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  • U.S. Congressman Tim Walz (standing) chatted with veterans at the Morson-Ario VFW in Mankato Tuesday. Walz has received the endorsement of the national Veterans of Foreign Wars Politcal Action Committee. John Cross

    Walz

September 21, 2010

Walz endorsed by VFW

By Brian Ojanpa The Free Press

MANKATO — In military parlance U.S. Congressman Tim Walz has passed muster with veterans groups — one in particular.

The legislator from Mankato has received a re-election endorsement from the national Veterans of Foreign Wars for his ongoing efforts to champion enhanced veterans benefits.

“This is not an easy thing to get. You really have to represent the veterans strongly,” said Tom McLaughlin of Mankato, legislative chairman for the VFW’s Second District.

McLaughlin said area veterans have been lucky over the years to have strong representation by their legislators. “But I don’t recall anyone in recent times who had the energy and enthusiasm to do the job” that Walz has been doing.

Walz has served more than 20 years in the National Guard and is the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to serve in Congress.

 His efforts have helped pass a host of legislation, including an act that establishes a “fast track” claims process for disabled vets and the new GI Bill of 2008 that expanded education benefits for veterans.

“There is no more humbling honor than to stand with this group of folks,” Walz said Tuesday during an endorsement ceremony at Morson-Ario VFW in Mankato.

“This group could care less about the politics of this endorsement; this transcends ideology.”

Walz said he views the endorsement not merely as a back pat for past efforts but as a directive for more.

“It’s a charge, a mission order to move forward.”

Said Vietnam War veteran McLaughlin, “There’s a whole new generation of vets who will continue to need services, as we did.”

 

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