ICYMI: Providence Journal: Congressman Gabe Amo is a “strong advocate for veterans’ issues”
PROVIDENCE, RI – This week, the Providence Journal wrote about Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) and his work to advance legislation as an advocate for Veterans in Rhode Island. In the piece written by Veterans Voice columnist, Frank Lennon, Congressman Amo expresses his deep gratitude for their service — detailing his work to secure benefits and ensure that providers have the funding necessary to support Veterans and their families. Selected excerpts of the Providence Journal column are below:
Congressman Gabe Amo’s veteran advocacy inspires columnist by Frank Lennon
Our 1st District Congressman Gabe Amo is the new vice ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He made national news last week with his reaction to the recent shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Amo said, “I’m not surprised given the turn that we’ve seen. … But mostly I’m disappointed because the best of America is reflected in these programs.”
This strong comment reminded me of a conversation I had with Amo a few months ago, during which he was equally forceful about his support for veteran-related issues.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to serve,” he said. “… Now I can do everything in my power to support those who do serve, who have served, and their families.”
[…]
One of his first acts as a congressman was co-sponsoring “Vets Get Outside Day” to help veterans struggling with mental health challenges.
Amo quickly learned how impactful his work on behalf of veterans could be.
“The first parade I walked in was the Newport St. Patrick’s Day parade,” he told me. “A veteran came up to me to say, ‘Thank you, Congressman Amo, for helping with my case.’
“When a young guy will go through a crowd to tap me on the shoulder and say thank you, that’s meaningful. And I said to him, ’No, in fact, thank you.’”
[…]
Perhaps with a foreboding of what lay ahead, in August he said, “I think it’s really important to make sure that veterans benefits continue to be delivered, and that providers have the resources they need to deliver services to veterans.”
“We may disagree in politics,” he said, “but know that I am first and foremost an advocate, and I want to work on behalf of veterans and military families in any way that I can.”
