In 2017, my office received more than 3,400 requests from Arkansans for help with federal agencies. More than 60 percent of those calls for assistance were related to military and veterans’ issues. These topics consistently rank as the top requests for help from folks in our state. To help get answers to these questions we routinely reach out to the Little Rock Regional Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

There is a dedicated staff of 13 people who work to answer questions for individual veterans on claims and appeals as well as requests originating from Congressional offices, like mine. They are also actively working throughout the state conducting outreach to highlight the services and benefits available to veterans. My staff and I regularly attend veterans’ events across Arkansas where it is routine to see VA personnel promoting services and benefits day in and day out. In the last quarter of 2017, VA staff members participated in 68 outreach events in the Natural State, reaching more than 5,100 veterans. 

This is a team devoted to providing information and assistance to veterans throughout the region.

As the VA improves its electronic data systems, it is getting easier and faster for its Little Rock Regional Office staff to input veterans’ personal information and identify benefits veterans qualify for.

The outreach is having a positive impact for those who have served our country but may not realize they are eligible for VA benefits and services. 

Collaborating to educate veterans about the resources and tools available to them is essential to continuing our commitment to the men and women who served our nation in uniform. It is important that we promote the assistance the department offers and provide our veterans answers to questions they have surrounding their claims and benefits. I also appreciate Arkansans sharing their concerns with my staff and me so that we can identify what changes may be needed for implementation at the national level. 

As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, my team and I work diligently to propose and advocate for legislation and policies that consider the needs of veterans. Issues that Arkansans have shared with me continue to shape my work in Washington.