Rep. Labuda’s Record for our Military

As Vice-Chair of the House Committee on State, Military, and Veterans’ Affairs, I have overseen military and veterans departments in Colorado since 2006.  The commanding officers at Fort Carson and Buckley know personally of my commitment to the welfare of our men and women in uniform, and their families. I am also honored by the appreciation shown me by veterans’ organizations for new laws I have championed that provide needed support to our active duty soldiers, both while overseas and after their return to civilian life.

• Most recently, I sponsored legislation to provide financial incentives for our returning troops to become teachers.  This helps with a good start in their careers at home, and it helps our education system, especially in rural and high-needs areas.

• Their college educations are also more affordable because we expanded the opportunity for active-duty military and honorably discharged veterans, and their families, to qualify for lower in-state tuition.

• I carried successful legislation that protects men and women, while overseas on active duty, from losing legal custody of their children at home.  I got the idea for this bill after hearing a soldier’s needless sad experience while in line at our local Post Office.

A Special Plea from Me—about Freedom Service Dogs®
Our young Americans have gone to war with pride, commitment and resolve.  But many have returned physically and emotionally scarred and disabled in ways that make resuming the life they left behind virtually impossible.  Now their constant companions are their wheel chairs, their prosthetic limbs, their nightmares, and their frustration that what used to be so normal is now so difficult.

It would be tough to create a more perfect companion for a disabled veteran than a Freedom Service Dog.  Intelligent, loving, gentle and impressively trained, they are at the veteran’s side 24/7, with complete dedication and affection.

Please visit their web site, www.freedomservicedogs.org, and make a donation, or call 303-922-6231 for more information.