As a veteran and a wartime medical commander, I have witnessed the sacrifices, courage and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served in our armed forces.
Veterans took an oath to support and defend the Constitution. This pledge emphasizes all veterans' commitment to uphold freedom, liberty and democracy. We owe them all a debt for protecting our nation and its bedrock principles.
Military service is relatively rare. Fewer than five out of every 1,000 Americans actively serve in the National Guard or one of the six armed forces. Still, about 7% of our population, including about 70,000 Delawareans, have spent time in service to our nation.
The following are five reasons we need a cabinet-level Delaware secretary of veterans affairs:
• Representing veterans' interests: Veterans need a strong, dedicated advocate within state government. A cabinet-level secretary would provide direct access to the governor and other decision-makers, ensuring veterans' needs and concerns are prioritized during the creation of policy
• Addressing healthcare needs: Many veterans require specialized medical care due to past military service, including lasting effects of toxic exposure and physical injuries. For some veterans, wounds are psychological, rooted in experiences too horrible to forget and too challenging to handle without skilled assistance and care. Nationwide, 24 veterans commit suicide daily. By establishing a cabinet-level secretary, Delaware can more effectively coordinate healthcare services, including the expansion of facilities and medical programs tailored to veterans' needs, increasing timely access to treatment closer to home. Additionally, the term homeless veteran is so disturbingly common that it has almost become a tragic cliché. Every veteran should have access to safe, affordable housing
• Improving accessibility to benefits: Navigating the bureaucratic web to access benefits can be daunting. Veterans service officers are crucial in getting veterans access to what they’ve earned. By increasing the number of VSOs and streamlining the claims process, a cabinet-level secretary could improve financial stability, reduce stress and enhance veterans' quality of life
• Legislative advocacy: A cabinet-level secretary would advocate for legislation benefiting veterans – something we presently lack. Only about 10% of state lawmakers are veterans. We need to pass the claim shark bill to protect veterans from exploitation, increase funding to hire more VSOs, and partner with the members of our congressional delegation to expand access to federal benefits and programs that are not readily available in Delaware. A cabinet-level secretary would be a powerful voice for increasing the state income tax exclusion for military pensions. This investment would pay huge dividends, making Delaware an attractive destination for veterans, adding to our skilled workforce, fostering business creation and job development, and sparking economic activity
• Enhancing community engagement: Veterans often possess leadership and collaborative skills that can significantly benefit any community. By providing better support and services, Delaware can encourage veterans to be more active in volunteering and mentoring. This engagement can have a positive ripple effect, strengthening community bonds and nurturing a sense of shared purpose.
Creating a secretary of veterans affairs is a practical, necessary step to ensure our veterans are honored, have a meaningful role in making policy decisions, and receive the care and support they deserve.
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