Tim meets with veterans in Pierre, SD

I believe we need to do more to live up to our obligations to veterans. All the training and weapons upgrades in the world will be rendered ineffective if military personnel and their families, military retirees, and veterans are not afforded a good “quality-of-life” opportunity.

I am committed to the quality health care that our veterans deserve and were promised, including accessibility and availability of services.  I will use my position as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that handles veterans' affairs to provide the VA with the timely and full funding it needs. 

As Chairman of the Military Construction/VA Appropriations Subcommittee, I was pleased to include $250 million in funding in the Fiscal Year 2009 VA Appropriations bill for a Rural Health Outreach and Delivery Initiative, which I crafted.  This initiative gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs latitude to fund new programs and explore new ways of serving this unique population that is so prevalent in our state.  The initiative allows the VA to expand its use of telemedicine, mobile clinics, outpatient clinics, fee-based care, and other innovative pilot programs.  My new rural health initiative also encourages the VA to collaborate with the Indian Health Service (IHS) in their outreach efforts. 

The Fiscal Year 2009 VA Appropriations bill also featured an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans.  I was pleased to raise it to 41.5 cents/mile and freeze the deductibles at the Fiscal Year 2008 rate. 

I believe that all veterans should be provided medical service by the VA, regardless of their income.  I was proud to include $375 million in the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bill to incrementally increase the income threshold for Priority 8 veterans.  This will allow more veterans who do not have a service connected disability to receive health care through the VA.  It is a step in the right direction to opening enrollment to all veterans.

Awards

I am proud of my commitment to issues important to enlisted personnel and military retirees. Below are awards I have been honored with for work on behalf of veterans.

- Honored by the Disabled Veterans LIFE Memorial Foundation for his continued dedication to disabled veterans, and his efforts to support building a memorial to honor disabled veterans in Washington, DC.

- Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award - This award was presented to Senator Johnson in recognition for his outstanding efforts on behalf of military retirees.

- L. Mendel Rivers Award for Legislative Action from the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) - This award was presented to Senator Johnson for his commitment to defense issues, particularly to improving the well-being and quality of life of enlisted personnel.

- Disabled American Veterans National Commander's Award

- George "Buck" Gillespie BAVF Congressional Award from the Blind American Veterans Foundation

- Majorie S. Holt Distinguished Government Service Award presented by the Retired Enlisted Association

-National Guard Association’s Charles Dick Medal of Merit – Senator Johnson was nominated for this award by the South Dakota National Guard Association in recognition of his demonstrated commitment to our nation’s military over time.

-“A” Rating from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) in recognition of Senator Johnson’s strong voting record in support of the Post 9/11 GI Bill and other legislation aimed at enhancing and expanding veterans’ benefits.

South Dakota National Guard | Disabled American Veterans | American Veterans | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | South Dakota Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | Ellsworth Air Force Base | Veterans of Foreign Wars | American Legion | Paralyzed Veterans of American

Master Sgt. Woodrow Wilson Keeble is a hero that has served our nation honorably and made South Dakota and all of America proud. Learn more about him and Tim's work to secure him the Medal of Honor.