I was happy to hear that Senator Heidi Heitkamp invited veteran Eric Marts to attend the State of the Union address as her guest.  I was at the town hall meeting where Heidi first met Eric and heard his story.  Eric lost his sight due to his military service in the National Guard.  His sight was affected by a 2006 blast in Iraq.  His story highlighted for Heidi the ridiculous loopholes and red tape disabled veterans have to deal with every single day.  Yet, Eric is not one to complain – instead, he seeks to serve by telling his story and highlighting the challenges facing so many disabled veterans.

You could hear a pin drop in the room where the town hall was held when Eric shared his experiences since he has been home and navigating the V.A.’s system of labyrinths.  In his words and his experiences were the words and experiences of other vets. I watched the heads of other veterans in the room not in somber and silent agreement as Eric described the challenges he has faced.  I could see Heidi was moved by Eric’s story and his pledge to help her however he could to help improve services for veterans.

I know that too many politicians only pay lip service to veteran issues.  Not many are willing to look too closely at the ugliness that we have allowed veterans to struggle with when they come home from combat.  If they did look closely they would be compelled to do something.  I think Eric opened a door for Heidi and I am hopeful that Heidi will use that same tenacity we have seen from her in regard to other fights in the fight for revamping veteran care and benefit programs.

Yes, indeed – Eric Marts is going to Washington.  Senator Heidi Heitkamp heard his story and she listened.  I am hopeful that she will take every opportunity during her time in the Senate to spread the word about the improvements that must be made to honor the sacrifices and contributions our veterans have made.  It is time our country became fully aware of the woeful State of the Union for veterans.