Washington’s senior senator urged an audience of local business people and politicians in Oak Harbor to set aside their feelings about the politics of war and support the troops when they come home.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, encouraged business owners to hire veterans. And she vowed to continue the fight to preserve healthcare benefits for those in the military.

“I went to Iraq 15 months ago,” she recalled. “I was always asked: ‘Will my community be there for us when we come back?’” Murray said.

Many business owners are concerned that veterans may be redeployed or suffer from post traumatic-stress disorder.

“That’s no excuse,” she said.

“We’ve got to be there for our men and women who serve our country,” Murray said.

Murray was on Whidbey Island to speak to the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce during their monthly luncheon Thursday. In a way, it was a homecoming for her, too. She owns a house on the island south of Oak Harbor.

Murray recalled the sacrifice of an earlier generation of soldiers, and said her dedication to homecoming troops stemmed from her experience as a college intern at a mental institution in the 1970s. Vietnam veterans came back, some with physical disabilities, but most suffered mental and emotional injuries.

Murray had voted against the resolution that authorized the Iraq war, but has voted to approve for increasing funding for the military operations.

“We’ve spent almost $500 billion. I supported these appropriations,” she said. “We have to make sure that our troops have the training, support and services they need.”

Murray’s visit coincides with continuing polls that say most Americans now view the war in Iraq as a mistake. July was also the most deadly month for Iraqis since the beginning of the war, according to news reports.

Some call the violence in Iraq a civil war, others call it sect on sect violence, Murray said.

“We are very concerned about how to accomplish this mission,” Murray said.

Murray said it is important to focus on getting the troops home safely and then making sure they have everything they need once they are back.

With billions of dollars being spent for military operations, it’s important to not lose touch with the reality of tight budgets.

“We have to be honest with the American public about what it takes to give them the services they need,” she said. “This is the toughest time I’ve ever seen for budgets.”

Murray added she is fighting for an honest budget that reflects what is in the bank, but also addresses the nation’s spending necessities.

Veterans and military members have a part to play, and Murray asked them to keep her informed about what is needed “on the home-front.”

“Budget starts here at home,” she explained.

A large audience filled Oak Harbor’s Chief Petty Officers Club to hear Murray speak. Some audience members were concerned about planned cuts in Tricare coverage for dependents and veterans.

In recent months, a number of scenarios were explored, including changing prescriptions to mail order and requiring co-payments for medical services.

Murray said she is worried about a shortfall on funding for veteran healthcare and services.

“It is not fair putting the current shortfall on the backs of our veterans,” Murray said.

She vowed to prevent cuts to veterans’ healthcare:

“Not on my watch!”

Murray, the daughter of a disabled World War II veteran, is the first woman to serve on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. She brought the Veteran Affairs Secretary to Washington state for hearings on Gulf War Syndrome, and also wrote the law that guarantees all veterans a military funeral with honors.

Murray also addressed audience concerns about transportation and cross-border travel during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

It is important to keep travel simple, but also keep Americans safe, Murray said. The northern border is often overlooked as the south gets all the attention. But Washington really needs to prepare for the challenge in time, she said.

“If we do it right, the Olympics in Vancouver can be great for us. If not — we’ll be known as the state that blocked everyone from going to the Olympics,” she said.

Michaela Marx Wheatley can be reached at 221-5300 or mmarxwheatley@southwhidbeyrecord.com.