Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans Organization

Candidate for U.S. Senate:

As Veterans we consider the service to our country and the commitment to our brothers and sisters in arms of vital importance. We are looking for the next U.S. Senator to make this same commitment to the 425,000 veterans of the Commonwealth.

Today, a new generation of heroes is coming home after serving overseas. As we honor their efforts and sacrifices, we must also renew our commitment to previous generations of veterans that helped shape this country.

This questionnaire has been a collaborative effort. We have strived to create a comprehensive survey, addressing a multitude of issues and problems that the veterans in Massachusetts and throughout the country are currently facing. The questions provided below are not in any order of importance and only begin to scratch the surface of the issues at hand.

Thank you for your time and consideration while filling out this questionnaire.

Thank you,

Rep. Harold Naughton Jr. Ken Isaksen & Dominick King

Chairman of the Joint Committee Founders and Directors

of Veteran and Federal Affairs OIF/OEF Veterans of Massachusetts

Iraq and Afghanistan:

1.) What do you see for the future of relations between the United States and Iraq?

Martha Coakley: I look forward to the day when the United States can engage diplomatically with a democratically elected, transparent, and fair Iraqi government. My hope is that American companies will be able to do business with and in Iraq, and that Iraq becomes a stalwart ally to the United States in our fight against terrorism.

Scott Brown: Our goal must be to have a long term partnership with discourage radical extremism.

2.) The United States has ceased the deployment of more infantry units to Iraq. If the recent surge in violence continues, would you support deploying troops there again?

Coakley: I will not support another surge in Iraq. We are on track to leave the country, and it is our obligation to leave according to the timetable we have set. I support President Obama’s plan to end the combat mission in Iraq by August 31, 2010, and fully withdraw by the end of 2011.

Brown: There is no one-size fits all solution to any military challenge. We must be realistic and consult our generals on the ground at that time.

3.) Going forward, what is the main objective for winning the war in Afghanistan?

Coakley: We need to defeat al Qaeda. That is why we went into Afghanistan, and that is what we must do. If Afghanistan harbors terrorists, our national security is at risk.

Brown: A stable country that is no longer in support of terrorism or fertile ground for terrorists.

4.) Do you support General McChrystal’s calling for 40,000 more troops to be deployed to Afghanistan? Is there sufficient support here at home to sustain a counter-insurgency plan?

Coakley: I will not support any troop increase unless and until the goals we need to achieve are clearly articulated and capable of being carried out. It is Congress and the President’s responsibility to narrowly define the mission, to directly address the steps needed to complete that mission, and to get American troops home safely to their families. As Senator, I will focus squarely on the mission of keeping America and our soldiers safe from harm.

Brown: Unlike my opponent I support the additional troops in Afghanistan and support the US troops and their mission to fight the war against terrorism abroad and here in the United States. I support not only the mission but making sure that all of our soldiers have the tools they need to finish our mission with additional funding in personnel initiatives, troop-end strength requirements and needed weapons programs.

5.) Are we still fighting the same war on terror that began in 2001?

Coakley: The war has changed. In 2001, our main objective should have been to capture Osama bin Laden and to bring the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks of September 11th to justice. We were diverted from that mission. Now, al Qaeda is in Pakistan and along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Defeating al Qaeda must be our focus.

Brown: The threat is the same but our understanding of the terrorist mentality has changed. There is a far more global threat than what we saw in September of 2001.

Education:

1.) We need to enable our public colleges and universities to give attention to our veterans. What will you do to obtain additional funding for Massachusetts institutions in order for them to hire dedicated veterans support staff?

Question Provided by George O.

Coakley: Real, valuable, and targeted support for veterans is extremely important, and I agree that we must make sure that veterans attending our public colleges and universities have the resources they need. Currently, every state college and university in Massachusetts has a veterans’ representative, though often these professionals are not able to dedicate the amount of time and energy to veterans’ services that their constituents need. I understand how important these state employees are to veterans looking to navigate the systems that relate to veterans’ benefits, health care, employment options, and education. This is why as Attorney General I worked to ensure that municipalities provided their required Veterans Service Officers (“VSOs”).

Brown: As a member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, I have always supported measures to allow for veterans to be given preference in job opportunities. I am uncertain whether additional funding would be necessary. I believe more can be done to address hiring practices from the onset.

2.) Massachusetts National Guard service members have deployed at unprecedented levels since 9/11 and still do not receive the full complement of GI benefits and support services that their counterparts in other military service branches receive. How do you propose that we provide our citizen-soldiers with equal compensation for their service to our country? Question provide by Guard Support of Massachusetts

Coakley: I am in favor of ensuring that National Guard members who have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq receive GI benefits and support. They have been called on to serve and have done so with dignity and honor. For example, I support an expansion of the Family Medical Leave Act that would allow National Guard Members to access some exigency leave benefits.

Brown: My 30 years as a member of the Massachusetts National Guard, during which time I married my wife Gail and we raised our two daughters, makes me acutely aware of the issues facing our active duty National Guard and Reserve troops and families. I have filed bills to protect National Guard Members from unlawful discrimination as well as a bill to change the definition of a veteran so it includes service members during peacetime.

I support the U.S. Veterans’ and Employment Training Service (VETS) mission to ensure that all U.S. veterans have the opportunity to succeed in today’s workplace through programs ranging from job preparation and employment skills training for those transitioning out of the military to employment support disabled, homeless and incarcerated veterans. I would urge Congress to address the highest unemployment rate among Veteran’s in recent history by requiring all Federal programs to adhere to already existing veteran’s employment and small business laws.

I believe that all our active-duty troops, reservists, and their families have sacrificed much and that our nation must take care of its own. I support a military base pay raise to bring parity to our servicemen and women with the private sector. I oppose any TRICARE fee increases.

The VA:

1.) What is your familiarity with the VA system? Please rate your knowledge from a 1-10, the being the highest.

Coakley: As Attorney General, I have developed an understanding of the VA because my office is responsible for helping veterans navigate many aspects of the VA system and the benefits it provides, including appeals processes, medical care, death benefits, financial assistance, education, housing, small business development support, and employment rights. I have learned a great deal about the potential of the VA to serve veterans honorably and comprehensively, and I have come to understand its shortcomings. I know that, in too many ways, we are letting our veterans down.

I also know that because I have never used VA services myself, I can learn from my constituents. As Senator, one of my most important roles will be to continue, as I have done as DA, AG, and as a candidate, to speak firsthand with veterans and come to a greater understanding of what veterans experiences are, and what legislative changes can be made to improve the VA system.

Brown: Yes I am familiar with the VA system. As the ranking member of the Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee, I try to stay on top of all developments within the Federal goverment and Congress that would impact the Commonwealth.

2.) In your opinion what letter grade would you give the VA healthcare system? (A-F) And why?

Coakley: The VA has not provided the level of care that veterans need, but with its limited resources it has made some improvements. For example, the new Post 9-11 G.I. Bill is an excellent piece of legislation that is already helping veterans get back to school. That said, the crisis caused by checks not being issued on time is unacceptable. I think mandatory funding of the VA will help to improve some these problems. We have a long way to go to a grade “A” and have fallen short for far too long.

Brown: I believe that every Federal program should be looked at to maximize efficiency so that we can have the tools and the resources to serve our veterans and I want to ensure that there is a sufficient budget to meet the health care demands of all veterans. I would say that overall, the VA has done the best it can with the resources they have and under the challenging circumstances we are in as far as the changing dynamic of patients and care.

3.) Dealing with the VA can be a painstaking process at times. How do you propose that the VA works to streamline the process of accessing benefits and care?

Question Provided by Pete T.

Coakley: I support measures that make it easier for veterans to receive their benefits, which includes requiring and assisting the VA to track down veterans who are not collecting their benefits. Mandatory VA funding will also assist in this process. I will also work to pass legislation that will help recruit nurses and other health care workers for VA hospitals so understaffing does not cause delays.

Moving towards more targeted, local health services will also help veterans receive the assistance they need more efficiently. I support local, community-based health services that can provide veterans with more personal, one-on-one treatment, and I support VA reimbursement for specialized health care that the VA cannot provide.

Brown: I will work hard to ensure that Congress provide adequate resources to enable the VBA to reduce their current backlog of disability claims. I will call on Congress to use its vital oversight to ensure true leadership and accountability within the VBA. It is very important that we adjust the Disability Schedule for Rating Disability to make sure that all Veterans are adequately compensated.

4.) Currently, Mandatory Funding for the VA is a discretional funded budget item. Do you support continued discretional funding or a move to mandatory funding?

Question Provided by AMVETS

Coakley: Yes, I support mandatory funding of the VA. Our veterans are too important to leave their care up to the vagaries of the budgeting process.

Brown: As a United States Senator I would work to ensure that the VA budget is sufficient and predicable in order to meet the unique health issues facing our returning soldiers and veterans

5.) How can the VA system be improved? What will you do to ensure its improvement?

Coakley: Mandatory funding will help improve services, but the problems with the system remain complex and far reaching. Effective leadership is needed, as well as a concerted effort to recruit and train the best possible staff. As Senator, I will work on bipartisan efforts to improve the VA, and work directly with veterans and veterans’ advocacy organizations to directly address the needs of military service members and military families.

Brown: I believe we need to recognize the sacrifice of all of our service members by keeping better track of returning military personnel. I also support the use of electronic medical records so proper medical care can be facilitated.

6.) There is a cultural disconnect between the VA and a large number of its veterans, how will you, as senator, help to combat this gap?

Question Provided by Haywood F.

Coakley: Meaningful cultural change in large institutions takes time. The VA is going in the right direction in beginning to understand and address the needs of its veterans, especially OIF/OEF veterans. We must support the VA in its work by providing increased resources, better-trained personnel, and fostering excellent, innovative leadership. This is a long-term investment that, as Senator, I will champion.

Brown: I recognize that all veterans have different needs and I would work to ensure that the VA is properly funded and properly trained to respond to each veteran’s unique needs.

7.) It is said that 1 out of 4 returning service members come home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or both. What type of program or legislation will you put in place to help decrease these numbers?

Coakley: We need more mental health professionals who are equipped to address the specific needs of OIF/OEF veterans. Recruiting and training these doctors will take increased and targeted funding and research. I also support measures to increase the availability and quality of screening and counseling for mental health conditions, so seeking and receiving treatment is easier and carries with it less stigma. Caring for those suffering from PTSD or a TBI poses particular challenges for military families. To address this problem, we must invest more fully in family counseling and transition assistance.

Brown: Because of the large incidents of brain injury in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, I believe it is imperative that both funding and access to proper care should be a priority. I support the continued funding in every VA Medical Center of their OEF/OIF* (Operation Enduring Freedom" and "Operation Iraqi Freedom) Care Management Team who welcomes OEF/OIF veterans and helps them access care and benefits, coordinate patient care activities and help navigate through the VA system.

8.) Currently women who are receiving maternity care from the VA have to look elsewhere for care of their newborn after 24 hours of birth. There has been an initiative to provide women and their newborn care until they are ready to go home. Where do you stand on this issue and how will you fund newborn care at the VA?

Question Provided by Women’s Veterans Network

Coakley: Newborn care is of the utmost importance to families. If a newborn and her mother receive prenatal care from the VA, the VA cannot simply cast them off before they are ready to go home. We must invest in quality and comprehensive prenatal care, especially as the number of women veterans continues to increase.

Brown: All veterans deserve the benefits they are entitled to, including first-class medical care for their individual needs

9.) The effects of PTSD and TBI may, in some cases, lead to severe depression and substance abuse, and in turn have lead to an elevated suicide rate among service members. As senator, what will you do to address these problems that have become the “hidden wounds of war?”

Coakley: I am deeply concerned about PTSD and TBI and their affect on the mental and physical health of returning service members and their families. I support fully funding research on traumatic brain injuries, as well as programs that offer specialized support for families of those suffering from these injuries. VA hospitals and care centers must undergo comprehensive improvements and reform to address the changing needs of returning veterans, including through regular inspections and training initiatives. Seeking treatment must be made easier so service members can get the help they need without fearing the unjust and damaging stigma of mental health treatment.

I also support the development and use of local, community-based health services that can provide veterans with more personal, one-on-one treatment. This is especially important for victims of PTSD and TBI. I support allowing veterans to access non-VA healthcare at VA expense in cases where the VA cannot provide the veteran with adequate services.

Brown: I was honored to be appointed to the Special Commission to Study the Hidden Wounds of War on Massachusetts Service Members. As a U.S. Senator, I would strive to continue the recommendations of that commission which included better coordination of care, improved outreach and education in order to alleviate the stigma associated with mental illness, and better tracking of specific veteran related data and statistical information. I am an ardent supporter of the Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (SAVE) Program which focuses on suicide prevention and positive transitions back to civilian life for veterans.

Family:

The veteran’s community depends heavily on family support, these family issues have been brought to our attention.

Would you, as Senator, support legislation that:

1. Expands the federal definition of military family members in a way that addresses the growing numbers of blended families in our communities?

Coakley: I believe that we must honor the sacrifices made by all of our veterans and military families, including those who do not fit into a cookie-cutter definition of family. Such determinations can be made on a case-by case basis, with an understanding of financial, parental, and care-giving responsibilities.

I fought to eliminate the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) in large part because it restricts Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services from serving all married couples, and because it prevents same-sex spouses of veterans from receiving the same benefits and service from the VA, even though those veterans have performed comparable military service.

Brown: As a member of the Massachusetts National Guard and a husband and a father I am acutely aware of the issues facing our active duty troops and families. I understand the need for increased pay, affordable health care and proper housing and work facilities for both our soldiers and their families. I have filed bills to protect National Guard Members from unlawful discrimination as well as a bill to change the definition of a veteran so it includes service members during peacetime.

2. Provides rights for military and surviving family members to be afforded financial protections from businesses including creditors, mortgage companies and landlords on bills that are in arrears as well as with federal and state governments on income and property taxes.

Questions Provided by the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund.

Coakley: I support measures that ease the burden on military families, especially in this economic downturn. I support increasing compensation for those in service, offering comprehensive career development support for returning service members, improving housing at military bases, helping families who were especially affected by changes in the housing market, and cracking down on unfair payday loans.

Brown: I have consistently supported efforts to protect the pay and rights of deployed members of the armed services and their families and prevent unfair discrimination of veterans.

Minority and Social Issues:

1.) Senator Kennedy was a champion for veterans with Military Sexual Trauma (MST), how will you work on behalf of the servicemen and women who have suffered as a result of MST?

Question Provided by Melissa O.

Coakley: I look forward to following Senator Kennedy’s lead and working tirelessley on behalf of victims of sexual assault. I am deeply troubled that 66% of women in the military report that they are victims of sexual assualt. This is unacceptable. We must continue to provide safe access to mental and physical health resources for these brave servicemembers, and also continue to educate health care providers about sexual trauma. We must work to educate military personnell and service members about sexual assualt and work with military leaders to examine and close loopholes in the regulations that further damage victims.

Brown: I have consistently worked at the state level to protect all victims of sexual abuse and trauma as well as close loopholes pertaining to dangerous predators. I would continue those efforts as a US Senator

2.) What will you do to draw attention to, and provide services for the “forgotten veterans,” including women veterans, minority veterans, and homeless veterans?

Question Provided by Melissa O.

Coakley: I am extremely concerned about making sure that all veterans receive the benefits they have earned. This is why I support a targeted investment in women’s health care services, help with childcare for those in VA hospitals, specialized sexual assault treatment, improved prenatal and newborn care, and additional research into the particular health issues of women who served in the Persian Gulf, for the over 25,000 women veterans who live in Massachusetts.

The rate of homelessness among veterans is truly shameful. Many of these veterans are suffering from mental health problems, and could be helped by receiving the benefits they have earned while in the service. To this end, I support requiring the VA to track down those who are not collecting their benefits. I also support increasing funding for shelters.

I also support ending the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy so all service members can work openly.

Brown: I have been a vigorous supporter of legislation providing benefits to returning service members. I believe we need to recognize the sacrifice of all of our service members by keeping better track of returning military personnel. I also support the use of electronic medical records so proper medical care can be facilitated. I was a co-sponsor of the Welcome Home Bill signed by Gov. Romney in 2005 which contained many important changes to benefit our soldiers past and present. For example it increased death benefits for National Guard families from $5,000 to $100,000, and also expanded the definition of World War II veterans to be consistent with Federal laws. It also contained a tax free Welcome Home Bonus for our veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2007, after hearing that many returning veterans were not aware of the Welcome Home Bill and the provision that it provided for a tax free Welcome Home bonus I filed a bill creating a check-off box on income tax forms to indicate their status and collect the bonus.

3.) The elderly population continues to be one of our most vulnerable; many exist on fixed incomes and have suffered as a result of the declining stock market. The number of elderly will only become greater when the “Grey Tsunami” hits (first Baby Boomer turns 65) in 2011. What plans do you have to alleviate their concerns and problems? Do you have any specific plans to care for our aging veterans, who along with their dependants comprise more than 50% of the aging population?

Question Provided by John M.

Coakley: The challenge posed by the aging of our veterans is a part of the set of broad, far-reaching challenges posed by the aging of the whole population. The unique health care needs of veterans must be addressed, and we must ensure that veterans are given the resources they need and the benefits they have earned.

Health care reform and a renewed focus on patient choices for end of life care will help veterans age with the dignity they deserve. I support measures to help family members care for their loved ones at home, if they choose, including training programs, community based health care support, hospice care, and tax credits for caregivers. I also support targeted investment in the care industries like nursing, especially for veterans’ health centers and hospitals.

The viability of the Social Security system is key to ensuring the health and safety of the aging population. About one in four current social security recipients is a veteran, and this number will grow. As Senator, I will fight to keep the promise of Social Security. In this time of financial insecurity, preserving Social Security is especially crucial. I am committed to ensuring that benefits are not reduced, and that those paying into the system now will be guaranteed their benefits later.

Brown: I support the bi-partisan idea of an independent commission to review Social Security and come up with recommendations that would be voted on either up or down to make sure that social security remains the safety net that it was envisioned to be and I oppose any TRICARE fee increases.

4.) How do you feel about the military's existing "Don't ask don't tell" policy? Would you vote to repeal it if given the opportunity?

Question Provided by VoteVets

Coakley: I am opposed to DADT. DADT has caused the discharge of over 12,500 service members to date, the harassment of countless others, and the overall weakening of our armed forces by discharging and stigmatizing so many qualified and patriotic men and women. As Senator, I will fight for the right of all Americans to serve their country openly, and the rights of all military families to be treated equally.

Brown: I support don't ask, don't tell.

5.) One out of three homeless people in the United States are veterans. Young female veterans, including many with children, are increasingly adding to the homeless population. Currently, Massachusetts has only two women-only facilities to house these women. What will you do as Senator to improve this situation? Question provided by the Women’s Veteran Network

Coakley: No person who fought for our country should be homeless – especially when that service member is caring for young children. These brave men and women need our support. The existence of even one homeless veteran is a national tragedy. As Senator, I will work to end homelessness by requiring the VA to find those who have earned benefits but are not collecting them, increasing funding for shelters, including family-friendly and women-only shelters, reaching out to veterans to provide housing, education, and employment assistance, and increasing funding for research and treatments of mental health problems among veterans.

Brown: It is essential that Massachusetts continue to improve upon methods of indentifying, contacting, and supporting all veterans so they do not fall through the cracks, have an effective support network to reach out to and are aware of available benefits and services.

State Issues:

Would you through the Governor’s office, changes to the Welcome Home Bill of 2004 allowing all veterans, not just National Guardsmen, to attend State University and community colleges with waivers for fee’s as well as tuition?

Coakley: The Welcome Home Bill of 2004 created a successful program to honor our National Guardsmen by providing them with fee waivers in addition to the tuition waivers to which they were already entitled. I support extending this provision to apply to all Massachusetts veterans. It should be noted that in 2008, the Massachusetts University System implemented the “Welcome Home Waiver Program,” which extends a partial fee waiver to Massachusetts OIF/OEF veterans.

Brown: Yes. All of our returning veterans, not just National Guardsmen, deserve to have the full range of educational opportunities in the Commonwealth available to them.

Chapter 115 MGL is the foremost law that makes what town and city Veterans’ Service Officers (VSO) do so important for the veteran community, it is one of the attributes that sets Massachusetts apart from all other states in the country. In these difficult economic times, caseloads are increasing as more and more veterans require financial assistance. Would you advocate for an increase in the funding provided for CH 115 benefits?

Both questions provided by Ted M.

Coakley: As Attorney General I worked with municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth on ensuring that all cities and towns provided the required VSO officer even though the economic downturn was threatening the fulfillment of these requirements. Enforcement and reporting is the key to ensuring that municipalities provide the promised VSO officers. By law, VSO officers must be available for minimum required hours. To increase these minimums to address the growing needs and numbers of veterans, more funding is needed.

Brown: With more and more soldiers returning from overseas, now, more than ever, it is important for Massachusetts to maintain its high standard of benefits available veterans. As a State Senator, I have fought wasteful spending because I realized that it would lead to cuts in services and benefits for the most needy of our population. I am disappointed with the decision of the Patrick Administration to continue cutting services provided to veterans at the Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke.

Final questions:

1.) What would be the first veteran’s bill you would cosponsor or propose?

Coakley: I will support a number of bills to help veterans and military families. One of the first I would cosponsor is S. 1543: Supporting Military Families Act of 2009. It is bipartisan, common-sense legislation to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend exigency leave to apply to all those on duty during deployment to a foreign country, and extends FMLA leave coverage to any employee who is a family member caring for an injured veteran.

Brown: I have been at the State House since 1998 both as a Representative and a State Senator and unlike my opponent I have an extensive voting record, available for review, on those matters important to Veterans and the men and women presently serving in our military and I look forward to addressing the concerns of our Veterans.

2.) How would your office outreach to the veterans of Massachusetts?

Coakley: Veterans’ services are of the utmost importance to me. In the AG’s office, I focused on making sure that veterans knew how to navigate the very complex benefits system, as well as their rights and benefits in the areas of education, employment, housing, and small business development. As Senator, I will work to ensure that all constituents, and especially veterans, have personal contact with our office and that there is sustained, meaningful outreach. I will seek to develop long-term, personal, substantial relationships with veterans and with veterans’ organizations in order to better understand the complex issues facing Massachusetts veterans and how our office can help.

Brown: As a State Senator, one of my top priorities has been to keep veterans informed of the benefits available to them by utilizing effective outreach and constituent service and to help veterans navigate through the state bureaucracy. I will continue this as a United States Senator.

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The OIF/OEF Veterans of Massachusetts are not endorsing any candidate for United States Senate. This questionnaire is intended to give veterans, family members, and the general public a more complete view as to which candidate will better serve them as the next senator from Massachusetts.

We extend our gratitude to all the participating candidates for their commitment to addressing veteran issues. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank John MacGillivary, Ted Mulvehill, Warren Griffin, The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, The Women Veterans Network , AMVets, Randy Bothby, VoteVets, and Representative Harold P. Naughton, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veteran and Federal Affairs.