Dave Skocik is the president of the Delaware Veterans Coalition. Paul Davis is its vice president.
I’m writing to clarify some erroneous assumptions made by a fellow veteran and longtime friend in a well-intentioned but inaccurate Opinion piece in the Daily State News about the coming appointment of a secretary of veterans affairs by Gov. Matt Meyer (“When will veterans get deserved recognition?”). The writer suggested that the governor created and invited veterans to the March 13 We the Veterans rally at Legislative Hall. This second annual event was developed and coordinated by Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Millsboro, a retired Air Force colonel, in conjunction with multiple leaders, to connect veterans with their elected officials. See wetheveteransde.com.
The rally opened at 11:30 a.m. at Tatnall Building, to welcome the American Legion’s National Cmdr. James A. LaCoursiere Jr. Nearly 200 former military members from across the state came together to advocate for veterans’ rights during the legislative session, which began at 2 p.m. across the street. While attendees were asked to preregister, not all did, so an adjacent room was opened to seat them. The cost of the subs and pizza delivered to the building was shared by veteran organizations, not the state, as suggested by the letter writer.
During the session, at least 13 elected officials from both sides of the aisle, including Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay, came by to express support for House bills 1 and 31. The latter is known as the “claim shark” bill and would protect veterans from unaccredited disability service representatives who charge huge fees.
Following that gathering, veterans dispersed to Legislative Hall to meet with their elected representatives in both chambers. Officials in both halls publicly acknowledged the dedication and courage of those who serve with standing ovations.
That support was affirmed in Gov. Meyer’s April 10 State of the State: “Rep. (William) Carson, (D-Smyrna,) and I are collaborating on an amended version of House Bill 1 that I urge both chambers to pass. Let’s work together to get Delaware veterans the cabinet secretary and support that they truly deserve.”
As a cost-saving measure, the new secretary of veterans affairs cabinet role will initially be supported by existing positions in the secretary of state’s office, which has historically served veterans. Meanwhile, the new position connects with ever-increasing programs and funding sources through proactive outreach to the federal government.
The key difference is that the new secretary will be a veteran experienced in all aspects of military service, as well as management and expertise in federal programs and funding, providing specific focus to issues affecting our state’s 70,000 veterans and their families. He/she will oversee and collaborate with the 15 members of the Commission of Veterans Affairs.
The Delaware Veterans Coalition has lobbied for our fellow veterans since 2011 and, on this legislation, for nearly two years, with feedback from military leaders familiar with the sacrifices their comrades face. We anticipate a positive legislative response in the coming days to enact this historic legislation. We are grateful to everyone, including Gov. Meyer, who has supported this important and meaningful effort to reach out to the patriots who have and continue to defend the rest of us.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
