Why I am Running for Office: To Serve Those Who Serve

Keeping faith with our veterans is personal for me. My son Shane served in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne. My son–in–law Jacob completed three tours in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne. My daughter Sage served in the Quartermaster
Corps supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

They and their comrades volunteered to put their lives on the line to protect us. They risk more and are paid less than the private contractors who deliver their supplies and services. To do this, they willingly sacrifice the rights that you and I take for granted.

The average Iraq or Afghanistan vet has had less down time than any veteran of any previous U.S. war. Ninety-three percent report being shot at; 89 percent, being attacked or ambushed; 95 percent seeing dead bodies.

So it's understandable why so many return with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And the advances in combat medicine that allow many more to survive today than in the past also ensure that thousands of vets will struggle with amputations and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) for the rest of their lives.

They are decommissioned into a job market that is the worst in living memory. And they must appeal to potential employers who often have scant understanding of the discipline, loyalty, and skills that they bring. I offer my heartfelt thanks to all who work to support returning vets and their families.

You may wonder what a Massachusetts State Representative could do to help reintegrate returning men and women into our communities and give them what they need to succeed. I would work to create

• A Veterans' Treatment Court System
• A Veterans' Advocate Volunteer Program
• Regular conferences, bringing vets and their communities together to learn from each other and solve problems

I am running for office because we need more independent leaders with vision who can collaborate with others to get the job of revitalizing our area done. In that context, I once again challenge my opponent, Mr. Howitt, .

A. Keith Carreiro is a candidate to be the Massachusetts State Representative from Rehoboth, Seekonk, Precincts 4 and 5 of Swansea, and Precincts 1 and 2 of Norton. Keith can be reached at keith@keithcarreiro.com.