The care veterans have earned

In order to really understand a problem, you have to hear what’s going on from those affected. And the best ideas for solutions come from Montanans themselves.

When it comes to getting veterans the health care and benefits they’ve earned, I leave no stone unturned. So, I took Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald on a tour of Montana, so he could hear about the issues our veterans face.

In Montana we have one of the highest rates of veterans per capita of any state — approximately 1 in 10 Montanans is a veteran. And nearly half of those veterans live in rural areas.

Our veterans and VA staff face unique challenges. But no matter how big those challenges are, we must work to overcome them. Our veterans have served our nation with honor and distinction — and they deserve the benefits of that service now that they’re back home.

We must improve health services for all Montana veterans, including those living in rural areas. We must hire more doctors and nurses so we can reduce the backlog of disability cases at the VA. We must make sure veteran students are getting their benefits so they can smoothly transition to civilian life when they return from service.

That’s what the Secretary and I heard from Montana veterans across the state. And I intend to hold the VA accountable to deliver on improvements.