Issues
VETERANS
Less than twenty-two percent of members of congress have ever worn the uniform, the lowest level in American history. Nathan Bech has had the honor and privilege of serving with the finest, most tactically and technically proficient fighting force in the history of the world. He knows first hand the sacrifices made by his brothers and sisters in arms. Nathan believes we must provide for service members and their families while they serve, help those who return from combat to adjust to civilian life, and honor and never forget the service of those who do not return.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF RESERVISTS AND GUARDSMEN
The nation's reserve personnel have been a vital component of our security both at home and abroad. For this reason, Nathan Bech supports legislation to expand GI Bill benefits to reserve component service members who serve in combat areas even after their honorable separation from the military.
IMPROVING VETERANS' HEALTH CARE
Nathan Bech understands the geography of central and western Massachusetts provides unique challenges for veterans’ healthcare. He believes that where a veteran lives should not be a barrier to receiving the care they have earned. He supports measures to allow all veterans to use vouchers to access first class healthcare at facilities of their choosing in the same way patients use Medicaid and Medicare.
EASING THE TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE
Nathan Bech believes that we must do what we can to ease the transition for veterans from military to civilian life. He strongly supports educational and job counseling programs to help veterans get civilian employment in both government and the private sector. We must ensure all new educational assistance includes reservists. In addition, Nathan believes the Troops-To-Teachers program should be expanded to train veterans to become school administrators as well as teachers.
PROVIDING FOR THE FAMILIES OF OUR FALLEN HEROES
Nathan Bech believes that in addition to our national duty to provide benefits to veterans who return from combat, we must honor those who do not return and provide for their families with a death gratuity benefit and meaningful life insurance coverage. Nathan also supports legislation which would allow veterans to transfer unused benefits to their spouses and children, and would pass those benefits on automatically upon a service related death.