My deep roots in rural Oklahoma and family’s legacy of military service have instilled in me a deep understanding and respect for the sacrifices made by our veterans. My career, intertwined with the national security community and many who actively serve or have served, has fortified my personal connection to the challenges and needs of those who have worn our nation’s uniform. This connection drives my heartfelt commitment to ‘Supporting Our Veterans,’ a deeply personal dedication fueled by gratitude and respect for their service and sacrifice.

I recognize that our current system is failing our heoric veterans in many ways. As we see an increase in veterans who are need of support, especially those who served in Afghanistan, the urgency to address their needs becomes ever more critical. It’s time for us to rethink and revamp how we support these brave men and women. My dedication is not just to uphold our nation’s promise to them with mere words but to drive meaningful action, care, and unwavering support. We must effectively and compassionately serve the evolving needs of our veterans, ensuring they receive the respect, care, and services they rightfully earned.

• Expand Access to Comprehensive Medical Care: Increase funding for veterans’ services including mental health, housing, childcare, and education. Incorporate technology for better healthcare access, such as electronic health records and telehealth. Plus, improving the VA hiring process and incentive structure to ensure timely, quality care for our veterans.

• Ease Transition to Civilian Life: Provide robust skills training and programs for veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Focus on addressing mental health challenges, including addressing the suicide rate crisis and PTSD, through a comprehensive public health approach, combining community and clinical interventions. Implement the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act to treat illnesses from military environmental exposures. 

• Enhance Educational Opportunities for Veterans: Continue providing resources for veterans to pursue education during and after service. Empower veterans through the Whole Health System of Care, support caregivers and survivors, and implement the High Reliability Organization principles in the VA for safe, quality care.

• Streamline VA Processes to Improve Efficiency: Reduce bureaucratic red tape at the VA to protect veterans’ benefits. Focus on streamlining processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that veterans receive deserved support without delay.