Our veterans need an advocate in Congress. Mike Lawler is that advocate.

With the world in turmoil and American troops deployed overseas, how we treat those who serve, and those who have served, matters more than ever.

That’s why it’s essential to have strong veteran advocates in elected office, and why I’m supporting Congressman Mike Lawler for re-election.

I’ve spent much of my life working on veterans’ issues. After my military service, I was elected to the Westchester County Legislature and then to the New York State Assembly, where I served for 20 years. I chaired the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and later served as New York State Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs.

That experience taught me how complicated the legislative process is, and how hard it is to pass meaningful legislation. It takes persistence, an ability to work across the aisle, and a willingness to speak up. Mike Lawler has those skills.

In Congress, Mike has backed that up with action. He introduced the Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act to help ensure veterans aren’t financially penalized for living far from a VA facility, and his office has helped secure nearly $3 million in VA-related benefits for local veterans and their families. This past April, he welcomed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to the Montrose VA Medical Center and VFW Post 8328 in Yorktown to hear directly from Hudson Valley veterans about the challenges they face.

Our veterans have earned our deepest appreciation and respect. They have also earned our support: the healthcare, benefits, and resources they need for their wellbeing. Our generation has an obligation to make sure our nation delivers on that promise.

I have worked with Mike, and I know he believes as I do: the highest priority of our nation should be to take care of those who take care of us.

On Election Day, whether you’re a veteran, a military family, or simply someone who values their service, I hope you’ll join me in supporting a true friend of our veterans. Please vote for Mike Lawler. A vote for him is a vote for you.

Ronald C. Tocci served in the New York State Assembly from 1984 to 2004, where he chaired the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and was New York State Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs from 2005 to 2007. He lives in New Rochelle.