My name Is Tamara Barton a former United States Air Force Veteran who has faithfully served my country from November 97 to November 2004. After my military service, I faced the equally daunting task of re-establishing a civilian life. Like many fellow veterans, I sought education as the doorway to opportunity. I attended college to get my CMA certification and Associates Degree. Since then, I have been passionately serving in the healthcare sector for the last 13 years. Despite my efforts, I still owe over $50,000 in student loan. I am a service connected veteran with a 70% disability yet I do not qualify for student loan forgiveness.

Currently student loan forgiveness for veterans only applies to veterans that have a 100% service connected disability. I believe veterans with any amount of service connection disability should qualify for student loan forgiveness. I firmly believe this burden isn't one that needs to be shoulder by those who've risked their lives in service of their nation. Recent statistics illustrate that approximately 37.5% of veterans grapple with student loans, and this heavy financial burden often compounds the challenges associated with the transition back into civilian life (source: CNBC News). Veterans with service-connected disabilities, who've sacrificed both physically and mentally for our homeland, mustn't be left to wrestle with monetary challenges after their commitment to our safety.

Therefore, I implore lawmakers to draft and endorse a bill that makes veterans with any amount of service-connected disabilities qualified for full student loan forgiveness. This is a matter of national respect and gratitude for those in uniform who've lost their health in the battlefield. 

Stand in solidarity with our nation's heroes. Sign this petition to call for leniency and support for service-connected disabled veterans carrying the burden of student loans. Thank you