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Kerry calls for 40,000 more troops, more help for military families
Associated Press ^ | February 14, 2005
Posted on 02/14/2005 3:43:58 PM PST by Peach
Kerry said he plans to file legislation to increase the size of the military by 40,000 - 30,000 in the Army and 10,000 in the Marines - to help support the country's efforts in Iraq and the larger war on terrorism.
He also said the country needs to do more to help families of those serving in the military, from boosting death benefits to extending psychiatric care to veterans returning from Iraq.
"The war in Iraq proved that a lightening-fast, high-tech force can smash an opposing army and drive to Baghdad in three weeks. But there is no substitute for a well-trained and equipped infantry to win the peace," Kerry said in remarks prepared for delivery Monday at an annual ceremony sponsored by the Telegram & Gazette of Worcester.
One program being pushed by Kerry would allow families of veterans killed in combat to remain in military housing for up to year. Currently, families must move out of the housing after 180 days.
The Massachusetts Democrat also said the country needs to do more to support businesses whose employees are called up for service. He is pushing a small business tax credit for businesses who make up the difference in lost wages for reservists.
Other recommendations include:
- Extending military health insurance for all members of the National Guard and Reserve, whether mobilized or not;
- Expanding post-traumatic stress disorder services to all veterans who need them;
- Boosting to $500,000 the amount of money a family can receive if their loved one is killed in service;
- Creating a line on federal tax forms to allow contributions to a fund to help wounded veterans.
"Our obligation is to keep faith with the men and women of the American military and their families," Kerry said.
Kerry also used the speech to renew his criticism of the Bush administration, saying it underestimated the level of resistance facing the military after it toppled Saddam Hussein.
Kerry has made some of the same recommendations in the past. During his campaign for president, Kerry also called for an increase in troops, saying the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan had strained the military.