Hilovsky: Why state needs secretary of veterans affairs
Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, a Republican, was recently elected to serve his second term for District 4 (Millsboro). He is also a retired optometrist and Air Force Reserve veteran.
As a veteran and a wartime medical commander, I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices, courage and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served in our armed forces.
Veterans took an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. Shaped by George Washington and established in 1778 by the Continental Congress, this pledge emphasizes all veterans’ commitment to uphold freedom, liberty and democracy. We owe them all a debt for protecting our nation — and the bedrock principles on which it rests — from threats, both foreign and domestic.
Military service is relatively rare in the U.S. Currently, fewer than 5 out of every 1,000 Americans actively serve in the National Guard or one of the six armed forces. Still, about 7% of our population, including about 70,000 Delawareans, have spent time in service to our nation.
The following are five compelling reasons we need a cabinet-level secretary of veterans affairs in Delaware:
Representing veterans’ interests
Veterans need a strong, dedicated advocate within state government. A cabinet-level secretary would provide direct access to the governor and other key decision makers, ensuring that veterans’ needs and concerns are prioritized during the creation of public policy.
Addressing health care needs
Many veterans require specialized medical care due to their past military service, including the lasting effects of toxic exposure and physical injuries. For some veterans, their wounds are psychological, rooted in experiences too horrible to forget and too challenging to handle without skilled assistance and care. Nationwide, 24 veterans commit suicide every day.
By establishing a cabinet-level secretary, Delaware can more effectively coordinate health care services, including the expansion of facilities and programs specifically tailored to veterans’ needs, increasing timely access to treatment closer to home.
Additionally, the term “homeless veteran” is so sadly and disturbingly common that it has almost become a tragic cliche. Every veteran should have access to safe, affordable housing.
Improving accessibility to benefits
Navigating the bureaucratic web to access veterans’ benefits can be daunting. Veteran service officers are crucial in getting veterans access to what they’ve earned. By increasing the number of these officers and streamlining the claims process, a secretary of veterans affairs could improve financial stability, reduce stress and enhance veterans’ and their families’ overall quality of life.
Legislative advocacy
The secretary of veterans affairs would advocate for legislation benefiting veterans — something we presently lack. Only about 10% of state lawmakers are veterans.
We need to pass the “claim shark” bill to protect veterans from exploitation, increase funding to hire more VSOs and partner with the members of our congressional delegation to expand access to federal benefits and programs that are not yet readily available in Delaware.
A secretary of veterans affairs would be a powerful voice for increasing the state income tax exclusion for military pensions. This investment would pay huge dividends, making Delaware a more attractive destination for veterans, adding to our skilled workforce, fostering business creation and job development, and sparking economic activity.
Enhancing community engagement
Veterans often possess leadership and collaborative skills that can significantly benefit any community they join. By providing better support and services, Delaware can encourage veterans to be more active within their communities by volunteering and mentoring. This engagement can have a positive ripple effect, strengthening community bonds and nurturing a sense of shared purpose.
Conclusion
Creating a cabinet-level secretary of veterans affairs is a practical, necessary step to ensure that our veterans are honored, have a meaningful role in making policy decisions and receive the care and support they deserve.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
