Empower veterans by giving them more choices for healthcare

At the young age of 18, I raised my hand and took an oath to serve my country, then spent more than five years in the Navy as a cryptologist. But for me, that oath has no expiration date. It’s a lifetime commitment. And that’s why I’ve continued to serve my country in many other ways, including fighting for my fellow veterans.

I’ve also been an Army spouse for the past 20 years, serving by my husband’s side. Our family, like countless military families, has endured multiple deployments to dangerous corners of the world. We’ve had an empty chair at many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. We’ve celebrated birthdays and milestones without him. And spent sleepless nights praying Dad would come home just as he left.

These sacrifices did not deter my children from military service; they may have inspired them. My daughter joined the Marine Corps, my older son is in the Army and currently deployed, and my younger son will become a soldier early next year. I’m proud that my children have continued our family’s long tradition of service.

And the fact that they will one day be veterans and need care from the Veterans Health Administration is what inspires me in my efforts to see it reformed. I want my husband, children, and other veterans to have the best care possible. Right now, that’s not what the VA is delivering.

Since 2014, there have been numerous scandals at VA hospitals around the country: Reports of veterans dying while waiting for care; unsanitary facilities; doctors and staff providing inadequate care and over-prescribing opioids.