Incoming U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Portland) released a statement Tuesday thanking the country’s veterans for their service and promising to do more to help them when he becomes a member of the body in 2009.

"As we honor our service members this Veterans Day, we must remember that today is only the beginning of the recognition these brave individuals deserve for all they have given to our nation,” Merkley said. “There is no way we can fully repay the debt we owe to those who have served the United States in the Armed Forces, but we can begin by ensuring that we keep the promises we have made to them.“

Merkley went on to discuss plans to improve veteran health care, including improving treatment for mental illness as well as fully funding the VA health care system.

"Our country faces many challenges at this moment, but we cannot allow America's veterans to be lost in the shuffle,” Merkley said. “ As Oregon's next U.S. Senator, I will fight to expand educational opportunities and improve medical treatment and mental health services for our men and women in uniform. It is our duty as a nation to honor the commitments we made those who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe."

Merkley spent Veterans day travelling through Central and Eastern Oregon to lay out his plans for when he becomes the state’s junior Senator in January. He was scheduled to speak in Bend and La Grande on Tuesday.

Merkley declared victory in a close election with U.S Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton) on Thursday, and became the first Oregon Senate candidate in 40 years to defeat an incumbent.