Working To Protect Our National Security And Our Veterans, Ros-Lehtinen, Diaz-Balart, and Graham Visit Homestead Air Reserve Base And The Homestead VA Outpatient Clinic

“I look forward to continuing to lead the bipartisan effort to bring the first reserve-led F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to South Florida and ensure that HARB remains an asset to our community and a key player in the defense of our national security both at home and abroad.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 21, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), along with Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Gwen Graham (D-FL) visited Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB) to discuss its importance to our national security and South Florida’s economy, as well as efforts to bring fighter jets to HARB. The bipartisan Congressional delegation then received a briefing on HARB’s operations and toured the facilities. Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Graham also attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new physical medicine and rehabilitation space at the Homestead VA Outpatient Clinic.

Alongside remodeling and expansion of the facilities, the Homestead VA clinic has added physical rehabilitation and optometry services, and has increased the mental health services it already provides.

Ros-Lehtinen has a long history of advocating for our servicemembers and veterans. Her husband, Dexter, is a combat veteran who volunteered for service and sustained serious injuries while serving our country in Vietnam. Her step-son, Doug, and daughter-in-law, Lindsay, served our nation as Marine officers in Iraq and Lindsay also served in Afghanistan.

Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“It was a privilege to have the opportunity to tour the facilities at Homestead Air Reserve Base with my colleagues and friends, Mario and Gwen. Protecting our national security is an issue that goes beyond party lines and I am pleased to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to guarantee the safety of our community and our country. As our nation faces renewed threats to our security, Homestead Air Reserve Base has become more important to our community and our nation than ever. Due to its strategic location, HARB plays an essential role in protecting the homeland and addressing critical challenges to our security anywhere around the globe. HARB also serves as a major contributor to the economic growth of South Florida, generating thousands of jobs and pouring over $300 million into our local economy. I look forward to continuing to lead the bipartisan effort to bring the first reserve-led F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to South Florida and ensure that HARB remains an asset to our community and a key player in the defense of our national security both at home and abroad.”

“It was also an honor to be present at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion of the Homestead VA Outpatient Clinic. For years, this outpatient clinic has provided essential and life-saving treatment to veterans in our community and I am excited about the new additions that will benefit those who have bravely served. I am pleased to see the improvements and I am excited about their potential for improving the quality of care that veterans in South Florida receive.”