08.07.15

Sullivan says August is Opportunity for Vets to be Heard, Announces VA Listening Sessions & Field Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Given the importance of Alaska veterans to the state and to the country, the month of August will be a great opportunity for Alaskans to directly engage with VA officials in the state, including with VA Secretary Bob McDonald, and David Shulkin, the VA Undersecretary of Health. At U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan’s request, Dr. Shulkin, along with other state officials, will attend two listening sessions and an official field hearing on August 24 and 25, focusing on problems with the VA’s implementation of the Veterans Choice Program in Alaska, as well as the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Wasilla.

VA Secretary Bob McDonald also took Senator Sullivan up on an invitation to visit Alaska. Secretary McDonald will be in the state next week. Senator Sullivan is scheduled for Marine Corps Reserves training, but will get a full briefing when he returns. His state director, retired Air Force Col. Otto Feather, will accompany Secretary McDonald on his visit.

“I’m pleased that Secretary McDonald is visiting the state, and I trust that he will be getting a greater appreciation for the positive impact our exemplary veterans have on our community in Alaska. I hope that he’ll also see firsthand how, as a result of the implementation of the Choice Act, many Alaska vets aren’t getting the care they deserve and were promised.”

As a response to the long wait-time scandals at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs facility, the Choice Act was signed into law in 2014. However, due to Alaska’s unique needs, the Choice Act program is not delivering on the promise of improving access to care for Alaska’s veterans. 

Senator Sullivan’s office has heard from numerous veterans who are being ill served by the Choice Program. The Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Wasilla, which serves veterans, has for years been plagued with problems.

As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Senator Sullivan has been stressing the urgency of the ongoing crisis.

“Without exaggeration we have a five-alarm fire going on in Alaska with our veterans because of the way the Choice Act is being implemented,” Senator Sullivan said. “I have extracted commitments from VA officials to come to Alaska in August with solutions on hand.”

Below are the details for the listening sessions and the field hearing. Testimony at the field hearing is limited to invitees. The media and the public are encouraged to attend all events.

Listening Sessions

  •          When: Monday, August 24. 11:00 a.m-1:00 p.m.
  •          Where: Mona Lisa Drexler Assembly Chambers, 809 Pioneer Road, Fairbanks.
  •          When: Monday, August 24. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  •          Where: Dena’ina Wellness Center, 508 Upland Street, Kenai.

Field Hearing

  •          When: Tuesday, August 25. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
  •          Where: Alliance Christian Fellowship Church, 16620 Brooks Loop, Eagle River