ICYMI: In Chandler, Kelly Meets with Veterans at John McCain VFW Post

In case you missed it, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly met today with veterans and military families at the John S. McCain III VFW Post 7401 in Chandler to hear directly about the challenges they are facing: delays accessing VA care and benefits, concerns about toxic exposure-related illnesses, housing insecurity, and cuts affecting veterans' services and support programs.

During the discussion, veterans and advocates shared personal stories about navigating the VA system, the growing strain on veterans' health care services, and the importance of protecting programs that support veterans and military families. Several attendees raised concerns about staffing shortages and restructuring at the VA, long wait times for claims and care, and the need for expanded support for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service.

Jennifer, a military spouse, spoke about her husband, a Marine Corps veteran battling terminal service-connected cancer after serving during Desert Storm, and urged action to improve early cancer detection and screening for veterans exposed to hazardous environments. Kelly has led efforts to better understand and address cancer risks facing veterans, including through his bipartisan Aviator Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act, which was signed into law and directs the VA to study cancer rates among military aviators and aircrews. He's also worked on the bipartisan Counting Veterans' Cancer Act, which improves the tracking of veterans' cancer cases to strengthen research, treatment, and prevention efforts.

Emilio, an advocate with Soldier's Best Friend, an Arizona nonprofit that trains and pairs service dogs with veterans at no cost, highlighted the importance of supporting veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and homelessness. Kelly discussed his bipartisan Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, signed into law in 2024, which helps raise funding to train and provide service dogs for veterans.

Many veterans in attendance also discussed ongoing efforts to pass the Major Richard Star Act, legislation Kelly has repeatedly cosponsored to allow combat-injured veterans medically retired before 20 years of service to receive both military retirement and VA disability benefits concurrently.

Throughout the event, Kelly emphasized the country's obligation to keep its promises to veterans and reiterated his commitment to protecting access to care, benefits, and services veterans have earned through their service. Kelly also encouraged veterans experiencing issues with the VA or federal agencies to contact his office for assistance.