Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today announced that he has joined U.S. Senators Kent Conrad, D-ND, and Johnny Isakson, R-GA, as a member of a Congressional caucus honoring wounded veterans. The announcement comes on the heels of Bennet’s release of a report aimed at improving support for the state’s influx of returning veterans and veterans already here.
The U.S. Senate Honoring, Embracing and Recognizing Our Exceptional Service Members (HEROES) Caucus’ mission is to support “Capitol Tours for America’s Heroes,” a program developed earlier this year that offers rehabilitating service members guided tours of the United States Capitol. The tours take accessibility into account and group sizes are limited to increase impact and enjoyment. The day’s activities typically include tours of the Statuary Hall, the Rotunda and the Senate Chambers.
“These tours are tailored to the unique needs of wounded warriors who want an up-close look at our nation’s Capitol,” Bennet said. “Our veterans have put their lives on the line to defend our country and protect our democracy. This is one small way members of Congress can show their appreciation for the service rendered by our returning heroes.”
Colorado has a long tradition of supporting America’s wounded warriors. For example, each December Breckenridge, Colo. plays host to the Hartford Ski Spectacular, attended by various disabled sports enthusiast groups, including the Wounded Warrior Project and the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team, an Olympic racing team.
The HEROES Caucus was formed earlier this year in conjunction with Bethesda Naval Hospital and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and has recently teamed up with the Yellow Ribbon Fund, a non-profit that assists wounded veterans and their families. Caucuses are informal congressional groups of members with shared interests in specific issues. Typically, caucuses organize without official recognition by the chamber and are not funded through the appropriation process.
For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Fund, click here. To read more about the Wounded Warrior Project, click here.