BILOXI, Miss.–You’ve heard this week about two forums in south Mississippi for veterans to tell Cong. Steven Palazzo (R) about their woes and worries dealing with the VA. Now Palazzo is reporting in and said Tuesday that you can still get your concerns to his office, even though the forums are over.
This is a statement from his office, and includes a link at the bottom for you to submit complaints or concerns about the VA:
“I invited local veterans to come out to hear what’s being done to address issues at the VA, and to share their stories – and they did. These are the ongoing conversations we’ll continue as we work to right the wrongs within the Department of Veterans Affairs and assist local veterans with benefits and other services. I want to thank all those who attended, as well as our resource partners that participated in these forums. We must ensure South Mississippi veterans are receiving the best service and care possible.”
In Hattiesburg, participating groups included the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Salvation Army of Hattiesburg, Oak Arbor of Hattiesburg, the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District of Hattiesburg, and the South Mississippi Contract Procurement Center. Veterans Services Officers from Clarke, Forrest, Greene, Jones, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry and Wayne Countries were also in attendance. At least 75 local veterans attended the Hattiesburg forum.
In Biloxi, representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Combat Wounded Veterans of South Mississippi, Habitat for Humanity, AmeriCorps Mississippi, and the American Red Cross. More than 100 local veterans attended the Biloxi forum.
Over the past few months, Palazzo has called for the resignation of former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, as well as supported reform legislation that would expedite firing of high-level VA officials, expand private care access to veterans at the expense of the VA, and place a two year prohibition on any VA bonuses. He has also met with officials at VA facilities throughout South Mississippi.
Veterans can also continue to share their stories using Palazzo’s web site: www.palazzo.house.gov/vastories.
