Congresswomen Napolitano & Chu Bring VA to San Gabriel Valley at Annual Veterans Forum

Press Release

On Saturday, June 25, 2016, Congresswomen Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) and Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) joined forces with the California Army National Guard, the City of Azusa, and local veterans organizations to bring the VA to the U.S. Army National Guard Armory in Azusa to assist San Gabriel Valley veterans with their casework.

"We salute all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice to our country," said Congresswoman Napolitano. "Which is why we, too, must serve and continue to show the same dedication they have shown us. We are very grateful to Congresswoman Chu and her office for co-hosting this important public event, expanding our outreach to San Gabriel Valley veterans. Our communities stand united on behalf of all veterans to ensure they receive the benefits they have gallantly earned. We thank the City of Azusa, all the volunteers, veteran service organizations, community-based organizations, and colleges for their strong support. Our El Monte office is always available to assist. Please call any time."

"Because our veterans have given so much to each of us, I know that I am not alone in wanting to give something back to each of them," said Congresswoman Chu. "That means helping with resources, like today's forum, but also by honoring them in our everyday life as well. Between myself and Rep. Napolitano, our combined districts have more than 45,000 veterans who have given their all for us, and it is imperative that we do everything possible to give what we can back to them. In fact, every day, my office sees and hears from veterans from the San Gabriel Valley looking for help and advice. Some of them are looking for an update on their benefits claim, many after having waited for more than 6 months. Others are trying to get an appointment to see a doctor, and still others are looking for information on going back to school. Finally, many of our veterans come to my office seeking assistance to retrieve old medals that were either lost or stolen. Helping each of our veterans find the answers to these questions and others is why we put together this forum today. I was so pleased with the success of today's event and I look forward to doing more to get our veterans the care and support they deserve."

Michael Fisher, Director, Long Beach VA Hospital and Emmett O'Meara, Assistant Director, VA Los Angeles Regional Office, also welcomed the veterans and discussed the many services available to them at their facilities. Other speakers included representatives from local veterans organizations cosponsoring the event, including: LA County Department of Veterans Affairs, the VFW, American Legion, American GI Forum, and the Vet Hunters Project.

More than 100 of the region's veterans were registered and had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the VA's fifteen caseworkers on site. Veterans also received health exams and participated in workshops led by experts on important topics regarding mental health, women warriors, education and financial planning, and combating veteran homelessness.

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