know, the version of the 2008 Defense Authorization bill passed by the House of Representatives included language that would create the Cold War Victory Medal. This medal would be awarded to members of the military who served between September 2, 1945, and December 26, 1991, and left the service under honorable conditions. While similar language was not included in the Senate's version of this legislation, establishment of the Cold War Victory Medal might be included in the final version that comes out of the conference committee.

The Cold War had a dramatic impact on our nation. It was a time during which the world held its breath in anticipation of all-out nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. Our military made great strides in tactics and technology. But it was the men and women who served honorably during this period, whether or not they saw combat, who helped guarantee our freedom and our way of life.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your views. As the Defense Authorization bill moves through conference I will keep your thoughts in mind.

All best,
Senator Claire McCaskill