This article is being presented by the WA National Guard Joint Services Support Directorate benefiting

Soldiers, Airmen, Veterans and their Families.

JOINT SERVICES SUPPORT, J9 DIRECTORATE

UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS HEARING IN WASHINGTON STATE

By Gary Lott

“Our Servicemembers and Veterans through a decade of war have done everything we have asked of them. While they

don’t ask much in return, we owe them a tremendous amount. Today is an important opportunity to examine and improve

our efforts to deliver for them.” That was United States Senator Patty Murray during an official United States Senate

hearing on Wednesday at the new South Tacoma Activity and Recreation (STAR) Center in Tacoma, WA.

The U.S. Senate, Helping the Newest Generation Transition Home,

hearing was, “focused on the unique opportunities and challenges that the

South Sound and Washington state continue to face as thousands of

Veterans return to the region,” according to Murray.

The STAR Center played host to this hearing with hundreds of people

there to hear from three panels of witnesses speaking on military Veterans.

The first panel consisted of Veterans, the second was comprised of

community leaders, and the third had VA and DoD officials.

These panels provided an opportunity for the Guard, Active Duty, the VA, non-profits and DoD members to address the

Senator with their plans and concerns through testimony. They also discussed their efforts and issues at the local and

national level.

Senator Murray the Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs

Committee is also a the Chair of the Senate Committee on

Appropriations that funds the Department of Veterans Affairs.

She believes Congress and the VA must stand by the side of

Veterans and wounded warriors when they return home, and

work to make sure they get the care and support they deserve.