LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
With a standing ovation, members of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) welcomed Vice President Joe Biden to their national convention. Quickly, Biden enforced the idea of supporting the veteran community in every possible way.
"As the president said and I quote, 'No veteran who fought for our country should have to fight for a job when they come home' and I quote," said Biden.
The 45-minute speech mostly praised the sacrifices military members have made, which is the same group hit the hardest by unemployment. Members of the military currently stand at 6 percent while the toll for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan is at 8.9 percent.
Biden also touched on healthcare for all American heroes.
"Every one of these warriors deserves whatever the best treatment is available as long as they live."
This had the crowd cheering.
"This is what we want to hear. The government is involved and doesn't forget our veterans. Don't truck the benefits," said veteran Mary Parker.
"I thought it was excellent, especially with the great news about extra funding for the VA centers for the women veteran programs," said veteran Shirley Salt.
"The Obama administration is cutting a trillion dollars in the next 10 years from our military budget. They are going to take the spending and military affairs down to less than it was at the end of World War II," said Congressman Steve Pearce.
Pearce said it is Mitt Romney's vision that will help strengthen the military and the economy. He was among a large group of supporters promoting a new statewide coalition.
"Grow a business, grow a family, buy their first home and not be locked out of anything," said veteran Jason Wadsworth.
Over at the DAV convention, members seemed to have faith in their current leaders.
"Hopefully its something that doesn't take a long time to go into place. It should happen sooner than later because a lot of service members need assistance now. There are a lot of gaps. Even though a lot of good things are happening, there still is a few gaps that need to be filled," said veteran and actor J.R. Martinez.
Biden also added that the Obama administration plans on cutting the backlog by 2015 and increasing the VA budget to $127 billion. Biden said this is everyone's responsibility.
"So Congress should act now to reassure the mark and the nation because we shouldn't be playing politics," added Biden.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
DAV members welcomed Vice President Joe Biden (Christian Cazares/FOX5)
Vice President Joe Biden praised the sacrifices military members have made (Christian Cazares/FOX5)
Veteran and actor J.R. Martinez also spoke at the DAV national convention (Christian Cazares/FOX5)
