Connecting Veterans with Resources

It’s not enough to say “thank you” just one day each year. Every day is an opportunity to remember those who have stood guard on distant battlefields and here at home to protect the liberties at the core of the United States. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude and our sincerest respect.

Meeting these veterans and hearing their stories is one of the highlights of my stops around the Sixth District. Our part of the Commonwealth is home to thousands of men and women who have bravely served. For some, their years in the military seem almost a lifetime ago. Others are making the transition to civilian life now. Some have visible wounds and some carry wounds that cannot be seen. Many are eager to share their stories, while others would prefer not to relive such memories. While no veteran’s experience is the same, there is one thing they share: they have all made countless sacrifices so that we could live freely under the Stars and Stripes.

America owes our veterans the care and support necessary to help heal their wounds, transform their skills to jobs here at home, and give them the educational tools they need to succeed. Not only should we provide resources for today’s veterans, but we must also ensure that resources are available for those who will soon transition from active duty. Our veterans deserve a system that works, and a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that is accountable to them.

That’s why I am working in Congress to advance policies to rid this system of the backlogs, waste, and abuse we have seen in recent years. I am a strong supporter of the VA Accountability Act, which gives the VA the authority to remove or demote employees based on performance or misconduct. Additionally, I am a cosponsor of legislation to allow a veteran to receive non-VA care if they live more than 40 miles driving distance from the closest VA medical facility that provides the care they seek.

I will host a Veterans’ Resource Fair on Thursday, February 18th, from 10AM-12PM at the Thomas D. Howie Memorial Armory in Gypsy Hill Park located at 500 Thornrose Avenue in Staunton. This fair is for the benefit of all veterans to help better connect them to the many programs and services available in our region, including education, health care, employment, and housing resources. Anyone with an interest in veterans’ issues is welcome to attend. If you have any questions about the Fair, or know of an organization interested in hosting a table, please contact my office at 540-857-2672.

I humbly thank those who have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces past and present. Your service is not forgotten, and I will continue working in Congress to ensure that our commitment to veterans is kept.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte

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