Today U.S. Senator Mark Begich gave an emotional farewell speech to the Senate.
He stated some things he was proud of including his work on defense and Alaska’s military bases like securing the F-16’s and getting F-35 as well as making sure veterans are able to get healthcare.
Begich: “There was an idea I remember when I was campaigning in ’08, I called it the Hero’s Health Guard. I remember when I got into office people said it would never happen, and of course people who know me, when you say never or no that means YES they just didn’t spell it properly. Today now in Alaska it doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran in the smallest rural communities or the biggest cities, you will get healthcare and access to it, through our tribal healthcare delivery system, the first in the nation.”
He ended his speech with a heartfelt farewell.
Begich: “It has been a true honor to serve the US senate, to serve the people of Alaska and to know every day, we, me, my members and my staff, colleagues who worked with me, contribute a little bit to making life better for Alaska, for Alaskans for this country. There’s no place like serving in this body and doing what I could to make a difference. Mr. President I yield the floor.”
Begich’s successor Dan Sullivan will be sworn in on January 6th, 2015.