Walz Brings Ideas from Southern Minnesota to National Veterans Roundtable

Press Release

Today, Congressman Walz brought stories and ideas he solicited from the southern Minnesota veteran's community to a national veterans roundtable held in the U.S. Capitol. He also brought Houston County Veterans Service Officer Rob Gross to share his ideas on how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can improve efficiency to better serve veterans.

"Some of best ideas for how we can improve the care of our veterans come to me from veterans and their families in southern Minnesota. I am proud to bring their suggestions and concerns to this national discussion."

Walz invited his constituent Rob Gross, a County Veterans Service Officer in Houston County, MN to highlight a problem Rob brought to his attention previously. Rob is accredited by several highly respected veterans' service organizations like the American Legion and the DAV to help veterans with their claims at the VA, but often times when Rob tries to advocate he doesn't have adequate access to the information he needs.

Rob attended the meeting with Walz today and said, "Allowing folks like me better access to information within the VA could help get benefits to veterans faster and reduce the claims backlog at the VA. It's a win-win for everyone and a simple fix."

Walz also highlighted unemployment amongst returning veterans as a high priority concern.

"When the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform deploy overseas, they don't just leave behind family and friends, they also leave behind jobs. Many enlist before they ever have a full time career and are returning to a tough job market," said Walz. "Yet many of the skills they acquire during their years of service can benefit employers and making sure they have job opportunities when they return home is the least we can do."

Walz serves on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, served 24 years in the National Guard and is the highest ranking enlisted soldier to serve in Congress.

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