“While our country is dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Veterans Benefits Administration within the Department of Veterans Affairs has modified its outreach by meeting veterans where they are in a safe environment. At the VBA, we provide benefits and services to veterans, service members, survivors and dependents in a responsive, timely and compassionate manner in recognition of their service to the nation.”
“As VBA’s leader, I typically travel around the country throughout the year engaging veterans face-to-face to bring awareness about different benefits and services available to them and their dependents. This is also where I learn a great deal about veterans’ needs and gather insights.”
“Unfortunately, the pandemic slowed that travel. So we’ve found another way to stay connected: conducting multiple telephone town hall meetings each week. Since March, I’ve conducted 69 tele-town halls in 50 states and connected with more than 2.5 million veterans.”
“These virtual meetings have afforded me the opportunity to interact with veterans and discuss VBA’s continued service during the pandemic. We have a responsibility to ensure our veterans receive what they need, as well as to help them understand and access their benefits earned.”
“In doing these tele-town halls, I’ve learned veterans from every state have different concerns about the pandemic, specific to their location…” Read the full article here.
Source: The VA Is Working Harder Than Ever to Connect with Isolated Veterans – By Paul R. Lawrence, October 5, 2020. Military.com.
