REP LIEU COMMEMORATES VETERANS DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) honors those who have served and sacrificed as members of our nation's Armed Forces. Last weekend, Congressman Lieu marked Veterans Day with his annual "Conversations with Veterans" where he creates a forum to allow veterans from California's 36th congressional district to share their stories. Congressman Lieu invited non-veteran members of the community to attend the event to foster understanding and connection among veterans and those for whom they served. This year's event was held virtually.

"It was an honor to host this annual gathering and hear directly from the veterans in our community about their experiences and sacrifices. I will always fight for them and their families to ensure they receive the care and benefits they earned in service," said Congressman Lieu. "Every veteran has a story worth hearing. It is important that we take the time to listen. Below are just of few of the many stories shared by our district's veterans. Happy Veterans Day!"

Michael Acosta, Marine Corps

Early in my training, I depended on the Marines beside me, and in combat we trusted one another with our lives. That responsibility didn't end when I took the uniform off. Today, that mission looks different, but the commitment remains the same.

Yesenia Rodriguezcarranza, Army

Before I got into the military, I never drank. But in the military, drinking was like a badge of honor ... So, I came home and I continued to abuse alcohol. The bottle was like my shield. I took a long, empty journey. I tried to commit suicide, and I was sent to the hospital. While in the hospital, I had an eye-opening experience that turned the light on in my eyes. And He gave me grace. I went from thinking I was the perfect child - there's nothing wrong with me, it's everybody else's fault - to realizing that I was a hurt child and I needed help. It was a moment of clarity.

Kevin Butler, Coast Guard

My Coast Guard service taught me that serving others isn't always about being on the front lines. Sometimes it's being the calm voice on the radio making sure the right information gets to the right people and being ready when the unexpected happens. Nearly two decades after leaving the Coast Guard, those lessons remained at the center of my work. My uniform changed, the mission evolved, but responsibility never left.

Diego Huttepain, Army

During my time in the Army, I was sent to Army Ranger School. And I was able to graduate after spending 120 days there. Basically, it's a leadership school where they starve, sleep deprive you, stress and push people to their limits. I remember seeing the different ways people reacted and interacted at their lowest points ... The program takes a major toll on your body. It's hard to graduate, so less than 1 percent of the Army has graduated from Ranger school. But as a result, you learn a lot about yourself. When I made it through, I came to believe I could truly accomplish anything.

Watch the full Conversations with Veterans event here.

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