“Veterans for Mikie” Launches with Community Roundtable

West Caldwell, NJ — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) yesterday launched “Veterans for Mikie” during a community roundtable with NJ-11 veterans. Sherrill was joined by former U.S. Navy commander Bill Squires, former U.S. Air Force Major Kelly Holliday, and former U.S. Air Force Airborne Operations Specialist/Sensor Operator Jairo Rodriguez.

“I joined fellow veterans yesterday to discuss the pressing issues facing the veteran community. That includes better healthcare, better access to educational and employment opportunities, and improving VA services,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill. “In my first term, I have championed legislation to pair veterans with service dogs, increase funding for burn pits research, and increase access to child care for veterans with appointments at the VA. I know first hand the sacrifices and responsibilities service members take on to protect and defend our Constitution, and I won’t stop working to improve services for our veteran community.”

“Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy as am I. She served our country with pride and professionalism during her ten years on active duty as a Naval aviator. As a veteran, she understands the needs of veterans and has been supporting and representing the veterans not only in the 11th Congressional District but all veterans who served our great country. She has my faith and confidence, and that is why I will be voting for her in November,” said Bill Squires.

“I am inspired by Mikie’s story — how service to her country and to her fellow veterans continues to drive her after her time in the Navy. When she felt the values of her country and her military honor were threatened by the current administration, she chose to leave her comfortable life to fight for us. As veterans, it is critical that we support her in that fight. She has shown through her voting record, her dedicated outreach, and her willingness to listen that she is a true advocate for vets,” said Kelly Holliday.

“From the onset of Congresswoman Sherrill’s election, she kicked off regular town halls which were critically needed in our district. She hit the ground running right away and listened, which in my book cemented my support. To focus in on the veterans, she has done an amazing job of reaching out to all of the district veteran organizations and conducted many roundtable discussions to ensure that we continue to have a voice and inform us that she has our back! Veterans should be proud to have Mikie Sherrill fighting on our behalf. She cares, she listens and she has our six,” said Jairo Rodriguez.

Sherrill attended the Naval Academy and graduated from flight school in the first class of women eligible for combat. She served in the Navy as a Sea King helicopter pilot for almost ten years, flying missions in Europe and the Middle East.

In her first term in office, she helped found the bipartisan For Country Caucus, which advocates for veterans and their families, and formed the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Caucus to address the needs of women veterans. She led passage of the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act in the House to pair veterans suffering from PTSD with service dogs, and helped get the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act, the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act, and Gold Star Family Tax Relief Act signed into law.

She is a fierce advocate for women veterans, standing up for better women’s health services and child care at the VA, and fighting to stop the recurrence of sexual harassment and assault of women in the military.

###