By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Congressman Mike Rogers (R) from Saks met last week with his Third District Veterans Advisory Committee in Tuskegee. Rogers’ volunteer panel is made up of Veterans from across the Third District who advise Rogers on issues that are important to Veterans and their families.
Before the meeting, Congressman Rogers presented the Congressional gold medal to Mr. Robert Freeman. Freeman is a World War II Veteran who earned the honor during his time as a Montford Point Marine. The Montford Point Marines were the first Black Marines. Until the middle of World War II, the U.S. Marines had historically been an all White force.
Congressman Rogers said, “It was a distinct honor to be able to present a Congressional Gold Medal to Mr. Robert Freeman today in Tuskegee. Mr. Freeman is one of the surviving members of the Montford Point Marines, the first group of African Americans to serve in the US Marine Corps.”
During the meeting, Rogers and the advisory committee listened to a presentation and update from Mr. James R. Talton who is the Director of the Central Alabama Veteran Health Care Systems (CAVHCS).
Rep. Rogers said, “Monday we will honor and remember all who have served our country on Veteran’s Day. I cannot think of a more appropriate time to host a meeting of some of Alabama’s finest Veterans to receive an update from Mr. Talton and to discuss ongoing issues Veterans are facing that need to be addressed in Washington.”
Rep. Rogers continued, “The brave men and women in uniform who currently serve and have served sacrifice daily on our behalf. I hope we will continue to honor them and remember the ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice not only on Veteran’s Day, but every day. Without their selfless willingness to serve, we would not have the same freedoms we enjoy today.”
Rep. Rogers thanked the Veterans for serving on his committee: “I appreciate these proud Veterans taking time out of their schedules to continue to help advise me on critically important issues to our Veterans across East Alabama.”
Rogers Veterans Advisory Committee meets several times each year across East Alabama and is made up of Veterans from the 13 counties in the Third District. One issue that has plagued the VA this year has been the long backlog in the handling of claims. At one point earlier this year that backlog was over 16 months.
Congressman Mike Rogers serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces subcommittee and is a senior member of the House Agriculture and House Armed Services Committees. He represents Alabama’s Third Congressional District.
