UPDATE: Twenty-three members will be participating (10 Republicans and 13 Democrats) in the bipartisan initiative, led by Congresswoman Fudge and the National Guard and Reserve Caucus, to invite Iraq War Veterans to the State of the Union Address.  See list below.

WASHINGTON, DC-- Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) today announced that she will invite an Iraq War Veteran from the 11th district of Ohio to join her at the State of the Union address.  Joseph Collins, who served in Iraq in 2005, is an honorably discharged Marine Sergeant and is currently unemployed.  She is asking that her congressional colleagues join her in inviting a Veteran of the Iraq War from their districts.  Veterans will sit in the House gallery for the annual State of the Union address on January 24.

"In the 112th Congress, we might be divided on many issues, but we find common ground in the fulfillment of our nation’s obligation to our service members and their families.  This is a small gesture that only begins to show my gratitude to those who have honorably served our country.  This invitation gives them the opportunity to hear from our Commander in Chief about his vision for our nation, a nation they risked their lives to protect." 

"The men and women who have returned from Iraq will be met with challenges, but we must be aggressive in making sure resources are available for job seeking, education, housing, and wellness.  I hope my colleagues join me in honoring these American heroes with an invitation to the State of the Union address."

Guest of Congresswoman Fudge:

Marine Sergeant Joseph Collins, a resident of the 11th District, served in Iraq for just under a year in 2005 and 2006.  He served with the 8th Communications Battalion Service Company Motor Transport.  He attended East Technical High School and joined the Marines after graduation.  After he came home from Iraq, Sergeant Collins found it difficult to transition back to civilian life and has worked several short-term jobs over the past few years.  He has been unemployed since January 2011, but he remains hopeful he will find permanent employment.  He said it is a blessing that he will have the opportunity to attend the State of the Union and hear President Obama address the nation.

Members who have signed on to participate:

                Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge, Democrat from Ohio

                Congressman Spencer Bachus, Republican from Alabama

                Congressman Jeff Miller, Republican from Florida

                Congressman Tim Walz, Democrat from Minnesota

                Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Democrat from Texas

                Congressman John Carney, Democrat from Delaware

                Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Democrat from Wisconsin

                Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Democrat from New York

                Congressman David McKinley, Republican from West Virginia

                Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, Republican from Maryland

                Congressman Bill Huizenga, Republican from Michigan

                Congresswoman Sandy Adams, Republican from Florida

                Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Democrat from Maryland

                Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, Republican from Missouri

                Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Democrat from Nevada

                Congresswoman Diane Black, Republican from Tennessee

                Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, Republican from Pennsylvania

                Congressman Tim Bishop, Democrat from New York

                Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Democrat from Florida

                Congressman Ben R. Lujan, Democrat from New Mexico

                Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Democrat from California

                Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Democrat from Ohio

                Congressman Steve Stivers, Republican from Ohio

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