To the editor:

The United States has always prided itself on its strong military. It’s an organization filled with over a million brave men and women willing to sacrifice everything to protect this country from our enemies. Because of their limitless courage and commitment, the U.S. needs to support our servicemen and women, along with their families, however we can. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has shown she recognizes this need again and again, and has worked tirelessly to make it happen.

One of Elise’s most important goals in Congress has been to support Fort Drum in upstate New York. Despite constant attempts to slash the fort’s budget, Elise led a strong resistance to such measures, protecting it from being substantially defunded. She knows our country needs to fund our brave service people so they can serve to the best of their ability. Not only does this provide upstate New York with thousands of jobs, but it also sends a strong message to the world that the United States is unafraid of any threat. Furthermore, Elise has worked hard to make sure North Country veterans receive the support they deserve, leading to millions of dollars in benefits being provided. She knows our brave men and women have spent years giving everything for our country and has fought hard to make sure the government helps give back to them.

Both of these actions, along with dozens of others, show how much Elise truly cares about our troops. She knows we need to support them not only while they are active but also long into their futures. The dedication and courage of our military deserve complete support and Elise has worked hard to give back to them. This upcoming November, we should remember what our troops have fought for, and who continues to fight for them in our Congress.

Alan Gray

Plattsburgh