VFW Veterans Advocacy Workshop

VFW Veterans Advocacy Workshop

Current Crisis Access to Health Care • Veterans off Waiting lists – Timely, Quality health care

• Appointment Scheduling – Culture of cover-up – Functional scheduling IT system

Current Crisis Accountability • VA must hold those responsible accountable – Broken trust – Illnesses going untreated

• Prosecute to the full extent of the law • Restore confidence in the system

A System Worth Saving VA Health Care System • Provides care for unique health care needs – Mental health – Prosthetics – War injuries and illnesses

• Veterans are generally satisfied with VA care

Update on Capitol Hill Pass Legislation • Access and Accountability Act • National Defense Authorization Act • Appropriations

Confirm New Secretary • Senate must hold hearing and vote

Congressional Voting Accountability Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission • February 2015

November 2014 Election • Open Posts to candidates and members – Town hall meetings, debates, candidate forums – Insist Veterans and military quality of life issues are discussed

• Attend Candidate forums or town hall meetings • Ask hard questions – Where do you stand on military quality of life issues – What are you doing/ or will you do to ensure veterans are receiving timely, quality health care

What Makes a Good Advocate • Understand the issues – Where to get up-to-date information • Action Corps Weekly, blog, testimony

– Not just your story • Your story included in the big picture

• Share that information – With Post, Auxiliary, family, other supporters – Build a network of advocates

Good Advocate • Engage with you members of Congress – Receive and respond to Action Alerts • Action alert numbers go here

– Contact district office staff • They hear from constituents and work to solve local issues

– Keep your network informed – Follow-up on Action Alerts • Hold them accountable • Let others know how they voted

Discussion