Veteran Assisted by Rep. Hochul In Securing Life-Saving Surgery Interviewed For Veterans History Project

Press Release

Today, Representative Kathy Hochul (NY -26) interviewed Vietnam Veteran Robert Lewis for the Veterans History Project. Mr. Lewis initially attended one of Rep. Hochul's "Congress on Your Corner' events where he sought help after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied him coverage for a life saving aortic valve replacement surgery. At Hochul's urging the VA reviewed Mr. Lewis' record and eventually approved coverage for the operation. The surgery was successful, and Mr. Lewis is recuperating.

"One of my top priorities as the Representative for New York's 26th district is listening to the challenges my constituents face. Today is a reminder that we must keep faith with our veterans, and in the case of Mr. Lewis, ensure delivery of proper medical treatment. It is unconscionable what he was put through to obtain a life-saving surgery, said Rep. Hochul, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee. "Assisting Mr. Lewis in receiving that operation is the least I can do to say "thank you' for his service. It was an honor to interview Mr. Lewis for the Veterans History Project today - his story is an inspiration to all, and will serve to educate generations to come."

"I would not be here today, and that's the truth of the matter, if it was not for the efforts of Congresswoman Hochul and her staff. It's nice as an individual who is a nonpolitical person to see a politician actually walk the walk, not just talk the talk, said Robert Lewis. "I thank Congresswoman Hochul and her staff for their diligence in getting me what I needed. It's a good relationship, and I will continue to utilize them for their services."

The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The project began in 2000 and documents the stories of veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.

In 1971, Mr. Lewis voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Bronze Star, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, and NYS Conspicuous Service Cross along with other decorations.

Source