This week, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to create networks of support for servicemembers transitioning to civilian life.
The Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act will allow active duty servicemembers leaving the service to designate up to 10 loved ones to receive information from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on benefits and services available to veterans and their loved ones from the VA and community partners. By directly engaging families and loved ones, the VA can prepare and equip veterans’ friends and families to better understand the transition from service to civilian life, notice when veterans struggle, and ensure they have access to the necessary tools to help veterans get assistance or care.
“The brave men and women who served our country were faced with challenging situations that many are still coping with and we must make sure they have the resources they need to get the appropriate care,” said Senator Tillis. “One aspect of achieving that goal is ensuring they have a support system of family and loved ones to help them in times of need, and this bipartisan legislation will require the VA to create that network of support so families are engaged and aware of the resources available to veterans.”
“Troops leaving military service face confusing and complicated red tape when navigating their veterans benefits. Educating and empowering our veterans’ loved ones about the resources available will ensure veterans never feel alone and get the support and benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Sinema.
The Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act is cosponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House.
The Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act will allow active duty servicemembers leaving the service to designate up to 10 loved ones to receive information from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on benefits and services available to veterans and their loved ones from the VA and community partners. By directly engaging families and loved ones, the VA can prepare and equip veterans’ friends and families to better understand the transition from service to civilian life, notice when veterans struggle, and ensure they have access to the necessary tools to help veterans get assistance or care.
“The brave men and women who served our country were faced with challenging situations that many are still coping with and we must make sure they have the resources they need to get the appropriate care,” said Senator Tillis. “One aspect of achieving that goal is ensuring they have a support system of family and loved ones to help them in times of need, and this bipartisan legislation will require the VA to create that network of support so families are engaged and aware of the resources available to veterans.”
“Troops leaving military service face confusing and complicated red tape when navigating their veterans benefits. Educating and empowering our veterans’ loved ones about the resources available will ensure veterans never feel alone and get the support and benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Sinema.
The Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act is cosponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House.
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