<home> -- <press releases> -- <September 26, 2003>

Congresswoman Bordallo to Raise Guam Veterans' Concerns
Before the Department of Veterans' Affairs' CARES Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 26, 2003 – Washington, D.C. –  Congresswoman Bordallo will be submitting testimony to the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Commission in Palo Alto, California next Wednesday to advocate for expanded health care services for veterans on Guam. Bordallo will air concerns raised by Guam veterans during village meetings held on Guam during the last several months regarding access to the Veterans Clinic, the co-location of Veterans Benefits Administration services, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and more.

"In speaking with dozens of Guam veterans over the last several months, it is clear there are many injustices that need to be addressed," Bordallo said. "I continue to encourage all veterans to enroll in the VA health care network and have recently sent out a VA Health Questionnaire to involve all military retirees and veterans in the CARES process. I will be including Guam veterans' responses in the report I submit to the CARES Commission."

Veterans' health concerns were one of the primary issues brought to Congresswoman Bordallo's attention during July's town hall meeting with over 140 veterans in the public hearing room of I Liheslaturan Guahan. Bordallo arranged this opportunity for veterans to meet with veterans affairs representatives from Washington, D.C., and Hawaii after numerous veterans had raised concerns during village meetings in Merizo, Tamuning, and Dededo.

"I continue to press veterans' issues at every available opportunity. I want to make sure that Guam's veterans are not left behind, especially when it comes to their health. I believe the way we treat our veterans and military retirees demonstrates our true appreciation for their service," Bordallo stated. "During these trying times, it is more important than ever that we not forget those who fought for our freedom."

The VA Health Questionnaire may also be accessed online or in Congresswoman Bordallo's Guam District Office.

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Contact: Neil Weare in Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-1188 or Joaquin Perez in Guam at (671) 477-4272.