Happy New Year! The Democrats Abroad Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus is pleased to start the year with three guest warrior speakers who served our nation in uniform, and all of whom identify as having service-connected disabilities through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Jessica starts things off by discussing her experience in trying to find someone to assist her in getting her VA claim in and done right the first time. Then, Allie chats with us about utilizing the VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP), and the challenges of using it. And finally, Michelle gives us her thoughts on the emotional distress by the VA in trying to get a claim in, and how she finally secured a major victory. Many veterans know all too well that trying to obtain health care and benefits through the VA – especially when located overseas – is not always as simple as it may seem, and these three guest speakers discuss their unique experiences in navigating the VA’s bureaucracy.
Participants in this episode:
- Jessica, Dems Abroad Belgium, Veteran and NY UOCAVA Voter
- Allie, Dems Abroad Spain, Veteran and CA UOCAVA Voter
- Michelle, Dems Abroad Italy, Veteran and FL UOCAVA Voter
- Michael Ramos, Dems Abroad Australia, Veteran and IL UOCAVA Voter
Have a listen to this episode by clicking on the below Podomatic audio link, or by visiting the Democrats Abroad YouTube channel and hear the episode there. Feel free to let us know your thoughts by tagging us on social media or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].
Click to have a listen to this episode on Podomatic or YouTube.
U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, are highly encouraged to check your voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.
The VMF Caucus has a membership of over 1,400 members located in dozens of countries and proudly consists of veterans, military family members, Department of Defense civilians, other national security professionals, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes.
For questions pertaining to this statement, please reach out to
[email protected].