During the month of July, Delaware’s Congressional Delegation will hold special office hours for veterans in all three counties.
At Monday’s first event in New Castle, Representative John Carney said these office hours are about making sure crucial services reach veterans and that they should leave better equipped to handle their challenges.
“They served us, they protected our freedom, and one way or the other, whether there was a WWII veteran we had here - 90 years old, or people who are serving today in air or national guard," he said.
Veterans could chat with a financial counselor, learn how to create a stronger resume and even get some extra food from the state food bank. Early on, a long line formed in front of the VA benefits administration table. Cynthia Watts was there, waiting for answers.
“I’ve been trying to find out, what kind of benefits can I get. Because when I went to the VA hospital, they were like, “you’re not obligated to receive it.” And I’ve been wanting to know, and I’ve been fighting this since 2000," said Watts.
Other veterans, like Terry Baker, were concerned about the Wilmington VA, saying he’s watched services there deteriorate over the past few years, echoing allegations that surfaced about a year ago.
Before the event, Carney addressed that issue during a Facebook chat - posting that “At the moment, I'm waiting impatiently for the Inspector General's report.” He added that he had sent letters to the Director of the Wilmington VA and to the Secretary of the VA.
Carney added in that post that these office hours are meant to help “folks deal with these issues.”
The next veterans’ office hours will be held in Dover next Monday. The third is scheduled for July 27th in Millsboro.