I have had the opportunity to work with Susan Collins on behalf of veterans a number of times since she has been our senator. I could not have had better cooperation from the senator or her staff on each occasion. In one instance, she presented the Silver Star to the family of a high school classmate of mine posthumously. This citation has been lost during the Korean War and with Sen. Collins’ assistance, the record was corrected and his son proudly received the award from her for his family.

On other occasions, I have lobbied the senator and her staff for a number of veterans’ issues, like funding for the military during budget deliberations such as overruns during the Kosovo campaign when our country expected our services to perform, but were slow in providing funding. I have always found her to be most receptive to our concerns.

She was particularly helpful in assisting veterans to receive their pension though receiving disability compensation. She has assisted more than 1,000 veterans with individual problems, such as overdue medals and honors, cutting through the red tape on care and services that were promised, and she has attended numerous military functions during the last six years. With the influence of a father who was a World War II veteran and her experience serving on the Armed Services Committee, she is an invaluable friend of veterans.

It is unfortunate that a crowded schedule during a re-election campaign has not allowed her to attend all the function of loyal constituents like veterans, much as she would like to. I know where Susan’s concerns are, and when we as veterans need her services, she will be there.

Ralph E. Leonard

Civilian aide to Secretary of the Army for Maine

Stillwater