I Need Your Input: What Should A Veterans' Court Consist Of?

Today I attended a veterans' town hall meeting hosted by Rep. Martin Heinrich where veterans were given the opportunity to speak before Heinrich and a panel of state veterans' affairs representatives.

Topics addressed included retirement compensation, health care, education benefits and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I was urged to go before the panel by a member in the audience to speak of the issues I have faced after returning from Iraq. I told the panel that veterans of the most recent conflicts have had it better than the older vets in terms of the services we receive, but I told them I had a couple complaints.

After speaking my mind about vocational rehabilitation entitlements and dental care I asked NM Secretary of Veterans' Affairs John Garcia where the state stood in the creation of a veterans' court.

He told me what I already knew: that a committee had been formed to study the possibility of creating such a court.

Afterward I was approached by someone from the state veterans' affairs who asked me if I would schedule an appointment with him to discuss my ideas about what a veterans' court should consist of.

I agreed to his proposition and will call next week. I have a few ideas about how such a court should work, but I would like a few suggestions from other veterans. Anyone who reads this please comment about what you think a veterans' court should offer.

This is a great opportunity that I will not waste, so please pass this message to any veterans you know so that I can provide more input to the state.



Thanks All,

Scott