DOD, VA Collaborate To Serve Nation’s Veterans

The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs reaffirmed their commitment to serve and care for the nation’s military veterans in a joint message issued by Acting Undersecretary of Defense Jessica L. Wright and Undersecretary of Veterans Affairs for Benefits Allison A. Hickey.

The message reads as follows:

“To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan,” are the words President Lincoln used to affirm the obligation our government has to care for those who have worn the uniform and their families. Today, 148 years later, we continue the work that fulfills that promise. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense are working closer today than at any point in history to ensure servicemembers and their families have an understanding of the care and benefits they have earned before leaving military service, connect veterans to those benefits, and deliver those benefits on time.

To accomplish this goal, the departments are providing a great deal of information through expanded briefings for every separating and retiring servicemember that explain what VA benefits and services are available and the process for obtaining them. This is one place that offers a warm handoff to connect military personnel to the services available to them after separation.