(Photo: Tungilik)
The American Legion has released a survey for Veterans and their families to share their perspectives on recent and future government actions affecting them. The feedback helps ensure Veterans receive the care they need when they need it. Take the survey.
“The American Legion has never shied away from the responsibility of being a voice for the Veterans, and we will not start now,” American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Director Cole Lyle said testifying before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on March 11 regarding pending legislation, workforce reductions at the VA, and privatization concerns. “Veterans listening, The Legion exists for you. The VA exists for you. And we will continue to advocate for an effective VA on your behalf.”
American Legion Headquarters reported Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) inquired about discussions between The Legion and VA Secretary Doug Collins regarding VA job reductions. Lyle emphasized the need for transparency, stating that the Legion is in communication with the secretary’s office about a department-wide personnel review due by May 9.
“We absolutely want to have the Legionnaires’ voices heard in that process to ensure that there are no cuts in mission-critical capabilities for health care or benefits at the VA,” he said.
Blumenthal stressed the importance of advocacy, stating, “At the end of the day, it’s our Veterans who have to save VA health care, VA benefits, and the PACT Act.”
The American Legion also provided testimony on 15 pieces of pending legislation, including the Veterans’ Access Act, which seeks to improve care services under the Veterans Community Care Program. Lyle stated the need to codify community care standards to protect Veterans’ access. He said community care is part of VA care, funded and coordinated by the VA. While Veterans appreciate both VA and community care, many find the referral and scheduling process frustrating. Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) thanked The Legion for its support of the Veterans’ Access Act.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
