Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy visited the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter in DeRidder, engaging with veterans during their monthly meeting. The senator discussed ongoing efforts to support veterans and ensure they receive necessary services.

“I appreciate having the opportunity to speak with veterans on what we can do for them,” said Dr. Cassidy. “My office helps vets every day get appointments at the VA or get disability claims reviewed. I’m also doing everything I can in Washington to protect their benefits. They served us. We need to serve them.”

In 2022, Cassidy successfully passed the Solid Start Act into law, reinforcing a policy that mandates contact by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with veterans three times within their first year after service to inform them about eligible benefits.

Cassidy, alongside U.S. Senator John Kennedy, has recently sought explanations from Overton Brooks VA Medical Center following an inspector general report highlighting non-compliance with suicide prevention protocols.

Additionally, Cassidy has proposed legislation aimed at forming a policy advisory commission for reviewing processes within the Veterans Health Administration, aiming for efficient healthcare delivery to veterans.

The meeting took place at the War Memorial Civic Center in Beauregard Parish, a historical site originally established as a USO base before World War II and used extensively during wartime.

Glenn Dean, commander of VVA Chapter #1138, expressed gratitude for Cassidy's visit: “We are grateful for Senator Cassidy stopping by our meeting to learn more about the needs of our community,” said Mr. Dean. “We fought for our country abroad so our neighbors could live in freedom here. In return, we ask for a VA that serves us, and we look forward to Senator Cassidy working to make that happen.”