Capitol News

Congressman Tom Barrett, who represents Michigan’s 7th Congressional District and serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, convened a roundtable with local veteran leaders in Eaton Rapids at the VFW National Home. The meeting focused on ways to improve support for veterans returning to civilian life.

Barrett, a U.S. Army veteran of 22 years, led discussions about how federal policy could better deliver benefits and services to veterans. Participants emphasized improving programs that help service members transition into their communities and ensuring that reservists and National Guard members receive all benefits based on their qualifying service.

“In the military, service members work cohesively and lean on each other to complete each mission. Supporting our veterans after they come home has to be a team effort, too,” said Barrett. “I’m grateful to everyone who joined me to discuss how we can continue working together to help our brave men and women when they come home. It’s clear the federal government has to do better to help veterans transition back into their communities after service, find good jobs and housing, and access the benefits they earned. And the VA needs to follow the law and fully account for the service of veterans who served in the reserve or National Guard. I’ll continue working with mid-Michigan veteran leaders to address these issues and deliver for those who have served.”

The VFW National Home provides housing and support services for military families from across the country, helping them set goals toward independence during their stay. This year marks its 100th anniversary as an organization focused on supporting families with children.

“For a century, the VFW National Home has sheltered and supported military families,” said Dr. Jerred Johnson, director of veteran services at the VFW National Home. “Today, our mission to help veterans and their loved ones is going strong. Our one-of-a-kind program takes in veteran families from across the country — providing housing, child care, education, and more to help them transition to independence. Our entire team is grateful for Congressman Barrett taking the time to see the home and hear concerns from so many veteran support organizations today. We look forward to continuing to work with him to support our fellow veterans.”

Attendees included representatives from several organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, VETLIFE, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), as well as officials from regional Veterans Affairs offices.

Barrett has been active in advancing legislation aimed at improving communication between veterans and federal agencies as well as expanding transportation assistance for disabled veterans through bills like the Clear Communication for Veteran Claims Act—which would simplify VA notice letters—and the Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation (ASSIST) Act—designed to reimburse disabled veterans for additional vehicle accessibility modifications.