Skocik and Davis: Advocates urge cabinet post dedicated to state’s veterans
David Skocik is president of the Delaware Veterans Coalition. Paul Davis is the group’s vice president, as well as the president of the Delaware council of the Vietnam Veterans of America. This letter was sent to Gov. John Carney and members of the Delaware House of Representatives on Sept. 22.
Kudos to the Delaware State News for its outstanding coverage of the recent Downstate meeting of veteran leaders from across the state with elected officials and military leaders (“Veterans’ groups seek unified voice in Delaware,” Sept. 20).
The Delaware Veterans Coalition fully supports the establishment of a cabinet-level secretary dedicated to veterans-related issues and facilities within our state. As concerned citizens and proud supporters of our veterans, we believe this position is not only necessary but also an important step toward improving the lives of those who have served our state and nation selflessly.
Our veterans and their families have made and continue to make immense sacrifices to protect our freedom and uphold the values we hold dear. They have put their lives on the line, often facing physical and emotional hardships many can only imagine. It is our duty as a grateful nation to ensure they receive the care, support and recognition they deserve.
Having a dedicated cabinet-level secretary for veterans would serve multiple crucial purposes:
- Specialized attention — This position would ensure that veterans’ issues receive the specialized attention they require. It would allow a focused and coordinated approach to addressing veterans’ needs, including health care, housing, education, employment and mental health support.
- Improved coordination — A cabinet-level secretary would facilitate better coordination between state agencies and organizations that deal with veterans’ affairs. It would streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for veterans to access the services they need.
- Advocacy and representation — No one better knows a veteran’s heart than another veteran of multiple conflicts and service. Delaware’s current representation for veterans is under the secretary of state, who shares three other onerous responsibilities that have little to do with those who serve. In our view, issues concerning our veterans and their families, including health care, benefits, employment opportunities and facilities affecting their welfare should be under the purview of a veteran who has experienced military service and even the life-and-death circumstances they face. It’s why many other states already have cabinet-level positions administered by veterans who have served across the nation and beyond, and understand how best to work with their state’s leadership to advocate for veterans at the highest levels of government. They know that those who serve come from families representing a history of service. He or she would have the authority and responsibility to champion veterans’ causes and ensure their voices are heard in policymaking discussions that affect military recruitment at their state and federal levels.
- Enhanced facilities — With a dedicated focus on veterans, the secretary could oversee the improvement and expansion of facilities like the Delaware Veterans Home. This would ensure that those who have faithfully served our state and nation receive the top-notch care and support they’ve earned. He/she could also liaise with existing community nonprofit organizations that have created veteran-related shelters and services.
- Support for the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs — The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, established in 1978, is staffed by volunteers appointed by the governor at the recommendation of their respective veterans organizations. A dedicated cabinet-level position would provide a direct connection with fellow veterans and elected leaders to most effectively utilize our capabilities and resources to best serve veterans and their families.
- Resource allocation — In addition to the community leadership, initiative, management expertise and businesses’ development opportunities our state’s veterans bring to us, they also bring more than $4 billion of federal resources to our state, through educational funding from elementary schools to higher education, medical facilities, compensation, pensions and disability payments. That money and expertise has created thousands of civilian jobs in our state. The secretary could secure additional federal funding and resources specifically designed for veterans’ programs and initiatives, and ensure they receive adequate financial and political support to meet their needs. Put another way, billions of federal dollars that come to Delaware’s veterans are spent in Delaware.
By creating a cabinet-level secretary position, we would be sending a powerful message to our current and future veterans that we are committed to honoring their service and ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve. It would also demonstrate our state’s dedication to upholding the values of gratitude, respect and responsibility toward the men and women who have defended our nation, in addition to retaining highly trained information technology and other experts who have completed their service commitment, along with young retirees starting a second career in our state.
We and the many veterans of multiple generations urge you to consider this proposal seriously and to take the necessary steps to establish a cabinet-level secretary focused on veterans’ affairs in our state. Our veterans have sacrificed for us, and it is our duty to ensure they have the best possible quality of life upon their return. This is not just a matter of policy; it is a matter of honor and gratitude.
Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. We look forward to your efforts to support our veterans.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
