American veterans deserve our sincere admiration and esteem, whether they served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, The Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan. These servicemen and women sacrificed time out of their lives to protect our freedom, served with pride under arduous conditions, and submitted themselves to unimaginable sacrifices so that we could enjoy America’s unique freedom. These selfless, devoted soldiers who preserved our freedom should receive expert care, and I believe they deserve no less than the following:

1. A medical card that shall be issued to each veteran and shall be accepted at every medical facility, whether it is at a family practice office, a cancer treatment center, a hospital or veterans’ hospital, an urgent care clinic.

2. No veterans shall be rejected care for any circumstances.

3. Each veteran deserves fast and accurate service. If a request for a second opinion is requested, then it shall be granted in a timely manner.

4. Customer Service Departments at all Veterans’ hospitals shall answer all requests within a 24-hour period.

5. Any treatment that is required outside of the veteran’s hospital, e.g., cancer treatment center, shall be obtained within five business days of diagnosis.

From the time of the Continental Congress in 1776, our military personnel have been cared for, either by the state government or the federal government, and it should continue being a priority. We have made a commitment to our servicemen and women, and we should follow through with what we have promised. I intend to be a voice for veteran rights when I am elected to the House of Representatives in November.

How are we gonna pay for this?  Well, most veterans will make multiple trips to a V.A. hospital before they even get to see a doctor.  Then it is a miracle to see the proper doctor for their condition.  Congress is mandating that more hospitals be built, and that the existing ones be brought up to standards.  However, using my suggestions will leverage facilities already in place, save the verteran travel time and wait time and improve the overall quality of care.