Ensuring Benefits for Our Heroes: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Hosts Roundtable with Alamogordo Veterans

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. – On Friday, June 21, 2024, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) hosted a roundtable with the Lincoln Otero Veterans Leadership Council in Alamogordo to discuss Veterans Integrated Services Networks and his work in Congress to support veterans. Vasquez has remained committed to ensuring New Mexico’s veterans receive the health care, educational resources and employment opportunities they need and deserve. 

“We must fulfill our duty to serve the veterans who served our country, and New Mexico’s veterans are among the proudest and bravest,” said Vasquez. “Today, I made a commitment to Lincoln and Otero county veterans to champion legislation that will ease the transportation burden to receive timely VA healthcare services. We’ve got much more work to do, and I’m committed to working on their behalf.”

This month, Vasquez introduced the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, which would increase the stipend to buy books and other supplies for veterans pursuing continuing education. The current stipend is $1000 and has remained unchanged since 2008. Vasquez’s bill would raise the amount to $1,400 per year and introduce a cost-of-living adjustment each year. Vasquez is committed to supporting veterans as they transition to civilian life. This bill is supported by Student Veterans of America.

Vasquez also spoke about the Veteran Medical Exams for Distant Areas Act (VET MEDS), another critical bill he introduced. This bipartisan bill will ensure that rural veterans have continued access to certified health care providers for required disability claim exams. It is supported by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, AMVETS and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). 

Vasquez’s office also offers free assistance for veterans and their families facing issues with the VA, Medicare, Social Security and more. Veterans are encouraged to call the office or submit casework requests at vasquez.house.gov/help.

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