Henrico Times

Midlothian, Va. – Congressman Rob Wittman recently organized a seminar at American Legion Post 354 in Midlothian to address the needs of veterans and their families. The event brought together veterans, support organizations, and community members to discuss resources and challenges faced by the veterans' community in Virginia's First District.

"Our veterans made great sacrifices for us on the battlefield, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for that service," said Rep. Wittman. "These heroes and their families deserve access to the highest level of care, employment and educational opportunities, and support from their community."

Wittman was accompanied by Harry Schein from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and Bill Barksdale from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ Roanoke Regional Office.

The First District has a significant veteran population within Virginia's over 700,000 veterans. During his tenure in Congress, Rep. Wittman has introduced legislation aimed at improving services for veterans:

- Voted for the PACT Act to expand VA healthcare for those exposed to toxic burn pits.

- Introduced several acts including:

- Veterans Collaboration Act: Encourages collaboration between non-profit veteran service organizations and educational institutions.

- BRAVE Act: Creates an alert system for counseling options during crises.

- Veterans Choice Accountability Act: Increases access to non-VA medical care.

- Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information Act: Accelerates care access by sharing data with DoD doctors.

Additionally, he cosponsored acts like the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act and Not Just a Number Act which aim to enhance healthcare delivery and suicide prevention efforts respectively.