Veterans

Equality is a core value of Democracy but equality demands special care for those who bear unequal sacrifice in defense of our nation and its values.   When a nation goes to war, it incurs a sacred obligation to care for those who serve, especially those who bear the physical and mental wounds of their service.  Care for veterans must include Reserve and National Guard forces, assistance to families and accessibility to those in rural areas.  

VETPAC therefore supports policy and efforts that:

•    Assure funding for Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to allow proper planning and capacity to treat veterans.
•    Reduce wait times for treatment and for settlement of disability claims.
•    Improve mental health services to cope with the epidemic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) cases.
•    End the disgrace of 200,000 or more homeless veterans on our streets every night.
•    Increase support for women veterans and their children.
•    Fund family caregivers who serve the needs of their wounded children, spouses or parents.
•    Utilize civilian facilities in rural and remote areas where DVA facilities are not available.
•    Provide special provisions for Reserve and National Guard troops such as access to TRICARE when they are activated.
•    Ensure a seamless transition from military medical care to the DVA, including integration of electronic medical records between the two departments.