I am from a military family — my father was career — and many members of my immediate and extended family have served and now serve. So perhaps I carry heightened sensitivities to the unique realities and challenges of military life.

With the news about our withdrawal from Iraq, our troops, and the importance of national acknowledgement of their service and sacrifice, were already on my mind when I arrived for a meeting in the office of Rep. Allen West, R-Fla.